Feds give Holtec decision on nuclear waste in New Mexico, but what does it mean?
CAMDEN – Holtec International has received a federal license to build and operate a nuclear-waste storage facility in New Mexico, a goal the firm has pursued for eight years.
But opponents said a new state law in New Mexico and ongoing challenges in federal court “could prevent the project from going forward.”
They also raised concerns over potential rail shipments of nuclear waste from power plants to Holtec’s facility in a remote corner of southeastern New Mexico.
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Holtec said it was “pleased” by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval, but added the project’s “path forward and timeline (are) still to be determined.”
Holtec would need additional permits and approvals from federal and state agencies before beginning construction, an NRC spokesman noted.
What is Holtec doing with nuclear waste in New Mexico?
The license allows Holtec to store 500 canisters holding commercial spent nuclear fuel for 40 years, according to the NRC.
Holtec, which separately is seeking to decommission atomic power plants at the end of their lifespan, has said it could eventually seek approvals for up to 10,000 canisters.
The below-ground facility initially could hold up to 8,680 metric tons of nuclear waste, the agency said.
The spent fuel would be stored below-ground in sealed casks made by Holtec.
Kris Singh, Holtec’s president and CEO, called the project’s licensing “the triumph of private perseverance in the service of public purpose.”
Holtec cites support from New Mexico communities
He noted support from “nuclear-savvy” communities that are expected to benefit from a Holtec manufacturing facility, technology development center and workforce training center.
The storage site would occupy land owned by a regional economic development authority in Lea and Eddy counties in a remote area of New Mexico.
Holtec contends the storage site will be a temporary measure until the federal government determines a long-term solution to the storage of nuclear wastes.
But the project still faces challenges, according to a group opposed to the use of atomic power.
A recently enacted New Mexico law prevents storage of radioactive waste without the state government’s “explicit consent,” said the group, Beyond Nuclear.
Beyond Nuclear expresses concern over rail shipments
An NRC representative noted the federal agency “is responsible for the oversight of high-level radioactive waste, which includes spent nuclear fuel.
“If a state law conflicts with that, the licensee (in this case, Holtec) could file a pre-emption challenge in federal court,” the agency spokesman said. “That has not occurred at this point.
Beyond Nuclear also has joined with other environmental groups in pending court challenges to Holtec’s proposal.
A spokesman for the nonprofit, Kevin Kamps, also expressed concern over “inherently-high risk” rail shipments of nuclear waste to the Holtec site.
The NRC, which has also licensed a proposed storage site awaiting construction in Texas, noted the canisters are required to be sealed prior to arrival at the facility.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Holtec receives NRC approval for nuclear waste facility in New Mexico
