The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a rule that could allow low-level radioactive materials to be buried underground at unregulated disposal sites like landfills, which has raised the concerns of environmental groups that the practice could lead to possible groundwater contamination.
According to the Guardian, the NRC stated the rule would apply only to a “small subset” of very low-level waste, and that the agency would not allow such disposals if concerns about public health and the environment were raised.
The NRC described low-level wastes as contaminated materials like clothing, tools, and medical equipment.
However, multiple environmental groups and nuclear industry watchdog groups have said disposing any radioactive materials in places like municipal landfills could have significant consequences to the environment.
Low-level radioactive waste is currently disposed of at highly regulated sites in Texas, Washington, South Carolina, and Utah. The NRC also provides exemptions for low-level waste to be disposed of in unlicensed disposal sites, but these exemptions are given rarely.
The issue of burying radioactive waste continues to come up as the nuclear industry ages and some nuclear plants reach retirement. Environmental groups have said this latest proposal could end up in the court system if implemented.
Click here to read the full article in the Guardian.