ARCHIVE : 2017 : International media articles

This section provides a collection of articles from news media around the world during 2017, offering a wider spectrum of opinion, but also showcasing the similarities of the reactions of people in different countries.  Click on the media outlet name to link to the original article.

Please click here for the most recent 2019 media coverage.

For articles from 2018, please click on this link to our 2018 Media Archive.

Currently we only have the ability to source English-language articles. Please feel free to submit additional articles in any language to: editorial@gdfwatch.org.uk

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31 December 2017     Times and Star (UK)

Search for underground radioactive waste store to begin in 2018

Cumbrian local paper reports on speech by RWM’s Siting Director, Ann McCall’s speech to Nuclear Industry Association in which she sets out latest proposed schedule for the UK’s geological disposal programme.

30 December 2017    Orange County Register (USA)

Protesters hit the San Clemente streets to voice opposition for nuclear waste burial at San Onofre

Local media report on community objections to interim waste storage at local site, and demands that US Federal Governmentt take responsibility for finding safer storage arrangements.  Quotes one resident: “The waste is going to outlast recorded history by a huge amount.  We got our lights on for a few moments, now we have to babysit this fuel for eternity.”

30 December 2017    Post and Courier (USA)

EDITORIAL: Move plutonium out of South Carolina

Notes successful legal challenge by South Carolina’s Attorney General to require US Federal Government to remove waste from interim surface storage facilities, and urges faster action on Yucca Mountain deep geological disposal facility.

27 December 2017     Le Monde (France)

In Finland, the world’s first radioactive waste cemetery [translation]

French language article on Finnish repository.

13 December 2017     DPA On The Net (UK)

Calling for greater Government support for nuclear skills

Story about new Report from UK’s Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) setting out engineering sector’s expectations for the wider nuclear sector, including publishing a firm timetable and plan for the delivery of the Geological Disposal Facility in the UK.

12 December 2017     Nuclear Transparency Watch (Europe)

The Swedish Environmental Court is to rule on the proposed spent fuel repository in Forsmark

Report on the Court’s Hearings and the issues discussed, by Johan Swahn, Director of a Swedish Environmental NGO.

11 December 2017      Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Kimba’s Consultative Committee has been announced

Community-based representative committee appointed to advise Government and reflect community opinion on planned radioactive waste disposal facility in Australia.

10 December 2017     Korea Herald

KHNP seeks to lead nuclear decommissioning industry

Launching a new public consultation body on nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management, Korean government announces international collaborations (including UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority), and sets out its economic ambition to capture its share of an anticipated $360bn global marketplace for decommissioning expertise.

8 December 2017      Toledo Blade (Canada)

Local mayors oppose proposed Canadian nuclear waste plan

Local media report on local political opposition to potential site of Canada’s GDF.

8 December 2017      Albuquerque Journal (USA)

Los Alamos resumes waste shipments to WIPP

Drums of radioactive waste packaged at Los Alamos National Laboratory have been shipped to the nation’s nuclear waste storage facility at Carlsbad for the first time since 2014.  In February 2014, an improperly packed drum from Los Alamos burst underground at WIPP, containing radioactive contamination from the surface environment.

7 December 2017       Business Green (UK)

Richard Harrington: ‘UK has the potential to become a world-leader in nuclear technologies’

Trade press report on UK Minister’s speech to nuclear industry, in which he refers to planned public consultations early in new year as next stage of UK’s geological disposal programme.

6 December 2017       CTV (Canada)

Then there were five: Search narrowed for place to store used nuclear fuel

Local mayor dismayed at Canada’s National Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) decision to no longer pursue possible siting of a repository in his community.  Mayor Dan Marchisella expressed disappointment at the exclusion of his community after five years, calling it a “huge potential loss” for the entire district.  The former mining town, once known as the uranium capital of the world, felt that putting itself forward was the responsible thing to do given the vexing question of how best to safely store waste that remains toxic for thousands of years, he said.

Similar report carried by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

27 November 2017    Asahi Shimbun (Japan)

EDITORIAL: Public hearings on nuclear waste need rethink to dispel distrust

An explanation of how the open public workshops exploring the issues related to geological disposal operate, backed up by a plea that the Government be more open and honest in its public dialogue.

26 November 2017    Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

‘This is a forever project’: Indigenous community mulls nuclear waste bunker

Report on indigenous communities deliberation on whether to proceed with a geological disposal facility on their lands.  Similar report also on CTV, and in Ontario’s Globe and Mail, and local newspapers Thompson Citizen and Humboldt Journal.

22 November 2017   World Nuclear News

Chemistry, minerals and microbes in nuclear waste management

Article on international cross-discipline scientific collaboration on research into enhancing safety of geological disposal.

13 November 2017    World Nuclear News

Drilling begins in Canadian repository search

Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) has begun drilling the first borehole to obtain geological core samples, in its search for a potential deep repository for the long-term management of the country’s used nuclear fuel.

13 November 2017    Belarus News

Plans to build first stage of Belarusian nuclear power plant radioactive waste burial site by 2028

Belarus commits to geological disposal.

7 November 2017      Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Make the most of the funding for Kimba

Open letter from the local Mayor, welcoming the “rare” investment in a rural community, for participating in the siting process without obligation and regardless of whether the proposed radioactive waste facility is ever built in the area.

2 November 2017      World Nuclear News

Switzerland’s national radioactive waste disposal cooperative, Nagra, has made its applications for exploratory boreholes in the Nördlich Lägern region available for a 30-day period of public inspection. Nagra submitted six applications in mid-August for exploratory boreholes in five siting communities in Nördlich Lägern, one of three proposed regions in the site selection process for deep geological repositories. The permits are expected to be granted by the end of 2018, Nagra says.

2 November 2017      Las Vegas Sun

Nevada official says Yucca bill not likely to pass Senate

A bill to restart licensing of the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository may pass the U.S. House but will probably die in the Senate, a state official said Wednesday.  Robert Halstead, director of the state Agency for Nuclear Projects, said he would not be surprised if the legislation got 300 votes in the House, but it “will never see the light of day” in the Senate.

1 November 2017      Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

$2m nuclear fund applications opens

Report on launch of a Community Benefit Program provides for projects delivering social or economic benefits for the communities located near sites being considered for the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.  The program recognises the community’s contribution and short-term disruption as the detailed consultation and technical assessments are underway.

30 October 2017       Asahi Shimbun (Japan)

1st meeting held to explain map for final disposal of nuclear waste

Report on the first public workshop in Japan as part of a public consultation programme to discuss the Government’s plans for geological disposal.  In July the Japanese Government published a map showing that up to 30% of the country, covering more than half of the country’s municipalities, could be used as a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste.  According to the Japanese Government, these areas have no volcanos, active faults or coal fields, and they are geologically convenient in terms of transportation by ships.

27 October 2017       Business Korea

Korea Pressed by Urgent Construction of Spent Nuclear Fuel Treatment Facilities

The Korean Government’s decision to proceed with new nuclear build programme, following advice from an independent citizens forum, focus turns to speeding Korea’s geological disposal programme.

26 October 2017       Bangor Daily News (USA)

As climate change fuels fears about nuclear waste, Maine looks to Trump for solution

Report expressing frustration in a local community over continued interim surface storage of radioactive waste and the lack of progress in finding a permanent geological disposal site.

26 October 2017       World Nuclear News

Countries update on waste management progress

Signatories to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management – known as the Joint Convention – have submitted national reports detailing the steps they are taking to meet their commitments under the convention ahead of next year’s review meeting.  These national reports are subjected to independent peer review, to help ensure there are common international standards to which every country operates.  There is an expectation that each country will make their reports public.  This news report focuses on Sweden, and provides links to a wide range of international sources of information on radioactive waste management and geological disposal.

26 October 2017      Daily Energy Insider (USA)

NARUC, other energy organizations urge Congress to fund Nuclear Waste Program

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) was among six energy organisations that has sent a letter Tuesday to Congressional leaders urging them to adequately fund the Department of Energy’s programme to support the completion of the Yucca Mountain licensing review and preparation for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste transportation.

25 October 2017      Euroscientist

A small number of professional scientists are turning to science fiction writing to better discuss complex issues with the wider public.  EuroScientist has published a short story called ‘The Blame Game’ by Ian McKinley, who is a scientist involved in radioactive waste management.  The magazine says he sets out to debunk the myths around the topic which stem from films, novels and, increasingly, comics, manga and anime, to get readers to ask themselves key questions about the topic.

24 October 2017      The Transcontinental (Australia)

Quorn and Hawker locals visit ANSTO

Local newspaper report on members of a community which may host a national radioactive waste facility visiting the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).  The group also included community members of a newly-created Economic Working Group, exploring employment and other opportunities.

24 October 2017       Nature Magazine

Reclassify waste to shift the nuclear landscape

Discussion about the political complexities of re-classifying waste destined for permanent disposal, as a way of managing the waste to be disposed at WIPP and pending any final decision on a permanent repository.

24 October 2017       Atlas Obscura

Nuclear waste experts study prehistoric crater lake to envision landscapes one million years in the future.

Report on how Lake Lappajärvi in Finland is being analysed to show how future geological stability can be reasonably assured, given its resistance to glacial effects over the past millennia.

19 October 2017       San Clement News (USA)

Wavelengths: Nuking it Out: In a Fight against Storing Radioactive Waste, We Are in the Dark

Opinion piece, concerned that the public do not engage in radioactive waste management issues, which concludes:

“I am not advocating any position on this issue. I am suggesting that educating oneself from a variety of sources should be a paramount priority for anyone who owns property here or is planning to live in the area for any length of time.”

18 October 2017       World Nuclear News

Mining operations to resume at WIPP

Industry report on renewed activity at the US facility.

17 October 2017        Eyre Tribune (Australia)

Nuclear money could go to pool

Local residents advocate that some of Aus$2m community funding available in waste repository programme should go to upgrading local swimming pool.

17 October 2017        Las Vegas Sun

Longtime Yucca Mountain booster in Congress makes his pitch in Nevada

Illinois Congressman addresses Las Vegas business community on why he supports Yucca Mountain project.  Additional coverage also in the Nevada Independent.

17 October 2017        San Francisco Chronicle

US nuke waste repository in New Mexico will get more space

Associated Press (AP) report on the first underground excavations beginning at WIPP in the three years since their subterranean incident.

17 October 2017        Equal Times (Europe)

What to do with nuclear waste? The question dividing France

Comprehensive article from a pan-European activist news portal funded by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), setting out the views of anti-GDF environmentalists, and pro-GDF players.  The respective views of both sides can be summed up in two quotes:

“What is at stake in Bure, is the future of nuclear power.  If the Cigéo is not built here, the nuclear industry will come to an end in the next ten years … That’s why we are fighting: if we manage to stop it, it will mean the end of the industry.”

“It’s all well and good to say it’s a heresy, but now that it’s there, what can we do about it? … we can always question whether such or such [historic] decision is legitimate, but that should not reinforce indecision [on safely disposing of the waste].”

16 October 2017       The Sun Daily (Malaysia)

New radioactive waste storage facility needed

Malaysia conducting 10-year analysis into geological disposal.

14 October 2017       Las Vegas Sun

Moniz: U.S. needs ‘consent-based process’ for nuclear waste storage

Ex-US Energy Secretary calls for a ‘consent-based’ process for identifying a GDF site.  Speaking at a National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas, Ernst Moniz said there were technical issues to be resolved at Yucca Mountain, which may be “showstoppers”, and that European experience showed a consent-based approach was more likely to succeed in finding a suitable, acceptable site.

11 October 2017       Iohud (NY, USA)

Nuclear waste stranded at Indian Point as feds search for permanent solution

Comprehensive article from local Westchester County (NY) newspaper, setting out the complex local and national political debate reigniting in the US about permanent disposal of radioactive waste.  Nobody wants the material maintained in interim stores, but many of the most vocal critics also don’t want to transport it to a permanent disposal facility.  Yucca may not happen, but little appetite to delay site selection process for another 30 years.  And so on …. !

11 October 2017       Chicago Tribune

Column: Post-nuke legacy leaves Zion stuck with more than nostalgia

Op-ed concerned about continued interim surface storage at local nuclear facilities pending progress on a permanent geological disposal facility.

10 October 2017      Nature magazine

How the United States plans to trap its biggest stash of nuclear-weapons waste in glass

Explanation on how radioactive waste is ‘vitrified’ (ie made into a glass) to enhance protection against radioactivity seeping into environment, and in preparation for geological disposal.

10 October 2017      Reuters (France)

France’s nuclear spent-fuel pools major security risk: Greenpeace

Coverage of a new Greenpeace International Report.

9 October 2017        Brussels Times (Belgium)

We must get out of the “impasse” on the storage of nuclear waste

Chief Executive of the organisation which controls nuclear waste in Belgium (Ondraf) calls on Belgian Government to make a decision on geological disposal, which is technically the preferred solution.

6 October 2017        News.AZ (Azerbaijan)

Armenia wages ecological war against Azerbaijan

Allegations in Azerbaijani online news agency report, that Armenia is exploring geology of disputed territory in order to dispose of radioactive waste.

6 October 2017        Brattleboro Reformer (Vermont, USA)

Welch bill would compensate nuke fuel towns

Report on local Representative who has tabled a Bill in Congress to compensate towns in which radioactive waste is stored at surface on an interim base pending final permanent geological disposal.

3 October 2017        Los Alamos Monitor (USA)

WIPP officials expect rock fall within a month

Statement on how the anticipated underground rock fall has been expected and is being planned for by the facility’s management.

2 October 2017         Belarus News

Belarus, European Commission to launch new project in nuclear, radiation safety in 2018

Short report on an international accord, which includes supporting the Belarus nuclear regulator by sharing EU experience in the regulation of safe radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel disposal.

2 October 2017         Patch (USA)

Nuclear Waste Storage Help Offered By Proposed New Law

Local Illinois newsmedia story about legislation intended to financially compensate local municipalities for hosting surface facilities in which waste is stored pending permanent geological disposal.

1 October 2017         Uinta County Herald (USA)

Radioactive waste will continue I-80 transport

Local newspaper story on a public roadshow to provide education on the shipping of waste from facilities around the country to the US’s only existing geological disposal facility, WIPP.

30 Sept 2017            The Olympian (USA)

Hanford and Yucca Mountain – an environmental imperative or status quo?

Op-ed from local Washington State newspaper, seeking bipartisan support for Yucca Mountain GDF, as a moral and environmental imperative, saying:

“Failure to capitalize on nearly $15 billion already invested at Yucca Mountain just isn’t acceptable and starting the process over means 30 or more years of delay and the accumulation of additional tons of nuclear waste widely dispersed throughout the country … And, this radioactive mess needs cleaning up — now.”

28 Sept 2017             Santa Fe New Mexican

Expected WIPP roof collapse raises anxiety

Local concerns remain despite reassurance from WIPP management that expected rock fall has been anticipated and planned for.

27 Sept 2017             Orange County Register (USA) 

Can $46 billion buy a permanent home for nuclear waste stored at San Onofre, other sites?

Anger in California, that having already taken $46bn from consumers through their power bills to pay for a geological disposal facility, the Federal Government continues to allow waste to be stored in local surface facilities and has not advanced the programme to find a site for the permanent disposal repository.

26 Sept 2017             Las Vegas Review-Journal

Officials frustrated over lack of progress on Yucca Mountain

Report on a Congressional Hearing this week into radioactive waste disposal by the House of Representative’s Oversight subcommittee on Interior, Energy and Environment.  While the House has a Bill which provides funding to re-open the Yucca Mountain programme, the Senate is pursuing a waste management plan that would look at interim storage sites until a permanent geologic repository is constructed. The two bills will have to be reconciled by the end of the budget process.

All agree that something needs to be done.  One observer said, “To put it bluntly, the citizens of states and localities have the federal government’s waste and the federal government has our money.”  The Union of Concerned Scientists said the Yucca Mountain proposal could be rejected, requiring the search for other potential repository sites, and that local consent should be sought on finding such a site.

21 Sept 2017             The Progressive (USA)

Nuclear Plants Plus Hurricanes: Disasters Waiting to Happen

Concern, in a citizens’ rights’ publication, that waste stored on the surface at nuclear facilities presents a risk from natural disasters like hurricanes.

21 Sept 2017             OZYNews (USA)

The next Standing Rock showdown could be over nuclear waste

Report on potential for active resistance to Yucca Mountain project by Native Americans, despite fact that site is not on tribal lands.

21 Sept 2017             Chicago Tribune

Editorial: Illinois, the nuclear waste state

Editorial which says, “… secure disposal has been painfully hard to come by. That’s not for any technical or logistical reason … In the meantime, some 80,000 tons of waste has piled up at 80 far less secure temporary sites in 35 states, and the piles are growing all the time … Congressional Republicans — not to mention Democrats from Illinois and other states stuck with casks of spent fuel — know that the problem needs to be solved and that there is no better option … Now is their chance to safeguard nuclear waste in a much more secure location.”

19 Sept 2017             CPHPost (Denmark)

Riso to continue as Denmark’s nuclear waste storage facility

Because of public hostility, Denmark has yet to follow other nuclear nations in seeking a site for the permanent disposal of higher activity waste — thus requiring an extension to the current interim storage facility at Riso.

19 Sept 2017             San Diego Union-Tribune

San Onofre nuclear waste storage plan better alternative than inaction, barely

Report on agreement between operator of decommissioned site and local citizens for interim storage of waste, pending final disposal in a GDF.  Agreement not considered ideal, but best alternative, and federal government criticised for not finding a site after almost 50 years of searching.

17 Sept 2017              Las Vegas Sun

Don’t take chances with Mother Nature, human nature

Editorial by owner/editor of the newspaper, opposed to Yucca Mountain, arguing it would be safer to keep waste on the surface at multiple sites than place deep beneath the surface at one site.

13 Sept 2017             Albuquerque Journal (USA)

Editorial: WIPP filling its role and more, unlike Yucca Mt.

Following a government Report on future capacity limits at the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) in New Mexico, a local newspaper supports local community demands for expansion at the facility, saying:

“Such moves are uniformly supported by Carlsbad civic leaders, who understand the level of nuclear expertise in their workforce as well as they understand the importance of a constant flow of government dollars to their communities and political futures.  And it’s reasonable to expand WIPP, providing the state and the federal government can agree on what goes in and how much the site can hold – safely.”

But notes WIPP is not a long-term solution for the 70,000-plus tonnes of radwaste stored on the surface across the US, and that Yucca Mountain provides the best current long-term solution to the problem.

12 Sept 2017             Deutsche Welle (Germany)

Nuclear waste: Where to store it for eternity?

As Germany prepares to restart its process for finding a location for a GDF, this article provides an overview of the international situation, scientific consensus, and German political history of finding a site for permanent disposal of radwaste.

This story also picked up by online business and science news portal Gears of Biz.

12 Sept 2017             Fox News (Australia)

Finland’s incredible permanent nuclear waste storage facility

Article on GDF under construction in Finland, and reviewing similar activity in Australia.

12 Sept 2017             New York Post

This tiny country may solve gigantic nuclear waste problem

Yet another article on the Finnish GDF, reviewing progress internationally in building GDFs, and acknowledging that Finland’s GDF is culmination of 40 years of technical planning and community discussion.

11 Sept 2017             Los Angeles Times

There’s no great answer for nuclear waste, but almost anything is better than perching it on the Pacific

Editorial in favour of progressing with geological disposal as quickly as possible.

11 Sept 2017             The Atlantic (International)

What Lies Beneath

Another article looking at the Finnish GDF, the world’s only GDF currently under construction, emphasising the point that early engagement with the community proved critical in progressing the project.

10 Sept 2017            Adelaide Advertiser (Australia)

Aboriginal leader Malcolm ‘Tiger’ McKenzie pushing for nuclear waste dump built near his home in the Flinders Ranges

While not about a GDF, interesting story about why Aboriginal leaders want to explore economic benefits of hosting radioactive waste facilities “if they’re safe”.  Similar story also in another local newspaper, The Transcontinental.

9  Sept 2017             Business Insider (UK/USA)

Hurricane Irma may plow into a site full of Cold War-era nuclear waste

Article articulating concerns about potential impact of storm on waste stored in interim surface stores.

8  Sept 2017             Las Vegas Sun

Two further stories emanating from last week’s conference in Las Vegas to discuss the US Government’s revived plans to build the nation’s deep geological repository for the permanent disposal of higher activity radioactive waste under Yucca Mountain in Nevada:

House [Congress] expected to act on nuclear waste policy this fall

Yucca Mountain panel shows divide between state, rural counties

7  Sept 2017             The Baker Orange (USA)

Nuclear waste threatens everyone

Kansas-based student/activist magazine articulating need for a GDF.

7  Sept 2017             ABC News (USA)

Federal auditors say US nuclear dump running out of room

The US’ Government Accountability Office has said that the only current repository in America, the WIPP facility in New Mexico, will run out of storage capacity within ten years, and that the Department of Energy (DoE) has no plans to seek regulatory approvals required to expand operations at WIPP.  The DoE says it has sufficient time to submit proposals.

7  Sept 2017             Washington Post

Harvey caused a chemical plant explosion. Is that the next face of climate change?

Mention of the management of radioactive waste in context of mitigating against the effects of climate change.

7  Sept 2017             Roll Call

Five Top Energy and Environment Priorities as Congress Returns

Washington DC-based political news-site lists the Yucca Mountain repository as one of the key priorities for Congress this autumn, and explains why.

7  Sept 2017             Southside Pride

Who should take care of the radioactive leaks in Washington State?

Minneapolis (USA) community activist publication, exploring issues related to management of radioactive waste and urging action on finding a geological disposal facility.

7  Sept 2017             Las Vegas Review-Journal

Nevada, Nye County take opposite sides in Yucca Mountain battle

Continued coverage of the conference in Las Vegas to discuss the Yucca Mountain project.  This report focuses on the different pro and anti positions of the Local and State authorities.

5  Sept 2017            The Norwich Radical (UK)

Where to hide radioactive waste?

Political activist publication, while acknowledging that geological disposal appears to be the scientifically-endorsed best option, worries about how to find a willing community to host such a site.

5  Sept 2017            Xinhua (China)

China Focus: China adopts nuclear safety law

Report on new legislation in China, sections of which require the nuclear industry to be more transparent, and quoting Guo Chengzhan, Deputy Director of the National Nuclear Safety Administration, as saying:  “On issues related to public interest, both local governments and facility operators are required to solicit public opinion. Public understanding and support are important to the healthy and sustainable development of nuclear energy.”

5  Sept 2017            Nuclear Monitor (International)

In the hope of a better legacy: An interview with Prof. Andrew Blowers

Andy Blowers reviews his years opposing nuclear power, commenting on his membership of CoRWM, and while supporting geological disposal, is concerned that it is taking too long, that long-term surface storage is the best available current option, and that the nation should think again about producing more radioactive waste before it has resolved what to do with the legacy stockpile.

5  Sept 2017            Las Vegas Review-Journal

Yucca Mountain opposition to be focus at Las Vegas conference

5  Sept 2017            Las Vegas Review-Journal

Energy official says Yucca Mountain ball in Congress’ court

6  Sept 2017            Las Vegas Sun

State’s chief Yucca critic: It’s ‘almost a religious controversy now’

Series of articles from local Nevada media previewing and reporting on a conference in Las Vegas to discuss the US Government’s plan to revive the proposed Yucca Mountain repository.

5  Sept 2017            Daily Collegian (Mass, USA)

Should we warn future generations about nuclear waste?

Article on the discussions around ways in which repositories around the world can be ‘marked’ so that future generations are aware of the waste below.

30 August 2017     Real Change (USA)

Book Review: “Dark Age America: Climate Change, Cultural Collapse, and the Hard Future Ahead”

This weekly social activist newspaper reviews a book on the global environmental and economic challenges affecting America, which specifically highlights disposal of radioactive waste as a prime example of an issue that needs addressing.

29 August 2017    Weirton Daily Times (USA)

Radioactive waste storage plan needed

Local West Virginia newspaper op-ed saying a repository is necessary, “not just for the nuclear power industry. There are many other sources of radioactive waste.”

26 August 2017    Nevada Independent (USA)

Nevada raises concerns over Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s information-gathering plans for Yucca Mountain

Nevada State concerned that there is insufficient appropriate public engagement in revised discussions about Yucca Mountain.  However, there are differences in opinion between State and Local authorities — the most impacted local councils are satisfied with the safety case and see long term economic benefits.

24 August 2017      Post & Courier (USA)

Proceed with Yucca Mountain

Op-ed from a South Carolina newspaper, not only supports removing waste from the surface, but also reports on the ongoing legal case between South Carolina and the Federal Government over alleged non-payment of promised compensation for maintaining surface interim stores when the Yucca programme was halted by President Obama.

22 August 2017      Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Nuclear project office opening

Report on opening of a local office to help provide more information to residents on the potential Kimba site of a deep geological repository for Australia.

21 August 2017      Times Colonist (Canada)

Ottawa wants info on impact of nuclear-waste bunker on Indigenous community

Federal Environment Minister seeks additional information on a proposed GDF, including “a clear description of the potential cumulative effects of the project on Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s cultural heritage, including a description of the potential effects of the project on the nation’s spiritual and cultural connection to the land.”

The process for identifying a site in Canada has taken great effort to engage local indigenous populations, and to ‘vision’ the long-term environmental, social and economic impacts of hosting a site.

19 August 2017      ABC (Australia)

Nuclear medicine production in Australia at risk if dump site can’t be found, industry head says

Radiopharmaceutical industry concern that existing interim storage facilities are filling up, and that unless progress is made on locating a permanent repository there could be an impact on medical services.

“If you think about the biggest challenges in health in the western world, such as cardiac disease and forms of heart disease, and cancer in many forms, there wouldn’t be a family [not] touched by those,” said an industry leader.

Australia has been searching for a site for over 30 years.  Radiopharmaceutical industry says no immediate action required, but a plan needs developing “in the next 10 years, because we can’t continue to stack this waste up in the shed forever.”

17 August 2017     Town & Country Planning (UK)

In the first of a series of articles on the local and social legacies of nuclear energy, leading UK academic Prof Andy Blowers looks at where and why these legacies have come to pass.

16 August 2017    TeleSur (Spain/France)

French Police Attack Protest Against Nuclear Waste Site

Report on clash between protestors and police at proposed French GDF site near Bure.

16 August 2017    Business Standard (Europe)

Clashes at anti-nuclear demo in France

Additional agency report (Agence Press France – AFP) on confrontation between police and 300 protestors at the site of the proposed French GDF near Bure.

9 August 2017      Washington Examiner (USA)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission restarts Yucca Mountain licensing process

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission voted on Tuesday to proceed with the information-gathering stage of approving a license for the contentious nuclear waste storage site at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, to initiate the review of the Department of Energy’s license to build the radioactive waste facility.

8 August 2017      Japan Times

Unclear if local govts will host sites for N-waste disposal

Further article on recent publication of geological maps by the Japanese Government, re-emphasising the need for government to engage fully with the public.  The article says at the moment it seems unlikely that any municipality will come forward, although there are financial benefits in doing so.  There is acknowledgement that something has to be done with radioactive waste, but Prof Kota Juraku of Tokyo Denki University is quoted saying:  “If society as a whole doesn’t come to accept that these facilities must be built somewhere, no municipality will host them”.  The article ends, saying, “the government must alleviate the concerns of municipalities and their residents, and earn their understanding for acceptance of a facility.”

7 August 2017      Washington Times (USA)

Trump’s former Las Vegas cohorts gird for battle to stop his Yucca Mountain nuclear waste plan

Short article on expected lobbying campaign by Las Vegas casino owners and other business interests against Yucca Mountain proposals.

7 August 2017     Manila Bulletin (Philippines/Slovenia)

Increasing redundancy keeps nuclear plants safe

Report from Philippines media on improving safety at Slovenia’s nuclear facility, with brief mention of the Government’s five years of study and data gathering, and of securing community approval, for the establishment of its radioactive waste and spent fuel repository.

7 August 2017     The News on Sunday (Pakistan)

The Cost of Going Nuclear

Article examining debate between pro and antic nuclear arguments for further development of Pakistan’s civil nuclear programme, with reference to Pakistan’s own search for a deep geological disposal facility.

7 August 2017     Las Cruces Sun-News (USA)

NMSU monitoring near WIPP allays public concerns

Report on the work of New Mexico State University’s Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Centre, who have been monitoring the air, soil, water and people residing in the area surrounding the US’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the world’s only existing deep geological disposal facility.  The Centre played  a key role in assuaging public concern over possible radiation leakage following the 2014 incident at WIPP, by showing that radiation was contained beneath ground away from human and environmental harm.

5 August 2017     CNBC (USA)

Finland wants to bury nuclear waste for 100,000 years

Short summary piece on Finland’s geological disposal facility.

3 August 2017     Japan Times

Finding sites to bury high-level radioactive waste

An op-ed piece, following publication of geological maps by the Japanese Government, states that “disposing of high-level radioactive waste is an issue that cannot be averted given that the nation is engaged in nuclear power generation” but urges the Government “to make the process toward disposal open and transparent — and scientifically trustworthy — sparing no effort to win the public’s understanding and support at each step of the way.”

1 August 2017     Public Radio International (USA)

Finland’s solution to nuclear waste storage may set an example for the world

Review of Finland’s repository, setting it in context of plans in the USA.  The article highlights the political and social, rather than technological, complexity of the issue, saying:

” … in the US public engagement around the issue of long-term geologic storage plans has been lacking … a study of nuclear waste programs around the world … found that this is a very difficult job.” 

“… a noteworthy characteristic of all of [other] programs is … a very well-developed program of public engagement that stretches, necessarily, over decades.”

“In the US, with its combined state-federal system and its mistrust of authority and science … to be successful, we have to design a system that can survive the fluctuations of the political sphere and is based on public acceptance …”

20 July 2017        NPR Illinois (USA)

Illinois Issues: The Prairie State’s Nuclear Waste Conundrum

Without a geological disposal facility, radioactive waste is being stored in surface facilities across Illinois.  This long article offers an overview on the history, politics, science and necessity of a GDF, expressing concerns that the longer the material is kept on the surface the greater the risk of an accident or terrorist attack.  While acknowledging that Nevada may feel ‘screwed’ by the Yucca Mountain project, the article welcomes a Chicago Tribunal op-ed that concluded: “We hope the Trump administration and Congress will revive it. Because if they don’t, we’re all screwed.”

19 July 2017      Politico (Europe)

Burying the atom: Europe struggles to dispose of nuclear waste

Using the French GDF and local protestors as a case study, this article says the technical issues are nothing compared to the political complexities across Europe in implementing geological disposal.

30 June 2017     Vice Media: Motherboard

Scientists Worry About a Future Ice Age Crushing Our Nuclear Waste Vaults

Review of research being conducted by Canada, Sweden and Finland underneath Greenland to test the resilience and longevity of a GDF which will be subjected to, and need to survive, several ice ages.

16 June 2017     The Journal News (Indian Point, NY, USA)

Forum highlights pressing questions about nuclear waste after Indian Point shuts down

Summary of the community discussion and concerns about hosting higher activity radioactive waste in interim surface facilities.

9 June 2017      New York Times

On Nuclear Waste, Finland Shows US How It Can Be Done

Lengthy article looking at construction of the Onkalo repository in Finland — the world’s first purpose-built GDF.

24 April 2017    Wired.co.uk

Journey deep into the Finnish caverns where nuclear waste will be buried for millenia

Extensive article setting out the issues related to geological disposal, including concerns of anti-GDF activists.

21 April 2017     France24

Battle to stop nuclear waste being buried in a French village

16-minute video report on the French GDF and the campaign being led by local protestors.

11 April 2017     Chicago Tribune

Revive Yucca Mountain: Illinois has more nuclear waste than any other state, all of it in temporary storage

Written by the Tribune’s Editorial Board, the op-ed notes the unnecessary costs of interim storage which consumers ultimately bear through their energy bills.  It also notes that while Illinois has the largest quantity of radioactive waste stored on the surface in the US, waste is stored at surface facilities across 34 US States.  The paper, while arguing that science and common sense support construction of a GDF, does acknowledge that a GDF is the “ultimate NIMBY project”.

5 July 2016      Deutsche Welle (Germany)

Germany to dump nuclear waste for good – but where?

Review of the bipartisan plans in Germany for deciding how to geologically dispose of its radioactive waste following the German decision to end its nuclear energy programme.