Nuclear Dumping Disputed

May 07 - Augusta Chronicle, The

The state-run, low-level radioactive waste dump in Barnwell County isn't properly storing contaminated debris, and waterways are becoming polluted, environmental groups contend.

The Sierra Club and Environmentalists Inc. have asked an administrative law judge to revoke Chem-Nuclear Systems LLC's license to operate. The groups contend that the shallow, unlined trenches used to bury waste there don't stop the release of radioactive waste, according to court papers.

A judge in Columbia began hearing testimony Wednesday from the environmentalists and Chem-Nuclear, which was named as a defendant along with the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, which regulates the waste site.

The burial ground was opened by state government in 1969 and is used to bury several forms of low-level waste, including nuclear- reactor vessels formerly used to help generate energy.

Members of the Sierra Club and Environmentalists Inc. contend that water is seeping into the shallow burial grounds and carrying radioactive waste into nearby Mary's Branch Creek, which flows into the Savannah River.

"Far more protective management practices are readily available but are not required by this proposed license," the groups stated in court papers.

DHEC reinspected the Chem-Nuclear facility, which is located just outside of the Savannah River Site near the town of Snelling, late last year. It approved the site's license, which is valid for five years, records show.

In pre-filed testimony, an expert for the environmentalists states that Chem-Nuclear's own records show that radioactive tritium has been released into the Mary's Branch Creek in recent years.

Duncan Howe, a research professor at the University of South Carolina Medical School who once worked at a U.S. Department of Energy site, said in court documents that above-ground storage was more secure than below-ground.

"Regardless of how much enhanced capping you do, that environment is still going to become moist at times," he said. "So the above- ground storage protects your material from rainwater or water, which is the main element that's causing deterioration of this containment."

In an interview before Wednesday's hearing, a spokeswoman for Chem-Nuclear noted that the site had never been cited for environmental infractions.

"Anybody can say anything," spokeswoman Deborah Ogilve said. "Backing it up with proof is another issue."

An independent group of scientists hired by the state in 2001 also said the site was well protected.

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395, ext. 113,or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com .