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CousinIT

(9,256 posts)
Wed Dec 12, 2018, 02:50 PM Dec 2018

TRUMP WANTS TO RECLASSIFY RADIOACTIVE WASTE TO 'LOW LEVEL' SO DISPOSAL IS CHEAP

https://www.newsweek.com/trump-reclassify-radioactive-waste-nuclear-weapons-low-level-disposal-cheaper-1253063

President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly plans to reclassify high-level radioactive waste scattered around the U.S. in order to make it easier and cheaper to dispose of.

The Department of Energy intends to relabel high-level radioactive waste left over from the production of nuclear weapons as low-level, the Associated Press reported.

Currently, high-level radioactive waste is defined as that which is a byproduct of fuel reprocessing (where leftover fissionable material is separated from the waste) or from nuclear reactors.

Low-level waste, on the other hand, represents around 90 percent of all such waste, according to the American Nuclear Society, and generally comes from facilities where radioisotopes are used, such as nuclear power stations, and local hospitals. Items often include wipes, clothes and plastic.

In the U.S., 90,000 metric tons of nuclear waste is being temporarily stored as successive administrations have grappled to find a long-term solution. Storing nuclear waste safely presents a number of challenges: it needs to be protected from natural disasters, and stopped from seeping into the surrounding water and soil, while its radiation blocked. Thieves must be kept from accessing it, and so too future generations who may not understand how toxic such materials are.

The Associated Press reported the agency said the reclassification would shave $40 billion off the cost of cleaning up after the production of nuclear weapons.

A Department of Energy official told Newsweek it is requesting public comment on its interpretation of the meaning of the statutory term of high-level radioactive waste through the federal register. It based the consultation on reports and recommendations by outside entities, including the Government Accountability Office, Energy Communities Alliance, National Research Council, MIT, and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Energy Future, the official said.
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TRUMP WANTS TO RECLASSIFY RADIOACTIVE WASTE TO 'LOW LEVEL' SO DISPOSAL IS CHEAP (Original Post) CousinIT Dec 2018 OP
If it's low-level, why can't it be stored in Trump Tower? The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2018 #1
I know a great place in Florida it can be disposed of free: Mar a Lago. Bluepinky Dec 2018 #2
So if you just relabel waste that makes it safe...who knew. AJT Dec 2018 #3
Sure what could go wrong? dewsgirl Dec 2018 #4
Let's put it in the fat fuck's hamberger montanacowboy Dec 2018 #5
The fuc&er is not qualified Corgigal Dec 2018 #6
He's looking out for a potential business for his grandchildren. That shit's not cheap to Autumn Dec 2018 #7
True, Corgigal Dec 2018 #8
Based upon what? zipplewrath Dec 2018 #9
tell that to the Hanford workers KT2000 Dec 2018 #10

AJT

(5,240 posts)
3. So if you just relabel waste that makes it safe...who knew.
Wed Dec 12, 2018, 02:54 PM
Dec 2018

Now we can just dump the stuff in the middle MAGA country....

Seriously WTF.

montanacowboy

(6,098 posts)
5. Let's put it in the fat fuck's hamberger
Wed Dec 12, 2018, 02:59 PM
Dec 2018

stuff it down his throat

I am sure it will be "disposed" of near low income neighborhoods

Corgigal

(9,291 posts)
6. The fuc&er is not qualified
Wed Dec 12, 2018, 02:59 PM
Dec 2018

to terminate or change this classification.


Anyone looking out for the voters? Trump certainly is not looking out for his grandchildren.

Autumn

(45,120 posts)
7. He's looking out for a potential business for his grandchildren. That shit's not cheap to
Wed Dec 12, 2018, 03:02 PM
Dec 2018

cleanups and the ability to scam is high. Cha-ching!

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
9. Based upon what?
Wed Dec 12, 2018, 03:08 PM
Dec 2018

It is true that there is alot of waste that is over classified because of the process with which it was associated, not the actual hazard level of the waste. But the solution is to sort out the "dangerous" stuff from the "fluff". Not just reclassify it all so that you don't have to pay any attention.

KT2000

(20,586 posts)
10. tell that to the Hanford workers
Wed Dec 12, 2018, 03:14 PM
Dec 2018

who are being denied workers comp and even decent medical care. These are young workers whose lives have been stolen from them because they trusted the government and contracted corporations.
This also paves the way for more piles of toxic waste in low income neighborhoods.

Congress and media better step in on this but instead we will be treated to the daily rump outrage.

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