A. Immobilization Funding

The fate of the beleaguered immobilization program, the plutonium disposition alternative to MOX, is still uncertain. In its FY02 budget request the Dept. of Energy zeroed out immobilization while handing MOX a $37 million increase. DOE insists this only represents a "suspension" of the program. However, as immobilization funds were also removed from the 2001 budget and the construction contract cancelled, researchers have already left the program, putting its future in serious jeopardy.

As of this writing it is unclear if funding was restored in the FY02 budget for the program, though numerous anti-MOX groups have been working toward that end. Funds for DOE's nonproliferation programs were increased by $35 million in the Senate Energy & Water Appropriations bill (S 1171) that passed on July 12th, but details were not available at press time. The parallel House bill that included nonproliferation funding (HR 2311), passed on June 19th, did not restore funds for immobilization.

Meanwhile, DOE will be looking to increase MOX funding ten-fold to "considerably more than $600 million" in FY03, according to a DOE official (see "Nuclear Fuel," May 28th, 2001).

MORE INFORMATION:

House FY02 Energy & Water Appropriations bill, HR 2311:
www.house.gov/appropriations/news/2002/02enrgyh2ofull.htm

Senate FY02 Energy & Water Appropriations bill, S 1171:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:s.01171:

B. MOX License Intervention

Georgians Against Nuclear Energy (GANE), Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) and Environmentalists, Inc. continue in their battle to intervene against the licensing of the MOX fabrication facility. MOX contractor Duke-Cogema-Stone & Webster (DCS) filed a Construction Authorization Request for the proposed MOX facility earlier this year. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will review the "CAR" to determine whether it will grant a license for construction of the plant.

The three groups filed with the NRC in May (along with an individual from Highland, NC) to request hearings on the licensing of the plant. The groups have until July 30th to file additional information that will support their claim to standing, and after arguing successfully for an extension, have until August 13th to file contentions against the proposed facility.

Kudos to those who have worked so hard to wade through endless documents, fight for access to more data, wrestled with NRC's arcane "ADAMS" website, and stood up to the NRC, DCS and DOE. The work is long and difficult and volunteers are needed to help! Contact:

• Don Moniak (BREDL): donmoniak@earthlink.net, (803) 644-6953
• Glenn Carroll (GANE): atom.girl@mindspring.com, 404-378-9542
• Ruth Thomas (Environmentalists, Inc.): 803-782-3000

MORE INFORMATION:

• NRC MOX webpage (including license-related documents)
  www.nrc.gov/NRC/NMSS/MOX/
  See new "MOX License Hearing" section.

• BREDL webpage (press releases, documents, links. more)
  www.bredl.org

C. NRC Notes

1. Oppose Reauthorization of Price-Anderson!

   (Action Alert from Nuclear Information and Resource Service):

   The Price-Anderson Act limits nuclear industry liability in the event of an accident. Currently, the limit is about $8 Billion (the exact amount depends upon how many nuclear reactors are operating). No other hazardous industry enjoys this kind of subsidized insurance scheme.

   The House Commerce Committee will take action on a bill by July 17th to reauthorize Price-Anderson. (Note that renewal of Price-Anderson applies to new reactors -- if it is not renewed, its provisions will still hold for existing reactors.)

   Connection to MOX:
   Reactors that use MOX fuel, are more likely to have an accident and are more likely to have an accident of greater consequence that conventional atomic power plants. They should either not be covered by Price-Anderson at all, or their payments should be much higher. This issue has not been addressed by the House Commerce Committee.

   **Please contact your member of Congress (especially if they are on the Commerce Committee -- contact NIRS for a list) to urge them to OPPOSE reauthorization of Price-Anderson!**

   Capitol Hill switchboard: 202-224-3121

   MORE INFORMATION:

   • Nuclear Information and Resource Service:
     www.nirs.org/PriceAndersonAlert71301.htm

   • Price Anderson Task Force webpage:
     www.gc.doe.gov/Price-Anderson/default.html

   ****************************

2. Clamping Down on Activism

   On June 12th the NRC announced new procedures regarding hearings and meetings that restrict how the public is allowed to express its opinions at certain NRC-sponsored forums. The rule states that "signs, banners, posters and displays will be prohibited from all NRC adjudicatory proceedings (Commission and Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel hearings) because they are disruptive to the conduct of the adjudicatory process."

   Take heart, however. Your anti-MOX signs that are 18" x 18" or smaller *will* be allowed at other NRC meetings (but according to the new rule cannot be waved or held over your head or mounted on sticks or poles). According to NRC, the new rule will provide a balance between the "orderly conduct of government business with the right of free speech."

   MORE INFORMATION:

   Calvin O. Byrd, Chief, Physical Security Branch
   NRC Division of Facilities and Security
   301-415-7402

   ****************************

3. Limiting Licensing Input: Comments Needed!

   The NRC is proposing to "streamline" the public hearing process in nuclear licensing hearings in a way that would systematically eliminate the public's due process to challenge reactor licensing. The proposed rule would "deformalize" hearings, disallowing trial-type procedures such as mandatory discovery of documents and cross-examination of witnesses.

   If passed, the new policy would affect license extension procedures for the Catawba and McGuire nuclear reactors (slated for MOX use) as well as the license amendment Duke Energy will need to be allowed to use MOX.

   TAKE ACTION! Submit comments to the NRC by September 14, 2001 by mail to Secretary, NRC, Washington DC 20555. Or use the interactive website at http://ruleforum.llnl. Model comments are available on the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS) website at: www.nirs.org.

   MORE INFORMATION:

   • Copy of proposed rule:
     http://ruleforum.llnl.gov/cgi-bin/library?source=*&library=CAP_PRULE_lib&file=*

   • NIRS: 202-328-0002, www.nirs.org

D. Plutonium Shipments?

1. Rocky Flats

   On June 14th, the Rocky Flats nuclear facility in Colorado began successful operation of its Plutonium Stabilization and Packaging System (PuSPS), a technology designed to stabilize and package the site's significant stockpiles of plutonium metals and oxides. PuSPS has experienced numerous delays and technical problems over the last several years. The DOE first committed to the project back in 1994.

   The start-up of PuSPS means that shipments of plutonium to SRS could begin in August or early September. However, this plutonium was slated for immobilization, a program which now hangs in limbo. A 1998 amendment to the Plutonium Disposition Record of Decision stated that plutonium at Rocky Flats cannot be moved unless it will be immobilized at SRS. Cancellation of the immobilization program raises serious questions about the shipments.

   In addition, South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges and Senator Ernest Hollings have both expressed concern that without an immobilization program, plutonium from Rocky Flats will simply be dumped on South Carolina with "no pathway out."

   ****************************

2. Lawrence Livermore

   On June 11th, Lawrence Livermore Lab (LLNL) in California also began stabilizing and packaging plutonium oxides and metals, using a system very similar to the one at Rocky Flats. As of July 9th two long-term storage canisters had been produced. LLNL plans on shipping the plutonium to SRS in August.

   MORE INFORMATION:

   • Announcement of Rocky Flats PuSPS system start-up:
     www.deprep.org/2001/TB01U21F.HTM

   • "Livermore Lab Busy Canning Plutonium"
     Tri-Valley Herald, June 12, 2001
     Email mox@wand.org for a copy

A. Upcoming MOX Meetings

1. July 19:
   South Carolina Governor's Nuclear Advisory Council
   Savannah River Site Rainbow Rooms
   Building 703-41A

   Public comment session included.
   Agenda includes update on plutonium disposition projects at SRS.

   Full agenda: www.state.sc.us/energy/PDFs/july19.PDF
   Information: (800) 366-2255 or (803) 737-8036

   ****************************

2. July 23-24:
   DOE Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board
   Holiday Inn Coliseum at University of South Carolina
   630 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC

   Public comment sessions available both days.

   Announcement: www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a010628c.html
   (Scroll to: Energy Dept. | Meetings | Savannah River Site)
   More info: Geri Flemming, SRS Science, Technology and Management Division
   (803) 725-5374

   ****************************

3. July 26:
   Meeting regarding NRC's request for additional information about the MOX construction license application submitted by DCS. Open to public observation (no comment period scheduled).

   MORE INFORMATION:
   NRC staff: Tim Johnson: 301-415-7299 or Wilkins Smith: 301-415-5788

B. Hiroshima Day Action for Peace

Commemorate Hiroshima Day and say NO to new weapons production!
DOE wants to spend $4 billion to rebuild the Y-12 weapons plant near Oak Ridge, TN to produce new nuclear weapons. The site would also play a role in DOE's MOX program.

Direct Action, Rally, Music, Drumming, Puppets, Theatre, Speakers, Fellowship
Sponsored by Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance

Aug. 5th: March and rally
Aug. 6th: Remembrance of Hiroshima, peace lantern ceremony

MORE INFORMATION:
www.stopthebombs.org/calendar/AugAction2001.html

C. International Conference for a Sustainable Energy Future

(Formerly NIRS/Great Lakes Action Camp)

Great chance to network with activists from around the country and around the world on issues including radioactive waste transportation, globalization of the nuclear power industry, climate change and nuclear power, and sustainable energy.

Aug. 18-19: Conference at DePaul University, Chicago
Aug. 19-24: Action Camp at Hoover Outdoor Education Ctr., Yorkville, IL

Workshops, Music, Rallies, Nonviolence Training, Children's Activities
Sponsored by Nuclear Information and Resource Service and Nuclear Free Great Lakes Campaign

Come for a day for the whole week!

MORE INFORMATION:
phone: 847-869-7650
email: neis@forward.net
web: www.nirs.org/glac/glac.htm

A. Russia: Waste Import Approved / MOX Funding

Flouting public opinion and outraging environmentalists, on July 11th Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into a law an amendment to Russia's Environmental Law that will allow for the import of nuclear waste into Russia for storage and reprocessing. (See past MOX bulletins for more information.) The move comes at the end of a long, hard-fought battle by Russian environmentalists to stop the measure, which the Russian Atomic Ministry predicts will generate over $20 billion in revenue for Russia.

Meanwhile, funding for Russia's MOX program has still not been secured and prospects are slim that the US will be able to coax more money out of western nations when the G-8 meets in Genoa, Italy later this month.

However, a US State Dept. official did not rule out the possibility that Russia could help fund MOX with revenues from its fuel import program, or from the possible sale of MOX to European utilities. (This despite a comment at a June 6th State Dept. briefing that the US would have to give its consent for the import of US-origin fuel into Russia and that consent would be based on several factors, such as assurance that the fuel would not be reprocessed.)

Currently, western funds pledged for Russian MOX stand, at most, at about $700 million, though $1 billion is needed to move forward with construction financing. (Of the $700 million, $200 million from the US is still uncertain, pending a review of Russian nonproliferation programs being carried out by the Bush Administration.) Though Canada became the latest donor to the Russian MOX cause with a $30 million pledge, the sum is still far short of what is required to fund Russia's plutonium disposition program.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Waste import: Greenpeace Press Release:
  www.greenpeace.org/pressreleases/nucwaste/2001jul11.html

• Funding Russian MOX:
  "Canada To Hand Russia $30M for Nuclear Power"
  The Ottowa Citizen, June 18, 2001
  Email mox@wand.org for a copy

B. UK: More Bad News for BNFL and Sellafield

After a high-court challenge by Friends of the Earth (FOE), the UK government determined that a fifth public consultation was necessary before a decision could be made to open the struggling Sellafield MOX fabrication facility in Cumbria (see May 2001 MOX bulletin).

FOE successfully argued that the most recent public consultation on the economic viability of the Sellafield plant (which must be established before it is allowed to operate) was flawed because an independent report on the economics of the plant was withheld from the public. The announcement means a decision on opening the Sellafield plant will be delayed another two or three months.

The decision was not the only bad news for BNFL this summer:

• In early June the Japanese utility Tepco, one of BNFL's biggest potential MOX customers, announced it was suspending its MOX program (see below).

• In mid-June, Ireland announced it was taking the British government into arbitration over the withholding of the independent economic report on Sellafield during the last public consultation.

• In late June BNFL announced operational losses of nearly £200 million for fiscal year 2001.

• In early July a BNFL-owned reactor in Scotland experienced a serious accident when 24 irradiated fuel rods were accidentally dropped on the floor of the Chapelcross #3 reactor.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Economic report on Sellafield:
  www.britishnuclearfuels.com/documents/moxconsappendix6.pdf

• Greenpeace UK webpage with archive of BNFL-related documents:
  www.britishnuclearfuels.com/documents.html

C. Japan: MOX Officially Delayed

On June 1st, Tepco, Japan's largest power utility, announced that it will postpone loading MOX into the Kashiwazaki reactor near Kariwa in the Niigata Prefecture after a local citizens rejected the use of plutonium fuel in a non-binding referendum in late May. The delay was requested by local officials who met with Tepco after the referendum.

The announcement is a victory for anti-MOX activists in Japan and a blow to MOX supplier BNFL, but Tepco and the government both say they remain committed to MOX fuel use. The Japanese nuclear industry hopes to load MOX in 16-18 reactors in Japan by 2010. Tepco and another utility, Kansai Electric Power Company Inc. have established public relations committees to convince the public of the merits of MOX.

However, in mid-June, Niigata Governor Ikuo Hirayama asked Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Takeo Hiranuma to reconsider the country's entire plan to use plutonium fuel. In his plea, Hirayama cited the strong public opposition to MOX, sluggish demand for electricity, and the fact that his prefecture was the third to decide to delay MOX plans.

Hirayama also proposed that the government work to establish national consensus on the use of nuclear power, making clear the burden it places on local communities. Minister Hiranuma said he would seriously consider the proposals.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Citizen's Nuclear Information Center
  www.cnic.or.jp/english/
  Includes survey of residents of town near Tokai criticality accident of Sept. 1999, photos of demonstrations around Kariwa MOX referendum, documents, reports, and much more.

A. Leaking Waste Tank Problem Worsens

In January of 2001 about 90 gallons of liquid radioactive waste leaked from Tank 6 at the Savannah River Site. Later it was discovered that the tank had at least five other leaks and DOE was forced to reduce the volume in the tank below the lowest leak.

In June, after a transfer of 100,000 gallons of waste into the tank, a leak was found in Tank 5, even though the tank had been inspected before the transfer. Subsequent inspections using a "wall crawler" (remote-controlled device that can videotape the tank walls) revealed ten additional leaks in Tank 5, forcing the removal of 250,000 gallons of waste -- all but about 15 percent of the contents of the tank.

A further blow came when technicians discovered the waste could not be moved to Tank 8, as planned, because it is the same type of tank as Tanks 5 and 6 and could have the same problems. Another tank is being considered (Tank 46) but will require mixing two different types of waste and could result in problems with the evaporator used to empty the tank.

Over the years eleven tanks have leaked at SRS. There are currently 49 tanks at the site holding about 34 million gallons of highly radioactive liquid waste left over from weapons-related activities since the 1950s. Now the site is facing a tank storage crisis, as the evaporators used to empty the tanks have run into problems, though waste generation continues. And moving waste out of tanks poses a risk to workers, as it can lead to hydrogen buildup which increases chances of an explosion. The tank shortage could have a significant impact on SRS activities if it is not resolved quickly.

DOE and MOX contractor DCS are noticeably vague about how they will manage the additional stream of liquid waste at the site if MOX moves forward. Waste management is likely to be a key issue related to MOX and other plutonium-processing activities planned for the site.

MORE INFORMATION:

• "Workers discover leak at SRS"
  Augusta Chronicle, 6/15/01
  http://augustachronicle.com/stories/061501/tec_082-7684.000.shtml

• "Three more leaks turn up in tank"Augusta Chronicle, 6/20/01
  http://augustachronicle.com/stories/062001/tec_021-6228.000.shtml

• Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board report on tank leaks:
  June 22, 2001
  www.dnfsb.gov/weekly/sr/sr2001.htm

B. Lapse on Radiation Monitoring During Public Tour

On July 9th, about 20 activists and other concerned individuals, including one South Carolina elected official, toured the Savannah River Site, in part to ensure the site where the MOX facility is slated to be built is not undergoing "pre-construction" activities (see May 2001 MOX bulletin). The tour was organized by Tom Clements of the DC-based Nuclear Control Institute to give concerned members of the public an opportunity to get direct answers from DOE representatives about plutonium disposition plans for SRS.

However, SRS officials failed to monitor tour participants for radiation after a stop at the F-Area tank farm, an error SRS readily acknowledges. The incident is being investigated by DOE.

MORE INFORMATION:

"Activists, residents tour weapons facility"
http://augustachronicle.com/stories/071001/met_066-5503.000.shtml

A. SRS

1. Tank leaks and shortage of storage space:

   (a) "Site confronts storage crunch"
   Augusta Chronicle 7/16/01
   www.augustachronicle.com/stories/071601/tec_066-5518.000.shtml

   (b) "3 more leaks turn up in tank"
   Augusta Chronicle 6/20/01
   www.augustachronicle.com/stories/062001/tec_021-6228.000.shtml

   (c) Safety Board memo on problems with transferring waste from leaking tanks
   June 22nd report found at:
   www.dnfsb.gov/weekly/sr/sr2001.htm

2. General news:

   (a) "SRS plans to open office for compensation claims"
   Augusta Chronicle 7/17/01
   www.augustachronicle.com/stories/071701/met_066-5549.002.shtml

   (b) "Agency site control uncertain"
   Augusta Chronicle 7/11/01
   Discusses lack of clarity on NRC oversight of MOX-related activities at SRS
   http://augustachronicle.com/stories/071101/tec_srs.shtml

   (c) "SRS stages terrorist attack"
   Augusta Chronicle 7/12/01
   http://augustachronicle.com/stories/071201/tec_srs.shtml

B. MOX Program and Related Information

(a) "Governor angered at federal cutbacks at SRS"
Discusses reaction to cuts in immobilization program
Greenville News 6/2/01
http://greenvilleonline.com/news/2001/06/02/200106027229.htm

(b) NRC request for additional information on proposed MOX plant
Download PDF file from: www.wand.org/issuesact/moxbbdart_7-01.html

C. Web Resources

(a) ISAR Publication: "Give and Take"
Spring/Summer 2001 Issue on Russian fuel import issue
www.isar.org/isar/archive/GT/GT11editorsnote.html

(b) Nuclear Control Institute
Check out their redesigned website at: www.nci.org

(c) Safe Energy E-Journal
Updates on nuclear power issues in the UK - back issues available
www.kare-uk.org/safe-energy-index.htm

(d) WISE Paris Publication: "Plutonium Investigation"
Special edition on French MOX facility at Cadarache, including location of facility on a major seismic fault, legal cases against Cogema and more.
www.wise-paris.org/english/ournewsletter/20/intronewsletter.html

(e) SC Governor's Nuclear Advisory Council
Meetings announcements, minutes, links, and more.
www.state.sc.us/energy/nuclear_advisory_council.htm

D. Reports and Misc. Resources

(a) Nuclear Calendar
Weekly update of events concerning nuclear weapons, disarmament, and nonproliferation
Sponsored by Friends Committee on National Legislation
To subscribe go to: www.fcnl.org/listserv/quaker_issues.php

(b) Report on Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Ordering information: Brian Torpy: brian_torpy@Harvard.edu
More info: http://ksgnotes1.harvard.edu/BCSIA/Library.nsf/pubs/spentfuel

(c) Nuclear Status Report: Nuclear Weapons, Fissile Material,
and Export Controls in the Former Soviet Union
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
www.ceip.org/files/publications/StatusReport.asp?from=pubtitle