Agency to update low-level nuke storage guidelines by spring 2008

By: Associated Press | SCNow
Published: November 06, 2007

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The federal agency that oversees low-level

radioactive waste says it will update its long-term storage

guidelines and require tighter security.

      The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the revisions are needed

because more power plants, hospitals and universities will store

hazardous material on their own property beginning next year.

      That's because a South Carolina nuclear waste landfill plans to

close its doors to most of the country next July.

      Some officials fear storing the waste in potentially hundreds of

locations across the country could allow radiation to escape. They

also worry highly concentrated sealed sources could be used to make

a so-called dirty bomb that would scatter radioactive debris.