A milestone in the continuing attempts to develop a nuclear waste
repository at Yucca Mountain was reached on September 8, 2008 when the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepted the application submitted by
the Department of Energy. In its decision statement, the NRC indicated
that the application "contains sufficient information for the agency to move
ahead to the next stage of formal review." As reported by the Stephens
Washington Bureau, this move opens the way for detailed safety studies and
hearings on the project, followed by other scientific and administrative
reviews, such as a requested study to ensure that radioactive toxins from
the site will not leech into the water table, which are expected to last for
a period of three to four years. Placement of the 8,600-page license
application on the docket followed a 90-day review by NRC staffers and
consultants to ensure that it was sufficiently complete to proceed.
Members of the Nevada congressional delegation were quick to point out that
the fight against the Yucca Mountain project had not come to a close as a
result of the NRC's acceptance. Delegation members noted that there are many
obstacles that the application must yet overcome to include scientific,
budget, and not the least, political. As noted by Stephens Media, the fate
of the project could well lie in the upcoming national elections. While the
Republican candidate has indicated that he supports the project if supported
by scientific evidence, the Democrat candidate has said he will halt the
project if elected.
On September 30, 2008, Bob Loux, the executive director of Nevada's Nuclear
Projects Agency resigned after 23 years of leading the state's fight against
the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. In accepting Loux's
resignation, the Nevada Nuclear Projects Commission noted his excellent work
over the years on behalf of the State of Nevada. Mr. Loux will remain in his
position until such time as a replacement is appointed.
Now available in the public health and safety's health care section of the
Monitoring Program are links to the Southern Nevada Health District's Annual
Reports to the Community. These reports highlight the work of the District
over the years and are comprehensive sources of information. The District
staff also reminds the public that their website,
www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org, contains seasonally updated
information on public health-related matters. Currently listed is
information on the health risks related to illegal food vendors, mosquitoes,
and the annually recurring influenza season that is about to be upon us.
Crime statistics received from our local police departments show a
continuing focus on violent and property crimes. In the area of violent
crime, sexual assaults head the list of growing concern, while homicides,
robberies, and assaults with a gun showed decreases in the third quarter.
The three major areas of property crime: burglary, auto burglary, and auto
theft, all showed a decrease. |
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CURRENT QUARTER
INDICATOR BRIEF: |
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PUBLIC HEALTH
AND SAFETY
HIGHLIGHTS: |
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1. |
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission accepted
the license application for the Yucca
Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository from the
Department of Energy |
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2. |
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The Southern Nevada Health District reminds
the public of the upcoming influenza season |
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3. |
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Local police departments continue their
successful efforts fighting violent and
property crimes |
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