Public comments sought on bringing nuclear fuel to Idaho

The U.S. Department of Energy has opened a 30-day public comment period on proposals to bring new shipments of commercial nuclear fuel rods into Idaho.

DOE wants to bring two shipments totaling 80 to 100 kilograms heavy metal to the Idaho National Laboratory for research and development purposes.

Public comments will determine whether an existing environmental impact statement should be changed or a new one developed.

Comments will be accepted until July 13, 2015.

The proposed shipments created controversy when former Governors Phil Batt and Cecil Andrus voiced objection. They said the shipments would violate previous waste treatment agreements between the state and Department of Energy.

Comments can be submitted by mail to Jack Depperschmidt, NEPA Document Manager, U.S. Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office, 1955 Fremont Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415-1222; phone 208-526-5053; or by email to www.comnfsa@id.doe.gov Paper copies of the document are available from Depperschmidt on request.