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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2002

A former Department of Energy official who was in charge of the Yucca Mountain project has questioned whether the site is suitable for storing the nation's nuclear waste.

In a sworn affidavit that appears to be part of a legal challenge, John W. Bartlett says the government knows the mountain's features can't adequately prevent radiation from entering the water supply and the air. Bartlett ran the project from 1990 to 1993.

Current officials disputed Bartlett's claims, saying the site is scientifically sound. Secretary Spencer Abraham is formally recommending the project go forward over the objections of Nevada officials, politicians and area tribes.

Bush's budget projects spending $527 million in fiscal year 2003 for the site.

Get the Story:
Nev. Nuclear Waste Plan Faulted by Ex-Official (The Washington Post 2/6)
NUCLEAR WASTE: Guinn will press Bush on dump (The Las Vegas Review-Journal 2/6)
Report lists Yucca impact (The Las Vegas Review-Journal 2/6)

Relevant Links:
The Yucca Mountain Project, Department of Energy - http://www.ymp.gov

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