Gov. Miller says policy needed for nuclear hauling accidents

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Miller commented following disclosure this week of a Nov. 16 crash of a truck hauling nuclear warheads in Nebraska. The accident didn't result in juries or release of radioactive matter, and there was no immediate notice to the public or to that state's governor. .

"The scenario we saw in Nebraska is something I've been aware of for a number of years," Miller said Tuesday. "I have approached federal agencies on this hole in nuclear policy in the past, and I have been rebuffed."

Miller said state officials should be told of an accident if their help is needed, and the public must be advised if there's any need for people to be moved quickly.

The governor said he'll discuss the need for such a policy with the incoming secretaries of defense and energy, and will also consider asking Western governors to approach the agencies together with such a request.

Miller said he understands the need for secrecy and security in transporting nuclear warheads or fuel for submarines, but added there's still a need for public protection.

Derek Scammell, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Energy Department in Las Vegas, said notice isn't needed when nuclear materials are moved.

Even in the event of an accident, he said the public isn't notified if there are no leaks because there's no point in alarming people unnecessarily.

Appropriate emergency agencies would be told if there was a danger to the public, he added.

Sen. Dick Bryan, D-Nev., said the Nebraska incident should alert people to the potential for accidents if nuclear waste is shipped to southern Nevada for either permanent or temporary storage.

"Any one of those shipments could be involved in some kind of accident where the public's health and safety would be placed at risk," he said.