Comment period for Yucca dump guidelines extended

Monday, May 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

The U.S. Department of Energy has extended the time period for people to comment on its proposed amendment to siting guidelines for the proposed Yucca Mountain high-level nuclear waste dump.

The first comment deadline had been set for Feb. 14. Public requests for extra time have resulted in three extensions, with the latest deadline being set for May 16.

The proposed amendment would ensure that Yucca Mountain would be found safe if it passes an overall performance analysis. The original agreement stated that if any of several specific qualifications were not met, the dump would not be allowed at Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Nevada Gov. Bob Miller has threatened to sue the DOE if the changes are made.

Comments may be mailed to April V. Gil, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office, P.O. Box 30307, North Las Vegas, NV 89036-0307.

The e-mail address is:

10CFR960@notes.ymp.gov

DOE's toll-free information line is 1-800-967-3477 for people to receive copies of the notice of proposed rulemaking or to find out more about its process.