Editorial: Look under every rock for truth

Monday, Jan. 29, 2001 | 8:59 a.m.

An investigation into allegations that Yucca Mountain Project's main contractor was biased isn't enough for Rep. Shelley Berkley. The Nevada Democrat last week called on the Department of Energy's inspector general to investigate all department contractors performing work on the Yucca Mountain Project. The initial probe began after then-Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson agreed to conduct an investigation at the request of Senate Assistant Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

It is understandable that Berkley wants more than a probe of TRW Environmental Safety Systems, an investigation that began after the Sun obtained a document suggesting that Yucca Mountain is safe to store high-level nuclear waste -- despite the fact that the DOE hasn't finished its inquiry yet.

It surely is an understatement to say that there has been bias on the part of the DOE and its contractors, especially since credible information showing how unsafe Yucca Mountain is has been routinely discounted. For that matter, Congress itself has led the way, requiring that only Yucca Mountain be considered as a repository -- not exactly a scientific undertaking since true science would look at several sites, at the very least, to see which one is most suitable.

If there ever was a time that the federal government wanted to ensure that political hijinks, slipshod science or downright bias shouldn't creep into a decision it would be the designation of a site that is supposed to safely store 77,000 tons of man's deadliest waste for the next 10,000 years. A truly independent, thorough government review of actions taken to date by the Congress, DOE and contractors would acknowledge just what a travesty has occurred so far.