Meetings on Yucca licensing process set

Wednesday, May 16, 2001 | 9:23 a.m.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding two meetings to explain how it will conduct hearings to license a high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain if one is approved.

Executive Director William Reamer will lay out the licensing process to residents in Pahrump and Las Vegas. The commission licenses nuclear reactors and other activities related to radioactive materials.

If Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, is found suitable for a repository, the commission will hear evidence for up to four years before granting the Department of Energy a license.

On April 15 the commission announced any permitting process will be conducted in a formal hearing, allowing sworn testimony and cross-examination of witnesses. Reamer plans to explain how the public can participate if future hearings are scheduled.

The public meeting schedule is:

Tuesday, May 22, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mountain View Casino and Bowl in Pahrump.

Wednesday, May 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Regional Transportation Commission Building, next to the County Government Center, 600 S. Grand Central Pkwy., Las Vegas.