Mack still opposed after Yucca tour

Diana Sahagun

Friday, May 24, 2002 | 9:58 a.m.

Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack made the long trip to Yucca Mountain this week, but says he hasn't changed his mind about the dangers of transporting high-level nuclear waste to the site.

Mack visited the site with staff from the Department of Energy and a member of the Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects. Mack said his intent was to hear both sides of the argument to name Yucca Mountain as the nation's repository, and also to be able to provide some answers to his constituents about the project.

"I can see how they both have very compelling reasonings for which way they feel, but I'm still not a supporter of this waste coming until they scientifically prove it," Mack said. "There are so many unanswered questions."

Mack said he was surprised to learn how much money the government has spent on the project -- an amount he said totals $1 million per day. He was also told there are 150 people currently at the site for maintenance and other duties.

Mack recommends the public take the free tours, which are offered several times per month.

For more information, the local DOE office can be reached at 794-5555.

archive