Mexico Ponders Creating Nuclear Waste Site

A federal official announced that Mexico is considering the creation of a nuclear waste repository in the State of Chihuahua, or maybe Coahuila, San Luis Potosi, or Durango. No timeframe was given for when the officials of the National Institute of Nuclear Research would make the decision.

The idea was quickly denounced by opponents in the U.S. and Mexico. Speaking for the Bi-national Coalition Against Radioactive and Toxic Waste, West Texan Bill Addington stated, "We'll definitely fight it." Chihuahua Gov. Jose Reyes Baeza's office said it didn't know anything about the proposal. Nonetheless, the governor will oppose the idea. And, naturally, Greenpeace of Mexico, through spokesman Alejandro Calvillo, said activists would go to Chihuahua to oppose the proposal. However, despite the volume, opposition to the proposal on the south side of the U.S.-Mexico border can probably be silenced with cash. North of the border is a different story.

A few things have to be recognized with regard to Mexico storing nuclear waste. The country has a nuclear power facility at Vera Cruz, so there is a need for a nuclear waste repository. Also, no mention has been made of having low and high-level radioactive material transported in rickety trucks on rickety roads throughout Mexico. There's also the problem of site security in a nation known for endemic corruption.

So, the story develops ...