Number: 1980-54
WHEREAS, it has become known to the National Wildlife Federation that the Federal Government is now considering the problem of disposal of “used” or “spent” radioactive materials after their useful life has been expended; and
WHEREAS, said “spent” radioactive materials pose serious contamination possibilities for thousands of years; and
WHEREAS, water systems, whether ground water or surface water could and would spread any such contamination over large areas, following the flow of the water; and
WHEREAS, said materials should be isolated contained in dry areas so as to provide long term protection for the public, and fish and wildlife resources; and
WHEREAS, these materials may have additional uses based on future scientific discoveries and advances;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla, hereby urges: (1) that these materials be implaced under maximum isolation and containment conditions; (2) that the storage facility be arranged as a warehouse rather than a disposal area; (3) that there be further intensive study to determine other possible uses for the radioactive materials; and (4) that all possible precautions, including fail-safe provisions be utilized for the protection of the public, and fish and wildlife resources from possible future contamination.