SCE&G to store toxic waste in casks, not pools

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The company that runs a Fairfield County nuclear plant says it will store radioactive waste in steel and concrete containers instead of submerging the refuse in water pools.

The State of Columbia reports Sunday that South Carolina Electric & Gas’ plan to build dry cask storage units at its V.C. Summer nuclear plant will relieve pressure on its spent-fuel pool.

The pool has capacity until 2017. SCE&G says it plans to start using the dry cask storage units in 2015.

Anti-nuclear activists say dry cask storage is safer than pools if nuclear waste has to stay on site. That’s looking more likely with plans for long-term storage sites like Yucca Mountain tabled.

SCE&G will need a license for the casks and has an upcoming meeting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com