SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Rapid City-based consulting firm is holding a public meeting tonight in Fort Pierre on the borehole field testing for the proposed disposal of nuclear waste in Haakon County.
RESPEC President and CEO Todd Kenner says the proposal is divided in five phases.
Kenner says the first phase is focused on public outreach, education and information which will continue for five months. He says the second phase includes development of a preliminary drilling plan, which again will run about five months.
Kenner says there are other sites being considered. Two are in New Mexico and another is in Texas. After phase two, the Department of Energy has indicated it will select one primary team and one location.
Kenner says there have been previous public meetings on the project and RESPEC has been able to address the concerns of that residents have.
He says they are starting to understand the value of the research and the science aspect and the concerns over the implied nature of long-term waste disposal.
Kenner says the authority and responsibility still lies with the State of South Dakota. He says its only "going to happen if the governor, legislature and the people want it to happen."
He says RESPEC has to demonstrate public support before they can get a permit for the test.