Nuclear research and the storage of radioactive materials at Idaho National Laboratory continues to be a hot topic for many. Now a uranium processing facility proposed for eastern Idaho is also stirring up strong emotions.

The proposed Eagle Rock Uranium Enrichment Facility would take raw uranium, and process it by slightly increasing the amount of U-235 up to five percent, so it could be used to fuel nuclear reactors. One local citizen is concerned that nuclear material might be discharged into the Snake River.

Peter Rickards said, “The Areva company at its French uranium processing plant last summer had to close down the river because of an accidental huge discharge of uranium into the river. And had to close the river for drinking, close it down for irrigation, and close it down for recreation.”

A representative for the Idaho Falls Regional Operation of Areva says the proposed uranium enrichment plant would use little water, have "no" water discharge or on-site waste burial, and only minor discharges of air.

Areva Vice President Bob Poyser said, “The discharges in terms of water are practically nil. There are no discrete discharge points from this facility. Everything will be evaporated into dryness and any residue would be shipped off.”

Poyser says the extremely high speed centrifuges that would be used in the processing plant have been developed over the last 30 years - and are now being used in three other plants around the world.

He says a draft environmental impact statement is expected sometime this summer - and the plant could receive its national regulatory commission license by summer of next year.

Twin Falls County Commissioner Tom Mikesell said, “And our concern today was to understand what it's doing there, and what the benefits are, and if there are any impacts that we're aware of them and be prepared.”