MATHESON: Divine Strake Meetings Should Include Public Comment

Friday, January 5, 2007
 

Jan. 5, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Divine Strake Meetings Should Include Public Comment

Open House Format Lacks Input Component

Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson said today he is disappointed that scheduled public meetings in Salt Lake City and St. George-- to present information about the planned 700-ton conventional explosion known as "Divine Strake"-- won't include taking public comments.  The large-scale, open-air explosive detonation is designed for the Nevada Test Site, which is where hundreds of above ground and underground nuclear tests took place in the past.

"I've been asking questions about the nature and purpose of Divine Strake for nearly 10 months.  I have sought-among other things-answers about any potential health and safety risks posed by the blast.  Sen. Hatch and I initially understood that Utahns would have a chance to present their views to government officials regarding Divine Strake. I share Utahns' skepticism when the government tells us simply 'trust us'," said Matheson.

This week, Matheson requested that the Department of Energy and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) alter the meeting format, but his request was declined.

The "Divine Strake" blast was originally scheduled for June 2006 but it was postponed until September.  It was further postponed after DTRA withdrew its original Finding of No Significant Impact in order to conduct more environmental analysis.

Matheson said officials representing DOE, DTRA, and the Nevada Test Site are expected to be present at two open house sessions in Utah. Last month, DTRA released its revised Draft Environmental Assessment including results of soil sampling and other environmental data for public comment.

The Utah public information sessions will be held the following dates and times:

Salt Lake City, Jan. 10th, Energy Solutions Arena, 6:30 - 9 PM
St. George, Jan. 11th, Dixie Center, 6:30 - 9 PM

The recently released draft Environmental Assessment is located on the Nevada Test Site website at www.nv.doe.gov

Public comments on the draft EA are being accepted until Jan. 24, 2007.