State gives preliminary approval to Estill Co. landfill's plan to deal with radioactive waste

The state has given preliminary approval to a plan to deal with radioactive materials illegally dumped at an Estill County landfill. Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material or TENORM was illegally brought to the Blue Ridge Landfill in 2015.

The landfill proposed two options for dealing with the waste. The first involved excavating the TENORM and disposing of it elsewhere. The second involved leaving it in place. The State Energy and Environment Cabinet has preliminarily approved the landfill's preferred option, which is to leave the TENORM in place. The cabinet says leaving the TENORM in place protects human health and the environment because it limits potential public exposure that might occur with excavating. The landfill is located near Estill County High School.

The cabinet will give final approval after the landfill comes up with a plan for monitoring the waste, increases worker safety and limits activity around the site where the TENORM was dumped.

The public has a chance to comment on the plan. The cabinet will begin accepting written comments on January 11. You can submit your comments until February 11. They can be mailed to the following address:

Jeff Cummins

Director, Division of Enforcement

300 Sower Boulevard Lane

Frankfort, KY 40601

You can also email comments to jeff.cummins@ky.gov. The cabinet asks you reference Agency Interest Number 998 and Agreed Order DWM - 160048 on any comments you submit.