Bill to Keep States from Dumping Radioactive Waste in MI

Legislation is set to be announced soon that would stop companies in other states from dumping their low-level radioactive waster in Michigan landfills.

The bill is being proposed by Republican Senator Rick Jones of Grand Ledge in response to reports that a landfill in Michigan was set to accept nearly 40 tons of the sludge from Pennsylvania

"We want a Pure Michigan that attracts families from across the country and the world for fun and excitement in the great outdoors--not as a dumping ground that attracts the country's radioactive waste,"  he said in a written statement.

According to news reports, a landfill in Wayne County has received the go-ahead from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to take the shipment.  Jones says Ohio officials are now considering the move and he said it was time to step in.

"I will be working to adopt the same tough standards as other states because the risk that this type of waste may pose to our lakes and rivers is simply too great," he said.

Jones said the implications of the legislation are far-reaching..

"It is not just about protecting Michigan residents, it is about being responsible with how we protect the world's largest collection of fresh water."

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