County commissioners weigh nuclear waste storage project

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — County commissioners in southern New Mexico are in debate over a federal project that aims to determine whether nuclear waste can be stored far underground. The Alamogordo Daily News reports (http://bit.ly/2oaS2oL) the Otero County Commission discussed a proposed resolution in opposition of the project Thursday but decided to hold off on taking any action. Commissioners say they have received comments from residents both for and against the project, which involves the drilling of narrow, vertical holes deep into the ground to test whether they can hold disposed nuclear material. The U.S. Department of Energy is funding the testing by New Mexico-based TerranearPMC and has said no nuclear waste will be involved. The company says it shares residents' concerns and that it will conduct an environmental assessment before moving forward with the project.