Kentucky begins crackdown on radioactive waste

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky health officials have ordered the company accused of hauling low-level nuclear waste into the state to stop or face heavy fines and potential criminal charges.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/1pgmwG7 ) reports that the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet on Tuesday also sent violation notices to two landfill operators in Greenup and Estill counties, accusing them of inaccurately characterizing the waste.

Health Cabinet attorney Jennifer Wolsing said in a letter released Tuesday that BES LLC, doing business as Advanced TENORM Services, transported the waste. The company couldn’t be reached for comment.

The enforcement comes about two weeks after officials publicly confirmed that waste from fracking operations in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania was sent to an Estill County landfill last year. Officials say less radioactive waste was transported to Greenup County.

Representatives of the landfills couldn’t be reached for comment.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.