Nearly $8.2M in Fines Levied for Waste Disposal in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A state agency is seeking nearly $8.2 million in civil penalties against several companies accused of being responsible for dumping low-level nuclear waste in landfills in eastern Kentucky.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services said Monday the penalties target the processors, transporters and brokers responsible for transferring the materials into landfills in Estill and Greenup counties.

The penalties are being levied against eight companies and one individual. The fines range from $2.65 million to $30,000.

Cabinet Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson says state laws prohibit the disposal of radioactive material from out-of-state companies in Kentucky landfills. She says the cabinet is imposing significant penalties against those responsible for the activity.

The cabinet says the amounts of fines depend on the number of violations discovered.