LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A state lawmaker is hoping to stop the transportation of radioactive waste to Michigan. The effort comes after radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project was scheduled to be disposed of in metro Detroit.

The Manhattan Project was a secret government operation during World War II that saw the development of atomic bombs. Last month, low-level radioactive soil from that project was scheduled to be delivered to Wayne County until a judge’s temporary restraining order halted the delivery.

“There are a lot of other places where it could be particularly closer to this facility, so why does it have to come here,” asked State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton).

Sen. Camilleri blamed the state’s low tipping fees and declining funding for the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

Legislation introduced by Senator Camilleri would permanently prevent the disposal of radioactive waste in Michigan.

“What we’re looking to do is basically regulate a system that is currently very lightly regulated,” Senator Camilleri said.

The legislation would require EGLE to develop a radioactive waste management plan within five years. During this period, storage facilities would not be constructed or expanded, and new hazardous waste injection wells would be completely prohibited.

“(EGLE) has other waste management plans across the state for different types of waste, but when it comes to radioactive waste, this will allow us to limit some of that material coming here into the state of Michigan,” said Senator Camilleri. explain.

EGLE wrote in a statement that they are “working collaboratively with stakeholders on proposals regarding hazardous waste management in Michigan.” And wrote that they are “committed to keeping Michigan’s communities and environment safe.”

If passed, the legislation would prevent the construction of new hazardous waste facilities in densely populated areas or within 100 miles of an existing facility. Additionally, it would also prevent taxpayers from footing the bill for the cleanup.

“We need to make sure we’re taking care of our environment for generations to come, which is why it’s so important to have this conversation and regulate the type of materials that are dumped here in the state of Michigan,” said Senator Callimeri.

Senator Callimeri sent the bill to the Energy Committee. He hopes the law will be adopted before the end of the year.

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