During this period of time, any exposure of the waste to the ground, air, or water would mean serious contamination. Thus, the importance of the recent defeat of the MRS Program in Indian communities is clear. Yucca Mountain is located in the homeland of the Western Shoshone People who still retain title to the land. With the recent 5.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked Yucca Mountain, members of the scientific community are joining the unrelenting argument that the site is unsuitable for storing deadly nuclear waste. Even if the Yucca Mountain waste dump is completed, its projected capacity is only 77,000 metric tons, and thus, could not meet the anticipated needs of the existing 111 nuclear power plants.
Radiation knows no cultural or political boundaries.
In fact, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Northern Saskatchewan, has already included the nuclear fuel storage as an economic development initiative. Saskatchewan is the world's largest uranium producer - with several active mines located in Cree Indian territories. China is also presently negotiating such lease agreements. Thus, if we can stop the transportation, targeted communities would greatly benefit. Nuclear waste transportation routes will pass through Indian reservations and subject Native peoples to unnecessary health and safety risks.