The German Federal Environment Ministry is defending planned Castor transports through North Rhine-Westphalia, concerning the relocation of nuclear fuel elements
Parliamentary State Secretary Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter explained to the “Rheinische Post” that several options were considered by the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste (Bundesatomaufsicht) to clear the fuel element storage facility in Jülich “The quickest, legally viable and safest approach is to transport all 152 containers to the interim storage facility in Ahaus” she stated
Schwarzelühr-Sutter acknowledged the concerns of residents and security forces regarding the transport’s potential impact “This is the path that must now be taken” she affirmed, adding that the disposal company is obligated to carry it out “This is in the interest of nuclear safety and therefore in the interest of all our safety, even if it requires a considerable effort, without question
She also highlighted the long-term implications of nuclear energy, stating that Germany utilized nuclear power for only a few decades, while the resulting radioactive legacy will remain for millennia “There are never simple or convenient solutions when it comes to nuclear waste” Schwarzelühr-Sutter commented “Therefore, it is good that we are not increasing the problem with additional nuclear waste, but are now focusing entirely on safe disposal”