our readers write

Thank you for your article about the Westinghouse nuclear leak.

It troubles me that Westinghouse has kept the leaks from the public and from the Department of Health & Environmental Control because nuclear waste is so toxic to the environment.

In your article you state that the “leak should have no direct effect on Lexington.”

I find that statement somewhat disingenuous. The material that they are using at the Westinghouse plant is U235 which has a half life of 703.8 million years. It may not have an immediate effect on citizens in Lexington, but it will have an effect.

In addition, I looked at the waste management section in the “Final Environmental Assessment for the Renewal of SNM-1107 Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Richland County, South Carolina” document and was very disturbed to see that not only are there contaminants from air emissions from the plant, but also contaminants in the water that is discharged into the Congaree.

I enjoy and am proud of the Congaree National Park. As an environmentalist, I want to protect our animals and plants.

The issue of the leak at the Westinghouse Bluff Road plant is scary and disturbing.

I hope the Nuclear Regulatory Commission refuses the 40 year license renewal but I don’t know how to keep that from happening. For what it’s worth, I intend to contact Rep. Bill Sandifer and express my displeasure at his ignorance.

Cassandra Fralix, Lexington

We welcome your letters

Letters to the editor give Chronicle readers a way to raise concerns. Include your name, address, and telephone number for identity verification. Your telephone number and address will not be published. Our deadline for letters is 2 p.m. Friday. Send them to chronicleletter@gmail.com .