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West Texas is on track to get even more nuclear waste — thanks to the federal government

A hazardous waste disposal company in Andrews County wants to handle more dangerous levels of nuclear waste. Federal agencies are pondering new rules that could allow more of it to come to Texas.

The entrance to the Waste Control Specialists site where radioactive and hazardous waste is being stored on Jan. 17, 2021.
The Waste Control Specialists radioactive and hazardous waste storage site in Andrews, Texas, on Jan. 17, 2021.

Nuclear debate in Texas

Elaine Magruder on her family’s ranch near Andrews, Texas on Jan. 17, 2021.
Elaine Magruder snakes a drainage pipe in one of the many water well reservoirs on her family’s ranch near Andrews, on Jan. 17, 2021.
Elaine Magruder fills a water bottle from a well on her ranch Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021 near Andrews, Texas.

Radioactivity in West Texas

A new interpretation

The entrance to the Waste Control Specialists site, where radioactive and hazardous waste is being stored on Jan. 17, 2021.

“It’s not cotton candy”

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