Utah as Canada’s Dumping Ground? EnergySolutions’ Push to Import Canadian Nuclear Waste

Utah as Canada's Dumping Ground?

EnergySolutions’ Push to Import Canadian Nuclear Waste Raises Public Health and Transparency Concerns

Utah is part of the NorthWest Interstate Compact or NWIC, a cooperative of eight states that shares the responsibility for low-level radioactive waste management in our region. For decades, HEAL has been monitoring the efforts of EnergySolutions, a Utah-based company that operates a radioactive and hazardous waste facility, to bring in various types of radioactive waste for disposal near Clive, Utah, in the West Desert just beyond Great Salt Lake. EnergySolutions is a facility under the Compact’s jurisdiction on low-level radioactive waste. The company maintains an active lobbying presence at the Utah state legislature, and this year it was reported that it paid for Utah lawmakers to join the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Prior to the 2025 legislative session, the definition of low-level radioactive waste in Utah Code was slightly more restrictive than the federal definition of “Class A” low-level waste. This past legislative session, HEAL opposed a bill run by EnergySolutions that subtly changed Utah’s definition of “Class A” radioactive waste to match the national standard. The bill additionally streamlined the permitting process for expansion of radioactive waste facilities, in return for an up to $30 million tax that would be paid by EnergySolutions directly into the Electrical Energy Development Investment Fund, a fund earmarked, amongst other purposes, for further research and development of nuclear energy in the state.  

Now we know why this bill was passed: in the last two months, the NorthWest Interstate Compact has met three times to discuss EnergySolutions’ request for permission to import and dispose of low-level radioactive and mixed waste from Ontario, Canada at its Clive facility in Tooele County. This request was first brought to the NWIC on September 10, 2025. Subsequent discussions were held on October 9th and October 31. On October 31, the Compact motioned for a draft resolution to approve EnergySolutions’ request to consider at the next meeting scheduled for November 25, 2025.

 

The proposal has sparked renewed alarm from environmental and public health advocates, including HEAL Utah, which raised questions about transparency, liability, and Utah’s role as a potential dumping ground for foreign nuclear energy waste.

Diving Into EnergySolutions' Request

EnergySolutions is seeking authorization to import up to 1.3 million cubic yards of Canadian low-level radioactive and mixed waste, generated by the civilian nuclear power industry. This volume is roughly equivalent to 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The NWIC has asked that the waste would be classified to US standards in Canada prior to shipment and, according to the company, would exclude government, weapons-related, or academic research waste. EnergySolutions currently does not accept high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel from U.S. civilian nuclear power plants, but this low-level radioactive waste would be composed of other wastes from nuclear power production and potentially nuclear plant decommissioning. This proposal would mark the first time that this type** of foreign radioactive waste will be brought across US borders and dumped at the EnergySolutions facility. 

EnergySolutions argues that importing this material will help to pay for expansion of its disposal cells and would not reduce domestic disposal capacity, noting that the Canadian waste would fill about 15% of a new, not-yet-approved expansion cell at the Clive site. EnergySolutions has also recommended removing a proposed 10-year limit on the authorization to import, further raising questions about long-term oversight and accountability. Despite assurances from EnergySolutions that the waste is “routine” and similar to what’s already processed at their U.S. facility, many NWIC members voiced uncertainty about who would oversee compliance, how volume caps would be tracked, and whether the NWIC has the authority to refuse further imports once initial authorization is granted.

On November 13, in response to concerns raised by HEAL and the general public, the Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control (DWMRC) Board briefly discussed EnergySolutions’ request during their regular meeting. EnergySolutions advocated for bringing in the international radioactive nuclear waste as a way to support domestic nuclear production. The Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control also confirmed that they will not be taking public comment on this request, as this waste will be classified as Class A waste, which EnergySolutions already has a permit for. Therefore, only the NorthWest Interstate Compact can approve or disapprove of EnergySolutions’ request. 

 

HEAL has raised concerns about the lack of meaningful public process on this request and argues that the decision to import international radioactive waste to Utah, even if it is classified as Class A, should still require public input at the state level. In 2008, a previous proposal to bring in international radioactive waste into Utah failed, in part due to public outcry. The stunning lack of transparency in EnergySolutions’ actions is nothing new. HEAL has provided comments against this proposal and will continue to stand up against private industries risking our public and environmental health.

HEAL Utah's Concerns

HEAL Utah, in public comments during the last few NWIC meetings, urged the Compact to hold the request until critical questions are answered.  and highlighted the lack of public transparency:

Transparency

Why did DWMRC not share public notices from NWIC with in-state stakeholders if they knew that the public was unlikely to have access to information from the Compact?

Public Health

What protections will be in place for Utahns and US citizens living along transportation corridors from international waste? What are the transportation routes, risks, and cleanup responsibilities in the event of a spill across multiple states and international borders to Utah’s residents?

Accountability

Who is responsible–EnergySolutions, Utah agencies, or Canadian entities, if the imported waste violates safety standards or if an accident occurs? Who is responsible for reporting and enforcement? Why was similar waste not approved the last time EnergySolutions requested to bring in international waste?

EnergySolutions demanded a vote the first day the NWIC saw their request on September 10, 2025. In the next few meetings, HEAL emphasized that these questions remain unanswered. After three further meetings, there is still a lack of public awareness and accessible information about the issue. HEAL is concerned that approving this request would set a poor precedent by allowing a private company to import foreign waste without clarifying the safeguards that would protect the public. Ultimately this could erode public trust in how Utah manages radioactive materials.

Take Further Action

EnergySolutions and the Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control have been asking the NWIC board to approve the request. On November 25, 2025 at the next special meeting, there will likely be a vote on the Draft Arrangement for Possibly Accepting LLRW Waste from the Province of Ontario, Canada for Disposal at the EnergySolutions Clive, Utah Facility.

EnergySolutions and the Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control have been asking the NWIC board to approve the request. On November 25, 2025 at the next special meeting, there will likely be a vote on the Draft Arrangement for Possibly Accepting LLRW Waste from the Province of Ontario, Canada for Disposal at the EnergySolutions Clive, Utah Facility.

 

Utahns deserve a say in whether or not international nuclear waste starts crossing our borders. The state’s first duty is to protect people and the environment, not to serve as a profit center for the nuclear industry.

Fill Out Our Action Alert to Oppose EnergySolutions' Nuclear Waste Proposal Today!

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