Florida lawmakers have proposed a bill that would allow the state to use phosphogypsum, a radioactive waste product, to pave roads. The bill has been met with opposition from environmental groups and the EPA, who warn that using phosphogypsum in roads could pose a health risk to residents.
Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of the phosphate mining industry. It is a radioactive waste product that contains radium and uranium. Florida is the largest producer of phosphogypsum in the United States, and the state currently has over 1 billion tons of phosphogypsum stored in stacks.
Proponents of the bill argue that using phosphogypsum in roads would be a cost-effective way to dispose of the waste product and would also improve the quality of Florida’s roads. However, critics of the bill warn that the radioactive material could leach into the groundwater and soil, posing a health risk to residents.
The EPA also has concerns about the proposed legislation. The agency currently prohibits the use of phosphogypsum in road construction, and it says that Florida would need to apply for approval from the EPA before using phosphogypsum in roads.
The bill is still in its early stages, and it is unclear whether it will be passed by the Florida Legislature. However, the debate over the use of phosphogypsum in roads is likely to continue.
Is Using Radioactive Waste to Pave Roads Safe?
The safety of using phosphogypsum in roads is a matter of debate. Proponents of the bill argue that the radioactive material is safe when it is properly contained and that it would not pose a health risk to residents. However, critics of the bill warn that the radioactive material could leach into the groundwater and soil, posing a health risk to residents.
The EPA has also expressed concerns about the safety of using phosphogypsum in roads. The agency says that the radioactive material could pose a health risk to road construction workers and residents who live near roads that are paved with phosphogypsum.
What Happens Next?
The bill is still in its early stages, and it is unclear whether it will be passed by the Florida Legislature. If the bill is passed, Florida would need to apply for approval from the EPA before using phosphogypsum in roads. The EPA would then review Florida’s application and make a decision about whether to approve the use of phosphogypsum in roads.
The debate over the use of phosphogypsum in roads is likely to continue. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a safe and cost-effective way to dispose of the waste product and improve the quality of Florida’s roads. However, critics of the bill warn that it could pose a health risk to residents.