Feds: Columbia plant would have little environmental impact

      (AP) – The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says a proposed

medical radioactive isotope plant in Columbia would have little environmental

impact.

      The Columbia Daily Tribune reports the plant, which would be operated by

Northwest Medical Isotopes, would partner with the University of Missouri

Research Reactor. They would produce an element known as Molybdenum-99 that is

used in nuclear medicine to diagnose life-threatening diseases.

      The commission’s environmental impact statement concedes the plant could

present a “small threat” to the area watershed by increasing runoff by changing

fields to surfaces such as rooftops and paved roads.

      But the report says the site of the plant is far enough away from Gans Creek

and other bodies of water that a significant impact to water quality is

unlikely.

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