Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 6

NEVADA Z6A RENO AZETTE-JOURNALRGJ. COM SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006 Report faults quality assurance at Yucca Mountain Energy Department audit latest in a series of criticism; opened," said Energy Depart and that fixes were not always effective, so issues recurred. "As a result, potential conditions that could affect the ongoing design and analysis work may go unresolved, delaying issuance by the (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) of the license to begin construction and operation of the repository," said the report. Energy Department officials mostly accepted findings of the report and promised to implement changes. They disputed a few points, including contending that not all potential problems at Yucca must necessarily be reported through the Corrective Action Program.

"This comprehensive report will help us make certain that our processes and procedures are sound as we move forward on the path to getting Yucca Mountain licensed, constructed and BY ERICA WERNER ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON A program to find and correct quality assurance problems at the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump has not been effective, said a report by the Energy Department's inspector general on Friday. The audit was requested by Yucca managers last October, several months after the discovery of internal e-mails suggesting government scientists working on the project flouted quality control requirements. The report looked at a "Corrective Action Program" in place at the project since 2003. It found that more than 100 issues that should have been managed through the program were not; that problems were not fixed as fast as they should be; The summit ridge of the planned Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump near Mercury is seen on June 25, 2002. ment spokesman U-aig Stevens.

The report was the latest in a series of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office reports to criticize man- agement of the dump 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas that is supposed to hold at least 77,000 tons of radioactive waste for generations to come. Those problems and others, including the e-mail controversy, have led to repeated delays at Yucca Mountain, which the Energy Department now wants to open in 2017. I The work by the scientists I who wrote the e-mails is being redone but no criminal charges were brought. Program manag- ers have subsequently promised a renewed focus on accountabil- ity and quality control at Yucca Mountain. BRIEFLY Immunization clinic expanding its hours The Washoe District Health 5,, Department is expanding its immunization clinic hours at 1001 E.

Ninth St. to accommodate children who need shots before school i starts. The clinic is scheduled to be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, now 1' through Sept.

6. Waiting time at the clinic can take up to two hours, the health 1 department said. Parents should bring current proof of vaccinations for their children. For more information, call 328-3724 or go online to www.washoecounty.ushealth. Staff report Local governments want Legislature to create flood control district ASSOCIATED PRSS FILE the former Reno Hilton.

Then, the district spreads out to cover most of the southeast Truckee Meadows, north of Rattlesnake Mountain. The committee agreed Washoe County should carry the bill creating a flood-control district tailored for Washoe County and voted to hire a lobbyist for up to $50,000 for the coming legislative session. State Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, also has con- sented to be a bill sponsor if needed, said Bob Larkin, county commission chairman. Larkin also won support for pushing forward with a $100 million request from the state budget surplus.

That request is now before Gov. Kenny Guinn's staff. in Nevada! the brakes to be put on specific tax proposals until an economic study determines how much taxes and fees small businesses in the Sparks industrial district can bear. Thesesmall businesses also could be subject to a special assessment district because they'd benefit directly by the flood control projects resulting in being double-taxed for flood control. "How many people are going to be put out of business by this assessment district?" Martini asked.

"They may not be able to afford it." The assessment district would include the area where the Truckee floods. This involves a narrow band along the river as it flows through downtown to WHAT'S NEXT A subcommittee of the flood management coordinating committee will consider the substance of the flood district bill at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 5 in the county commission caucus room, 1001 E. Ninth St.

County residents already are paying a one-eighth cent sales tax for flood control and other public safety projects. The economic study, estimated to cost at least $100,000, probably would not be finished until early next year, flood director Naomi Duerr said. A second purpose of the study is to determine the full economic impact of another major flood, including lost business, BY SUSAN VOYLES svoylesrgj.com Reno, Sparks and Washoe County officials agreed Friday to pursue state legislation in 2007 to create a flood control district to raise property taxes or new fees. This would help fund a $300 million shortfall in the Truckee River flood control project. The legislation would put the flood management coordinating committee, made up of local elected officials, in charge of the district in overseeing the long-: planned project now estimated at $800 million.

Officials hope the federal government will fund half the cost. At the same time, Sparks Mayor Geno Martini asked for www BIGGEST Show of its' Kind Reno-Sparks Convention Ctr. 4590 S. Virginia Reno NV 89502 10:00 pm Friday-Saturday-Sunday Admission $8.00 Festival Features Vendor Mall Open to the Public Shop for Products Supplies Gather project Ideas, Tips Instruction See Quilts, Dolls, Wearable Art Exhibits Sharpen Skills complete a Make Take it Be Inspired at the Fashion Show Dinner SewQuilt Embroidery.Festivap Reno Gay Pride Saturday Sunday, August 19 20 from 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

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In the 1997 flood of the Truckee, the corps estimated building damages at $450 million while local flood officials estimate the flood damage at $680 million, including lost business. In other action, the committee commended Duerr for her first year on the job and unanimously voted to raise her salary from $124,904 to $140,000 a year. jDowfttowntl 1-6 iy: 11-5 Off Workshops begin Thursday August 17th On site seminars workshop tickets available if not sold out Presented by PCM Expo, LLC 1-800-472-6476 pcmgjuno.com laaiaggnsn: of $8.00 2E Cjdo Hold TIDFF General Admission 3 America's Log on to www.renoqavpride.com for parade details. Reno Gazette-Journal IRGftL, JW BLINDS. Window Covering Specialists Since 1978 TIME IS RUNNING OUT! $1,000,000 FURNITURE CLEARANCE If! 20, 30, 40, 50 Regular Retail List Prices on Faux Wood Blinds, Honeycomb Shades, Roman Shades, StarLight Window Shadings, Wood Blinds and Woven Woods You'll find many top Quality Brands including: Christopher Lowell Collection" home It's easy! Our design consultants will handle gJ! the details: Measuring (your product will fit perfectly guaranteed) Ordering your products Coordinating your professional installation 'Bring Out Ifour Inner To set up a no charge, in-home design consultation today, call 1-800-590-SHOP or log on www.3day.com.

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