Florida’s Radioactive Roads: Controversy Surrounds Proposed Use of Phosphogypsum in Road Construction

Brief 

Explore the debate surrounding Florida’s proposed legislation to pave roads with phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of fertiliser production. Delve into the environmental and health concerns and the possible implications for the fertiliser industry.

Insight

Florida’s administration is considering a controversial plan to pave roads with phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of fertiliser production, in a bid to utilise a currently wasted resource. The state currently has approximately one billion tons of the material stored in stacks.

The largely gypsum-based substance contains uranium and thorium, and their decay products radium, radon, and polonium. With phosphogypsum’s radioactivity making extraction economically prohibitive, the material remains largely unused. However, Bill HB1191, which is currently awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis’s approval, could change that.

The bill is calling on the Florida Transportation Department to explore the potential for phosphogypsum in road construction. If passed, the legislation will pave the way for the byproduct to be used as a road-building aggregate, in much the same way as sand or crushed stone.

However, critics argue that the initiative poses significant health and environmental risks. The material emits alpha particles which, while lacking the penetrative abilities of other radioactive emissions, can pose health risks if ingested. The construction process could expose workers and bystanders to increased levels of radiation. There are also fears around radon gas, a decay product of radium, which can cause cancer.

Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, are urging Governor DeSantis to veto the bill, citing concerns that phosphogypsum could contaminate groundwater over time. They argue that the move is not a viable solution to the fertiliser industry’s waste problem.

Florida lawmakers and the Fertilizer Institute assert that potential radiation exposure to the public would be below baseline levels. It’s worth noting that both parties could stand to gain from the bill’s enactment.

In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tentatively approved the use of phosphogypsum for road construction following lobbying from the Fertilizer Institute. However, due to pressure from environmental groups, the approval was rescinded the following year.

If Governor DeSantis does not veto the bill, it will automatically become law. However, the EPA’s previous disapproval technically prevents Florida from using phosphogypsum in this manner. The state would need to apply for federal approval, opening the topic to public commentary and EPA evaluation.

Highlight

1. If passed, the legislation will pave the way for the byproduct to be used as a road-building aggregate, in much the same way as sand or crushed stone.
2. The construction process could expose workers and bystanders to increased levels of radiation. There are also fears around radon gas, a decay product of radium, which can cause cancer.
3. In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tentatively approved the use of phosphogypsum for road construction following lobbying from the Fertilizer Institute.

READ MORE.

Related Questions: 

• What are the 3 types of radioactive waste?
• How deep do you have to bury radioactive waste?
• How long until radioactive waste is safe?
• How do you process radioactive waste?