Fbi Probes Inel Waste Practices

The FBI is looking into allegations of criminal waste disposal at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory and a federal grand jury in Boise has taken up the case.

The FBI’s supervisory agent for Idaho said the investigation concerns recent allegations of “questionable waste disposal practices,” but he would not say whether it focused on site contractor Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies, a previous contractor, individuals or a combination.

“Obviously there’s some association with Lockheed, but I would stay away from identifying any targets,” Special Agent Mike Dillon said.

He would not discuss whether the waste in question was radioactive or hazardous, nor would he detail the alleged disposal methods.

Lockheed Martin spokesman Nick Nichols confirmed the probe after he was sent a written request.

“Lockheed Martin Idaho Technol ogies was asked to provide documents under a subpoena from the grand jury sitting in Boise,” Nichols’ written statement said.

“In gathering these documents, we found no evidence of any wrongdoing by Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies or its predecessor contractors. We will cooperate fully with the grand jury investigation.”

Asked about the dates of the alleged actions at the U.S. Department of Energy site, Nichols added they go back beyond last October when Lockheed took over the contract from primary contractors EG&G Idaho and Westinghouse Idaho Nuclear Co. He said the alleged actions would not threaten public health.

“All I can say is it’s not a significant amount of material.”