DOE Releases List of Secret Weapons Contractors

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DOE RELEASES LIST OF SECRET WEAPONS CONTRACTORS

WASHINGTON, DC, September 21, 2000 (ENS) - The Department of Energy (DOE)

plans to release a list today of more than 550 sites where radioactive and

toxic materials may have been used in secret for the U.S. nuclear weapons

program. Publication of the list was prompted by a " USA Today " investigative

report on government use of private companies for nuclear arms work. Earlier

this month, " USA Today " uncovered about 300 private contractors that did

weapons work. Workers at many of those companies were exposed to radiation

and chemicals. Many of these contractors left hazardous waste contamination

in and around their work sites, " USA Today " reported.

The U.S. House is now reviewing legislation that would provide federal

compensation for workers exposed to radioactive material and other toxics

while doing government weapons work. The bill is aimed at workers at

government sites, but could also apply to workers at private companies. " USA

Today " has posted the full list released by the DOE on its website at:

http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20000921/2669030s.htm