Local photographer Jerry Nelson joined for a recent SouthWings flight over Western North Carolina and took this shot of the Sandy Mush community in Buncombe County. The area was suggested as a possible repository for nuclear waste 30 years ago, and more recently, with the recent closure of Yucca Mountain out west, some local residents are asking, “Is Sandy Mush back on the table for discussion?”
The flight organized d by the national nonprofit Nuclear Information and Resource, which has an Asheville office. SouthWings is a conservation and public benefit aviation nonprofit that provides skilled pilots and aerial education to enhance conservation efforts across the Southeast.
Photos by Jerry Nelson
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
Jerry did a fine job getting some great shots despite intermittent haze. We had Tom as pilot who flew us over the Sandy Mush area, as well as a fly over of I-26 & 40…. amazing to see the rugged terrain that may carry 10’s of thousands of tons (yes tons) of highly radioactive nuclear fuel rods thru our region. That risk – transport of the fuel – is just as much or more of a threat to us all than if Sandy Mush is designated a waste dump. Stop the Blue Ribbon Commission / SRS proposal – or we’ll see the shipments begin in a year or so.
Jerry, i love this pic…i live just over the hill..i always thought it was beautiful…but seeing through your vision..is awesome..Thank you again Jerry.. Lori Banks~~ “)