Where on earth did the U.S. Navy acquire a 5.500-ton shipment of radioactive rocks? In Antarctica, where it once (1962-72) operated a nuclear-power station.
Why couldn't the Navy leave the rocks in Antarctica? Because the twelve-nation 1959 treaty on Antarctica bans disposal of any radioactive material there.
Why does the Navy want to bring its Antarctic rocks to California? Because its Antarctic support headquarters is at Port Hueneme in Ventura County.
How do California officials react?
With a protest, because, says one, "There is no site in California approved for the dumping of radioactive waste."
Why does the Navy reject the protest? Because it says the radiation level is very low. And besides, its dump is on federal property.