November 23, 2007

• Nuculer

  There are some discussions in the National Park Service about whether or not to list the Hanford nuclear reactor B site on the list of National Historic Landmarks, as well as creating a national park about the Hanford site, the Trinity test site, and the uranium enrichment plant at Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

  I would very much like to see this happen.  However, several roadblocks are still in the way before final approval is given.  Some people are certain to protest on the basis of nuclear weaponry was the purpose of these facilities, and since nuclear weapons are bad, these sites shouldn't be honored.  Others don't even get to the word weapon before they start to protest.  Such people will protest based on some principle and flimsy, poorly-applied "evidence".  The most significant threat to my planned tour of these famous nuclear sites is the fact that the National Park Service has no experience dealing with radioactive material.  Also, there is no precedent for making a (decommissioned) nuclear reactor available to public tours.  While I truly hope the decisions will be made, I won't be holding my breath.  I guess pictures will just have to suffice.

  Happy Black Friday!

  • 12:51 pm
  • 2 Comments