Joshua Frank, author of 'ATOMIC DAYS: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America', joins Abby Martin and Mike Prysner to discuss the Hanford nuclear reservation and its connection to nuclear weapons and power. They explore the lack of awareness and intentional obfuscation surrounding Hanford, the role of Federal Protective Forces, challenges in site remediation, the symbiotic relationship between nuclear power and weapons, concerns about nuclear power plant operation and potential disaster sites, and the dangers of radiation and the insufficient regulation of nuclear energy. This podcast sheds light on America's ticking nuclear time bomb.
The Hanford nuclear reservation in Washington state is the most toxic place in America, with 56 million gallons of radioactive waste and the potential for an explosion or leak that could render the region uninhabitable for a quarter million years.
The Hanford nuclear reservation played a central role in the development of the US nuclear arsenal, producing approximately 21,000 nuclear warheads and highlighting the undeniable connection between nuclear weapons production and nuclear power.
The controversy surrounding nuclear power raises concerns about its role in addressing climate change, as critics highlight the high costs, potential accidents and leaks, long-lasting nuclear waste, and the link between nuclear power and nuclear weapons, highlighting the complexity of finding sustainable and safe solutions.
Deep dives
The Dangerous Legacy of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation
The Hanford nuclear reservation in southern Washington state is a highly toxic and contaminated site that poses a significant threat to the Pacific Northwest. The facility, known as the most toxic place in America, contains 56 million gallons of radioactive waste and has a history of accidents and leaks. The potential for an explosion or leak at the facility could render the entire region uninhabitable for a quarter million years. Despite the gravity of the situation, the general public remains largely unaware of the dangers and the ongoing cleanup efforts.
The Link Between Nuclear Weapons Production and Nuclear Power
The Hanford nuclear reservation was a key site in the Manhattan Project, which aimed to develop nuclear weapons during World War II. Hanford was responsible for producing plutonium, a crucial component in nuclear bombs. The facility played a central role in the development of the US nuclear arsenal, producing approximately 21,000 nuclear warheads. The close connection between nuclear weapons production and nuclear power is undeniable, and the legacy of this connection has far-reaching consequences.
The Controversy Surrounding Nuclear Power as a Solution to Climate Change
There is a growing debate about the role of nuclear power in addressing climate change. Proponents argue that nuclear energy offers a reliable and carbon-free source of power. However, critics raise concerns about the numerous challenges and risks associated with nuclear power. These include the high costs, potential accidents and leaks, the long-lasting and hazardous nuclear waste, and the link between nuclear power and nuclear weapons. The controversy surrounding nuclear power highlights the complexity of finding sustainable and safe solutions for addressing climate change.
The Contractors' Control and Lack of Oversight at Hanford
The podcast highlights the lack of oversight and control at the Hanford site, where contractors have significant power and influence. According to Dr. Alexander, a former Hanford worker, the Department of Energy (DOE) is understaffed and underfunded, allowing contractors to run the show and get away with whatever they want. This situation is a result of the so-called permanent disaster economy, where shady corporations like Bechtel have a history of exploiting their power. The episode raises concerns about the state of the tanks at Hanford, as they were not built to last for more than 40 years, and now, after almost 80 years, they pose a significant danger due to leaks and potential explosions.
The Problem with Nuclear Waste Cleanup and Bechtel's Involvement
The podcast explores the challenges of cleaning up nuclear waste at Hanford and Bechtel's role in the process. Bechtel, a private company with a history of questionable practices, is profiting from the expensive cleanup, with costs continually rising. The Waste Treatment Plant (VIT plant) at Hanford, intended to convert high-level radioactive waste into glass rods for safe storage, has faced numerous engineering and operational problems. The lack of oversight and accountability allows Bechtel to continuously demand more funds, impacting taxpayers. Additionally, the podcast highlights the dangers faced by workers who are exposed to radioactive and chemical vapors daily, with inadequate protection and health consequences. The discussion questions the need for nuclear power as an answer to climate change, emphasizing the potential catastrophic risks associated with it.
'ATOMIC DAYS: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America' is an urgent book about the toxic legacy of nuclear weapons production and the even bigger calamitous disaster waiting to happen, totally unknown to most Americans. Author Joshua Frank joins Abby Martin and Mike Prysner to discuss this ticking time bomb in Washington State, and its larger implications for nuclear weapons and power.
BUY 'Atomic Days' by Joshua Frank in print of Ebook: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1940-atomic-days
FOLLOW Joshua at https://twitter.com/joshua__frank
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MUSIC: 'Inevitable Collapse' by ANAHEDRON https://condinarecords.bandcamp.com/track/inevitable-collapse
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