In 1966, Three Mile Island was just a twinkle in the eye of General Public Utilities. According to Wiki, construction began there in 1968. There's a fair possibility that Three Mile Island is never built at all, given its close proximity to Philadelphia and even closer proximity to some mid-sized cities like Harrisburg and York, Pennsylvania.
How We Lost Detroit: The Fermi Nuclear Disaster
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In 1966, Three Mile Island was just a twinkle in the eye of General Public Utilities. According to Wiki, construction began there in 1968. There's a fair possibility that Three Mile Island is never built at all, given its close proximity to Philadelphia and even closer proximity to some mid-sized cities like Harrisburg and York, Pennsylvania.
Nov. 1, 1966
November 1, 1966
Detroiters seek damages for Fermi disaster
As the Fermi cleanup continues, many people are wondering if Michigan will receive compensation for injuries and property damage caused by the meltdown. Under current law, those evacuated from around the Fermi plant may only receive pennies on the dollar for their contaminated properties. The Price-Anderson Act, passed in 1957, places a total limit of $560 million in liability on the operator of atomic plants.[1] Private insurance does not cover damage caused by nuclear meltdowns.[2] This means that individuals injured by the meltdown and affected property owners may be out of luck.
According to a 1957 report prepared by the AEC, damage from a nuclear accident could be in excess of $7 billion. In May, Rep. James Kee (D-WV) criticized the Price-Anderson Act as being inadequate in the event of a nuclear accident. “As the (Price-Anderson) law now stands, the injured members of the public will have no recourse for the amount of damages they will suffer in the excess of the $560 million fund.” [3] At the time, industry critics cynically suggested that Kee’s criticisms of atomic power were the result of his home state’s powerful coal lobby.
Political pressure to authorize disaster relief funds for cleanup and compensation has been met with opposition from many in Congress, who believe that funds will be diverted from projects intended to benefit their constituents. The economic slowdown and mounting costs in Vietnam have led many to question whether there will be enough money in the budget to spare for Michigan’s disaster relief. Yesterday, the Dow Jones Index closed below 700 for the first time since 1961, a fall of 30% from a high of 995 on February 9. [4]
Detroiters seek damages for Fermi disaster
As the Fermi cleanup continues, many people are wondering if Michigan will receive compensation for injuries and property damage caused by the meltdown. Under current law, those evacuated from around the Fermi plant may only receive pennies on the dollar for their contaminated properties. The Price-Anderson Act, passed in 1957, places a total limit of $560 million in liability on the operator of atomic plants.[1] Private insurance does not cover damage caused by nuclear meltdowns.[2] This means that individuals injured by the meltdown and affected property owners may be out of luck.
According to a 1957 report prepared by the AEC, damage from a nuclear accident could be in excess of $7 billion. In May, Rep. James Kee (D-WV) criticized the Price-Anderson Act as being inadequate in the event of a nuclear accident. “As the (Price-Anderson) law now stands, the injured members of the public will have no recourse for the amount of damages they will suffer in the excess of the $560 million fund.” [3] At the time, industry critics cynically suggested that Kee’s criticisms of atomic power were the result of his home state’s powerful coal lobby.
Political pressure to authorize disaster relief funds for cleanup and compensation has been met with opposition from many in Congress, who believe that funds will be diverted from projects intended to benefit their constituents. The economic slowdown and mounting costs in Vietnam have led many to question whether there will be enough money in the budget to spare for Michigan’s disaster relief. Yesterday, the Dow Jones Index closed below 700 for the first time since 1961, a fall of 30% from a high of 995 on February 9. [4]
[1] Between 1959 and 1982, the Price‐Anderson Act placed a limit of $560 million on the liability of nuclear power plant operators for accidental damages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price–Anderson_Nuclear_Industries_Indemnity_Act
[2]: Claims resulting from nuclear accidents are covered under Price-Anderson; for that reason, all U.S. property and liability insurance policies exclude nuclear accidents.
[3] Flint Journal, May 8, 1966.
[4] For reference, in OTL the Dow reached a minimum of 749.32 on October 7. No doubt the Fermi disaster won’t help matters: https://www.nytimes.com/1970/01/30/...-1966-low-market-average-falls-1049-amid.html
[2]: Claims resulting from nuclear accidents are covered under Price-Anderson; for that reason, all U.S. property and liability insurance policies exclude nuclear accidents.
[3] Flint Journal, May 8, 1966.
[4] For reference, in OTL the Dow reached a minimum of 749.32 on October 7. No doubt the Fermi disaster won’t help matters: https://www.nytimes.com/1970/01/30/...-1966-low-market-average-falls-1049-amid.html
The state of Michigan would be hit hard by the loss of that tax revenue and the cleanup involved. This will strain the regional economy and place more pressure on Washington.
By any chance could this event butterfly away Three Mile Island and possibly Chernobyl?
Three Mile Island definitely, they haven't started building it yet and I would be amazed if they were allowed to until the designers had 'proved' it was impossible for a similar incident to occur there. Expect plenty of design changes, not least a control system that makes sense and a clear emergency protocol that everyone gets trained on and practices regularly.
Chernobyl probably not, after all they didn't learn anything from Three Mile Island in OTL. Or rather the engineer and designers probably did, but were over-ruled by the Soviet leadership. Can't see that changing so I fear that incident or something similar will still occur.
This is genuinely a really interesting TL and also, I'm a big fan of Gil-Scott Heron so nice plug. The amount of people in Detroit is far larger than, say, Pripyat, and so their evacuation will cause a great more economic damage... Interested to see how that plays out.
Nov. 3, 1966
November 3, 1966
Clean Waters Restoration Act Signed Into Law
President Johnson signed a bill into law today that provides money to help communities pay the costs of meeting water quality standards by constructing sewage treatment plants and preventing pollution from storm sewers. This act provides federal funds for states to meet last year’s Water Quality Act, which required that states establish and enforce water quality standards for all interstate waters. Senator Muskie (D-ME), chairman of the Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution and Senator J. Caleb Boggs (R-DE) supported the bill. [1] There was overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill, which passed earlier this year [2]
The law imposes a $100 per day fine on a polluter who failed to submit a required report. [3] It also authorizes $700 million for construction of sewage treatment plants by 1969. [4] The law also includes provisions for pollution that adversely affects the health or welfare of persons in a foreign country and gives that country the same rights as a state water pollution control agency. [5]
While the law may help clean up many of America’s rivers and lakes, for Lake Erie, it may be too late. Already a “dead zone” before the Fermi accident, the lake has become heavily polluted due to sewage, industrial wastes, and farm runoff. In a speech in Buffalo delivered in September, the President himself said that “Lake Erie must be saved.” [6] However, the signing of the Clean Water Restoration Act does not address the pollution of Lake Erie waters due to nuclear contamination.
Clean Waters Restoration Act Signed Into Law
President Johnson signed a bill into law today that provides money to help communities pay the costs of meeting water quality standards by constructing sewage treatment plants and preventing pollution from storm sewers. This act provides federal funds for states to meet last year’s Water Quality Act, which required that states establish and enforce water quality standards for all interstate waters. Senator Muskie (D-ME), chairman of the Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution and Senator J. Caleb Boggs (R-DE) supported the bill. [1] There was overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill, which passed earlier this year [2]
The law imposes a $100 per day fine on a polluter who failed to submit a required report. [3] It also authorizes $700 million for construction of sewage treatment plants by 1969. [4] The law also includes provisions for pollution that adversely affects the health or welfare of persons in a foreign country and gives that country the same rights as a state water pollution control agency. [5]
While the law may help clean up many of America’s rivers and lakes, for Lake Erie, it may be too late. Already a “dead zone” before the Fermi accident, the lake has become heavily polluted due to sewage, industrial wastes, and farm runoff. In a speech in Buffalo delivered in September, the President himself said that “Lake Erie must be saved.” [6] However, the signing of the Clean Water Restoration Act does not address the pollution of Lake Erie waters due to nuclear contamination.
[1] As OTL: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Clean_Waters_Restoration_Act.htm
[2] https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.leghis/cwtra0003&div=1&src=home
[3] https://archive.epa.gov/epa/aboutep...ironment-primer-epas-statutory-authority.html
[4] In OTL, only $214 million was actually appropriated: https://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/document.php?id=cqal69-1248469
[5] http://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/89/753.pdf
[6] https://buffalonews.com/2016/08/22/lake-erie-must-saved-lyndon-b-johnson-visits-buffalo-1966/
[2] https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.leghis/cwtra0003&div=1&src=home
[3] https://archive.epa.gov/epa/aboutep...ironment-primer-epas-statutory-authority.html
[4] In OTL, only $214 million was actually appropriated: https://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/document.php?id=cqal69-1248469
[5] http://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/89/753.pdf
[6] https://buffalonews.com/2016/08/22/lake-erie-must-saved-lyndon-b-johnson-visits-buffalo-1966/
Nov. 4, 1966
November 4, 1966
Point Beach Nuclear Plant cancelled [1]
Just days before the midterm elections, the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. has announced the cancellation of plans to build a new atomic power plant in the state of Wisconsin. Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Electric announced plans to build a plant near the town of Two Creeks. Construction was scheduled to begin next year. Wisconsin Electric is a member of the same consortium of firms that developed Fermi 1, which melted down last month in Michigan. [2] Wisconsin Electric instead intends to build a coal-fired plant on the site.
Local and state officials have performed a sudden about-face on the construction of the plant after massive public opposition. Prior to the Fermi meltdown, the area's congressman had called the plant "a tremendous boost.” The Two Rivers city manager said, "I can't begin to tell you how pleased we are." [2] Today, support for the plant has vanished. “We don’t want to be another Michigan,” said one official, who wished to remain anonymous.
The cancellation of the plant comes as Wisconsin’s Republican governor Warren P. Knowles fends off his Democratic challenger, lieutenant governor Patrick Lucey. [3] Polls show a very tight race, with both candidates in a virtual tie. Since the Fermi meltdown, Lucey has used the construction of the plant in attack ads against the governor.
Point Beach Nuclear Plant cancelled [1]
Just days before the midterm elections, the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. has announced the cancellation of plans to build a new atomic power plant in the state of Wisconsin. Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Electric announced plans to build a plant near the town of Two Creeks. Construction was scheduled to begin next year. Wisconsin Electric is a member of the same consortium of firms that developed Fermi 1, which melted down last month in Michigan. [2] Wisconsin Electric instead intends to build a coal-fired plant on the site.
Local and state officials have performed a sudden about-face on the construction of the plant after massive public opposition. Prior to the Fermi meltdown, the area's congressman had called the plant "a tremendous boost.” The Two Rivers city manager said, "I can't begin to tell you how pleased we are." [2] Today, support for the plant has vanished. “We don’t want to be another Michigan,” said one official, who wished to remain anonymous.
The cancellation of the plant comes as Wisconsin’s Republican governor Warren P. Knowles fends off his Democratic challenger, lieutenant governor Patrick Lucey. [3] Polls show a very tight race, with both candidates in a virtual tie. Since the Fermi meltdown, Lucey has used the construction of the plant in attack ads against the governor.
[1] In OTL, groundbreaking occurred just a few weeks after the election: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Beach_Nuclear_Plant
[2] Unfortunately, I couldn’t find their names. http://archive.jsonline.com/news/opinion/119091889.html/
[3] Yes, you read that right. At the time, the governor and lieutenant governor ran on separate tickets and could thus be from different parties. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_Wisconsin_gubernatorial_election
[2] Unfortunately, I couldn’t find their names. http://archive.jsonline.com/news/opinion/119091889.html/
[3] Yes, you read that right. At the time, the governor and lieutenant governor ran on separate tickets and could thus be from different parties. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_Wisconsin_gubernatorial_election
Nov. 6, 1966
November 6, 1966
Alvin Weinberg appointed new head of AEC
President Johnson announced that he will appoint Dr. Alvin Weinberg to replace outgoing Atomic Energy Commission chariman Glenn Seaborg. The President’s new appointee acknowledged the danger inherent in nuclear power. ''We nuclear people have made a Faustian bargain with society,'' he said, comparing atomic power to a literal deal with the devil. [1]
Weinberg is currently the director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee, a post he has held since 1955. He currently oversees the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment, a project that tests a novel reactor design [2][3]. The Molten Salt Reactor Experiment uses what is called a liquid fluoride thorium reactor, which is very different from other reactor designs. Unlike other reactors, where the fuel sits in the reactor core while coolants circulate through, in a liquid fluoride thorium reactor the molten salts act as both a carrier for the fuel and as a coolant. [4] In June of last year, the reactor achieved criticality.
Weinberg believes that, if successful, this experiment may produce a safer technology for atomic power plants. But opposition to nuclear research in the wake of Fermi is reaching a fever pitch. Several people were arrested during anti-nuclear protests that took place yesterday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, only 30 miles from the Fermi plant. The protest was organized by radical student organization called “No Nukes”, which was founded in the wake of the meltdown by Harvey Wasserman [5], a student at the University of Michigan. Earlier this year, Wasserman gained nationwide attention for an editorial published in the Michigan Daily entitled “The Use of Marijuana: It Should be Legal”. [6]
Alvin Weinberg appointed new head of AEC
President Johnson announced that he will appoint Dr. Alvin Weinberg to replace outgoing Atomic Energy Commission chariman Glenn Seaborg. The President’s new appointee acknowledged the danger inherent in nuclear power. ''We nuclear people have made a Faustian bargain with society,'' he said, comparing atomic power to a literal deal with the devil. [1]
Weinberg is currently the director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee, a post he has held since 1955. He currently oversees the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment, a project that tests a novel reactor design [2][3]. The Molten Salt Reactor Experiment uses what is called a liquid fluoride thorium reactor, which is very different from other reactor designs. Unlike other reactors, where the fuel sits in the reactor core while coolants circulate through, in a liquid fluoride thorium reactor the molten salts act as both a carrier for the fuel and as a coolant. [4] In June of last year, the reactor achieved criticality.
Weinberg believes that, if successful, this experiment may produce a safer technology for atomic power plants. But opposition to nuclear research in the wake of Fermi is reaching a fever pitch. Several people were arrested during anti-nuclear protests that took place yesterday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, only 30 miles from the Fermi plant. The protest was organized by radical student organization called “No Nukes”, which was founded in the wake of the meltdown by Harvey Wasserman [5], a student at the University of Michigan. Earlier this year, Wasserman gained nationwide attention for an editorial published in the Michigan Daily entitled “The Use of Marijuana: It Should be Legal”. [6]
[1] As he said in OTL 1971: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-11-18-9204150554-story.html
[2] https://www.ornl.gov/blog/ornl-revi...actor-experiment-alvin-weinberg-s-magnum-opus
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molten-Salt_Reactor_Experiment
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_fluoride_thorium_reactor
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Wasserman
[6] That’ll never happen. Clearly, the man is insane. https://player.fm/series/wiki-polit...ia-from-nuclear-nightmare-to-new-clear-future
[2] https://www.ornl.gov/blog/ornl-revi...actor-experiment-alvin-weinberg-s-magnum-opus
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molten-Salt_Reactor_Experiment
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_fluoride_thorium_reactor
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Wasserman
[6] That’ll never happen. Clearly, the man is insane. https://player.fm/series/wiki-polit...ia-from-nuclear-nightmare-to-new-clear-future
Nov. 7, 1966
November 7, 1966
I know I’m losing you: Democrats brace for big losses [1]
As voters head to the polls across the nation, their love for the Democrats is fading. Vietnam, race riots, and inflation are major issues cited by voters, all of which are hurting President Johnson’s poll numbers. A recent poll shows that his approval now stands at a mere 43% [2]. Republicans anticipate that the unpopularity of President Johnson will translate into huge gains for their members in the House and Senate. Despite these gains, the Democrats are still expected to keep majorities in both houses.
In the House, all 295 Democrats and 140 Republicans come up for re-election, with the exception of 22 retiring Congressmen. Thirty Senators will face re-election; in three elections, however, two new candidates will compete due to retirements. Currently, the Democrats have an overwhelming majority of 67 seats in the Senate; Republicans control only 33.
Governors are coming up for election in 35 states. Currently, 33 Democrats and 17 Republicans hold the governorships. One common theme in these races is the “white backlash” phenomenon. In Alabama, current governor George Wallace’s wife Lurleen is running to keep her husband’s seat Democratic. In Georgia, Democratic candidate and staunch segregationist Lester Maddox is running neck-and-neck with Republican Howard Callaway. And in California, actor Ronald Reagan is running a law-and-order campaign against incumbent Democratic governor Pat Brown. [3]
I know I’m losing you: Democrats brace for big losses [1]
As voters head to the polls across the nation, their love for the Democrats is fading. Vietnam, race riots, and inflation are major issues cited by voters, all of which are hurting President Johnson’s poll numbers. A recent poll shows that his approval now stands at a mere 43% [2]. Republicans anticipate that the unpopularity of President Johnson will translate into huge gains for their members in the House and Senate. Despite these gains, the Democrats are still expected to keep majorities in both houses.
In the House, all 295 Democrats and 140 Republicans come up for re-election, with the exception of 22 retiring Congressmen. Thirty Senators will face re-election; in three elections, however, two new candidates will compete due to retirements. Currently, the Democrats have an overwhelming majority of 67 seats in the Senate; Republicans control only 33.
Governors are coming up for election in 35 states. Currently, 33 Democrats and 17 Republicans hold the governorships. One common theme in these races is the “white backlash” phenomenon. In Alabama, current governor George Wallace’s wife Lurleen is running to keep her husband’s seat Democratic. In Georgia, Democratic candidate and staunch segregationist Lester Maddox is running neck-and-neck with Republican Howard Callaway. And in California, actor Ronald Reagan is running a law-and-order campaign against incumbent Democratic governor Pat Brown. [3]
[1] Motown hit by the Temptations released this week: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(I_Know)_I'm_Losing_You
[2] As OTL: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/presidential-job-approval
[3] https://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/document.php?id=cqal66-1299950
[2] As OTL: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/presidential-job-approval
[3] https://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/document.php?id=cqal66-1299950
I might post a few more times this week, but I will probably continue to post about once every week. On a related note, from now on I’m going to start jumping ahead in time (I'd like to move on to 1968 soon, but there will be quite a few posts taking place in 1967).
Nov. 9, 1966
November 9, 1966
Republicans big winners in midterm; Griffin, Romney win in landslides
In yesterday’s midterms, voters decisively favored Republican candidates nationwide. The election results are seen by many as a referendum on President Johnson’s policies. In the House, Republicans gained 46 seats, eroding the Democratic majority to 249-186. In the Senate, Republicans picked up 3 seats, leaving Democrats with a smaller majority of 64-36. Republicans have gained at least 8 governorships. In Georgia, the race remains too close to call, though the Republican candidate, Callaway, is currently leading. But since both Maddox and Callaway failed to get a majority, under Georgia law, the solidly Democratic state legislature will decide the governor’s race. [1]
In Michigan, Republicans were the winners in yesterday’s midterm election. Despite controversy over the governor's handling of the Fermi disaster and subsequent riots, Governor Romney trounced his Democratic challenger, Zoltan Ferency, by a margin of 56% to 44%. [2] Robert Griffin, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by the late Senator Pat McNamara, defeated former Democratic Governor Soapy Williams by a 53% to 47% margin [2].
In the House, Representatives Conyers (D), Vivian (D), Hutchinson (R), Ford(R), Chamberlain(R), Harvey(R), Cederberg(R), O’Hara (D), Diggs (D), Nedzi (D), Ford (D), Dingell (D), Griffiths (D), and Broomfield (D) were re-elected. [3] However, four freshmen Democratic Congressmen (Todd, Mackie, Clevenger, and Farnum) lost to Republican challengers. In the 9th district, Guy Vander Jagt (R) defeated Democratic challenger Henry Dongvillo to replace Senator Griffin’s vacated seat.
Republicans big winners in midterm; Griffin, Romney win in landslides
In yesterday’s midterms, voters decisively favored Republican candidates nationwide. The election results are seen by many as a referendum on President Johnson’s policies. In the House, Republicans gained 46 seats, eroding the Democratic majority to 249-186. In the Senate, Republicans picked up 3 seats, leaving Democrats with a smaller majority of 64-36. Republicans have gained at least 8 governorships. In Georgia, the race remains too close to call, though the Republican candidate, Callaway, is currently leading. But since both Maddox and Callaway failed to get a majority, under Georgia law, the solidly Democratic state legislature will decide the governor’s race. [1]
In Michigan, Republicans were the winners in yesterday’s midterm election. Despite controversy over the governor's handling of the Fermi disaster and subsequent riots, Governor Romney trounced his Democratic challenger, Zoltan Ferency, by a margin of 56% to 44%. [2] Robert Griffin, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by the late Senator Pat McNamara, defeated former Democratic Governor Soapy Williams by a 53% to 47% margin [2].
In the House, Representatives Conyers (D), Vivian (D), Hutchinson (R), Ford(R), Chamberlain(R), Harvey(R), Cederberg(R), O’Hara (D), Diggs (D), Nedzi (D), Ford (D), Dingell (D), Griffiths (D), and Broomfield (D) were re-elected. [3] However, four freshmen Democratic Congressmen (Todd, Mackie, Clevenger, and Farnum) lost to Republican challengers. In the 9th district, Guy Vander Jagt (R) defeated Democratic challenger Henry Dongvillo to replace Senator Griffin’s vacated seat.
[1] As OTL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_Georgia_gubernatorial_election
[2] As OTL, though Romney and Griffin win by slightly smaller margins than OTL. I’m deliberately focusing on Michigan, because barring butterflies, I don’t expect changes to the election results in other states.
[3] These are the same results as OTL, except that in the 2nd district (the one where the Fermi plant is located), Democrat Wes Vivian lost to Republican Marvin Esch by a margin of 51-49%: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections#Michigan
[2] As OTL, though Romney and Griffin win by slightly smaller margins than OTL. I’m deliberately focusing on Michigan, because barring butterflies, I don’t expect changes to the election results in other states.
[3] These are the same results as OTL, except that in the 2nd district (the one where the Fermi plant is located), Democrat Wes Vivian lost to Republican Marvin Esch by a margin of 51-49%: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections#Michigan
Nov. 17, 1966
November 17, 1966
Congress approves Fermi cleanup bill
Congress has approved a bill that would pay for the cleanup of the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant. The hastily-written bill passed unanimously the Senate yesterday with a vote of 97-0, after passing with a resounding majority in the House earlier this week. The bill authorizes more than $300 million for cleanup of the Fermi site near Detroit, Michigan [1]. It is expected that these costs will be partially offset by funds from insurers, Detroit Edison, and the State of Michigan [2]. Funds have been allotted for the removal and disposal of radioactive materials and structures near the site and measures to minimize groundwater contamination. The bill also includes funds for the construction of a “sarcophagus” to cover what remains of the plant to limit the further release of radioactive materials into the environment.
The cleanup is expected to take five years and as many as ten thousand volunteers will be needed for the cleanup of the site, including scientists, engineers, construction workers, and other personnel. They will be recruited from both the military and from the private sector, providing much-needed jobs for those displaced by the evacuation of the surrounding area. Despite the risks of radiation poisoning, AEC officials state that all appropriate safety precautions will be taken at the site. Radiation will be closely monitored to ensure that workers do not exceed recommended dose limits. [3]
State Senator James “Jimmy” Carter, a Democrat from Georgia, has been appointed to oversee cleanup operations at Fermi [4]. Carter’s experience in both politics and as a Navy nuclear engineer make him an excellent choice for this role. In 1953, Carter led a maintenance crew involved in the cleanup and repair of a damaged reactor at Chalk River Laboratories in Canada [4]. In 1962, Carter won a seat in the Georgia State Senate, overcoming a corrupt political boss. Earlier this year, he ran in the Democratic primary for the governor of Georgia, losing to the presumed governor-elect, Lester Maddox. [5]
Congress approves Fermi cleanup bill
Congress has approved a bill that would pay for the cleanup of the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant. The hastily-written bill passed unanimously the Senate yesterday with a vote of 97-0, after passing with a resounding majority in the House earlier this week. The bill authorizes more than $300 million for cleanup of the Fermi site near Detroit, Michigan [1]. It is expected that these costs will be partially offset by funds from insurers, Detroit Edison, and the State of Michigan [2]. Funds have been allotted for the removal and disposal of radioactive materials and structures near the site and measures to minimize groundwater contamination. The bill also includes funds for the construction of a “sarcophagus” to cover what remains of the plant to limit the further release of radioactive materials into the environment.
The cleanup is expected to take five years and as many as ten thousand volunteers will be needed for the cleanup of the site, including scientists, engineers, construction workers, and other personnel. They will be recruited from both the military and from the private sector, providing much-needed jobs for those displaced by the evacuation of the surrounding area. Despite the risks of radiation poisoning, AEC officials state that all appropriate safety precautions will be taken at the site. Radiation will be closely monitored to ensure that workers do not exceed recommended dose limits. [3]
State Senator James “Jimmy” Carter, a Democrat from Georgia, has been appointed to oversee cleanup operations at Fermi [4]. Carter’s experience in both politics and as a Navy nuclear engineer make him an excellent choice for this role. In 1953, Carter led a maintenance crew involved in the cleanup and repair of a damaged reactor at Chalk River Laboratories in Canada [4]. In 1962, Carter won a seat in the Georgia State Senate, overcoming a corrupt political boss. Earlier this year, he ran in the Democratic primary for the governor of Georgia, losing to the presumed governor-elect, Lester Maddox. [5]
[1] The closest parallels in the US are probably the cleanup of the Hanford site, Three Mile Island, and SL-1: https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/28/us/agreement-set-for-a-cleanup-at-nuclear-site.html and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Mile_Island_accident#Cleanup and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SL-1#Cleanup
[2] As in Three Mile Island: https://www.gao.gov/products/117345
[3] Similar to the cleanup of the SL-1 reactor (the site of a meltdown only five years earlier), albeit on a much larger scale. See Atomic America, pp. 193. See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_liquidators
[4] Yes, seriously: http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2016/ph241/meza2/
[5] This campaign also put Carter deep in debt, which I think might motivate him to accept the position: https://millercenter.org/president/carter/life-before-the-presidency
[2] As in Three Mile Island: https://www.gao.gov/products/117345
[3] Similar to the cleanup of the SL-1 reactor (the site of a meltdown only five years earlier), albeit on a much larger scale. See Atomic America, pp. 193. See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_liquidators
[4] Yes, seriously: http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2016/ph241/meza2/
[5] This campaign also put Carter deep in debt, which I think might motivate him to accept the position: https://millercenter.org/president/carter/life-before-the-presidency