Why nuclear is a "no-win" in the USA

["Paul E Ruhter"<RUH@inel.gov>]

From: Paul E Ruhter@INEL on 09/03/97 04:44 PM


To:   radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
cc:
Subject:  Why nuclear is a "no-win" in the USA


In reading the notes under this subject, I think what I have heard about
the Brookhaven problem is "It is not a bad situation, but it is a terrible
thing"!!!  Come on, guys!!  Let's keep some perspective and keep the logic
going in the same direction consistently. If a "serious" leak can go on for
10 years or so and still not be a significant risk, doesn't that say
something about the defense-in-depth design approach or the very
conservative assumptions we make?  As in Andy's analogy, if a maintanence
problem does not cause a real or serious consequence, it should be treated
as a maintanence problem.  The fix should not be to shut the airline down
or board up the reactor building.

However, in following Andy's other example of answering your own question,
let me call your attention to two very interesting companion editorials in
the September 1997 HPS Newsletter (just arrived) about the effects of
low-dose ionizing radiation, one by Dr. Lars Persson and the other by Ralph
Thomas and Wade Patterson.  These two articles show how we as a technical
group look at the same data on radiation effects and come to two opposed
conclusions!!! So it is easy for me to see how we honestly come by the
problem I complained about in the first paragraph.  We are able to look at
an issue from its many sides and pick the one that matches the biases we
happen to be holding at the moment.  This, of course, severely complicates
our ability to communicate effectively to the public, which I am beginning
to believe may be our most important reason for being here.  We sure do
make it tough!!


The usual reminder that I alone am responsible for the contents of my
        messages!

        Paul E. Ruhter   CHP
        Supervisor, Radiation Dosimetry & Records
        Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company
        Idaho National Engineering & Environmental Laboratory (INEEL)
        e-mail:   ruh@inel.gov