Re: Hanford Cleanup Strategy

[Robert Tayloe <nukemoto@earthlink.net>]

Sandy Perle wrote:
> 
> Add another 2+ Billion for the NTS and you have a lot of money!  As
> the Drifter has stated,, spend a few $$ and lock the gates! ...
<snip> 
>  Want to prevent
> cancer deaths???  Take even a portion of the 85 Billion and spend on
> cancer research, and take the rest and feed, provide shelter and
> security to the masses of the poor and homeless, and we actually can
> see REAL lives saved, not just the statistical lives saved.
> ------------------

Heretofore, I've not thrown in my opinion on RadSafe matters, but I
feel compelled to do so in this instance.  I'm afraid that Sandy
and others have missed the point with their logic based arguments.

It seems that these cleanup activities are more welfare projects
and attempts for those in government to appear to avoid making
decisions regarding risk.  While the DOE sites were producing
weapons, the veil of national security provided a level of
anonymity for senior government managers.  Now with the current 
level of openness this anonymity is gone and has been replaced with
more personal accountability.  Thus decisions to take actions
that have some risk and uncertainty are difficult, if not
impossible.

Of course, a 'no action' decision can still result in increased risk.
At Rocky Flats, near Denver, it was decided several years ago by DOE
to stop operating for a variety of safety and environmental reasons.
It now would appear that the risks from such a sudden shutdown are 
higher than if the site had gone through a more orderly, albeit 
longer, shutdown process.

Frankly, I would not expect logic nor technically based arguments
to carry much sway with the decision makers.  The main rationale
seems to be based upon consideration of political consequences
not physical or 'real' consequences.

Happily there remain nuggets of technical challenges that are
interesting and provide professional satisfaction.  One has 
to avoid thinking too much about the larger picture.

Rob Tayloe <nukemoto@earthlink.net>
Columbus, Ohio