Y2k Opportunity

[steve.rima@DOEGJPO.COM (Steven Rima)]

     RADSAFERs,
     
     With the recent thread on Y2k preparedness in the nuclear industry, 
     has anyone given any thought to the potential (probable) good that 
     could come to the industry IF we take advantage of it? Various 
     anti-nuclear groups have publicly presented doomsday scenarios if all 
     nuclear power plants are not shut down over the holiday season. Since 
     they won't be, and since there will almost assuredly be no problems at 
     them due to Y2k, is anyone preparing to put out a news release touting 
     the fact that nothing bad happened? It's not something for an 
     individual to do, but if some group, such as ANS, is ready, the scare 
     stories that have been put out could be turned to the advantage of the 
     nuclear industry.
     
     Most other anti's arguments can't be refuted because they rely too 
     heavily on "what if something bad happens" arguments. It's hard to 
     prove a negative, however, in the case of Y2k, the anti's have 
     predicted dire consequences on a specific date and time. If it doesn't 
     happen, the industry should sieze the opportunity and expose the 
     anti's as chicken littles...
     
     Just my opinion
     
     Steven D. Rima, CHP, CSP
     Manager, Health Physics and Industrial Hygiene
     MACTEC-ERS, LLC
     steven.rima@doegjpo.com
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