I had often wondered how much nuclear power generated radioactive waste "issues" were generated by the fossil fuel industry as a way to negatively impact a competitor.
With the rise in fracking and its NORM (naturally occurring radioactive waste) they are seeing some of the same tactics that nukes have had to contend with.
Here's an op-ed in a NY paper discussing the politics involved with importing fracking waste from PA to NY.
Note to author - this is wrong:
"Many Marcellus gas wells are highly contaminated with radium isotopes, particularly Radium 226, a carcinogen that remains radioactive for 1600 years."
Ra-226 doesn't remain radioactive for 1600 years, it has a half-life of 1600.
I had often wondered how much nuclear power generated radioactive waste "issues" were generated by the fossil fuel industry as a way to negatively impact a competitor.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put it beyond them, but as this article shows, it could easily backfire. Radioactivity released in connection with fossil-fuel mining isn't a recent issue, as coal mining releases quite a bit too, even into the air. Even in normal operation, no accidents required.
Coal
North sea oil, gas, etc.
Yup, agreed. I noticed your first link had a correction (good), but the title needs correcting too. Nuclear waste is much more radioactive than coal ash.
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed
ReplyDelete