A radioactive wasp nest was found at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, where radiation levels were reported ten times higher than regulations allow. Environmental groups are questioning the government's response to the legacy contamination from the site, previously used for nuclear weapon components.
Radioactive Wasp Nest Discovered at Former US Nuclear Weapons Facility
Radioactive Wasp Nest Discovered at Former US Nuclear Weapons Facility
Federal officials report a radioactive wasp nest with alarming radiation levels found at the Savannah River Site, raising environmental concerns despite government assurances.
A radioactive wasp nest with radiation levels ten times above permissible limits has been discovered at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, according to a report from the US Department of Energy. The nest was treated with insecticide and subsequently bagged as radiological waste, although no wasps were present at the discovery site, as stated in a report released last week.
The nest was found during routine inspections for nuclear radiation on July 3, located near storage tanks containing millions of gallons of liquid nuclear waste. Investigators clarified that the nest's radioactive levels were not associated with any nuclear leak and asserted that there was no noticeable impact on the environment or public health.
This contamination has been attributed to what is identified as "onsite legacy radioactive contamination," a byproduct of the site’s historical role in the production of nuclear bomb parts during the Cold War era, which began in the 1950s. Although operations continue, the focus today is on nuclear materials for energy generation instead.
Findings showed that while the radiation levels within the nest were significantly elevated, the wasps residing in the nest would likely have lower radiation exposure. Additionally, the wasps typically would not stray far from their nests, located within the vast 310-square-mile site.
Despite reassurances from official reports stating no contamination was detected in the surrounding area, environmental watchdogs such as Savannah River Site Watch raised concerns about transparency regarding the origin of the radioactive waste. Spokesman Tom Clements expressed frustration over the remaining questions about potential leaks from the waste tanks, calling for greater clarity for public safety.
Historically, the site has dealt with an extensive volume of radioactive waste, exceeding 165 million gallons (625 million liters), with devastating potential environmental ramifications. While some tanks have been closed, numerous underground tanks remain in operation, necessitating ongoing vigilance and accountability from regulatory bodies.
