http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/19/us-to-clean-up-spanish-radioactive-site-49-years-after-palomares-plane-crash
The B-52 was carrying four hydrogen bombs more powerful than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Two were recovered intact from the sea but the others leaked radiation into the surrounding countryside when their plutonium-filled detonators went off, strewing 3kg of highly radioactive plutonium 239 around Palomares.
Secretary Kerry just signed a deal with Spain to bring plutonium contaminated soil and waste from Spain to the US. The contamination in Spain resulted from a US B52 bomber colliding during refueling in 1966 and dropping four nuclear bombs on Spain. The bombs did not detonate, but the plutonium waste is still widespread. It is past time to abolish nuclear weapons worldwide. 116 countries have already signed the pledge.
The Palomares clean-up deal is seen by many as a sweetener in exchange for Spain agreeing to Washington ramping up its military presence in the country. The number of marine personnel at the base in Morón in southern Spain is to be increased from 850 to 2,200, and to 3,000 in the event of a crisis.There were 2 crashes actually, and just 2 years apart. In each case the local population participated in the cleanup, but had no protective gear and were not told about the risks. US military knew of the risks, and just "pretended" they didn't exist. A truly disgusting example of the cold war and cold sociopaths running our country. Real story in link below.
http://www.brookings.edu/about/projects/archive/nucweapons/box7-3
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34569614
The accident occurred at the height of the Cold War when it was U.S. policy to keep nuclear-armed warplanes in the air constantly near the Soviet border.
The statement said that immediately following the accident both countries set about securing the area, removing contaminated soil and decontaminating the land. It said that they have since been monitoring and analyzing contamination levels
Haven't you heard of the term "Broken Arrow"? Frankly im surprised you are making hay over this as its been known for quite some time. No public health threat here.
ReplyDeleteNO threat, but spend $110M on the cleanup, then why do it?
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ReplyDeleteYou realize if all rational governments abolish nuclear weapons then its only the irrational that will have them. How do you think we keep the Irans, Iraqs, North Koreas of the world in check?
ReplyDeleteIts the lack of cleanup. Not the fact that we have nuclear weapons. But the cold war insanity of keeping planes with nukes bombs in the air CONTINUOUSLY during the 60's was just asking for an accident.
DeleteYou realize if all rational governments abolish nuclear weapons then its only the irrational that will have them. How do you think we keep the Irans, Iraqs, North Koreas of the world in check?
ReplyDeleteSo could you identify which, among governments which have the nuclear weapons, qualify in your mind as rational. And while you're at it, perhaps you could clarify your position by defining your use of the word 'rational' for us. Just curious.
DeleteBronwyn, he drank the koolaid, but no red pill, ya know........
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