News Summary
The U.S. Department of Energy has identified four radioactive wasp nests at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. The contamination exceeds federal standards by tenfold, raising environmental concerns. Despite assurances from the DOE that there’s no health threat, experts question the thoroughness of disclosures and potential lingering contamination in the area. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring radioactive materials and ensuring environmental safety. Cleanup efforts at the site are part of a long-term initiative expected to conclude in 2065.
AIKEN, South Carolina — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on July 22, 2023, that officials have detected a total of four radioactive wasp nests at the Savannah River Site (SRS), located near Aiken, South Carolina. The contamination level of these nests is noted to exceed federal contamination standards by more than ten times, prompting broader concerns about potential environmental risks.
The initial nest was identified on July 3, leading to subsequent discoveries of more nests in the area. Edwin Deshong, the DOE’s Savannah River Operations Office manager, reported that the wasp nests contain very low levels of radioactive contamination and do not pose a health threat to site workers or nearby communities. The nests were found close to the F-Area Tank Farm, which contains 22 underground tanks used for storing liquid nuclear waste.
Despite the DOE’s reassurances, experts have raised questions regarding the completeness of the DOE’s communications on the findings. Critics noted that the reports lacked specific details about the levels of radioactivity, the precise isotopes present, and the species of wasps involved. This information is crucial in assessing the full risk associated with the contamination.
Biological experts, including Timothy Mousseau from the University of South Carolina, speculate that the wasps may have incorporated legacy radioactive materials in their nest construction. Mousseau highlighted concerns about wider areas that might have lingering contamination that escaped monitoring, raising alarms about possible radioactive leaks. He pointed out that the radiation levels detected could signify previously unmonitored radioactive contaminants surfacing.
Upon discovering the radioactive nests, the DOE followed established safety protocols. The first nest was exterminated using a spraying method, and the deceased wasps were disposed of as radiological waste. Post-treatment assessments found no additional radioactive contamination in the surrounding environment.
This situation is not unprecedented at the Savannah River Site. A DOE report published in 2017 also documented the presence of radioactive bird droppings on a facility roof at the site, indicating wildlife could unintentionally transport contamination over considerable distances. The DOE maintains that there is minimal risk concerning the wasps, emphasizing that these creatures typically do not travel far from their nests.
The Savannah River Site was established during the 1950s, primarily to produce plutonium and tritium for the United States’ nuclear weapon program amidst the Cold War. In recent years, the site has shifted its focus towards nuclear materials management, environmental cleanups, and ongoing research initiatives through the Savannah River National Laboratory. Cleanup efforts initiated by the DOE began back in 1996 and are expected to conclude by the year 2065.
In light of these developments, the situation at the Savannah River Site underscores the ongoing challenges related to radioactive contamination and environmental safety. As monitoring continues, officials and experts will likely keep a vigilant eye on both the nests and the surrounding area to prevent potential risks to human health and the environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Radioactive Wasp Nests Found at Savannah River Site
Radioactive Wasp Nest Discovered at Savannah River Site
Discovery of Radioactive Wasp Nest at Savannah River Site Raises Concerns
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Radioactive Wasp Nests at Savannah River Site
- Wikipedia: Savannah River Site
- Greenville Online: More Radioactive Wasp Nests Found
- Google Search: Savannah River Site wasp nests
- New York Post: Radioactive Wasp Nests Raise Concerns
- Google Scholar: Radioactive Wasp Nests Savannah River Site
- KTLA: Radioactive Wasp Nests at Nuclear Site
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah River Site
- The Guardian: Radioactive Wasps Found
- Google News: Radioactive Wasp Nests
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
