As tensions heat up between the expanding list of nuclear powers, I decided it might be interesting to look into the history of American nuclear development. What better place to start then examining the projects that took place in my home state of Alaska.
The Firecracker Boys by Dan O'Neill delves into the mysteries surrounding Project Chariot, a Plowshare project aimed at blasting a harbor in Alaska utilizing atomic explosions. Plowshare projects were meant to showcase the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Hopeful projects included a harbor in Australia and a sea-level canal in Panama.
The Atomic Energy Commission and the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory led by Edward Teller, arguably the father of the H-Bomb, went to great lengths to complete the project at Cape Thompson and Point Hope, Alaska.
The project was appealing to Alaska Industry and Government, as it was sold as a way to increase trade by opening up a route to the mineral rich country. What they did not count on was strong resistance from Alaska native leaders and dissent within their ranks from scientists hired to perform environmental studies.
In his book, published a tad over 10 years ago, Dan O'Neill has amassed an extraordinary collection of interviews and documents from both sides of the argument. The picture that is painted is one of deception and stereotypes. The AEC, expecting an easily manipulated native population instead found a group ready to use their full powers of protest and grassroots campaigning to insure a project that had the possibility of devastating their livelihoods never took place.
Additionally, it is shown that the AEC manipulated scientific information, ignored the warnings and protests of their own hired scientists and engaged in an active battle of propaganda and outright lies in an effort to see the project through.
Though the blasts never took place, studies involving radioactive isotopes still occurred, including a pile of active debris that leached into the water supply. The natives of Point Hope have an elevated cancer rate.
Article comments
1 - David
I have this book and read it at least once a year. I used to live in Fairbanks, Alaska and was totally disugusted that William Wood, former UAF president, was respected.
HIs support of the nuclear testing and harbor in Alaska was totally disgusting. Then as university president he blackballed staff members who spoke out against the use of nuclear weapons to make a harbor.
The main was totally vain. He had an earned Master's degree and years later he was awarded an honorary doctorate after he retired. Mr. Wood insisted he be called Dr. Wood. Even the local paper, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, helped support the fraud.
Once I called the managing editor and pointed out they were not following the Assocated Press Stylebook on use of the designating people as Dr. The editor told me that they knew it was an honoray degree, however, because he (Mr. Wood) liked to be called Doctor they used the title and would continue it used. I was not surprised, as the local people refer to the newspaper as the News-Minus.
2 - Dan O'Neill
Thanks for the kind words guys. Just to let you know, after being out of print for several years, The Firecracker Boys is to be re-released this fall, October 2007, by Counterpoint (New York). See: Peresus Books
I am just sending in the updated manuscript today. New entries include the building of a deeply flawed missile defense system in Alaska, and the Bush administration's regulations that thwart the Freedom of Information Act and greatly expand government secrecy and classification.
Dan O'Neill
Author of The Firecracker Boys