Summary
A radioactive wasp nest was found at an old nuclear weapons site in South Carolina. The nest showed radiation levels ten times higher than allowed, but investigators found no leaks from the nearby nuclear waste tanks. The radiation came from lingering contamination at the site, which no longer makes nuclear weapons but still handles nuclear materials.
Key Facts
- A radioactive wasp nest was discovered at a facility near Aiken, South Carolina.
- The nest had radiation levels ten times above the maximum allowed limits.
- The site previously made parts for US nuclear weapons but now focuses on power plant materials.
- The radioactive contamination came from the site's past operations during the Cold War.
- No wasps were found, and the nest was disposed of as radioactive waste.
- Investigations showed no nuclear waste leak or risk to the environment or the public.
- Environmental groups have been critical of the government's response.
- The Savannah River Site was originally opened in the 1950s for plutonium production for nuclear bombs.
