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Video: the dangers of ionising radiation

The Dangers of Radiation: Dr. Group on Info Wars http://www.lewrockwell.com/2013/09/edward-group/dangerous-radiation-is-already-upon-us/ By  Global Healing Center September 21, 2013

Dr Edward Group ~ The Dangers of Radiation

Recently I was on Info Wars with Anthony Gucciardi and we discussed the dangers of radiation, how we’re exposed to this toxic glow, and the measures you can take to protect yourself and your family. This is a big deal. Radiation is escaping Fukushima at an alarming rate. Are you prepared for the toxic aftermath?

September 25, 2013 Posted by | Resources -audiovicual | Leave a comment

Bye Bye Nuclear Renaissance

nuclear-costs3The market setbacks and stark projections have put an emphatic end to talk of the U.S. “nuclear renaissance” that was still being touted by industry supporters as recently as 2010.

More than half of the 28 proposed new reactors have since been officially cancelled or halted, and most of the others are stalled.

First US nuclear power closures in 15 years signal wider industry problems by Elizabeth Douglas, theguardian.com, Wednesday 25 September 2013“……….Cooper believes market conditions are so unfavorable that premature closures will not be limited to plants that have to compete for customers. He said closures will also hit nuclear plants that operate in regulated markets, where they are mostly protected from the competitive forces that drove the Kewaunee and Vermont Yankee plants out of business. Continue reading →

September 25, 2013 Posted by | business and costs, USA | Leave a comment

Even right wing Cato Institute getting worried about USA’s massive, unnecessary, nuclear arsenal

missile-moneyReassessing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy By CHRISTOPHER A. PREBLE Cato Institute Sept 24 13 Today Cato released a new white paper, “The End of Overkill? Reassessing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy.” I am proud to have contributed to this effort with lead author Benjamin Friedman of Cato, and Matt Fay, a former Cato research assistant now enrolled in the History PhD program at Temple University. We argue that U.S. security does not require nearly 1,600 nuclear weapons deployed on a triad of systems—bombers, land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs)—to deliver them. We estimate that a smaller arsenal deployed entirely on submarines would save roughly $20 billion annually while deterring attacks on the United States and its allies.

The paper is part of a broader project, “From Triad to Dyad: Rationalizing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Delivery Systems,” made possible by the generous support of the Ploughshares Fund. The project began as a top-line review of the triad, but expanded into a more comprehensive study of U.S. nuclear strategy and policy. Over the last year, we presented our preliminary findings at over a dozen public events in ten different cities, as well as several engagements here in Washington, D.C. This process generated useful feedback along the way.

Here are a few excerpts from “The End of Overkill?”:…..http://www.cato.org/blog/reassessing-us-nuclear-weapons-policy

September 25, 2013 Posted by | politics, USA, weapons and war | Leave a comment

Water conscious Utah residents oppose nuclear power plant in Emery County

nuke-tapUtah’s first nuclear plant on hold over trial for water rights
KSL.com Utah, By Amy Joi O’Donoghue 23 Sept 13, PRICE — Testimony began Monday in a Price courtroom during a week-long trial challenging the state’s decision on the water that will be used in a proposed nuclear power plant in Utah.

The lawsuit, filed in 2012, was brought by multiple groups hoping to kill plans for a proposed twin-reactor nuclear power plant in Emery County.

HEAL Utah and others want 7th District Judge George Harmond to rule illegal the Utah state engineer’s decision granting 53,600 acre-feet of water to the project.

Aaron Tilton’s Blue Castle Holdings is proposing to take the water from the Green River for use in the cooling process at the proposed plant, which would be located near the city of Green River in Emery County and generate 3,000 megawatts of electricity.

The groups challenging Tilton’s acquisition of the water assert that state engineer Kent Jones should have done much more in reviewing the water rights applications, including a demonstration that the water for the project won’t interfere with other water rights or harm the fragile Green River ecosystem……..

HEAL Utah and Uranium Watch are joined by 16 other plaintiffs, including the Utah Rivers Council, Living Rivers and the Center for Water Advocacy. Others include businesses that depend on the Green River such as Moki Mac River Expeditions and Holiday River Expeditions, and several residents from Green River, Moab and Salt Lake City……..http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=26970736&fm=most_popular

September 25, 2013 Posted by | USA, water | Leave a comment

Nuclear industry busy drumming up support wherever it can

First US nuclear power closures in 15 years signal wider industry problems by Elizabeth Douglas, theguardian.com, Wednesday 25 September 2013

“…….In the United States, the nuclear industry and its backers have begun appealing to the public for support.

Earlier this year, movie director Robert Stone released “Pandora’s Promise,” a film that makes the case for the broad adoption of nuclear energy as the primary solution to climate change. It primarily features the testimony of former opponents of nuclear power who, like Stone, have become supporters. Some reviewers have labeled it an advocacy film because it lacks balancing voices, sidesteps critical cost questions and largely dismisses concerns about safety and nuclear waste.

The nuclear industry may also look for support among communities where struggling plants are based. Since many nuclear plants operate in less populated areas, they are often a key contributor to the regional economy, providing tax revenue and hundreds of high-paying jobs. They also typically provide large amounts of electricity that can’t easily be replaced on short notice.,,,,,,,,

A more concerted approach to energy efficiency could lessen the need for new power plants. Fear of storm-induced power outages and other grid problems could accelerate a move away from large, centralized power plants (like nuclear reactors) that supply electricity through long-distance transmission lines.

A small but growing number of corporations, for example, are pursuing large onsite power-generation to cut utility costs and be assured of power in a crisis. A widespread shift toward such small-scale power production closer to homes and businesses would make nuclear power less attractive.  ……

“If Japan’s able to replace nuclear power with other sources, then that developing infrastructure will make those alternatives cheaper elsewhere as well,” said Lochbaum of the Union of Concerned Scientists…..http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/24/us-nuclear-power-closures

September 25, 2013 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

International renewable energy conference in Karachi in November

renewable_energyflag-pakistanAlternative energy gaining momentum http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/business/25-Sep-2013/alternative-energy-gaining-momentum September 25, 2013  KARACHI – Renewable and Alternative Energy Association of Pakistan (REAP) is hosting 3rd International Exhibition/ Conference on Renewable and Alternative Energy at Karachi Expo Centre from 1 to 3 November 2013.

While addressing a press conference chairman REAP Karachi, Abbas Sajid said that due to severe energy crisis in the country combined with rising costs of fuel and electricity and reduction in cost of Alternative Energy products like solar panels, the use of renewable and alternative energy is gaining momentum.
It is becoming feasible to invest in both off grid as well as on grid energy systems. This combined with Government support and good return on investment is attracting more and more domestic and international investors to this field.  With abundant sunlight and wind available in the country there is no reason why we cannot gain energy security and provide cheap and sustainable energy to our masses, which in turn will help our industry and exports to earn much needed foreign exchange for the country.
The REAP Expo 2013 is the only truly representative RE and AE event of the country where visitors will be able to see, compare and discuss the most up-to-date products and technologies. Displays will include systems for commercial, industrial, residential and institutional applications including complete systems, individual components and latest products of RE and plumbing fields, he added.

He said a Conference will run concurrent to the Expo featuring reputed foreign as well as local speakers who are experts in their fields. Presentations will be made on RE and opportunities available for different RE and Plumbing Technologies. There will be discussions on Local as well as International Renewable Energy Initiatives and Technologies. Problems will be highlighted and solutions proposed specially related to the domestic energy crisis.
Abbas Sajid said that the 3rd International Exhibition on Renewable & Alternative Energy will provide a great opportunity and unique chance to meet top officials, professionals and key decision-makers from related industries. Senior executives from prominent national and multi-national organisations have already consented to visit and participate in the Expo.
This year the event is being organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Society of Plumbing Professionals. The Expo is being supported by International companies like GIZ from Germany and all concerned Government Departments like AEDB, Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies, Ministry of Water and Power, Enercon, Ashrae Pakistan Chapter and Pakistan Society of Plumbing Professionals.

September 25, 2013 Posted by | ACTION | Leave a comment

Should TEPCO, should Japan, be allowed to attempt this on its own?

fukushima_reactor-4-2013We are now within two months of what may be humankind’s most dangerous moment since the Cuban Missile Crisis. There is no excuse for not acting. All the resources our species can muster must be focused on the fuel pool at Fukushima Unit 4. … Neither Tokyo Electric nor the government of Japan can go this alone. There is no excuse for deploying anything less than a coordinated team of the planet’s best scientists and engineers. …

We have two months or less to act. For now, we are petitioning the United Nations and President Obama to mobilize the global scientific and engineering community to take charge at Fukushima and the job of moving these fuel rods to safety.

Risky repair of Fukushima could spill 15,000x radiation of Hiroshima, create 85 Chernobyls, America Blog 9/23/2013 10:00am by  

Should TEPCO be allowed to attempt this on its own?

Should Japan be allowed to attempt this on its own?

This is the heart of today’s problem. In reality, the events that are about to unfold at Fukushima in the next 60 days will affect much of the world. They could in fact change life in the northern hemisphere, if the worst of the worst occurs.

The Japanese government has ceded control of the next phrase — removing more than 1300 fuel rods from Reactor 4 — to TEPCO. (Seems that Japan has a “corporate capture of government” problem similar to our own.) Reuters (quoted here):

Tokyo Electric Power Co (Tepco) is already in a losing battle to stop radioactive water overflowing from another part of the facility, and experts question whether it will be able to pull off the removal of all the assemblies successfully.

“They are going to have difficulty in removing a significant number of the rods,” said Arnie Gundersen, a veteran U.S. nuclear engineer and director of Fairewinds Energy Education, who used to build fuel assemblies.

The operation, beginning this November at the plant’s Reactor No. 4, is fraught with danger, including the possibility of a large release of radiation if a fuel assembly breaks, gets stuck or gets too close to an adjacent bundle, said Gundersen and other nuclear experts. … The utility says it recognizes the operation will be difficult but believes it can carry it out safely.

Nonetheless, Tepco inspires little confidence. Sharply criticized for failing to protect the Fukushima plant against natural disasters, its handling of the crisis since then has also been lambasted.

Who has sovereignty here? Who has control? Better, who should have sovereignty and control? Continue reading →

September 25, 2013 Posted by | Fukushima 2013 | 4 Comments

Research indicates Fukushima’s atmospheric release of 210 quadrillion becquerels of cesium-137

Cesium-137EU-funded Research: Fukushima atmospheric release of 210 quadrillion becquerels of cesium-137 used as upper bound in simulation — Chernobyl estimated at 70 to 85 quadrillion http://enenews.com/eu-funded-research-fukushima-atmospheric-release-210-petabecquerels-cesium-137-upper-bound-simulation-chernobyl-estimated-70-85-petabecquerels
Title: Modelling the global atmospheric transport and deposition of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident
Source:  Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Authors: T. Christoudias and J. Lelieveld
Date: 2013
Emphasis Added

We modeled the global atmospheric dispersion and deposition of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident. […]

We obtained good agreement with measurements of 133Xe, at both T255 and T106 resolution. The comparison for 137Cs is less favorable, though not systematically biased based on the 137Cs emission estimate of 36.7 (20.1–53.1) PBq [petabecquerels (quadrillion becquerels)] by Stohl et al. (2012). This is equivalent to somewhat less than half the 137Cs source by Chernobyl (85 PBq, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (2006)). The estimate of 13 PBq by Chino et al. (2011) (revised to 8.8 PBq by Terada et al. (2012) and confirmed as a lower bound of 12 PBq by Winiarek et al. (2012), with an upper bound of 210 PBq, was also included in our comparison.

[…] Although the prevailing wind direction during the accident was in easterly direction, some of the atmospheric radioactivity was transported toward the west and southwest, and deposited in Japan and to a lesser extent reached the Philippines. Based on the above mentioned emission estimates, we calculated that an area of Japan of 34,000 km2 was contaminated by more than 40 kBqm−2 of 137Cs and 131I, to which 9.4 million people were exposed. Our model results indicate that a surface area of 60,000 km2 received a total deposition greater than 10 kBqm−2, a region inhabited by 46 million people.

[…] The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Seventh FrameworkProgramme.

Nuclear Energy Agency’s 2002 assessment of the Chernobyl disaster: The total 137Cs release was estimated to be 70 petabecquerels (PBq)

See also: Study: Fukushima released 100 quadrillion becquerels of cesium into atmosphere… In just ONE day — About equal to Chernobyl’s total release

September 25, 2013 Posted by | Fukushima 2013, Reference | 1 Comment

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) urged to focus on benefits of renewable energy

Greenpeace Report Calls for Renewed Vigor in Asean’s Renewable Energy Drive Jakarta Globe, By Ethan Harfenist  September 24, 2013. Greenpeace Southeast Asia laid out an argument on Tuesday for a concerted push for renewable energy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), focusing on both the economic and environmental benefits of a greener power policy.

“The deteriorating climate should be Asean’s top concern, given that the region is experiencing frequent and more intense extreme weather events due to climate change caused by carbon emissions,” said Amalie H. Obusan, regional climate and energy campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

Launched at the 31st Asean Ministers of Energy meeting in Bali, “Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable Asean Energy Outlook” emphasizes the socio-economic advantages of pursuing renewables in a roadmap detailing how the regional group could safeguard its energy security.

“The Asean region, with its rapid pace of economic and population growth should play an important role in this global solution as the E[R] report clearly shows that a low carbon development path is possible,” Obusan said.

The report said sustainable energy sources — such as wind, photovoltaics and geothermal energy — could comprise 70 percent of the region’s total electricity generation by 2050. This is due in part to a “democratization of energy production,” according to Greenpeace — access to solar panels could bring electricity to remote or deprived Southeast Asian communities currently unconnected to electricity grids.

Costs and benefits

The exploitation of green-energy sources across Asean could, the report said, result in $2.8 trillion worth of investment, $2.7 trillion in fuel-cost savings and 1.1 million jobs by 2030…….http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/greenpeace-report-calls-for-renewed-vigor-in-aseans-renewable-energy-drive/

September 25, 2013 Posted by | ASIA, renewable | Leave a comment

5 drums of radioactive trash fell off a truck at Hanford

In brief: Hanford drums fall from flatbed truck Spokesman Review, 24 Sept 13 RICHLAND – A Department of Energy contractor said five drums holding low-level radioactive waste fell off a flatbed truck in the center of Hanford on Monday but no contaminated material was released.

The drums were among 74 on the truck that were being shipped from a treatment facility at Hanford to a nearby plant, the Tri-City Herald reported.CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co. said the truck was in an area where the public is not allowed. It stopped at a railroad crossing and the drums fell off. Radiological surveys showed that none of the drums broke.

The company was working Monday to determine what caused the drums to fall.

The treatment facility receives contaminated wastewater from Hanford activities, and the material in the drums was solid waste left from the water treatment.  http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/sep/24/in-brief-hanford-drums-fall-from-flatbed-truck/

September 25, 2013 Posted by | incidents, USA | Leave a comment

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