Nuclear and Fracking

Experts from different fields frequently are brought into Carolina Preserve to present information on various topics.  Last week Aloma and I attended a session on the Harris Nuclear Plant, located about 15 miles from us.

I attend these sessions to learn more about the subject and to observe the people and how they react to the presentations and to learn what questions they ask.  I wasn’t disappointed.

The moderator started the session with a slideshow attempting to prove the nuclear plant was dangerous because it depended on the lake levels of Harris Lake to cover the spent rods.  The speakers, one who headed emergency/security preparation for the Harris Nuclear Plant and the other from the National Nuclear Security Agency, politely explained the moderator’s assumptions were incorrect and provided correct facts.  

After a few minutes, the speakers had given me a comfort level that security was tight, most systems had back-ups and training was on-going.  While accidents can happen, the design of the plant and the systems and training procedures seemed to be first-class.

Then the fun began.  The moderator and members of the audience moved into facking, in spite of the speaker declaring he was a nuclear expert, not a fracking expert.  Comments such as:  a fault line lies near the Nuclear facility and fracking causes earthquakes;  drilling might occur two miles from the facility but the horizontal line might extend under the plant and cause an earthquake.  The speaker explained that the power plant owned almost 40 square miles around the plant and no one could drill near the plant.  “No so,” a member of the audience said.  “They can drill anywhere they want, even in your front yard.”

The mob was in full swing now.  Issues with the nuclear plant took backseat to fracking.  Each statement became more outrageous than the last.  Finally, the bottom line was clear.  The Republican governor and legislature were deliberately enacting laws that endangered citizens because they were bought off by big money.

The speakers politely remained quiet while the audienced ranted.

I doubt the  speakers will return to Carolina Preserve.  However, I’ll attend the next meeting in eager anticipation of another mob scene.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com