That weekend we drove up to the Oconee Power Station in South Carolina, Geiger Counter in hand, to measure the radiation levels at the plant. During the drive, my Dad discussed all the measures that utilities take to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the radiation inside the reactor.  He told me about the r-squared effect, and that I could expect to find the highest radiation measurements nearest the containment building, and it would decline exponentially the further away we went.

This was before the September 11th attacks, and I was able to get really close to the structures, and my research was enthusiastically supported by the staff at the Oconee Power Station (they have a great Visitor’s Center if you ever have a chance to visit). We took readings at three distances starting near the containment building, then moving outward. We did the same thing at the spent fuel storage facility. The measurements were really, really low near the facilities and declined rapidly as we moved away from each building.  On the closest public road to site, the radiation level was the same as the background reading far from the site.

I compiled the data and reported it to my class. I concluded that there were no dangerous levels of radiation to the public from the power plant. I also explained that we are exposed to low levels of radiation every day and that is nothing to be afraid of.  At that time, acid rain, caused by sulfur emissions from coal plants, was a problem, so I also shared that all of the energy being produced there was pollution free, and therefore safer for the environment than fossil fuels. Finally I assured my class that the spent fuel was being safely stored on site. I was proud to demonstrate that our text book (and our teacher) did not have all of the information, and that it was important to take the time to explore this subject, as well as all other subjects independently because you aren’t always getting the whole story when you rely on just one resource.

As we develop our educational outreach program here at PopAtomic, I have often thought about this experience. I was thrilled when my Dad recently emailed me these photos that he found on an old floppy disk, so I could share this story, with pictures.

Reflecting on this experience reinforces my commitment to be a nuclear energy educator, especially to other non-technical people. It also reminds us that young people in America are being presented with misinformation about energy all of the time, which is directly leading to resistance towards the energy source that stands to them benefit the most. I am more inspired and motivated every day to share the truth about nuclear energy, and am grateful for this experience that helped me develop a voice in the important dialogue about nuclear energy. This is the kind of personal exploratory learning that I strive to share with young people through the arts, leaving America’s students empowered rather than fearful for our energy future.

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