Atom and the fault: experts, earthquakes, and nuclear power
A narrative account of the geology expert's role in an environmental controversy focuses on the problem of siting nuclear power plants near geologic faults and the conflicting testimony delivered by equally sincere consultants. The author examines the problem of faults and their significance to reactor safety, and concludes that part of the controversy and regulatory indecision are due to the lack of an accepted scientific standard for risk. He explores the historical and social role of the principal professional groups (geologists and engineers) in the debate, and concludes that concerns at some sites were warranted. Scientific advocacy, he feels, serves a useful function in the hearing process, and that the representation for intervenors has been generally good. 18 references, 10 figures.
- OSTI ID:
- 6025347
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
58 GEOSCIENCES
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
SITE SELECTION
REACTOR SAFETY
RISK ASSESSMENT
CONSULTANTS
EARTHQUAKES
GEOLOGIC FISSURES
INTERVENORS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
POWER PLANTS
SAFETY
SEISMIC EVENTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
220900* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Reactor Safety
580201 - Geophysics- Seismology & Tectonics- (1980-1989)
290600 - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy