Divine Strake addressed

Article and photograph by Janet Monti

Cutline: Richard Miller, author of several books about nuclear fallout, speaks at the Third Annual Western Downwinders Conference on Saturday in Boise. He encouraged people to comment on the Divine Strake test planned for the same location as nuclear tests in Nevada.

More than two dozen strangers sat in silence, occasionally nodding their heads in agreement, shaking their heads as facts too bizarre to comprehend were cited or wiping an errant tear from their cheek.

A United States government movie “Trinity and Beyond,” about the history of the nuclear bomb, mesmerized those viewing by the graphic, real-time news clips of bomb testing. Scene after scene of bomb tests were displayed — in a bizarre way displaying the beauty of light and form while also displaying the uncontrollable effects of each detonation. Rather than becoming desensitized to the information as often happens in the theater, those watching became provoked to do something to prevent a repeat.

“We will not allow another generation of Downwinders to be created!” J Truman stated emphatically at the Third Annual Western Downwinders Conference in Boise on Saturday. The founder of Downwinders delivered the same message the next day to a Department of Defense hearing on Divine Strake, a new test for the same nuclear sites as the 1950s and 60s.

Throughout the day, people drifted in, some coming intentionally, some possibly arriving at the Idaho Historical Museum for other reasons and who became drawn in to the dramas unfolding in the room.

Scheduled to coincide with the 57th anniversary of nuclear test “Able” at Frenchman Flat in Nevada, the conference offered information and support regarding victims of the nuclear fallout. Able was the first test of nuclear bombs in Nevada that dusted Americans with fallout — fallout that included Iodine-131.

Guest speakers brought out information about the above-ground nuclear tests performed in Nevada in the 1950s and 60s. Fallout from the tests traveled on upper air currents and fell, usually north and east of the test itself. Iodine-131 is among the 125 radioactive isotopes. According to a 1997 study by the National Cancer Institute, I-131 is linked to thyroid cancer.

In addition to gaining recognition for all of America’s downwinders, the issue becomes more convoluted with proposed below-ground tests on the same site. Divine Strake is a non-bomb, explosive devise. Varying groups are concerned that the explosive device could stir up latent, long-settled fallout from five to six decades ago. This likely includes six to seven isotopes.

Richard Miller is the author of several books about the decades of nuclear fallout. He spoke at length about air currents, size of fallout particles and the rates of dropping to the earth.

“Whatever happened at the Nevada Test Sites (NTS) happened in Idaho. Many of the detonated bombs were intentionally in front of storms,” Miller said.

Storms changed the rate of decent as water brought particles to earth at a much faster rate. His opinions are based on government reports and tests and information from the National Cancer Institute.

“Iodine-131 is only about 2 percent of all the fallout. What about the other 98 percent that fell? If you’re exposed to a bundle of radioactive isotopes, it will increase your risk for cancer,” Miller stated.

Divine Strake is a below-ground test the DOD wants to detonate in the middle of the NTS. It has already been postponed due to public outcry. The Sunday hearing elicited comments from Idahoans about the test. Since “the test will kick up” latent fallout from the site, Miller said Idahoans should be concerned. He has read and understands the environmental assessment about the proposed test.

Miller shared his concerns about Divine Strake:

u How high will the cloud of dust be? Some federal government models show 10,000 feet, some indicate 4,800 feet.

u How did the environmental assessment come up with the amount of particulates generated by the test? Miller asserts the model used cannot predict the size of particulates.

u How come there are no models with particulates smaller than 10 microns as small as required by the Clean Air Act?

u Why didn’t the models go further away than 60 miles from the detonation site?

u The EIS varies by 120 degrees in the acceptable directions for fallout travel. Good science usually works on a 95 percentile.

u What’s below the surface of the ground where the tests will occur? “There have been 26 soils samples taken, five to six inches deep,” Miller said. This was the equivalent of doing one test per football field.

u What is in place to tell where the resulting cloud goes?

Locally, Tona Henderson has taken up the cause for Downwinders, both past and future. Copies of the revised Environmental Assessment are at her business, the Rumor Mill at East Fourth Street and South Washington Avenue. You can find information at www.nv.doe.gov or e-mail divinestrake@nv.doe.gov.

Reporter’s note: Look for more information about the Downwinders and Divine Strake conferences in future issues.