Feds: We Won't Nuke Gulf Spill

Nuclear option isn't an option: scientists

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 3, 2010 1:21 AM CDT | Updated Jun 3, 2010 5:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – The federal government is definitely not considering nuking its way out of the Gulf oil spill crisis, despite some people's belief that it may be the best remaining option, officials said. The Soviet Union has successfully used nuclear blasts to seal off several runaway gas wells, supporters of the nuclear option point out. Government scientists, however, say the idea is far too risky and untested. "It's crazy," one senior official tells the New York Times.

A sea floor nuclear detonation would not only have unknown and possibly catastrophic consequences from radiation, experts say, it would also violate international treaties. None of Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers have been called on to look at the option, said a spokesman. "It’s not going to happen,” stressed a senior scientist at the birthplace of the atomic bomb. “Technically, it would be exploring new ground in the midst of a disaster—and you might make it worse.”

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (2)]

Sealing the Gulf leak with a nuclear blast isn't being considered and won't be considered, the government officials insist. (Shutter Stock)

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What’s worse than an oil spill? A radioactive oil spill. - A National Post blogger

Probably the only thing we can do is create a weapon system and send it down 18,000 feet and detonate it, hopefully encasing the oil. - Energy expert Matt Simmons

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Feds: We Won't Nuke Gulf Spill