Podcast Summary: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt - "Peaceful Nuclear Explosions" (DT 317)
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Aaron (BuildWitt)

Introduction

In Episode 317 of "Dirt Talk," host Aaron delves into the intriguing and often overlooked topic of peaceful nuclear explosions. This concept, which may sound contradictory at first, encompasses the use of nuclear detonations for non-military, civil engineering purposes. Aaron explores historical programs, their ambitions, outcomes, and the lingering implications of these formidable undertakings.

Understanding Peaceful Nuclear Explosions

Aaron begins by defining peaceful nuclear explosions (PNEs), clarifying that these are nuclear detonations intended for non-military applications. He describes proposed uses such as:

• Excavation for canals and harbors
• Electricity generation
• Spacecraft propulsion
• Wide-area fracking

“Peaceful nuclear explosions are nuclear explosions conducted for non-military purposes... These were an area of some research from the late 1950s into the 1980s, primarily in the United States and the good old Soviet Union.” [05:30]

United States: Project Plowshare

The United States spearheaded its PNE initiatives under Project Plowshare, active from 1961 to 1977. Aaron details several key projects and their outcomes:

• Project Chariot: Intended to create an artificial harbor in Alaska using hydrogen bombs but was abandoned due to environmental and practical concerns.

  “Project Chariot... was never carried out due to concerns for the native populations and the fact that there was little potential use for the harbor to justify its risk and expense.” [12:45]

• Panama Canal Alternatives: Proposals to excavate a second Panama Canal or an alternative to the Suez Canal using nuclear devices were ultimately deemed unfeasible.

• Sedan Nuclear Test (1962): The largest excavation experiment, which displaced 12 million tons of earth but resulted in significant radioactive fallout over Nevada and Utah.

  “The Sedan nuclear test... created the largest man-made crater in the world, generating a large nuclear fallout over Nevada and Utah.” [20:10]

• Project Gas Buggy: A 1967 subsurface blast in New Mexico still suffers from nuclear contamination today.

  “Project Gas Buggy... still contains nuclear contamination from a single subsurface blast in 1967.” [22:30]

Aaron emphasizes the escalating public opposition and the economic impracticality that led to Project Plowshare’s termination in 1977.

“Public opposition to Plowshare was increasing, and a 1970s study of the economics of the concept suggested they had no practical use.” [26:50]

Soviet Union: Nuclear Explosions for the National Economy

Mirroring the US efforts, the Soviet Union pursued its own PNE program known as Nuclear Explosions for the National Economy. Aaron highlights the scale and impact of the Soviet initiatives:

• Scale: Conducted 239 nuclear tests, vastly exceeding the American 27 tests.

• Environmental Impact: Significant releases of radioactivity, including plutonium contamination near the Volga River.

  “Some of these tests also released radioactivity, including a significant release of plutonium into the groundwater and polluting the area near the Volga River.” [34:15]

• Practical Achievements: Notably used nuclear explosions to seal blown-out oil wells, showcasing a practical application.

• Termination: The program concluded in 1988 amidst arms control agreements and environmental concerns.

  “The program officially ended in 1988 as part of ongoing arms control efforts.” [38:40]

Aaron also notes the Soviet PNE's influence on modern discussions, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response.

“Reports on the successful Soviet use of nuclear explosions... were widely cited in United States politics policy discussions of options for stopping the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon oil spill.” [40:55]

Other International Efforts

Aaron explores attempts by other nations to harness PNEs:

• Germany: In the early 1970s, proposed using nuclear devices to build a canal from the Mediterranean Sea to the Qatar Depression in Egypt. The project was ultimately declined by the Egyptian government.

  “The Egyptian government declined to pursue the idea.” [45:20]

• Australia: Considered nuclear blasting for iron ore mining in the Pilbara region.

• Future Concepts: Elon Musk’s idea to terraform Mars using nuclear detonations and Michio Kaku’s alternative proposals utilizing nuclear reactors.

  “We could use off-the-shelf nuclear explosives to shoot an asteroid or a comet into Mars to make it inhabitable. What could go wrong?” [58:10]

Aaron underscores the speculative nature of these futuristic proposals, pointing out the current limitations and immense challenges involved.

Project Carryall: Interstate 40 and the Bristol Mountains

A focal point of the episode is Project Carryall, a 1963 proposal under Project Plowshare to use nuclear explosives for constructing a passage for Interstate 40 and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway through the Bristol Mountains of Southern California.

• Proposal Details:

  • Excavation Plan: Utilize 22 nuclear devices ranging from 20 to 200 kilotons to create an 11,000 ft long and 360 ft deep excavation.

  • Environmental Impact: Anticipated a dust cloud 7 miles wide and potential rock missile ejections up to 4,000 ft.

  • Economic Consideration: Projected cost savings by using nuclear methods estimated at $13.8 million versus conventional $50 million excavation.

    “The nuclear method was projected at 13.8 million, a significant savings not including the costs of the nuclear devices.” [52:35]

• Outcome:

  • Abandonment: The project was shelved in 1966 as highway construction progressed faster with conventional methods.

  • Legacy: Interstate 40 was successfully completed using traditional earthmoving techniques, underscoring the practicality and safety of conventional methods over nuclear explosions.

    “The United States was almost using atomic bombs, nuclear bombs to build I40, but instead they went with conventional drill and blast and shovels, which I think was a great idea.” [1:05:50]

Conclusion

Aaron wraps up the episode by reflecting on the ambitious yet ultimately flawed pursuit of using nuclear explosions for civil engineering. He emphasizes the significant environmental and health risks, coupled with economic impracticalities, that hindered these programs. While the concept of PNEs remains a fascinating chapter in nuclear history, Aaron asserts that traditional earthmoving techniques remain the preferred and safer choice for large-scale engineering projects.

“Do not expect nuclear explosions to be used to build canals or be used for fracking or dig harbors or tunnels anytime soon. I think we're going to stick with traditional earthmoving for now.” [1:10:40]

Aaron invites listeners to share their ideas for future episodes, hinting at upcoming topics like a giant Mississippi project, and encourages engagement through the Dirt Talk website.

“If you have any other suggestions, feel free to write us dirttalkillwit.com we would love to hear from you.” [1:12:00]

Key Takeaways

• Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (PNEs): Nuclear detonations intended for non-military, civil engineering purposes, explored primarily by the US and Soviet Union from the 1950s to the 1980s.

• Project Plowshare: The US initiative to harness PNEs faced environmental backlash and economic setbacks, leading to its cancellation in 1977 after 27 tests.

• Soviet Ambitions: The USSR’s extensive PNE program conducted 239 tests but also ended due to environmental concerns and arms control agreements.

• International Proposals: Other nations, including Germany and Australia, contemplated PNEs for large-scale projects but did not pursue them successfully.

• Modern Reflections: While historical PNEs are largely abandoned, speculative ideas like terraforming Mars with nuclear devices continue to capture the imagination, albeit with significant challenges.

• Environmental and Economic Costs: The historical PNE programs highlight the severe environmental impacts and economic impracticalities, reinforcing the preference for conventional engineering methods.

Notable Quotes

• “Peaceful nuclear explosions are nuclear explosions conducted for non-military purposes... These were an area of some research from the late 1950s into the 1980s, primarily in the United States and the good old Soviet Union.”
  [05:30]

• “Project Chariot... was never carried out due to concerns for the native populations and the fact that there was little potential use for the harbor to justify its risk and expense.”
  [12:45]

• “The Sedan nuclear test... created the largest man-made crater in the world, generating a large nuclear fallout over Nevada and Utah.”
  [20:10]

• “Public opposition to Plowshare was increasing, and a 1970s study of the economics of the concept suggested they had no practical use.”
  [26:50]

• “We could use off-the-shelf nuclear explosives to shoot an asteroid or a comet into Mars to make it inhabitable. What could go wrong?”
  [58:10]

• “Do not expect nuclear explosions to be used to build canals or be used for fracking or dig harbors or tunnels anytime soon. I think we're going to stick with traditional earthmoving for now.”
  [1:10:40]

• “If you have any other suggestions, feel free to write us dirttalkillwit.com we would love to hear from you.”
  [1:12:00]

Final Thoughts

Aaron’s exploration of peaceful nuclear explosions serves as a compelling examination of an alternative use of nuclear technology that history ultimately deemed too hazardous and impractical. Through detailed historical accounts and critical analysis, the episode underscores the complexities and consequences of integrating nuclear technology into civil engineering. Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between technological ambition and environmental stewardship.

Stay tuned to "Dirt Talk" for more deep dives into fascinating and unconventional topics!