New data from the U.S. Geologic Survey suggests that seismic activity in Oak Ridge might be more severe than previously predicted. The information was released this month, updating 2008 data and indicating an increase in potential seismic activity, and an Oak Ridge-based nuclear activist group keyed on the information, suggesting that the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration should account for the new information when modernizing and maintaining production facilities at the Y-12 National Security Complex. The group, the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, also said it raises questions about keeping nuclear facilities in East Tennessee. “The triad of potentially worse seismic activity, the higher likelihood of seismic activity and the aging of the Y-12 facility create the atmosphere for a perfect nuclear storm,” OREPA Director Ralph Hutchison said in a statement. The NNSA did not respond to a request for comment.
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