A facility that has been part of Omaha since 1959 will soon exist only in history Books.
The research nuclear reactor located in the basement of the Omaha VA Medical Center is currently going through the process of being dismantled and removed from the premises. It was located there from 1959 until 2001, when it was determined that, for security reasons, it should be shut down.
So far, the tiles that surrounded it have been removed, as has the “lazy Susan” and the cooling pool’s reflector. These have been placed inside containers lined with steel in which they will be transported to a site in Utah, where low level nuclear material is stored.
The reactor had originally been built for research that was intended to help find ways of using radiation to detect and cure cancer and other diseases. Even though many people were not aware that it was there, it was put to use finding links between selenium deficiency in those with arthritis and the link between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum. In 2001, it was shut down due to the advent of better technologies. A poster printing company can create artwork that outlines the history of the reactor and the role it played in fighting disease. These can be displayed inside the hospital so people can learn more about the history of their city.
The reactor rods were removed in 2002, and the remaining parts have little radiation left due to the amount of time they have stood there unused.Get a Free Quote for Books
