Representing Nuclear Contamination and Remediation
danicaThe Weldon Spring Interpretive Center was a discursive jamboree for those of us curious about how anthropocenics are narrated. This particular display at the center stood out to me becuase of its resemblance to other interpretive center or science museum displays representing the "life cycle" of an organism or of cycles of ecosystem conditions (e.g. forest succession). One of the first displays visitors see upon entering the center, the display's format and captions read to me as a clear attempt to control the discourse about nuclear contamination and remediation in the area. The image--or its creator--wants to do the work of suggesting that the clean up process has brought the place "back to how it was," cycling back to a good beginning. The text used in this display is exclusively neutral or positive. The arrows moving from each circle to the next purports to display how "this area has served many purposes over the years." It states "these exhibits are designed to educate you on the history, science, and efforts of many to bring the Weldon Spring site full circle." In this cycle, Weldon Spring is not a hazardouse waste site or contaminated site but rather "a site for remedial action." Thus we are to see the space as a "home to many people," then "a TNT and DNT plant," then "a uranium feed and matierals plant," then "a site for remedial action," "an extensive cleanup effort," "a successful solution," and, finally, "a place to enjoy and learn." In this emphasis on a "return" to good conditions, the displacement of residents, health issues plant workers and others' faced, and the uncertainties or messiness of what adequate clean up is are omitted. In this image, and in much of the interpretive center, the discourse around nuclear materials, its effects and cleanup, is neatened, simplified, into a narrative that de-emphasizes the actual health impacts of these processes and of the political wherewithall that was required to make that remediation happen.
The notion of cycling back to something is a particularly intriguing move
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a.elhamamiThe article goes into how the Kresge Foundation's Climate Resilience and Urban Oppurtunity Initiative came togethre to try and make Newark more resilient in terms of the community.
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rumil.ranaThe Newark Resilience Action Plan (RAP) team comprises of the Ironbound Community Corporation, New Jersey Environment Justice, and Clean Water Action.
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rumil.ranaThe aim of this organization is to work as a collaborative team to address efforts in reducing greenhouse gases, adapt to changes that are already underway, and foster social inclusion and cohesion.
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rumil.ranaThe organization called Resilience Action Plan (RAP) team is a newly formed organization so they did not get a chance to do something yet from looking in the article.
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rumil.ranaAccording to the article, Hurricane Sandy has caused severe damage in Newark and with the public health and safety in mind, the organization wants to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases in Newark and help reduce climate change and make Newark more resilient.
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rumil.ranaThe Resilience Action Plan Team got a grant from the Kresge Foundation's Climate Resilience and Urban Opportunity Initiative and they have the support of the city of Newark to enable their work and possibly shape their way of thinking about disaster and health.
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Shivam.PatelIn this artifact, there is evidence showing resilience in Newark, New Jersey. After hurricane Sandy, Newark is now planning more for climate change and future threats to public safety and the environment
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Shivam.PatelThis artifact contains information regarding the change in attitude towards environmental damage after hurricane Sandy. Newark is very vulnerable to flooding do to storms, and this was emphasized within the artifact.