Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Radioactive Wasp Nest Found at Former Nuclear Facility
At a former nuclear weapons facility, a wasp nest was found with dangerous levels of radiation.
The nest was located near tanks holding nuclear waste.
The radiation was much higher than allowed, causing concern.
Officials said there was no leak and no danger to people.
The contamination likely came from old radioactive materials leftover from when the site made nuclear bombs.
Workers removed the nest.
Some people are asking how the nest got contaminated.
A radioactive wasp nest was discovered at the Savannah River Site, a former nuclear facility.
The nest, with no wasps inside, was found on a post near waste tanks.
Radiation levels in the nest were ten times higher than permitted.
Officials attributed the contamination to legacy radioactive materials from past nuclear weapons production.
No evidence of leaks or public impact was found, according to reports.
- Who
- Workers and officials from the US Department of Energy.
- What
- Discovery of a radioactive wasp nest.
- When
- The discovery was made on July 3.
- Where
- At the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.
- Why
- Due to onsite legacy radioactive contamination from past nuclear weapons production.
Environmental Activists vs. DOE Findings
Official Assurances
Public Safety
Environmental Activists vs. DOE Findings
Concern about how the radioactive contamination occurred at the site.
Official Assurances
DOE reported that there was neither any environmental damage nor impact on the public.
- Location
- Savannah River Site, South Carolina
- Discovery Date
- July 3
- Radiation Level
- Ten times higher than permitted
- Source
- Legacy radioactive contamination
- Current Function
- Nuclear fuel production and waste cleanup
