Popular US hiking spot allegedly contaminated with radioactive waste comparable to Chernobyl — but gov denies any issue

A popular New Mexico hiking trail near a major US atomic-weapons facility is allegedly contaminated with radioactive waste comparable to the ruins of Chernobyl, but the government denies there’s any issue.
Acid Canyon — located in the heart of Los Alamos, where the world’s first atomic bombs were developed — has “extreme concentrations” of plutonium in its plants, soil and water, says North Arizona University scientist Michael Ketterer in a recent study.
“This is one of the most shocking things I’ve ever stumbled across in my life,” Ketterer told the Guardian, comparing his findings to the radioactivity levels in the Ukrainian city of Pripyat, which was abandoned after the Soviet-controlled Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded in 1986 and spewed toxic waste into the surrounding area.
6 A popular hiking trail, Acid Canyon in New Mexico, has “extreme concentrations” of plutonium, new research claims. U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management
6 Vegetation from Acid Canyon and lower Los Alamos Canyon in New Mexico getting tested. Michael Ketterer via AP
6 Jars of water samples from Acid Canyon in Los Alamos. Michael Ketterer via AP
Ketterer visited Acid Canyon to take samples in July when frequent rains caused runoff to flow through the park, which is a popular trail in the community surrounding the research facility.
“It’s just an extreme example of very high concentrations of plutonium in soils and sediments. Really, you know, it’s hiding in plain sight,” he said of his findings, which were conducted with the help the environmental group Nuclear Watch New Mexico.
6 Acid Canyon’s radioactivity was compared to the remnants of Chernobyl, where a nuclear disaster forced an entire town to evacuate. Anadolu via Getty Images
“This is an unrestricted area. I’ve never seen anything quite like it in the United States,” said Ketterer, who has spent decades studying radioactive sites in the US.
Acid Canyon earned its name from about two decades worth of radioactive waste that was dumped there from the start of the Manhattan Project during World War II through weapons research conducted in the area till 1964.
In 1966, the US Atomic Energy Commission began decontamination projects in the canyon that continued until 1984, when it was declared safe and cleared for unrestricted public use.
6 The radioactivity could have an effect on water runoff into the Rio Grande river and potentially enter the food supply. National Park Service
But Ketterer’s findings suggested the remaining radioactivity could still have dangerous affects on water runoff flowing to the Rio Grande — and could enter the food supply through contaminated plants. Radioactive ash also could be kicked up into the air should forest fires strike the area.
The Department of Energy responded to Ketterer’s research with a statement saying it doesn’t reveal anything about Acid Canyon that hasn’t been publicly available for years — and that the levels of present radioactivity are consistent with what is widely agreed to be safe for use.
Despite the DOE’s assurances, the research has led to calls that signage be posted throughout the park so that visitors can be properly informed.
6 Some of the radioactive waste dumped in Acid Canyon came from Manhattan Project research during World War II.
“It really can’t be undone,” Ketterer said of the radioactivity.
“It’s kind of like trying to pick up salt that’s been thrown into a shag carpet. It’s crazy to think you’re going to get it all.”
The findings come just weeks after the Department of Defense announced plans to increase the production of plutonium cores at Los Alamos for its nuclear weapons arsenal.
With Post wires