![]() The purpose of the Rio Blanco test was to stimulate the flow of natural gas in low-permeability geologic formations. The AEC conducted the test in partnership with CER Geonuclear Corporation and Continental Oil Company (Conoco). The two previous tests were Project Gasbuggy in New Mexico and Project Rulison in Colorado. This was the third and final natural-gas-reservoir stimulation test in the Plowshare Program, which was designed to develop peaceful uses for nuclear energy. The tests were conducted in fine-grain, low-permeability sandstone lenses at the base of the Fort Union Formation and the upper portion of the Mesaverde Formation. Department of Energy (DOE), detonated three 33-kiloton nuclear devices nearly simultaneously in a single emplacement well at depths of 5,838, 6,230, and 6,689 feet below the ground surface at the Rio Blanco Site. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), predecessor agency of the U.S. The Rio Blanco Site is located 6,600 feet above sea level in the Piceance Basin in northwestern Colorado, about 52 miles north-northeast of Grand Junction, Colorado. Project Rio Blanco Nuclear Explosion Site is listed as a Department of Energy (DOE) site under the EEOICPA.Īs of, the total compensation paid under Parts B and E of the EEOICPA, including medical compensation, for workers suffering from the effects of having worked at the Project Rio Blanco Nuclear Explosion Site is $647,174. The Rio Blanco site was plugged and abandoned in 1976 and returned to the owner in March 1978. These explosions, known as the Rio Blanco shot, marked the last nuclear test explosions of the Plowshare program. On May 17, 1973, three 33 kiloton yield nuclear devices were detonated in a deep well in a test designed to increase natural gas production from low- permeability sandstone. The operational period began May 2, 1973. State: Colorado Location: Rifle Time Period: 1973-1976 Facility Type: Department of Energyįacility Description: The Rio Blanco site was the location of one of the nuclear tests conducted as part of the AEC’s Plowshare program that was initiated in 1957 to develop peaceful (industrial and scientific) applications for nuclear explosives. Project Rio Blanco Nuclear Explosion SiteĪlso Known As: CONOCO, CER Geonuclear Corp. Here, we have compiled publicly available information and documentation about the facilities covered by the Act to clarify how their activities relate to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Call EEOICPA Counsel Hugh Stephens at 1-85 or fill out our free claim evaluation, We can help even if you’ve already filed, even if your claim was denied! Project Rio Blanco Nuclear Explosion Site EEOICPA coverage is available for qualified former Workers and their families.Īre you eligible for compensation? If you or a family member worked at this or another DOE facility and became ill, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $400K plus medical benefits. ![]() It provides compensation to workers who became ill as a result of their employment manufacturing nuclear weapons in the USA, as well as their spouses, children, and grandchildren. ![]()
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