The Downfall of Oregon’s Nuclear Power Plant

When it began operation in 1976, the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant was one of the most powerful plants of its kind in the United States. But through a series of missteps and misfortunes, Trojan became the focus of a decades-long fight over nuclear power. This documentary explores the reasons why the plant was built, the challenges it faced, and the factors that led to its closure.

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Chapter 1: Roll On, Columbia
5:12 - Chapter 2: Conquering the Atom
10:24 - Chapter 3: Building a Brighter Tomorrow
14:51 - Chapter 4: No Faults Whatsoever
19:59 - Chapter 5: We Shall Not Be Moved
25:14 - Chapter 6: Into the Deep End
31:00 - Chapter 7: The Earth Awakens
34:59 - Chapter 8: Trouble Beneath the Surface
41:47 - Chapter 9: Temperatures Rising
47:23 - Chapter 10: The Nuclear Option
52:56 - Epilogue
58:15 - Credits

Music playlist:

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This documentary borrows several clips from the 1991 exposé program, "Deadly Secrets: The Untold Story of Trojan." This offers a more detailed view into the arguments of anti-Trojan activists. While it is a captivating watch, please note that I have not been able to corroborate all of the claims made in this program. The Trojan story is complex and I’ve tried to present it in a balanced way, but I encourage you to seek out multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions.

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This video is published for educational and non-commercial use. It is not monetized or sponsored. All video footage, images and audio recordings are the property of their original owners and are used in accordance with Fair Use principles. If YouTube puts advertisements on this video, it means a piece of media was copyright-claimed. That ad revenue bypasses this channel entirely.

If you'd like, you can support my work by leaving a tip. This helps me recuperate some of the expenses of making these videos.

[trail_mix]

My grandfather was among the people that helped disassemble the reactor. He was a Navy submariner nuke prior, and told me he hated taking it apart.

[StockySnail]

I worked at Trojan for a very short time in the summer of 97 on the decommissioning team. I'm glad I got to see it up close before it disappeared. This video was great in explaining the history as is all this channel's videos.

[mickiecassady]

As a BPA transmission planner and design engineer, I've always had a fascination with PGE's Trojan plant, substation, and lines. Ive known about the proposed (and mostly unbuilt) federally-planned nuclear but hadnt realized there were private ones proposed as far south as Bandon and Sutherlin. Thank you for this documentary - I'll be showing this to my coworkers.

[BB..........]

I was there the morning the cooling tower was imploded, standing right by the corner of Hwy 30 and Graham Rd. I got there early in the morning and parked in Prescott, then walked west back to Hwy 30 to watch it come down. It was incredibly impressive to see how fast it dropped.

[brycensbeans]

What a coincidence, this video came out the hour I got home from taking a walk through Trojan Park. Incredibly well made video, if it doesn’t go huge, I will be shocked.

[LuGer]

Peter, again a wonderful episode. I came across it at a time where all I was wishing for was some distraction, 20-30 minutes and then move on. Find some sleep and tackle the next day.
But your quality, arrangement, storytelling is more than worth to extend my attention span and appreciate your work.
I'm from Switzerland, I have no connection at all to Oregon. Yet you caught not only my interest to the topics you portray with such great attention to detail and care, but also got me curious about the beauty and richness of the state of Oregon.
And for this, and so much more little moments of relaxation and appreciation that each and all of your videos give and cause, I'd like to thank you. ❤

[jeffbuckles]

I'm giving away my age here, but OMG, those titles! I can still hear that fuzzy almost-60hz hum in my head every time I see them. Your attention to seeming insignificant details always brings a smile.

[betterinthesdude]

Outstanding documentary! You are so great at this Peter. I lived in Longview/Kelso from 1979 through 1988, and remember Trojan well. Coming back to live in the Portland area in 2020 after serving in the Navy, and driving past the former location often, I've wondered what led to it being torn down. I was too young to really pay attention to the controversies and ballot measures when I lived near it, but I do remember seeing Pete Schulberg and Tracy Berry talking about Trojan often on KGW news back then. Fascinating history. Great job again Peter.

[ShireIO]

Not mentioned in this expose... the many years during which Trojan provide massive amounts of clean power to the region. All anyone should take away from this is that 1960's Nuclear plant designs drew lots of controversy but ultimately did exactly what they were designed to do and without a single loss of life. Match that against even wind and solar and you'll find nuclear remains the safest option for clean energy. And modern Gen III plant designs like the AP1000 are even safer with much lower costs.

[Chainsaw-ASMR]

Peter, this is the first video I’ve seen of yours and the quality of your work is excellent. I’m looking forward to watching your older videos.

[weirdshibainu]

Yeah...meanwhile energy costs in Oregon are rising double digits year over year

[BrilliantDesignOnline]

Incredibly comprehensive documentary. I lived in both Seattle, and Eugene, and saw the cooling tower many times traveling up I-5. I am a pilot and on one flight sightseeing, I flew directly over the cooling tower about 200' over the top and circled; a 500' tall hollow structure is VERY impressive. Very sad they demolished it. Probably for the best since the operation was designed in the 60's before engineering was mature; the steam tubes cracking would undoubtedly resulted in a failure and an accident. But I still think nuclear power is a good solution, over wind and solar, if done right and managed properly.

[kmf]

I have been trying to find video of the implosion for years. The only video I was able to find was the live TV broadcast that froze in the middle of the implosion. I’m glad that there is more footage out there, and that you were able to find it and share it for free.

[Sepheus]

Memory unlocked.
Born in '95 pnw all my life. I remember driving the gorge and actually seeing a powerplant tower in person. Now as an adult I always wondered if that was my imagination or seen on a trip to the mid-west I took in my youth.

This video made the connection that yes. There was a power plant in my area.
Thank you!
Great documentary.

[JETZcorp]

This topic drills right down the middle of everything I'm interested in. Rip in peace, Trojan.

[jmac]

Wow I’m am grateful I found this channel a few years back. The amount of time this must have taken! Thank you for making another great video.

[wallykramer]

Peter, as usual, you have woven together a carefully balanced presentation! Nice work!

[Penrose_Made_A_Film]

As someone who lives near the Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, I found this video very interesting.

[_adventures]

Good lord, I've been actually busy in life and I didn't realize you put out a new video?! Commence an hour of peaceful relaxing with education and peter dibble doing what he does best!

[fiercenet]

My grandpa used to take us here to the visitor center. So much fun. I loved it so much, didn't know how lucky I was to get to experience that.