Smaller-Range Nuclear Test Conducted
Scientists detonated a nuclear weapon Tuesday deep beneath the Nevada Test Site in the first explosion since a strike by more than 3,000 workers at the nuclear proving grounds ended last week.
The test, classified as less than 20 kilotons, was detonated at 8:30 a.m., about 600 feet beneath the surface of Yucca Flat, about 75 miles northwest of Las Vegas, said Energy Department spokesman Jim Boyer.
The test, code-named Waco, was in the smaller range of nuclear detonations at the site and caused little ground motion, Boyer said.
About 3,200 workers from 10 unions returned to work at the site last week after a 10-week walkout that Energy Department officials admitted forced delays in several planned underground detonations.
Two nuclear weapons were detonated during the strike, with supervisory personnel taking the place of trade workers who dig holes and provide support services for the tests.
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