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Series Trojan Nuclear Power Plant (Or.) English
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Oral history interview with Angus Duncan

This oral history interview with Angus Duncan was conducted by Jim Strassmaier from July 15 to September 24, 1999. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in four sessions. The audio for part of the first session (Tape 2, Side 2) is affected by speed issues. The audio for a portion of the fourth session (most of Tape 9) is missing, but is reflected in an incomplete transcript.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 15, 1999, Duncan discusses his family background and early life in Medford, Oregon, including the legislative career of his father, Robert Duncan; his education; and studying government at Harvard University. He speaks about working as an aide for Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt from 1974 to 1979, and talks about transportation issues in Portland, particularly the Mount Hood Freeway. He talks about energy issues in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s, about the history of public and private electric utilities in the region, and about his role in the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. A portion of the audio for this session is affected by speed issues.

In the second interview session, conducted on July 22, 1999, Duncan continues to discuss his role in the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He speaks about working as an aide for Neil Goldschmidt in the U.S. Department of Transportation from 1979 to 1980. He discusses his career with various renewable energy companies during the 1980s, and shares his thoughts about alternative energy sources. He then talks about serving on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1990 to 1995. He discusses his attempts to incorporate more renewable energy sources into the council's plans, describes concerns about salmon populations in the 1990s, and talks about his relationship with other council members.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 16, 1999, Duncan continues to discuss serving on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1990 to 1995. He speaks about some of the projects he worked on regarding salmon conservation, the shutdown of the Trojan nuclear power plant, and water efficiency. He talks about working with other council members, with the Bonneville Power Administration, and with Native tribes. He discusses the 1994 amendment cycle for the NWPPC fish and wildlife plan, and talks about the plan's reception, opposition, and implementation.

In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on September 24, 1999, Duncan continues to discuss serving on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1990 to 1995. He revisits the topic of the shutdown of the Trojan nuclear power plant, and talks about his working relationship with the NWPPC council members and staff. He discusses the controversies surrounding the 1995 departure of Ed Sheets from the council; talks about working with federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and shares his thoughts about the future of power generation on the Columbia River. He closes the interview by reflecting on his career in the public and private sectors. The audio for a portion of this session is missing, but is reflected in an incomplete transcript.

Duncan, Angus (Robert Angus), 1946-

Oral history interview with Arthur Olmstead

This oral history interview with Arthur Olmstead was conducted by Judy Hartman on January 20, 1988. The interview was conducted as part of the Portland General Electric Centennial Oral History Series, which marked PGE's 100th anniversary and was used in the writing of the book "Electrifying Eden."

In this interview, Olmstead discusses his career as general plant manager of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant for Portland General Electric. He begins by suggesting names of other people to interview to Judy Hartman. He then describes the day-to-day operations of the Trojan plant, safety planning, and working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. He speaks at length about the public sentiment against nuclear power, particularly after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl disasters, and the future of nuclear power plants. He describes the current operating condition of Trojan, plant maintenance, and PGE's transparency with the press. He discusses how Trojan compares to other nuclear power plants in the United States, and talks about how Trojan's staff makes the plant unique. He describes how the plant handles emergency situations, such as storms and power outages. He closes the interview by talking about the importance of Trojan to PGE.

Olmstead, C. Arthur (Clyde Arthur), 1939-

Oral history interview with John L. Frewing

This oral history interview with John Frewing was conducted by Judy Hartman on January 18, 1988. The interview was conducted as part of the Portland General Electric Centennial Oral History Series, which marked PGE's 100th anniversary and was used in the writing of the book "Electrifying Eden."

In the interview, Frewing discusses working in Portland General Electric's nuclear division and working on the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. He talks about the construction of the Trojan plant and shares his reasons for leaving the nuclear division. He discusses the competition between private and public electric utilities in the Pacific Northwest, PGE's relationship with the people of Portland, and the company's workplace culture. He closes the interview by talking about his hopes for an upcoming book about PGE, "Electrifying Eden."

Frewing, John L. (John Lewis), 1940-

Oral history interview with Tim Bracy

This oral history interview with Tim Bracy was conducted by Judy Hartman on January 14, 1988. The interview was conducted as part of the Portland General Electric Centennial Oral History Series, which marked PGE's 100th anniversary and was used in the writing of the book "Electrifying Eden."

In this interview, Bracy discusses his career with Portland General Electric working as manager of Health and Safety Services. He talks about the culture of hydroelectric plant workers coming to work while injured or sick, the measures he took to ensure worker safety, and legislation regarding worker safety.

The audio recording ends prematurely. In an addendum to the transcript, Bracy provides his written recollections of what he discussed during the remainder of the interview. Bracy writes about changes in the policies and procedures of PGE's health and safety services during his career. He talks about company nurses, employee health insurance, and how the opening of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant changed the company. He then describes his accomplishments; talks about working as security supervisor at Trojan; and discusses public opinion regarding Trojan.

Bracy, Tim (Timothy Ford), 1944-2014

Oral history interview with Don Kielblock

This oral history interview with Don Kielblock was conducted by Judy Hartman on January 13, 1988. The interview was conducted as part of the Portland General Electric Centennial Oral History Series, which marked PGE's 100th anniversary and was used in the writing of the book "Electrifying Eden." The audio for this interview is incomplete, but the entire interview is included in the transcript.

In this interview, Kielblock discusses the strategic planning behind the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. He talks about the early operation of the plant, navigating the early nuclear power regulations, and how public opinion regarding the plant has changed. He describes experiencing protests against Trojan. He talks about working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; about the staff at Trojan; and about changes in PGE company culture. He also talks about changes in public opinion regarding PGE. He describes his job duties as a permit agent during his early career with PGE; talks about his involvement with the employee union; and laments the different expectations that newer employees have for the company. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts about the future of PGE.

Kielblock, Don (Donald F.), 1941-