[BwanaNdege]

It probably was a waste. I remember reading about a plan to spray water through nozzles located at the top inside a very tall tower. The resulting evaporation would cool the air, causing a strong downdraft which would drive large turbines at the base. These turbines would be connected to electrical generators.

I believe that the main impediment to implementing the project was the cost of building the tower. In this case the "powers that be" probably decided that the monstrous symbol of hated nuclear power must be destroyed to regain peace with Mother Gaia. (sarcasm off)

[jimtorr]

I believe that the main impediment to implementing the project was the cost of building the tower.

I think that is what they were going to do with this tower. No cost to build at all. However, the eco-freaks called it an eyesore, and complained that it ruined the view.

Well, if you've ever been by that stretch of the Columbia River, you would know that there is no view to ruin. I think you've got it, that the tower was a monstrous symbol of the hated nukes.

[thackney]

It probably was a waste. I remember reading about a plan to spray water through nozzles located at the top inside a very tall tower. The resulting evaporation would cool the air, causing a strong downdraft which would drive large turbines at the base. These turbines would be connected to electrical generators.

The water is sprayed farther down, nearer to the bottom. This is a standard design in natural draft, modern cooling towers. Any time you see at tower at a power plant with this design:

That is exactly what is happening inside. It is a tried and true design, decades old. It is used at nuclear, coal and other fuel fired boiler plants