K2 News Report: Whale Carcass Disposal Incident

Background

• A 45 ft, 8-ton dead whale washed ashore on the beach near Florence, Oregon.
• The Oregon State Highway Division faced a problem with disposing of the carcass.

Disposal Options Considered

• Burial: Discarded due to the risk of being uncovered again.
• Cutting and Burying: Not pursued as no one wanted to cut it up.
• Burning: Not feasible.

Decision: Use of Dynamite

• Chosen method was to use dynamite to disintegrate the carcass.
• 20 cases (half a ton) of dynamite were used.
• Dynamite was placed on the leeward side to blow remains toward the sea.

Execution of the Plan

• Bystanders: 75 people, mostly locals, were moved back a quarter of a mile.
• Blast Outcome:
  • Initial expectation was small pieces for scavengers like seagulls and crabs to clean up.
  • Reality: Huge chunks of whale blubber flew everywhere.

Aftermath

• A parked car a quarter-mile away was severely damaged.
• No serious human injuries, but everyone was covered in particles of whale.
• Highway crews returned to bury remains, including a large piece still at the blast site.

Conclusion

• The incident highlighted the need for better disposal strategies.
• The event serves as a lesson on what not to do with future whale carcasses.