Isolated, but Not Too Isolated
Isolation was key in the placement of the National Reactor Testing Station; the site had to be far away from major population centers. The other major contender for the station, Fort Peck, Montana, fit the bill perfectly. The problem was that it was too isolated, whereas the proposed site in Idaho was near enough to towns like Pocatello and Idaho Falls. This ensured existing infrastructure for the NRTS and its crew. At the same time, having a small population meant that in the event of an accidental nuclear disaster, the area could be evacuated easily and efficiently.