 | Picking up the pieces after Hurricane IreneModerator | August 29, 2011 at 3:26 pm | Tags: nuclear | Categories: Emergency Preparedness and Response, Operating Reactors | URL: http://wp.me/p1fSSY-ql |
Two Region I nuclear power plants, which shut down during the storm, are in the process of restarting today. At Oyster Creek in Lacey Township, N.J., operators have already begun increasing power. The plant was shut down early Saturday evening as a precaution in preparation for Irene. The unit weathered the storm and plant workers have assured there was no damage to equipment or facilities.
Calvert Cliffs Unit 1 in Lusby, Md., was knocked off-line when some siding struck a transformer, causing a turbine trip, which in turn caused a reactor trip. Workers there are also assessing equipment and making repairs before returning to power.
The other units in the region made it through the storm, although several reduced power as a precaution. In addition, electrical power to some emergency sirens was lost at several sites. While many sirens have had power restored or are running on backup power, contingency plans are in place to notify the public of an emergency, if necessary. Crews are working to get the remainder up and running.
The NRC had dispatched additional inspectors to nine sites to supplement the resident inspectors during the storm. Those additional inspectors completed their work over the weekend and are back to their normal jobs today. The resident inspectors are busy carrying out our inspection program and assuring the plants are continuing to operate safely.
The NRC and the nuclear plant operators worked hard to assure that the plants were safe over the weekend. As we said before the hurricane hit, we were prepared to respond quickly and effectively had any problems developed.
Diane ScrenciRegion 1 Public Affairs Officer
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