OPPD’s nuclear problems: how far will they go? (great investigative report by KVNO!)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.kvnonews.com/2012/02/oppds-nuclear-problems-how-far-will-they-go/

By Robyn Wisch, KVNO News

February 27th, 2012

Omaha, NE – Omaha Public Power District has come under heavy criticism from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in recent days over its handling of the nuclear power plant just north of Omaha: Fort Calhoun. The plant has been offline for several months as crews work to repair damage from last year’s Missouri flood. And in the interim, more problems at the plant have surfaced.

Nebraska Watchdog’s Joe Jordan has been covering the story. KVNO News’ Robyn Wisch checked in with Jordan for the latest.

RW: So even before the great flood of 2011 hit Fort Calhoun last summer, the plant has been on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s radar for quite some time as a utility with potential problems. (The plant was cited for inadequate preparations for a flooding emergency in 2010)

But much of that only came to light when the plant actually came under threat of the Missouri waters. The plant has been offline since then – for just about a year now – and in that time the problems have only deepened. Take us back in the story to last summer.


The Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant was surrounded by a sea of muddy water last summer. This picture was taken approximately June 17, 2011 and provided by OPPD.

(A report from KVNO News for NPR on the flooding at both Fort Calhoun and Cooper Nuclear Power Plant last summer)

FULL story AND AUDIO at link!

[Omaha Steve]

1. Kick