USA:Floodwater surrounds nuclear plant in Nebraska

Laaska News  June 19,2011

Floodwater from the Missouri River surrounds a nuclear power plant in Nebraska, raising fear about its safety. Melting snow and heavy rain caused the river to overflow its banks on Friday.

The water flooded the area surrounding Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant, which sits on high ground. The utility that owns the plant kept the water from flooding the facilities by piling sand bags to over 2 meters high around them.

The plant, which started operating in 1973, was temporarily shut down in April to replace nuclear fuel in the reactor.

The utility says external power sources have been secured, and that there is no risk of nuclear materials leaking outside the facility.

 However, the plant lost power for 90 minutes after a fire broke out in the control room earlier this month, causing the temperature in the used fuel rod pool to rise slightly.

Residents near the plant are voicing concern about its safety.

NHK.

Laaska News.
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