BREAKING NEWS

US nuclear plant declares 'alert' after Sandy storm surge

By REUTERS

OCTOBER 30, 2012 07:43

NEW YORK - Exelon Corp declared an "alert" at its New Jersey Oyster Creek nuclear power plant due to a record storm surge, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said on Monday, warning that a further rise in water levels could force operators to use emergency water supplies from a fire hose to cool spent uranium fuel rods.

The alert - the second lowest of four NRC action levels - came after water levels at the plant rose by more than 6.5 feet (2 metres), potentially affecting the pumps that circulate water through the plant, an NRC spokesman said.

Those pumps are not essential since the plant is shut for planned refueling at the moment. However a further rise to 7 feet could submerge the service water pump motor that is used to cool the water in the spent fuel pool.

The spokesman said the company could use water from a fire hose to cool the pool if necessary. The used uranium rods in the pool could cause the water to boil within 25 hours without additional coolant; in an extreme scenario the rods could overheat, risking the eventual release of radiation.

The NRC said in a statement that it expected water levels would begin to abate within the next several hours.

MK Efrat Rayten says she will not run for Labor Party leadership

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

05/03/2024 06:39 PM

CIA director in Cairo for meetings on Gaza conflict

By REUTERS

05/03/2024 06:34 PM

Rains in southern Brazil kill at least 31, more than 70 still missing

By REUTERS

05/03/2024 06:11 PM

Israel gives Hamas one week to accept hostage deal before Rafah op.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF