nuclear-news

Not everyone in Idaho is happy about USA govt funding revival of TREAT nuclear reactor

Idaho brings nuclear test reactor back to life, Houston Chronicle,  October 5, 2014  IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Idaho’s nuclear research laboratory is in the process of refurbishing a 1959 nuclear reactor to restart testing new fuel designs and power levels.

The U.S. Department of Energy is spending $75 million to restart the reactor, known as TREAT, by 2018, the Post Register (http://bit.ly/1vDGVDL) reported…………TREAT is set to be INL’s third active nuclear reactor. However, not everyone is excited about it.

Beatrice Brailsford with the Snake River Alliance questioned if the demand for transient testing has increased since 1994, when officials cited lack of customers as one of the main reasons to shut it down.

Anti-nuclear group Keep Yellowstone Nuclear Free also opposes the reactor.

“An accident at the TREAT Reactor can, INL admits, have an impact on people who live and work offsite,” wrote Kit DesLauriers of Keep Yellowstone Nuclear Free, “. the most careful and realistic assessment must be done, and there must be full public participation in the decision to restart.” http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Idaho-brings-test-reactor-back-to-life-5802387.php

October 6, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | opposition to nuclear, USA