nuclear-news

The News That Matters about the Nuclear Industry Fukushima Chernobyl Mayak Three Mile Island Atomic Testing Radiation Isotope

Severe radiation risk at Fukushima’s nuclear reactor Unit 4

Concerns focus on Fukushima unit stability TOKYO, May 23 (UPI) — Whether a pool where spent fuel is stored at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant could withstand another strong earthquake has become a source of growing concern.

The concerns among activists, experts and politicians focus on Unit 4, which contains most of the plant’s spent fuel not stored in dry, hardened storage casks, Stars and Stripes reported Wednesday.

After the 9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami, an investigative report by the Rebuild Japan Initiative Foundation, an independent think tank started to investigate the causes of the plant disaster, cited among risks a loss of cooling water in Unit 4.

If left exposed, the spent fuel could heat and melt, releasing a huge amount of radiation.

The plant’s operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co., has said on its Web site Unit 4 is sound and the building could withstand an earthquake of the magnitude of the March 11, 2011, temblor.

But public trust in Tepco remains low, Stars and Stripes said, and calls for more efforts to empty and secure Unit 4 continue in Japan and beyond…… http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2012/05/23/Concerns-focus-on-Fukushima-unit-stability/UPI-67051337797686/#ixzz1vpwgvulJ

May 24, 2012 Posted by | Fukushima 2012, safety | Leave a comment

Fort Calhoun, just one of America’s problem nuclear reactors

In each of the last two years, at nuclear plants across the country, the NRC has uncovered about a dozen incidents that outside safety experts consider serious, from faulty plans to protect against floods to inadvertent reactor shutdowns to problems with cooling systems.

The NRC has traced many of them back to specific problems that the plant operators and the regulatory agency were aware of but never fixed.

Focus Grows on Nuclear Plant, WSJ 23 May 12,, Nebraska Reactor Illustrates Problem That Vexed Departing Federal Regulator At 9:27 a.m. on June 7, 2011, operators of the Fort Calhoun nuclear-power plant near Omaha noticed flickering lights on their control panels. A couple of minutes later, they heard the fire-extinguishing system kick in.

The fire cut off power for 90 minutes to a pool where radioactive spent-fuel rods are stored, and the pool’s temperature rose by several degrees. In the end, the fire didn’t release any radioactivity or cause major damage to the plant, which was already shut down at the
time because of flooding.

But Fort Calhoun is a prime example of a problem that has vexed departing Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko and, by his account, that never was fully resolved, Continue reading →

May 24, 2012 Posted by | safety | Leave a comment

Fire on nuclear submarine

Nuclear sub catches fire in Maine Naval shipyard By Ros Krasny BOSTON May 23, 2012   (Reuters) – Fire broke out on Wednesday evening on a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine docked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine, injuring four firefighters, officials said.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but the vessel’s nuclear reactor was not involved. There were no weapons aboard the sub, which is at the shipyard for system upgrades and maintenance.

The fire started in the “forward compartment” of the U.S.S. Miami, an attack submarine docked at the Kittery, Maine, shipyard shortly before 6 p.m. ET Firefighters were still battling the blaze after 10 p.m., with equipment brought in from as far away as Boston’s Logan International Airport, about 60 miles away…..
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/24/us-usa-submarine-fire-idUSBRE84N04I20120524

May 24, 2012 Posted by | incidents, USA | Leave a comment

Probability of severe nuclear accidents every 10 – 20 years

The computer simulations revealed that, on average, only eight percent of the 137Cs particles are expected to deposit within an area of 50 kilometres around the nuclear accident site. Around 50 percent of the particles would be deposited outside a radius of 1,000 kilometres, and around 25 percent would spread even further than 2,000 kilometres.
These results underscore that reactor accidents are likely to cause radioactive contamination well beyond national borders.

If a single nuclear meltdown were to occur in Western Europe, around 28 million people on average would be affected by contamination of more than 40 kilobecquerels per square meter. This figure is even higher in southern Asia, due to the dense populations. A major nuclear accident there would affect around 34 million people, while in the eastern USA and in East Asia this would be 14 to 21 million people.

Severe Nuclear Reactor Accidents Likely Every 10 to 20 Years, European StudySuggestshttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522134942.htm ScienceDaily (May 22, 2012)— Western Europe has the worldwide highest risk of radioactive contamination caused by major reactor accident. Catastrophic nuclear accidents such as the core meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima are more likely to happen than previously assumed.

Based on the operating hours of all civil nuclear reactors and the number of nuclear meltdowns that have occurred, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz have calculated that such events may occur once every 10 to 20 years (based on the current number of reactors) — some 200 times more often than estimated in the past.

The researchers also determined that, in the event of such a major accident, half of the radioactive caesium-137 would be spread over an area of more than 1,000 kilometres away from the nuclear reactor. Their results show that Western Europe is likely to be contaminated about once in 50 years by more than 40 kilobecquerel of caesium-137
per square meter. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, an area is defined as being contaminated with radiation from this amount onwards. In view of their findings, the researchers call for an in-depth analysis and reassessment of the risks associated with nuclear power plants. Continue reading →

May 23, 2012 Posted by | 2 WORLD, safety | Leave a comment

Shocked reaction to USA quietly watering down nuclear emergency plans

A mandate that local responders always run practice exercises for a radiation release has been eliminated – a move viewed as downright bizarre by some emergency planners. ….
These changes, while documented in obscure federal publications, went into effect with hardly any notice by the general public.

These changes, while documented in obscure federal publications, went into effect with hardly any notice by the general public.

Powering down nuclear exercises Utility Products, 20 May 12, Without fanfare, the nation’s nuclear power regulators have overhauled community emergency planning for the first time in more than three decades, requiring fewer exercises for major accidents and
recommending that fewer people be evacuated right away.

Nuclear watchdogs voiced surprise and dismay over the quietly adopted revamp – the first since the program began after Three Mile Island in 1979. Several said they were unaware of the changes until now, though  they took effect in December. At least four years in the
works, the changes appear to clash with more recent lessons of last year’s reactor crisis in Japan. Continue reading →

May 21, 2012 Posted by | safety, USA | Leave a comment

Nuclear plant shut down because of jelly-fish like salps

Salps force California nuclear plant to shut down Lorianna De Giorgio Toronto Star 20 May 12, A swarm of jellyfish-like creatures called salps forced a California nuclear plant to shut down one of its reactors last month after the odd organisms clogged up the plant’s water intake system….

Salps usually live in the open ocean — far from shore. Unlike jellyfish, they don’t sting and aren’t poisonous. But a large influx of them can clog up cooling water intake systems,
which poses a threat to nuclear reactors, say experts…. The Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo, Calif., temporarily shut down its unit-two reactor April 26 to May 1 because of a large number of salps in the surrounding water. The salps were getting caught in the plant’s travelling screens, clogging the intake structure where ocean water comes into cool the plant.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1179969–salps-force-california-nuclear-plant-to-shut-down

May 21, 2012 Posted by | incidents | Leave a comment

Bomb threat to Kudankulam Nuclear plant

One held in connection with Kudankulam Nuclear plant bomb threat letters DNA, May 20, 2012  One person has been arrested on charges of sending letters stating that bombs would explode inside the controversial Kudankulam Nuclear plant on May 21, police said on Sunday….. Leaders of People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy, spearheading the stir
against KNPP, had said it has no role in the threat letters. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_one-held-in-connection-with-kudankulam-nuclear-plant-bomb-threat-letters_1691454

May 21, 2012 Posted by | India, safety | Leave a comment

USA makes nuclear emergency rules weaker, downplays radiation risk

local officials will no longer be accountable to train for a radiation release.

U.S. nuclear disaster preparedness relaxed with minimal disclosure Smart Planet, By David Worthington | May 17, 2012, “…. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have relaxed requirements for emergency preparedness in the first major revision of emergency planning guidelines since the Three Mile Island incident in 1979.

Revisions were published without any announcement in the Federal Register during the December 2011 holiday season. Continue reading →

May 19, 2012 Posted by | safety, USA | Leave a comment

Despite Fukushima, USA inexplicably weakening its nuclear emergency procedures

 The latest changes, especially relaxed exercise plans for 50-mile emergency zones, are being flayed by some local planners and activists who say the widespread contamination in Japan from last year’s Fukushima nuclear accident screams out for stronger planning in the United States, not weaker rules……

Evacs and drills pared near nuke plants, Bloomberg, By JEFF DONN, 17 May 12, Without fanfare, the nation’s nuclear power regulators have overhauled community emergency planning for the first time in more than three decades, requiring fewer exercises for major accidents and recommending that fewer people be evacuated right away.

The revamp, the first since the program began after Three Mile Island in 1979, also eliminates a requirement that local responders always practice for a release of radiation.
At least four years in the works, the changes appear to clash with more recent lessons of last year’s reactor crisis in Japan. Continue reading →

May 18, 2012 Posted by | safety, USA | Leave a comment

San Onofre nuclear plant – far from safe

Fairewinds report blasts safety claims at San Onofre nuclear plant 89.3 KPCC, | By Lisa Brenner , 15 May 12,   San Onofre is twisting in the breeze of the new Fairewinds safety report  released by activist group Friends of the Earth.

The study raises serious doubts about safety at the Southern California nuclear facility, and says running at reduced power will not solve the tubing trouble that has plagued the plant.

Southern California Edison recently disclosed a tentative plan to run the twin reactors at an unspecified lower power, at least for several months.

Engineers believed reduced power would ease the vibration causing the unusual deterioration of tubes inside the steam generators.

The Fairewinds report, however, says running at reduced power may actually make the damage worse and increase the possibility of cascading safety failures.

The report also expands a previous allegation that Edison misled federal regulators about modifications to the generators. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) disputes that claim….. http://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/05/15/6127/fairewinds-report-blows-steam-generator-safety-cla/

May 16, 2012 Posted by | safety, USA | Leave a comment

‘Thrill-seeking’ nuclear reactor operator hijacks car

Authorities: Nuclear engineer sought ‘thrill’ in DuPage hijacking Daily Herald,  5/11/2012   A man who operates reactors at a nuclear power plant was “thrill seeking” when he put on a mask and hijacked a woman’s car at gunpoint, DuPage County authorities said Friday. Continue reading →

May 13, 2012 Posted by | incidents | 1 Comment

Anarchist’s attack on nuclear executive in Italy

The letter takes aim at Adinolfi, calling him a “sorcerer of the atomic industry” and criticising him for claiming in an interview that none of the deaths during the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2011 were due to nuclear incidents.

“Adinolfi knows well that it is only a matter of time before a European Fukushima kills on our continent,” the letter stated.

Italian anarchists kneecap nuclear executive and threaten more shootings Group named after Greek anarchist warns it will strike seven more times at nuclear firm’s parent company, Finmeccanica, Tom Kington in Rome guardian.co.uk,   11 May 2012  An anarchist group claimed responsibility on Friday for kneecapping an Italian nuclear engineering executive and warned it would strike another seven times at the firm’s parent company, Finmeccanica. Continue reading →

May 13, 2012 Posted by | safety | Leave a comment

Offline nuclear reactors still dangerous, need constant cooling

News Navigator: What danger is still posed by offline nuclear reactors? Answers by Taku Nishikawa, Science & Environment News Department The Mainichi, 8 May 12, As of May 5, all nuclear reactors in Japan were offline. The Mainichi answers common questions readers may have about the safety and dangers of offline nuclear plants.

Question: With the reactors offline, has the danger of nuclear accidents disappeared?

Answer: The danger is likely less than while the reactors are running, but it still exists. Nuclear plants make power by turning turbines with the heat from the chained fission of Uranium-235 in nuclear fuel.
This chained fission is stopped in an offline reactor, but fuel rods continue to release “decay heat” as various unstable nuclei created during the reactors’ operation until now naturally break down. This decay heat has to continually be removed.

Q: What will happen if it is not removed? Continue reading →

May 10, 2012 Posted by | Japan, Reference, safety, technology | Leave a comment

Damaged South Korean nuclear reactor to shut down for 2 years

Uljin Nuclear Reactor Faces 2-Year Shutdown The Chosunilbo, 10 May 12, Additional faults have been detected in the No. 4 reactor at the Uljin Nuclear Power Plant, which has been undergoing repairs, and a complete shutdown now seems inevitable……..

Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Corporation has found that damage in the No. 4 reactor, where operations were halted due to defects in the machine that condensates steam from the turbine, is more serious than expected and tentatively decided to replace the steam generator.

Replacing it will take one or two years, so the reactor will not operate until at least next summer. It generates 1 million kW, or the capacity of two thermal power stations. …
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/05/10/2012051001397.html

May 10, 2012 Posted by | safety, South Korea | Leave a comment

Edison company backs off about re-opening San Onofre nuclear plant

VIDEO   http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/san-onofre-nuclear-plant-backs-away-from-reopening-date.html.  San Onofre nuclear plant backs away from reopening date L.A. Times, May 9, 2012  Southern California Edison backed off from comments made last week by one of its executives, who said the company hopes to have the San Onofre nuclear plant — shuttered due to equipment issues — back online and operating at a reduced capacity in
June….

NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko released a statement Monday, saying the agency has yet to receive a written statement from Edison to say the required steps have been taken to investigate and make a plan to fix the issues at the plant and “any discussion of a date for
the restart of Unit 2 or Unit 3 is clearly premature.”

The plant has been shuttered for more than three months because of problems with excessive wear in steam generator tubes. On Tuesday, Edison reported it has taken about 1,300 tubes out of service because of wear — 510 in Unit 2 and 807 in Unit 3 — representing a little more than 3% of the total number of tubes in the plant, and a higher number than the company had previously reported…….
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/san-onofre-nuclear-plant-backs-away-from-reopening-date.html.

May 10, 2012 Posted by | safety, USA | Leave a comment

« Previous Entries     Next Entries »