Reactor Reax

The latest stories about nuclear energy and military use.

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(WASHINGTON DC) - Nuclear Power and Superstorms Don't Mix, Time, November 7, 2012. "But we must weigh the risks. It's estimated that superstorm Sandy will affect more than one fifth of Americans and cost up to $20 billion in damages. Imagine the addition of a major nuclear accident, potentially more lethal than Three Mile Island. The health, environmental and economic costs would be, simply put, insurmountable. It's time to face the facts: Mother Nature rules. The best we can do is try to lessen the damage from her wrath. Phasing out nuclear power is the safe answer."

Board Terminates Review of Calvert Cliffs 3, Southern Maryland News, November 2, 2012. "A three-judge panel has officially terminated its review of a proposal to build a new nuclear reactor in Lusby, federal officials reported. According to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) spokesman Neil Sheehan, the Atomic Safety Licensing Board (ASLB) issued its termination notice Thursday, Nov. 1, 60 days after giving the project applicant 60 days to identify a domestic company as a partner in the venture."

New $900 million Vogtle lawsuit filed, Atlanta Journal Constitution, November 2, 2012. "The main contractors building two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle filed a more than $900 million lawsuit against Georgia Power and other utility groups Thursday, escalating a fight over the project's costs. The move suggests months of negotiations over who is responsible for cost increases have failed, raising the risk that Georgia Power's customers, who already are paying for the project in monthly power bills, eventually may be on the hook for more. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, is the third between the parties, but the amount in dispute is significantly higher."

NRC raises concerns about Dresden flood plain, Associated Press, November 2, 2012. "The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Friday that it has asked Exelon Corp. to address concerns over how the company would handle a catastrophic flood at the Dresden Nuclear Station in northern Illinois, after recent inspections indicated potential problems. Among the concerns is how the company would refuel diesel pumps that circulate water to cool the reactor and how it would keep equipment from becoming clogged with flood debris, NRC spokeswoman Viktoria Mitlyng said. The commission sent a letter to the company Thursday, and Exelon has 30 days to respond."

South Korea shuts nuclear reactors over unapproved parts, BBC, November 5, 2012. "South Korea has shut down two nuclear reactors after it was revealed that some parts used had not been properly vetted, an official says…South Korea's 23 nuclear reactors, which supply 35% of the country's electricity, have experienced a series of malfunctions over the past few months. While none have posed a public risk, opposition to the government's bid to vastly expand its nuclear industry has been growing, says the BBC's Lucy Williamson in Seoul."

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