Tagged: nuclear

Chicago-based Exelon Nuclear Partners has assumed day-to-day operations at the Fort Calhoun Station.

The Fort Calhoun nuclear plant could reopen in September, but only if it’s safe to do so.

OPPD and NRC updated the status of Fort Calhoun Station at a public meeting Tuesday night. The nuclear plant closed last April for refueling, and remained shut down during the Missouri River flooding.

The community was invited to attend an Open House with The Nuclear Regulatory Commission this afternoon in Omaha. 

The NRC held the event to address community members one on one about their concerns regarding the Fort Calhoun nuclear plant. OPPD operates the nuclear plant, which was shut down in April last year because of flooding along the Missouri River. 

The NRC has confirmed a finding that an electrical fire last June at the Fort Calhoun Station was a serious safety risk.

Tuesday’s report follows a preliminary finding issued last month by the Commission. The June 7, 2011 fire caused an alert to be issued at the nuclear plant. It was closed at the time due to Missouri River flooding.

NRC Region 4 spokeswoman Lara Uselding says the finding is a so-called “red” threat, meaning it’s a high safety significant issue.

OPPD officials say the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station won’t reopen until they’re confident safety issues at the plant are resolved.

Utility leaders met in Washington, D.C., Wednesday with the NRC to update performance issues at the plant. Fort Calhoun Station has been closed since last April. Since then, the NRC has cited OPPD for multiple violations at the plant, including being ill-prepared for a flood. NRC officials say a fire at the plant last June also wasn’t reported within the required time frame.