RUSSELLVILLE, AR – The only operating nuclear plant in Arkansas has the worst performance rating out of all 100 plants in the country.
According to the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission this plant is in the column four category. To give you an idea of how low that is, column five is the worst and at that level a plant can not operate. But during a meeting Tuesday night we heard there’s been progress.
The large plant called Arkansas Nuclear One is easy to spot in Russellville, and so are these evacuation routes.
some people call it a danger to the community.
“It’s a time for people to wake up to reality,” says Dennis Larson.
Dennis Larson held a sign outside of a meeting in which officials and residents talked about the plant’s performance, rated the worst in the country.
“That just points out that it is a problem,” Larson says.
Inside the meeting, tempers flared as people made comments and asked questions about the safety of the plant.
“And you’ve allowed these people’s management to start cutting corners and they’re doing it for one reason, profit.”
Folks with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission say there are a couple reasons for the unfavorable rating which include security and flood plan issues and a 2013 incident where a man was killed at the plant after a beam crushed him.
The victim’s mother asked a couple unrelated questions, but made no other comments.
“When we hear of nuclear plant meltdown what is that?,” says Susan Allen.
This plant supplies 61 percent of electricity to the state and is owned by Entergy. Leaders of that company say they are committed to improving safety.
“It is absolutely unacceptable to have issues self reveal themselves.”
Inspectors did say the noted issues have been corrected.
“They do not pose a risk to public health or safety,” says Lara Uselding.
But safety must be sustained for a couple years before the performance rating can be increased. But some believe it should never increase.
A high number of inspections will continue at this plant until the regulatory commission is confident improvements have been made. Again, we’re told that could take at least two years.
According to the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission this plant is in the column four category. To give you an idea of how low that is, column five is the worst and at that level a plant can not operate. But during a meeting Tuesday night we heard there’s been progress.
The large plant called Arkansas Nuclear One is easy to spot in Russellville, and so are these evacuation routes.
some people call it a danger to the community.
“It’s a time for people to wake up to reality,” says Dennis Larson.
Dennis Larson held a sign outside of a meeting in which officials and residents talked about the plant’s performance, rated the worst in the country.
“That just points out that it is a problem,” Larson says.
Inside the meeting, tempers flared as people made comments and asked questions about the safety of the plant.
“And you’ve allowed these people’s management to start cutting corners and they’re doing it for one reason, profit.”
Folks with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission say there are a couple reasons for the unfavorable rating which include security and flood plan issues and a 2013 incident where a man was killed at the plant after a beam crushed him.
The victim’s mother asked a couple unrelated questions, but made no other comments.
“When we hear of nuclear plant meltdown what is that?,” says Susan Allen.
This plant supplies 61 percent of electricity to the state and is owned by Entergy. Leaders of that company say they are committed to improving safety.
“It is absolutely unacceptable to have issues self reveal themselves.”
Inspectors did say the noted issues have been corrected.
“They do not pose a risk to public health or safety,” says Lara Uselding.
But safety must be sustained for a couple years before the performance rating can be increased. But some believe it should never increase.
A high number of inspections will continue at this plant until the regulatory commission is confident improvements have been made. Again, we’re told that could take at least two years.
