NUCLEAR REGULATION: Progress Made in Emergency Preparedness at Indian Point 2, but Additional Improvements Needed
Abstract
In February 2000, Consolidated Edison Company shut down the Indian Point 2 commercial nuclear power plant in New York State because a tube had ruptured in a steam generator, raising the possibility that radioactively contaminated water could leak into the environment. 1 In this particular instance, the total amount of radioactivity released posed no threat: It was about one thousandth of the dose an individual receives from a chest X-ray. However, in the event of a more serious emergency at Indian Point 2, protecting the public from a radioactive release presents more substantial challenges because the plant is located in a heavily populated area. More than 280,000 people reside within 10 miles of the plant in four counties; millions more live in New York City about 25 miles distant and within 50 miles in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Other commercial nuclear power plants are generally located in less-populated areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA393216
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office