A loose bull isn't a problem until it gores one of your cows.And yes, they worked as advertised...this time.
Just sayin... Regards,
Sun Apparent tornado causes Surry nuclear reactors to shut downRICHMOND, Va. --
An apparent tornado touched down at Dominion Virginia Power's Surry Power Station Saturday, cutting power and causing the two nuclear reactors to shut down, the utility said in a release early this morning.
"Both reactors at the station shut down automatically as designed and back-up diesel generators started immediately to provide electricity necessary to maintain both units in a safe and stable condition, Richmond-based energy company said in the statement.
The apparent tornado touched down in the station's switchyard and access road. The utility said an off-site power source has been restored to both units.
"No release of radioactive material has occurred beyond those minor releases associated with normal station operations," Virginia Power said. "These minor releases are below federally approved operating limits, and pose no threat to station workers or the public,
The apparent tornado did not strike the two nuclear units, which are designed to withstand natural events such as tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes," the utility said.
No injuries were reported at the station and crews were working to restore full electrical service to the station.
Dominion reported the incident to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state and local officials.
Surry Power Station is located on the James River across from Jamestown.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/apr/17/apparent-tornado-causes-surry-nuclear-reactors-shu-ar-978675/=====================================================================
NRC declares it an “unusual event” the lowest of four categories in the federal agency’s emergency classification system. -SDU.S. Nuclear Power Output Hits Lowest in 4 Years After TornadoU.S. nuclear-power output fell to the lowest level in almost 4 ˝ years after a tornado forced Surry Units 1 and 2 in Virginia to shut yesterday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said.
Power generation nationwide fell 3,730 megawatts, or 4.9 percent, from April 15 to 72,425 megawatts, or 71 percent of capacity, the smallest amount since Oct. 22, 2006, according to an NRC report today and data compiled by Bloomberg. Twenty-nine of the nation’s 104 reactors were offline.
The Surry reactors, operated by Dominion Resources Inc. with a capacity of 799 megawatts each, automatically shut down when a tornado touched down in the switchyard and knocked out offsite power, the NRC said. The incident was declared an “unusual event,” the lowest of four categories in the federal agency’s emergency classification system. Unit 1 was operating at full power and Unit 2 at 98 percent of capacity on April 15. .......
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-18/u-s-nuclear-power-output-hits-lowest-in-4-years-after-tornado.html