Post-Flood Recovery Begins At Fort Calhoun Nuclear Plant

Water levels at the Fort Calhoun nuclear plant have finally dropped about two feet from their highest flood stage, prompting Omaha Public Power District officials to terminate the Unusual Event they declared on June 6, and setting the stage for post-flood recovery.

The NRC today issued a Confirmatory Action Letter documenting actions that the officials have agreed to take prior to restarting the plant, located about 19 miles north of Omaha, Neb.

The plant was shut down April 9 for a refueling outage, which was extended due to flooding along the Missouri River. As the floodwaters have receded, workers at the site have begun removing flood barriers and an elaborate elevated catwalk used create access from the flooded parking lot to key buildings.

At a public meeting on July 27, OPPD officials discussed post flooding recovery actions and agreed not to restart the plant without NRC approval. Region IV Administrator Elmo E. Collins has said a series of comprehensive inspections will have to be performed before the agency clears the plant for restart.

Victor Dricks
Region IV Public Affairs Officer

Author: Moderator

Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

7 thoughts on “Post-Flood Recovery Begins At Fort Calhoun Nuclear Plant”

  1. Can we do this at every nuclear plant in America and then in the world?
    I think this example should be followed by all nuclear plants in the world to protect people first and then the environment.
    Thanks for this post encouraging not only for us

  2. thank god… it gives me a lot of relief when i read this post.. thanks for sharing.

  5. Someone please tell me what is going to happen this winter when North Anna doesn’t come on-line. Is anyone out there paying attention? Are there cogen solutions available?

  6. So how long will it take to start the place up again? I also note that Fort Calhoun is the smallest nuclear plant in America. I don’t think any utility wants a plant known to be small. Which makes me wonder if Nebraska could live without it, after all, they have all this time in the summer when it is hot, but would Fort Calhoun be needed in cold weather? Also, is it possible to waterproof the switchyard so that it does not “short out” and sparks fly when the turn Fort Calhoun on?

    I do have to say that at least Fort Calhoun is one of the better-looking nuclear plants around. That AP1000, man, it’s ugly!

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