Oct 14, 2013

Leak found in a nuclear reactor located near Tonopah, Arizona at Palo Verde Power Plant

PHOENIX (CBS5) -

A small leak was found in a nuclear reactor at the Palo Verde Power Plant, west of the Valley, last week.

Arizona Public Service spokesman Alan Bunnel said the leak never posed a threat to the community.

"It is radioactive water, but because it's inside the steel and concrete containment dome there was no threat of any radioactive material coming outside into the environment," said Bunnel. "There was no threat to the safety or well being of the public or employees."

The incident has raised new concerns about the impact the government shutdown is having on power plants across the country.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which oversees nuclear power plants across the country, has been forced to send home 93 percent of its workforce.

The NRC currently has about 300 of its 3,900 workers showing up for work. 

"Our full-time inspectors are still on duty at every nuclear plant across the country," said Elliot Brenner, NRC director of public affairs. "There is longer term work not getting done, but we are making certain that we have inspectors at the plants every day."

Please read on at source: http://www.kpho.com/story/23672968/small-leak-found-at-palo-verde-nuclear-power-plant