Star Tribune: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Must Do Vent Work

Nearly a third of U.S. nuclear reactors, including Xcel Energy’s Monticello nuclear power plant, have been ordered to install or modify emergency “hardened” vents to reduce the risk of an explosive, Fukushima-like accident from built-up hydrogen. ...

“The probability of getting to a Fukushima accident is very low in the U.S.,” said [Xcel Energy director of nuclear regulatory policy Terry] Pickens, who noted that the industry responded by acquiring pumps and backup generators to deploy in disasters. The latest NRC order “ recognizes that you can never be too careful … These steps just add to the level of safety,” he added.

Read the full article at startribune.com. 

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