More Problems At Palisades Nuclear Power Plant
COVERT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Operators of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in southwestern Michigan say they removed it from service because of a water leak.
The plant operators said they took the plant off-line Sunday morning for inspections and repairs to the safety injection/refueling water tank. They said there is no risk to the public.
The plant is along Lake Michigan's shoreline in Van Buren County's Covert Township, about 80 miles east-northeast of Chicago.
Plant operators said they acted after "water leakage from the tank exceeded a site threshold."
The plant is owned by New Orleans-based Entergy Corp. has been under extra scrutiny by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission after numerous safety issues and shutdowns.
The latest problems come after the plant shut for several days in February for work on its cooling water heat exchanger system.
A message on the Palisades website acknowledged that they've been working to improve safety, following indications that the facility wasn't meeting its own standards.
The plant is hosting a public open house on Tuesday, May 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Beach Haven Event Center in South Haven. Palisades representatives will be available to discuss various plant topics with the public.
"The purpose of this open house is to continue open communications with our local community members. We believe that our own employees are the best source of accurate information regarding Palisades operations, and we want to provide the opportunity to meet and interact with the nuclear professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that Palisades operates safely day in and day out," said Palisades Site Vice President Tony Vitale.
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