Indian Point Emergency Plans Under Review Monday
BUCHANAN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Using the Japan nuclear crisis as a worst case scenario, the Westchester Board of Legislators was set to meet Monday to explore the disaster preparedness plan at the Indian Point Nuclear power plant.
WCBS 880's Peter Haskell previews today's hearing
Podcast
The facility is located just 24-miles from New York City and about a mile away from the intersection point of two earthquake fault lines.
"We have a lot of failsafe systems in place for Indian Point. And so far, they've all worked and I'm sure they'll continue to work until they no longer do. And when they don't, we're impacting 20 million people," said Marilyn Elie of the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition.
RELATED: NY State To Discuss Indian Point With Nuclear Agency | Skepticism Grows About Safety Of Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant | Cuomo Orders Safety Review Of Indian Point Nuclear Plant
The Entergy Corporation which owns Indian Point, last week announced plans to conduct a safety review of their ability to respond to a catastrophic event.
A number of elected officials including Governor Cuomo, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman have expressed safety concerns.
"I think we can all agree that recent events underscore the importance of understanding how earthquakes could effect our nuclear power plants," said New York Attorney General Eric Shneiderman.
Entergy executives who are set to attend Monday's Board meeting were expected to address a recent report that declares Indian Point the nation's most susceptible power plant to a potential earth quake.
However, they said what's unfolding in Japan was unlikely to happen here.
"Only if a tsunami could make its way, you know, up New York harbor and the Hudson River and somehow avoid New York City, and drench our plant, it just doesn't seem very realistic," said Jim Streets, Director of Communications with Entergy Nuclear Northeast.
On Tuesday, New York State officials will meet with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about Indian Point.
WCBS 880's Peter Haskell on the meeting between NYS and the NRC
