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Study: NYC At Greater Risk Of Quake Than Believed

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Aug 22, 2008 6:49 pm US/Eastern

Study: NYC At Greater Risk Of Quake Than Believed

Scientists Say Region Remains A Danger Zone, Especially Near Indian Point Nuclear Plant

Reporting
Tony Aiello
WHITE PLAINS (CBS) ― It's been 118 years since New York's last big earthquake, but a new study says the region very much remains a quake danger zone – especially the area near the Indian Point nuclear power plant.

From their post in Rockland County, Columbia University earthquake experts have been studying seismic activity, both current and past, as far back as 300 years. They say they've identified a pattern of subtle, but active fault lines, and concluded the New York City region is at greater risk of a damaging earthquake than previously believed.

"The size of the faults we see is large enough that they could generate earthquakes larger than magnitude 5," said John Armbruster, one of the Columbia University experts.

The scientists also claim a discovery about earthquake activity near the Indian Point nuclear power station. They knew of one nearby fault line called the "Ramapo." But now, they've identified another line of seismic activity running from Stamford to Peekskill. In other words, Indian Point may be in the crosshairs of two earthquake fault lines.

"What is says is it's one of the places in the greater New York City area that we think is more hazardous," said Lynn Sykes, one of the experts behind the study.

A spokesman for the company that owns Indian Point says the study is speculative:

"Seismic activity in the Indian Point area is rare. … The plant is designed to withstand an earthquake of the highest intensity which can reasonably be predicted."

The study comes at an interesting time for Indian Point because the licenses for the nuclear reactors are up for renewal.

The scientists would like the agency handling the renewal process to consider their earthquake risk data. But so far, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has refused.

Experts say assumptions about earthquake dangers should be re-assessed. As we move forward with big projects, such as the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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