Feb 6, 2007 10:23 am US/Eastern
Indian Point Nuclear Plant 'Normal As Can Be'
Power Level Stable After Cooling Water Levels Dropped Unexpectedly
BUCHANAN, N.Y. (CBS/AP) ―
The Indian Point nuclear power station in Westchester County was operating normally Tuesday morning, a day after low cooling water levels led to a declaration of an "unusual event" -- the lowest category of emergency.
Officials at the Buchanan, N.Y. facility blamed the low water level on a combination of cold weather, low tides on the Hudson River and debris clogging screens used to filter the water the plant draws in from the river.
Entergy Nuclear Northeast spokesman Jim Steets said Tuesday morning that the screens had been "backwashed" and water levels were no longer at a worrisome level, though he said he did not know precisely what the water level was.
"The situation is normal as can be. Water levels are being maintained," said Steets, adding that the plant has seen two more low tides, once Monday evening and another early Tuesday morning, without repeating the 4.5 foot water drop experienced early Monday morning.
"We never really got even close to those lower levels," said Steets. Divers were expected to inspect the screens later in the day, he said.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
