Nuclear regulator visits second Nebraska plant on Missouri

[nadinbrzezinski]

(Reuters) - A two-day tour of two Nebraska nuclear power plants surrounded by a swollen Missouri River has generated a regional and national buzz, but relatively little concern from local residents.

In Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, five miles south of the Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant, many people weren't even aware that Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko was checking on the plant's flood protections.

"I think there's something going on at the plant," said a woman working the counter at the local gas station, which also sells food. "All the sheriff's guys are up there. If you want to rob the bank, today would be the day."

Customers ate pizza and burritos and had coffee as a few cars came and went. After several weeks of preparation and flooding, the rising water seemed to be less shocking and more a fact of life for residents in the town with 850 people.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/27/us-flooding-nuclear-idUSTRE75Q67420110627