Vermont Yankee springs (another) leak

[cali]

Vermont Yankee to power down to fix leak
By BOB AUDETTE, Reformer Staff



Tuesday, June 9
BRATTLEBORO -- The miles and miles of pipes that are used to cool reactor steam produced by Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant sprang another leak Monday.
According to a press release from Yankee, the plant will be reducing power in "the next several weeks" to attempt to repair the condenser, stated Rob Williams, spokesman for Yankee, in a press release detailing the leak.

The condenser acts as a radiator, using water from the Connecticut River to cool steam from the reactor, turning it back into water before sending it back to the reactor.

The condenser is overpressurized to prevent reactor water from getting into the river.
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http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_12550882
The leak is allowing river water to enter the system and was discovered after plant technicians identified a slight increase in the chloride concentration in the reactor water.

"This condition has occurred at Vermont Yankee several times over the life of the plant including the last operating cycle," stated Williams. "Planning is under way to temporarily reduce power to allow technicians to identify the precise location of the leak and to repair it."

[Submariner]

1. I used to track American shad with sonic tags in their bellies

from Turners Falls dam up to the base of the Vernon Dam at the nuke plant for future fish ladder installation. The Connecticut river up there is a beautiful river with wild scenery, and just the place where a nuke plant seems so out of place.

[cali]

2. the damn thing is a hazard.

and yeah, it's ugly.