Greg Clary of LoHud.com (Lower Hudson News) reports that
More than 10 percent of the 172 emergency sirens within 10 miles of Indian Point failed to work properly during a quarterly test of the alert system?this morning, according to emergency and plant officials.
A spokesman for Entergy Nuclear, which owns and runs Indian Point, said it appears there were software problems with the new system that are being addressed as quickly as possible.
Eighteen sirens showed up on the computer tracking screen as failing to sound.
“Four of the the 18 sirens had amplifier problems, so they did sound, but not loud enough,”?said Indian Point’s Jerry Nappi. “We believe the others sounded fully, but we’re going to check on that.”
Federal officials are in the final stages of approving the new system which has been working with the old system as a backup since Aug 2008. When the new system is approved, the old system can be dismantled.
The new system has had four consecutive quarterly tests with a success rate higher than 97 percent, the regulatory minimum.
From 18 Indian Point sirens fail in test.
This doesn’t address whether, if they’d all worked, the system in place is adequate, or other security issues at the plant.
See also:
Indian Point relicensing hearings begin – very quietly
New York first state ever to oppose nuclear plant license renewal
