WASHINGTON – The last reactor at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plantin Pennsylvania was finally shut down Friday, marking the end of theoperation of the site of the worst civilian nuclear accident in US history.
The plant’s first reactor — which went online in September 1974 — wasshut down at noon local time (1600 GMT), according to the plant’s ownerExelon, and the site will be dismantled in the coming weeks.
On March 28, 1979, the second reactor experienced a cooling problem that –coupled with a human error — resulted in the partial melting of thereactor and the evacuation of 14,000 people.
There were no casualties, but the incident led to the definitive closure ofthe reactor and reopened the debate on the potential danger of civiliannuclear power.
Pennsylvania officials had unsuccessfully attempted a bailout, but Exelondecided to close ahead of the end of the license because the plant had beenin deficit for many years.
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“At a time when our communities are demanding more clean energy to addressclimate change, it’s regrettable that state law does not support thecontinued operation of this safe and reliable source of carbon-free power,”Bryan Hanson, vice president and head of nuclear for Exelon, said in astatement.
Three Mile Island employed 675 people and roughly 300 will remain at thesite during the first phase of decommissioning, the nuclear operator said,before falling to 50 from 2022.
The dismantling of the main components, including the cooling towers, willnot begin until 2074, a century after the plant was first commissioned.-APP/AFP
