"The largest earthquake to hit the East Coast of the United States in 67 years raised concerns on Tuesday about the safety of the country's nuclear power plants. The 5.8 magnitude quake's epicenter was just a few miles from the two-reactor North Anna nuclear power plant operated by Dominion Resources in Mineral, Virginia, 80 miles southwest of Washington."
"The plant lost power and automatically halted operations after the quake. While a Dominion spokesman reported no "major" damage to the facility, three diesel generators were required to kick in and keep the reactors' radioactive cores cool. A fourth diesel unit failed.
While nuclear power plants can operate safely on back-up power, failure of generators was a key reason for the disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant after a 9.0 magnitude quake and tsunami in March."
Eileen O'Grady and Joshua Schneyer report for Reuters August 23, 2011.
SEE ALSO:
"Quake Raises Safety Concerns as US Nuclear Plant Shut" (Reuters)
"Dominion's North Anna Nuclear Plant Loses Power After Quake" (Bloomberg)
"Dominion Says North Anna Built To Take 6.2 Quake" (Reuters)
"What Are the Risks of an Earthquake Beneath a Reactor Near You?" (iWatch News)
"Federal Officials: 2 Nuclear Reactors Taken Offline Near Quake Site in Va.; No Damage Reported" (AP)
"Quake Prompts Review of Nuclear Plants in 6 States" (AP)
"Earthquake Reignites Debate Over Safety of Nuclear Power" (E2 Wire)
"Officials: Va. Nuclear Plant Near Quake Site Shows No Problems" (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)
"Indian Point in "Abnormal Operating Procedures"" (the Daily Harrison)
"Dominion’s North Anna Nuclear Plant Loses Power After Quake" (Bloomberg)
"Peach Bottom, Other Nuclear Plants Felt Earthquake" (Lutherville-Timonium Patch)
"What the East Coast Earthquake Means For US Nuclear Plants" (Guardian)
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