Situated on the Hudson River, in Buchanan, New York, an unsightly power plant produces energy that goes on to power the flashy billboards and flatscreen displays of downtown New York City. This humble little power plant, named the Indian Point Energy Center, is home to two nuclear reactors that contribute up to 30% of New York City and the surrounding area’s total power. That is a tremendous amount of energy! Built in 1962, the plant caused hardly any concerns for most of its history. A lone reactor constituted the whole plant until 1974, when it was deemed unsafe. Two new reactors were built in the 1970s to replace the original one. These two reactors, unorginally named Units 2 and 3, are housed in six-foot thick domes made of concrete to protect against the possibility of meltdown. However, the plant has come under fire from many in the state recently.
Of late, the plant’s overall safety has been questioned. A series of small meltdowns and toxic gas escapes in the 2000s and 2010s have made it a concern of many who live in the area, and the isuue is being talked about on a national scale. With memories of Chernobyl in the distant past and memories of Fukushima Daiichi still in the forefront of people’s minds, nuclear safety in New York has become a top priority. Governor Andrew Cuomo is among those who feel that the life of the plant has run its course. He and his administration have vowed not to renew the state’s contract with the site when it expires in 2013 – the plant is simply too old, too dangerous, and startlingly susceptible to terrorist attacks… a top concern, particularly for New Yorkers. Federal regulators have also declared the plant dangerous, and serious work is needed to keep the plant operational if the contract is to be renewed.
Many New Yorkers are concerned with the environmental impacts that the faulty plant could have, and few want to see the Hudson River Valley turned into a radioactive wasteland. However, many more New Yorkers are concerned with something much more important to them: their money (what else?). If the plant closes, New Yorkers could see their energy bills skyrocket by as much as 12% or more. There has been no real alternative presented to address the energy shortage that would ensue should the plant close. This dilemma has ensured that the topic will become one of much political and social debate in New York, and the jury is still out on the future of Indian Point. Proposals have been made to streamline the plant and put in place greener technologies such as Wedgewire screens that will allow wildlife in the Hudson not to get caught in the plants cooling water and die a horrible nuclear death. This process will also ensure that contaminated water will not corrode the plant – a problem that has occurred in the past at Indian Point. Hopefully, a solution can be found that can save the economic and energy benefits of the plant without compromising the safety and cleanliness of the Valley.
Sources:
http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Indian%20Point%20Nuclear%20Power%20Plant