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Ukraine Stops Chernobyl Reactor as Heavy Rains Threaten Safety
Ukraine Stops Chernobyl Reactor as Heavy Rains Threaten Safety
Kiev, July 10 (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine said it shut down the only
working reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, site of the world's
worst nuclear plant disaster, after heavy rains swamped the plant,
threatening its safety systems.
``We were forced to install pumps to take water out of the basement
facilities, after precipitation reached almost a normal monthly level
during just six hours,'' said Stanislav Shekstelo, head of
information department at the plant.
Rain totaled 50 millimeters in the morning, which compares with an
average monthly level of 79 millimeters, Shekstelo said. The water
could short-circuit the plant's diesel generator, which is in the
basement, Shekstelo said. The generator produces electricity for the
plant's safety system, he said.
The water pumped out of Chernobyl's basement goes into storage for
liquid nuclear waste, Shekstelo said, adding that the water radiation
level was not measured. The radiation level at the station remains
unchanged, he said.
The reactor is currently expected back in operation on July 17, but
may be restarted earlier, Shekstelo said.
Ukraine plans to close the Chernobyl plant by Dec. 15, more than 14
years after its No.4 reactor exploded, spewing radioactive fallout
across Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and Scandinavia. Ukraine is seeking
financing to build new power plants to replace Chernobyl's capacity.
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Sandy Perle Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100
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ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Division Fax:(714) 668-3149
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