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Re: Reactor Accidents



The Hallam Nuclear Power Facility, built & operated by CPPD (predecessor to
Nebraska Public Power District)  and the AEC went on-line in May 1963, Reached 
full operation in July 63.  In sept. 63 the reactor was shut down for inspection
there was a 'suspected failure' (no indication of what it was, Cladding Failure maybe) In 1965 the fuel elements were removed the reactor drained and a repair
program implemented. In jan 1966 the facility was ready for start-up. 
In Aug 1966, AEC was no longer interested in the experimental program and 
directed NPPD to prep for decommissionning.  In 1968 the facility was 
decommissioned, all fuel was removed from the site, equipment was salvaged and
 decontaminated.  SOme components of the reactor system that couldn't be moved
were buried in vaults of concrete and the vaults 'sealed below the earth' The surface above the isolation vaults was weatherproofed and monitoring wells sunk.
No problems yet at the facility, except for the giant pheasant. I hadn't heard
of the meltdown before.  I would have worried a little more about the Atlas 
missile sites around the area than the reactor.

Luke McCormick c0cetxlim@mrd42.mrd.usace.army.mil
(a 2 hour scooter ride from the site)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
> 
>           Speaking of obscure reactor accidents.  Is anyone familiar
>           with a reactor accident, "the locals call it a meltdown",
>           that occurred in the early 60's in the vicinity of Hallum,
>           Nebraska.  Residents of Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska
>           frequently refer to it.  
> 
>           Thanks for your help....
>           Bill Field
> 
> 
> 
> 
>           ----------------------------------------------
>           R. William Field, Ph.D.
>           Department of Preventive Medicine
>           University of Iowa
>           bill-field@uiowa.edu
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>            > I am trying to locate a film/video of the SL-1 reactor
>           accident at Idaho in > 1961. A friend said he saw this at an
>           Oak Ridge training course.  Thanks in > advance for any
>           leads.  Luke McCormick >  c0etxlim@mrd42.mrd.usace.army.mil
>           >===================================================================
>           > I have seen the film you most probably refer to about 15
>           years ago and it had been lent from the IAEA (International
>           Atomic Energy Agency). I do not know whether they still have
>           it or wether it is available on loan. The IAEA homepage,
>           from where you might find whom to contact, is:
>           http://www.iaea.or.at.
> 
> Franz Schoenhofer
> Federal Institute for Food Control and Research
> Department of Radiochemistry
> Kinderspitalg. 15
> A-1095 Vienna, AUSTRIA
>