Government allowing dangerous nuclear plants to operate…. 3/4 of U.S. nuclear plants leaking

3/4 of U.S. nuclear plants have leaked radioactive material into groundwater

In a shocking new report from the A.P., it looks like over 3/4 of the nuclear plants in America have leaked radioactive material into our groundwater. The report suggests that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has allowed the nuclear power industry to keep old hazardous reactors open by failing to enforce safety standards.

Tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen, has been found in the public drinking water near at least three nuclear power plants in the U.S., and the problems don’t stop there.

The A.P. investigation showed that the NRC allowed nuclear plants to cut corners and undermine public safety in thousands of potentially dangerous situations. Some of the findings included things like leaking valves, corrosive chemicals cracking nozzles on reactors, cracks in concrete, rusted and corroded pipes, widespread cracking which caused radioactive leaks from steam generator tubing, and thousands of other problems.

Some senators are now calling for an investigation into the NRC’s lack of oversight. One of the Senators who called for the investigation said, “These allegations by the AP are incredibly disturbing,” Senator Sanders went on to say, “Safety at our nuclear plants should be the top priority at the NRC, particularly after what we saw happen in Japan. They should not answer to the nuclear industry, the NRC must answer to the public.”

Most of the Commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S were designed to run for only 40 years. 82 of the country’s nuclear reactors are over 25 years old and many of them have been licensed to operate well past the 40 year mark. The A.P. alleges that the NRC weakened the safety margin for acceptable radiation damage to reactor vessels, to allow these plants to operate despite a significant risk to public safety.

With 104 nuclear plants operating across the United States, people need to keep a close eye on what’s going on. Potential problems created because of a nuclear disaster definitely need to be factored into your bug out & emergency evacuation plans.