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Vermont Yankee in need of an ultrasound?
Editor of the Reformer:
About a month ago, I began seeing reports from various European news sources that the Doel 3 nuclear reactor, in Belgium, had been shut down because of possible cracks in the reactor vessel. A few days later, reports were that though they were each tiny, there were thousands of them. The head of the regulating agency in Belgium said it was hard to envision the reactor ever being repaired.
The investigation that followed indicated the cracks were the result of manufacturing flaws. All reactors built by the Rotterdam Drydock Company, which went bankrupt some years back, are considered suspect. There were 21 such reactors, and the regulators of the countries where these reactors were sited met to consider what to do about the situation. One thing clear is that cursory inspection is not enough. It must be done by ultrasound.
Some countries, including Belgium and Germany, shut down reactors built by Rotterdam Drydock for inspection. The government of the UK took the matter a step further, and shut down a reactor for inspection even though it was made by a different manufacturer, because it was of the same design.
Vermont Yankee has of the reactors in question. I am finding two different stories about this, and unfortunately NRC records do not seem to clarify them for me. The reactors involved were made so long ago, that in some cases it is
I would think the NRC would be on this and talking about what they intend to do. I should think Entergy would issue a statement, unless it is afraid there may be something to hide. I find the silence on this issue distressing, and I think everyone should be made aware of it. VY’s reactor must be considered suspect until it all reactor parts that may have been made by Rotterdam Drydock have been cleared by ultrasound inspection.
George Harvey,
Brattleboro, Sept. 9
It’s still where
our power comes from
Editor of the Reformer:
I have recently read a few letters to the editor of the Reformer that in various forms stated the following: "We do not currently rely on energy produced by Vermont Yankee to power our homes, schools, businesses, municipal buildings, etc."
This impression reflects a lack of understanding of how electricity actually works. Electricity follows the rules of physics and pays no attention to legal proceedings, business contracts or any other man-made arrangements. Electricity flows from the source (power station) to the nearest load (our homes, schools, businesses, municipal buildings, etc.) The idea that since our local utility no longer has an agreement to purchase electricity from VY that VY power no longer supports our region is simply a mis-conception. As long as VY is running it will supply our region’s power and be the reason why our region has a stable grid. The fact that we send our money to someone else does not alter the physics.
A good friend told me that they get all their power from a green power producer somewhere outside our region. Indeed they are helping the green power producer stay in business, but the power here still comes from VY.
Ken Henson,
Brattleboro, Sept. 7
Tim is ...?
Editor of the Reformer:
Having known Tim Goodwin for years, I feel compelled to share his attributes with you. Tim is an Independent state representative candidate for the Jamaica, Londonderry, Stratton, Weston and Winhall areas.
Tim "IS"...
T...Talented
I...Intelligent
M...Magnetic personality
G...Genuine
O...Objective
O...Openminded
D...Decision maker
W...Wise
I...Inspiring
N...NO nonsense type of man
Please vote for Tim. He’s a local Vermonter who will serve you well.
Claire Holton,
So. Londonderry, Sept. 8
Ainslie has it right
Editor of the Reformer:
I agree with Scott Ainslie’s guest column in today’s paper (Sept. 10). McClaurghy has been spewing inaccuracies for too long. It’s time to get rid of this acrid talking fool.
Adam Wetzel,
Saxtons River, Sept. 10
