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Westchester Still Concerned About Indian Point Earthquake, Evacuation

BUCHANAN, NY (WCBS 880) - There haven't been big earthquakes on the Ramapo Fault, but there is seismic activity in the Indian Point area. That's what seismologists from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University say.

WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi: The Worst Case Scenario

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"[The activity is] minor compared to plate boundaries like the San Andres Fault," says seismologist Dr. John Armbruster, who testified before the county board and says he is not alarmed by Indian Point, but he is concerned. "I'm not asking that Indian Point be shut immediately. I think a more modern study needs to be done."

However, observatory officials say the worst case scenario would be a 7.9 magnitude earthquake.

Meanwhile, Entergy officials say Indian Point can handle a major earthquake.

Next week, the county board will be looking at Indian Point's evacuation plan.

Concern about the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan has intensified since the earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan and left its nuclear reactors on the verge of meltdown.

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