Original License For Second Indian Point Reactor To Expire
BUCHANAN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Indian Point nuclear power plant will become the first in the nation to operate beyond its original licensing period starting this weekend.
Indian Point was originally licensed to operate for 40 years. Reactor 2 passed that mark a few years ago, Reactor 3 turns 40 Saturday.
Both can continue to produce electricity during the relicensing review, which is now in year eight, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
"There's been more than 33,000 hours of federal inspections and review of our applications," Entergy spokesman Jerry Nappi said. "The company has invested more than $1 billion to insure the plant can continue to operate safely."
Nappi said Indian Point has received the government's highest safety ratings for five consecutive years.
"We believe it'll run for many more years well into the next decade," Nappi said.
But those who want the plant to close said it's showing its age. They point to several mishaps this year, including a steam leak, transformer failure, pump failure and circuit breaker power loss.
Opponents plan to rally outside the plant Saturday.
