We are writing to you and your committee about our grave concern regarding the failure of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Homeland Security to protect the United States against potential terrorist attacks and random dam or gas transmission pipeline failures. The potential energy released in a gas line rupture at Indian Point is equivalent to that from a massive conventional bomb; the 2010 explosion and fire in San Bruno, CA is an example of the destructive force, which a pipeline rupture can unleash.

Concern about risk of gas pipeline rupture at NYC-area nuclear plant — Could lead to multiple meltdowns

“Possible severe damage to fuel in spent fuel pools” — Sissonville, San Bruno cited as examples

ENE News

Authors: Lawrence S. Criscione, PE and Paul M. Blanch, PE
Date: December 18, 2012
To: Senator Joseph Lieberman, Chairman; U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs
Source: state.nv.us

[...] We are writing to you and your committee about our grave concern regarding the failure of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Homeland Security to protect the United States against potential terrorist attacks and random dam or gas transmission pipeline failures. The potential energy released in a gas line rupture at Indian Point is equivalent to that from a massive conventional bomb; the 2010 explosion and fire in San Bruno, CA is an example of the destructive force, which a pipeline rupture can unleash. [...]

Although a terrorist attack upon or the random failure of a dam or natural gas pipeline is extremely unlikely, the potential impact of one of these events is the meltdown of multiple reactors, at either Indian Point or Oconee, resulting in severe radiological and economic consequences to areas surrounding these plants. For the natural gas pipeline explosion at Indian Point, New York City and areas extending beyond 50 miles, along with the infrastructures could be rendered uninhabitable for generations. [...]

Read more