Though the news coverage has died down over the tragic earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that happened so recently over in Japan, the risk of natural disasters and the subsequent fallout hasn’t gone anywhere. There are quite a few nuclear power plants throughout the United States, so before you pack up everything and move to another town, let us share some information with you.
Generally speaking, operating a nuclear power plant is extremely safe. All plants in the United States are designed with a margin of safety well beyond what might be anticipated for that region’s potential for natural disasters. But, that isn’t to say that we couldn’t use a little updating. With more and more people relocating to areas near nuclear power plants, experts are re-examining safety standards.
While it may be impossible to move out of an earthquake zone, it can always provide peace of mind when you know what the risks are around you. Here are the top 10 nuclear power plants that have the highest risk of disaster should an earthquake hit:
1. Indian Point 3, Buchanan, NY
2. Pilgrim 1, Plymouth, Massachusetts
3. Limerick 1 and 2, Limerick, Pennsylvania
4. Sequoyah 1 and 2, Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee
5. Beaver Valley 1, Shippingport, Pennsylvania
6. Saint Lucie 1 and 2, Jensen Beach, Florida
7. North Anna 1 and 2, Louisa, Virginia
8. Oconee 1, 2 and 3, Seneca, South Carolina
9. Diablo Canyon 1 and 2, Avila Beach, California
10. Three Mile Island, Middletown, Pennsylvania
But, don’t push the panic button just now. While there’s nothing wrong with a contingency plan, we don’t think you should hire the movers anytime soon.
