L’Observateur / December 1, 1999

TAFT – Waterford 3 nuclear power plant experienced an “alert” on Saturday morning, caused by an overflow of primary cooling water from the primary system into a large storage pool, according to Entergy officials.

An “alert” is the second-lowest emergency action level in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission-required emergency response plan for these plants. An “alert” indicates events which potentially could affect safetyat the plant.

There was no release of radiation from the plant, and the plant was safely shut down while cleanup operations were in progress.

Plant spokesperson Alison Pendergras said the action was taken at 5:33 a.m. Saturday because a valve failure occurred which is underinvestigation by plant personnel.

The leaking valve was located and closed and the coolant system was inspected. Plant personnel the re-established normal plant cooling flow.All appropriate local, state and federal agencies were notified, and there was no action needed by the public.

The purpose of declaring the alert was to provide area agencies current status information and to assure that area emergency personnel were on standby, if necessary. The emergency operations center at the St. CharlesParish courthouse, already on 24-hour operation, monitored the situation.

Senior operator Aaron Ertel said the alert ended at 12:26 p.m. “Everythingwent smooth,” he added.

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