Oyster Creek Personnel Prepared To Take Action When Hurricane Hits

A team of plant personnel will be staffed at Oyster Creek Generating Station to take action this weekend, spokesperson Suzanne D’Ambrosio said.

“Preparation is paramount to safety. Just as every individual should personally prepare themselves and their property for the impact of Hurricane Irene, the team at Oyster Creek, too, has been working for several days to make sure the station is prepared,” said Oyster Creek Site Vice President Michael Massaro.

If necessary, site procedures to safely shut the plant down will be followed, D’Ambrosio said. The plant will keep the state, county, local government officials and the public informed upon their decision.

Oyster creek once it was determined that the plant could be in the path of the storm and formal procedures and preparations were enacted, she said. 

Plant operators have assured that all plant safety systems are operational; that all outside equipment, materials and other items are properly secured and stowed, and that plant procedures related to the affects of a hurricane are reviewed and ready for use if needed, D’Ambrosio said.

Oyster Creek Generating Station is prepared for Hurricane Irene and its effects, D’Ambrosio said.

“Oyster Creek is designed to remain in a safe condition, even with the harsh winds and flooding projected for this hurricane,” she said.

Oyster Creek is the oldest operating nuclear plant in the country and provides enough around-the-clock electricity for 600,000 New Jersey homes and began commercial operations in 1969.