WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Holtec, the company wanting to reopen the Palisades nuclear reactor in Michigan, found corrosion cracking in steam generators ‘far exceeded’ estimates, the U.S. nuclear power regulator said in a document published on Wednesday.
The administration of President Joe Biden finalized this week a $1.52 billion conditional loan guarantee to the Palisades plant. It is part of an effort by the administration to support nuclear energy, which generates virtually emissions-free power, to curb climate change and to help satisfy rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and digital currency.
A Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesperson said, “Holtec must ensure the generators will meet NRC requirements if the agency authorizes returning Palisades to operational status.”
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Holtec, which has said it wants to return the plant to operation late next year, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A summary of an early September call between the NRC and Holtec published on Wednesday said indications of stress corrosion cracking in tubes in both of the plant’s steam generators “far exceeded estimates based on previous operating history.” It found 1,163 steam generator tubes had indications of the stress cracking. There are more than 16,000 tubes in the units.
Palisades, which shut under a different owner in 2022, is seeking to be the first modern U.S. nuclear power plant to reopen after being fully shut.
The U.S. nuclear regulator said last month that preliminary results from inspections “identified a large number of steam generator tubes with indications that require further analysis and/or repair.”
Steam generators are sensitive components of a nuclear power plant that require meticulous maintenance and are expensive to replace.
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(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
Proposed bill outlines looks into standards for pets outdoors in Michigan – CBS Detroit
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We’ve already experienced arctic air this season and will again soon. Those conditions outside are dangerous not only for you but also for your pets. That’s why lawmakers in Lansing are trying to redefine what it means to have suitable shelter for animals.
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ELBERTA, MI – After a “Herculean” fundraising effort, 35 acres of land on the shores of Lake Michigan and Betsie Bay have been purchased by a Northern Michigan land conservancy.
The project in Elberta will result in a nature preserve, an expanded municipal park, a trail extension and economic development – and save this shoreline area from commercial development, officials said.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy secured gifts and pledges of $19.5M in less than six months, meeting the Dec. 15 deadline to purchase the land.
This was “the largest funding needed for a single property in the conservancy’s 33-year history,” said Jennifer Jay, director of communications and engagement for the conservancy. That, coupled with the short timeline to raise the money, made this purchase a “Herculean effort,” she said.
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More than 600 families donated to the project with the smallest gift coming in at $7 and the largest at $9 million. More than 200 gifts were from first-time donors.
“People who love Benzie County really love Benzie County, and they want to retain the small-town character of the shoreline communities like Elberta and Frankfort,” said Glen Chown, the conservancy’s executive director. “People gave from their hearts to ensure a future for Elberta that aligns with the community’s vision.”
The property was recently targeted for a large resort development, but that plan was withdrawn.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is working to purchase 35 acres of waterfront in Elberta. Of the 35 acres, 10 acres, including steep forested dunes, would be set aside for a nature preserve managed by the conservancy; 16 acres, including 578 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline and 2,000 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline, would be transferred to the village of Elberta for a municipal park; and 9 acres, including 1,120 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline, would go to the village for economic development.Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
The land extends from Elberta Beach to the Historic Waterfront Park and then to the village’s northern edge with 578 feet of Lake Michigan frontage and 3,120 feet on Betsie Bay, plus 10 acres of dunes.
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Plans for the 35 acres include a 10-acre nature preserve managed by the conservancy. This area includes steep, forested critical dunes.
The conservancy plans to transfer 16 acres to the village of Elberta to be used as a community park. This area near the Elberta Pier at the mouth of Betsie Bay, includes 578 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline and 2,000 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline. This will allow the Betsie Valley Trail to extend through the property, connecting Frankfort’s and Elberta’s Lake Michigan beaches.
The final 9 acres, including 1,120 feet of Betsie Bay shoreline, has been set aside for economic development; the Michigan Land Bank Authority will lead this effort.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $27.5 million. Fundraising for the last $8 million has already begun.
Michigan Wolverines (9-1, 1-0 Big Ten) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (9-1)
Charlotte, North Carolina; Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. EST
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BOTTOM LINE: No. 20 Michigan and No. 10 Oklahoma square off at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Sooners have a 9-1 record in non-conference games. Oklahoma scores 92.6 points while outscoring opponents by 32.5 points per game.
The Wolverines have an 8-1 record in non-conference play. Michigan scores 84.6 points while outscoring opponents by 30.1 points per game.
Oklahoma scores 92.6 points, 38.1 more per game than the 54.5 Michigan allows. Michigan averages 24.5 more points per game (84.6) than Oklahoma gives up to opponents (60.1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Payton Verhulst averages 2.6 made 3-pointers per game for the Sooners, scoring 13.8 points while shooting 44.1% from beyond the arc.
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Olivia Olson is averaging 16.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals for the Wolverines.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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