ML19224A756
| ML19224A756 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 03/31/1979 |
| From: | Metropolitan Edison Co |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PR-790331, NUDOCS 7905300207 | |
| Download: ML19224A756 (2) | |
Text
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News Release
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Metropolitan Edison Company
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u Post C: lice Box 542 l
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]}g Reading Pennsylvania 19640 9
g;,_1-215 929 3601 A Member Company of the c es put.c uimes sw.m Further information:
For release Date: March 31, 1979 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UPDATE ---9:30 AM, March 31 Middletown, Penna., 9:30 AM, March 31 -- Radiation levels monitored at the site of the Three Mile Island (TMI) Nuclear Station #2 have decreased since. yesterday, officials of the Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), operators of the facility, announced today.
Monitored radiation levels around the site boundary of the plant this mornir.g were less than 2 millirem per ur except at the northeast corner of the site where two readings recorded 4 millirem and 8 millirem.
We are continuing to investigate a means to reduce any significant emissions into the atmosphere. Minor emissions from the auxiliary building venti 11ation stack are temporarily continuing, Met-Ed said.
All proper authorities are being fully informed of these emissions.
Action is currently underway te prevent the gas bubble in the reactor vessel ficom increasing in size.
The plant's de-gasification sys. tem is now in operation and is reducing the concentration of gas in the primary coolant.
This may result in the decrease in the size of the gas bubble. Gas is being discharged to the reactor containment building, where it is safely isolate'.
y 9053002o7 The co=pany also said it h2s been determined that between 6 and 14 percent of the fuel elements have been damaged.
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The possibility of another contaminated gas release into the atmosphere, such as 6
was experienced yesterday morning, has been reduced.
Efforts are continuing to reduce it further.
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Continued:
The status of the reactor coolant system remains constant since last night.
Reactor coolant te=perature and pressure are being held and controlled at 280 degrees Fahrenheit and at 1,000 pounds per square inch respectively.
The contaminated water in the open sumps and on the floor of the auxiliary building is now contained in tanks.
Additional tanks are available for more containment if necessary.
We are evaporating TMI Unit #1 waste water to make room for Unit #2 waste water.
Met-Ed also announced that its insurers for TMI Unit #2, American Nuclear Insurers and Mutual Atomic Energy Liability Underwriters, have set up a local office in Harrisburg with telephone communication.
Claims can be made for evacuation or away-from-home living costs or other costs or damages incurred as a result of current situation at the nuclear plant.
Information on the processing of these claims is available from the insurers local representative, Mr. Joseph Marrone at 3211 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Pa.
17110.
Telephone number 717-234-7941.
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