An electric transformer that failed on May 9 at Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan has been replaced, and the nuclear reactor that was shut down as a result of the incident is up and running again as of Monday.
The failed transformer erupted in flames 17 days ago, which automatically shut down the Unit 3 reactor and caused roughly 3,000 gallons of transformer oil to leak into the Hudson River.
The transformer ”“ which is used on the non-nuclear side of the Entergy Corp.-owned facility to send electricity generated by the plant to a power grid ”“ holds about 24,300 gallons of a light, dielectric fluid to cool the device. About a third of the transformer oil was collected in a moat system under the transformer or combusted in the explosion.
Entergy, the U.S. Coast Guard and the state Department of Environmental Conservation are working to mitigate any potential environmental impact caused by the leaked oil. So far, Entergy has examined 25 locations for possible oil sheens. Five of those areas have received the “appropriate mitigation efforts,” according to a statement from Entergy.
Absorbent oil booms were placed in the river immediately following the transformer failure, Entergy said.
A hotline was set up last week to allow the public to alert Entergy of any oil sheen sightings.
Anyone can call 1-800-472-6372 or email environment@safesecurevital.com to report a potential oil sheen.
Transformers are supposed to last about 40 years, according to a spokesman for Entergy. However, the transformer that failed, which was made by SGB-SMIT Group, was eight years old. It has been replaced by a Siemens AG-made transformer. Both companies are based in Germany.
Entergy has been investigating the cause of the transformer failure and is expected to make an announcement about its findings by the end of June.
