Reflecting on Maine's Nuclear History

Context and Relevance

• Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant crisis (March 11 earthquake and tsunami) parallels the 32nd anniversary of the U.S.'s Three Mile Island incident.

Three Mile Island Incident

• Occurred on March 28, 1979.
• Workers failed to notice a valve stuck open after an unexpected shutdown, causing coolant to drain.
• Core overheated, leading to a partial meltdown.
• No immediate deaths or accidents, but some research indicated increased cancer and infant mortality rates downwind.
• Resulted in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ordering five other plants, including Maine Yankee, to shut down temporarily.

Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant

• Located in Wiscasset, it was ordered to be shut down after the Three Mile Island incident but reopened in May 1979, sparking protests.
• Began operations in 1972, after the Maine Yankee Atomic Power Company was formed in 1966.

Site Selection Reasons (1967 FACTS pamphlet)

1. Nearness to electrical load center of Maine.
2. Proximity to ocean, rail, and highway routes.
3. Excellent foundation conditions (bedrock).
4. Proximity of transmission lines.
5. Favorable geologic, hydrologic, seismologic, and meteorological characteristics.
6. Adequate supply of fresh water.
7. Sufficient land area.

Protests and Referendums

• Despite favorable site features, protests occurred during planning and construction.
• Three referendums occurred in the 1980s, following the 1979 shutdown:
  • 1980: Direct result of Three Mile Island, failed by 70,000 votes, gained nationwide publicity.
  • 1982 and 1987: Also failed, despite support from figures like Ralph Nader and Ed Asner.

Closure and Decommissioning

• Maine Yankee closed in 1996 due to costly safety problems identified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Decommissioning process cost $500 million and lasted from 1997 to 2005.

Current Issues

• Spent nuclear fuel rods remain stored at the site, pending federal government action on disposal.

This summary provides an overview of the history and issues surrounding the Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, its role in nuclear incidents, and public and regulatory responses.