Regulators Warn of Flood Risk at South Carolina Nuclear Plant

Federal regulators say the danger of flooding at Duke Energy’s Oconee Nuclear Station in South Carolina is higher than previously thought.

The Charlotte Observer reported the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has notified the Charlotte-based utility about the risks.

The report says estimates of flooding have increased substantially if the 385-foot high Jocassee Dam failed upstream from the three reactors near Seneca, S.C.

The report warns such flooding could leave the station blacked out.

The NRC removed large parts of the report from the public version in order to protect infrastructure that could become a security target.

Duke says Oconee is safe and the utility has taken steps to reduce flood risks.

The NRC began a formal study of the safety implications of dam failure on nuclear plants in March.