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Nuclear plant north of Omaha prepares for flooding

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June 20th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Omaha Public Power District officials say it will reduce power as it prepares for rising water on the Missouri River. The district’s Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant sits on the west bank of the river about 20 miles north of Omaha and was surrounded by water during the flooding three years ago. OPPD says the plant isn’t required to shut down until the river reaches the level of 1,004 feet above mean sea level. The U.S. Weather Service expects the river to hit that level on Saturday.

The district says sand-filled temporary berms have been erected around critical equipment. Flood doors and mobile pumps are ready to be employed. OPPD says its preparations for the possible flooding are guided by lessons learned three years ago.