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IL Nuclear Plants Get Review
(IRN) -- The tsunami in Japan that left the Fukushima nuclear plant leaking radiation and on the verge of a meltdown has the state of Illinois doing a comprehensive review of the state's six nuclear power plants.

"We started it almost immediately and it was actually something that we had already begun and it's something that happens on a regular basis,' said Illinois Emergency Management Agency director Jonathon Monken. "But obviously the timeline has been accelerated significantly given the world events right now. It's obviously prudent to take a close look at our systems that we have in place and making sure that we're making any necessary improvements."

The 90-day review looks into long-term issues related to plant maintenance. Monken says the crisis in Japan has pointed to worries over the age of reactors and plants here in the U.S.

Monken says no new personnel have been hired in the wake of Japan's crisis, but all 11 reactors at the state's six nuclear plants are monitored at all times.

Monken testified Monday at the Public Safety Appropriations committee where he requested $3.2 million in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. IEMA has a $571.3 million budget; most of that comes from the federal government.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 29 11 by Newsroom
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