Turkey Point: More Questions Than Answers?
Turkey Point: More Questions Than Answers?
The Turkey Point nuclear power station was built in 1972 by Florida Power & Light Corporation on the shore of Biscayne Bay about 25 miles south of Downtown Miami. It is the largest electrical power generating station in Florida and the sixth largest in the United States. FPL has applied to the State of Florida’s Public Service Commission and to the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build two additional reactors on this site.
After reading your textbook’s section on how electricity is generated by nuclear fission (Chap. 12), read the following articles for backgrounding prior to participating in this Forum.
Eye on Miami: Time to Replace the Failed Cooling Canal System at Turkey Point Nuclear Plant with Conventional Cooling Towers Now
FPL Wins Fight to Store Radioactive Waste Under Miami’s Drinking Water
FPL’s page: Turkey Point 6 & 7 – the proposed, new reactors for the site
FPL’s page: Turkey Point Facts
FPL Postpones Nuclear Plant Expansion For Now.
Turkey Point Nuclear Plant On Way To Expansion. But Will It Survive A Changing Industry
A. As someone who lives and votes in South Florida, you will create a list of six (6) questions in rank order of importance to you about FPL’s nuclear power operations. Each question needs to be insightful and specific, not oversimplified and generalized.
For each question, briefly (at least two complete sentences) explain why it is important that you get an answer to this question – now!
Use the following format to earn up to 6 points (1 point/question + reason)
Question 1:
Reason 1:
B. After you have posted, you must respond to at least two of your classmates right there on the discussion thread. For each of the two classmates you respond to, address at least two of their questions they have posted. This is worth 4 points (2 pts each).
A response needs to be something substantial and contribute something significant to the conversation, not just saying “Good job.” or ” I like how you explained …”. Say something original and significant. Contribute some information, describe an example, share an experience, ask a thoughtful question, etc. If you are asked a thoughtful question, part of your significant response can be providing an intelligible response to that question. Each response should be at least a paragraph in length, that is, at minimum, 4-5 full sentences. Each response post is worth 2 points.
This discussion board is worth 10 points and goes toward your “participation” grade.
Do your own work, do not copy or even paraphrase somebody else’s work. I’ll be on the lookout for such things as I grade and have various tools available to check for plagiarism. All college rules of Academic Dishonesty are fully in effect.
https://eyeonmiami.blogspot.com/search/label/Turkey%20Point
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/fpl-wins-battle-to-store-radioactive-waste-under-miamis-drinking-water-aquifer-9059210
https://www.fpl.com/clean-energy/nuclear/turkey-point.html
https://www.fpl.com/clean-energy/nuclear/turkey-point.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article78187457.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article151642422.html
ANSWER
More Questions than Answers
Q1. With FPL under criticism after two of their cooling canals produced a growing plume of saltwater that may have affected drinking water supplies for the city, what is the FPL doing to ensure that such equipment does not interfere with the water supply?
This question will offer the guidelines from the FPL’s actions to ensure that the water remains clean.
Q2. The FPL received backlash from environmentalists and neighboring cities over their plan to dump wastewater into deep underground wells. What is the alternative disposing site for FPL?
The question will give an insight into the FL’s participation to ensure that the wastewater does not cause any health hazards.
Q3. What is the main reason that motivates FPL to remain insistent on nuclear power becoming a possibility in Miami and its neighboring cities?
The answer will give a deeper insight into the purpose of the construction and addition of other reactors and why they are necessary.
Q4. Why are the Georgia and South Carolina plants behind schedule, despite immense budget allocations and an approved plan of action in 2009?
The answer will help evaluate where the two plants went wrong, the factors that came into play, and whether the problem was managerial.
Q5. With new regulations set to extend licenses for nuclear plants for 80 years, what implications does this have on old nuclear plants that need license renewals?
The answer will help one understand the situation of the old nuclear plants and the fate of their future. With the amendment of the proposed license extensions, old plants can get more funding and maintenance.
Q6. Following Westinghouse’s failure to cater to the design and construction of the new plants and ejection by the state, what is FPL doing in terms of looking for new contractors?
The answer will help analyze the situation after the removal of Westinghouse and give insight into which action will the FPL consider best in terms of new designs and construction.
References
Staletovich, J. (2017). Turkey Point nuclear plant on way to expansion. But will it survive a changing industry?
