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Arkansas Nuclear Plant Receives 235 Safety Violations In 13 Years

Arkansas Nuclear One

The Arkansas One nuclear power plant in Russellville experienced 234 lower-level and one higher-level safety violations between 2000 and 2012.

The violations were included in a congressional study expected to be released this month showing safety violations at nuclear plants across the country varies dramatically from region to region. 

Higher-level violations are more uniform across the regions. The Government Accountability Office report obtained by The Associated Press suggests inconsistent enforcement of regulations could be responsible.

Fourteen reactors in the west region, including Arkansas Nuclear One, reported 3,225 lower-level violations and 46 higher-level violations during the period.

Lower-level violations pose very low risk. Higher-level violations range from low to high safety significance, such as an improperly maintained electrical system that caused a fire affecting a plant's ability to shut down safely.