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Nuclear fuel on derailed train

The spent fuel at Progress Energy in N.C. did not spill.

By Times staff and wires
Published October 27, 2007

Rail cars on a train carrying spent nuclear fuel derailed at the Progress Energy's Shearon Harris nuclear power plant near Raleigh, N.C., late Thursday, but the utility said Friday that there was no damage nor danger to the public.

Raleigh-based Progress, the parent of Progress Energy Florida, said the derailment occurred after there was a miscommunication about whether the track was ready for the train to move.

The train was traveling about 5 mph on plant property when wheels of a caboose and part of an empty flatbed car came off the train tracks, Progress said. The caboose and flatbed were accompanying a spent-fuel shipping container. The utility said the wheels of the rail car carrying the container remained upright and on the tracks.

There were no reported injuries. The undamaged shipping container was moved into its storage location after the incident, Progress said.

The train was reportedly taking the spent nuclear fuel from the company's Brunswick nuclear power plant south of Wilmington, N.C..

Progress' Florida unit, which operates a nuclear power plant in Crystal River, plans to build another nuke plant in neighboring Levy County.

"It absolutely does not change our case," said Cherie Jacobs, a Progress spokeswoman. "Nuclear energy is safe and clean, and plays an important role in Florida's energy future."

[Last modified October 26, 2007, 22:44:32]