Keeping an eye on Byron’s two tall towers

The Byron Generating Station’s two cooling towers have been part of the region’s scenery since the 1980s.

Steam rising from those super-tall towers can be seen miles away. Many people cast an eye toward them sometime during the day. The presence of steam coming from both is a reassurance that all is well at the plant.

When steam stops coming from a tower, people can’t help but wonder why. Exelon, which operates the Byron plant, makes it a point to inform the public when planned shutdowns occur so people won’t worry.

And when unplanned shutdowns occur, Exelon spreads the word quickly, too.

That’s what happened Monday when an electrical insulator failed, which caused the loss of power to the Unit 2 reactor, which then initiated an emergency shutdown.

Although the Nuclear Regulatory Commission called the situation an “unusual event” – the lowest of four levels of emergency – officials stressed the unit was “safe and stable,” and there was no danger to plant workers or the public.

Why? Backup systems worked the way they are supposed to work. Diesel generators kicked in and began supplying the unit with electricity. Steam was released into the atmosphere to lessen pressure inside the reactor during the shutdown. While the steam contained microscopic particles of tritium, the Union of Concerned Scientists verified that the amount released posed no health concerns.

The NRC will investigate the unexpected shutdown and release a report later. It also will check the water pumps designed to keep the reactor cool. Some restarted on their own after power was restored; they are supposed to stay off until being restarted manually.

However, the bottom line is that safety systems worked at Byron Unit 2, and the public is safe – if not a wee bit curious about when the steam will start rising again above the Unit 2 tower.

When that’s ready to happen, Exelon will let everyone know.