F-G

FBI probes threat against Shell Washington refinery

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a bomb threat made Friday against Shell Oil Co.’s Anacortes, Washington refinery, a spokeswoman for the FBI’s Seattle office said on Sunday. A search of the refinery Friday evening by Shell and police found nothing suspicious, and the refinery continued to operate as planned, according to Shell. The threat was made by e-mail, said a special agent of the Seattle FBI office. “The message said the bomb was placed to cause maximum damage to the refinery and to the people in the refinery,” he said.

Details Here: www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN0140034420080601

first published week of:   06/09/2008

Federal inspector to study NIST spill

The director of the federal lab where toxic material was spilled Monday said there was a small chance of contamination and that a federal inspector has been sent to investigate the incident. The director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology lab in Boulder said initial investigations into the small plutonium spill have revealed that all 22 employees monitored for radiation are fine. Three rooms closed off because of possible contamination will likely soon be reopened following the radioactive accident. On Wednesday, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced it has sent a health physics inspector to the lab. The inspector will interview workers, inspect records, monitor the response to the incident, and publish a public report. The lab director also said outside investigators might be brought in to ensure an exhaustive inspection. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, external exposure to plutonium poses very little health risk, but internal exposure is an “extremely serious health hazard.” The lab director said he did not know how large of a sample would need to be ingested to do serious damage, “but based on what the allowable levels of exposure are, what may have been released is far, far below.”

Details Here: www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/jun/12/federal-inspector-to-study-nistspill/

first published week of:   06/23/2008

Feds push forward with power line plan for mid-Atlantic, southwest states

New power line construction is more likely in the mid-Atlantic states and the southwest after the government last Thursday said it was pushing ahead with a plan to expand and modernize the electric grid in those areas. The U.S. Department of Energy formally denied requests for a rehearing of a previous decision making it easier to build power lines in the designated areas, saying challenges by those who oppose new line construction were meritless. The department said the findings of energy congestion in the areas “are well-founded and based on data and studies.”

Details Here: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/06/america/Avoiding-Blackouts.php

first published week of:   03/10/2008

Feds waive waiting period for Patriot-Magnum coal deal

Patriot Coal’s $709 million buyout of rival mine operator Magnum Coal has gotten an early green light from federal regulators. Patriot announced Tuesday the Federal Trade Commission has granted the company early termination of a waiting period for the proposed deal. The acquisition, which still needs approval from Patriot shareholders, could close this summer.

Details Here: www.kentucky.com/471/story/403661.html

first published week of:   05/19/2008

FPL blasted for security gaffe at Turkey Point

Florida Power & Light (FPL) is facing $208,000 in federal fines because firing pins were removed from the weapons of Wackenhut guards at its Turkey Point nuclear power plant in Florida. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s announcement Tuesday listed four violations: two for “willfully failing to properly equip” armed guards, one for failing to promptly report the incident, and the fourth for providing incomplete and inaccurate information about the incident. Neither FPL nor Wackenhut -- a security firm -- offered explanations on Tuesday for why the firing pins were removed. An FPL spokeswoman said FPL had taken corrective actions in the security organization. While the mistakes were made by Wackenhut employees, “we believe in strong oversight and we’re ultimately responsible,” she said. “The NRC has concluded FPL retained the ability to successfully implement the plant’s protective strategy. The plant was not at risk, because of the security redundancy we require,” said a regional NRC administrator.

Details Here: www.miamiherald.com/business/story/389742.html

first published week of:   01/28/2008

--Page 1 of 2--

Volume 31

-->