Con Ed Responds to County Executive's Criticism Over Handling of Indian Point 2

BUCHANAN, NY-Consolidated Edison said in response to harsh criticism by Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano that it takes its responsibility of ensuring the safe operation of the troubled Indian Point 2 nuclear power plant very seriously. Its response came as inspectors of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission began a scheduled three-week on-site inspection of the facility.

Spano said on Monday Jan. 15 that he wanted an independent monitor appointed to oversee safety operations at Indian Point 2, which was shut down in February 2000 due to leaks and restarted on Jan. 3, 2001. The county executive also said he was going to study legal options including a suit geared to shutting the facility down until it is deemed safe.

A story published in the Jan. 14 edition of The Journal News prompted Spano to call for such drastic measures to be taken at Indian Point 2. The story charged that Con Edison was in a rush to restart the facility and that the NRC relied on what Con Edsion told them and did not properly oversee the operation.