Environmental groups release analysis of Entergy's Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York, say if it suffered accident similar to one at Fukushima Dai-ichi plant in Japan, consequences would be worse, more people endangered

Rachel Carter

WHITE PLAINS, New York , October 17, 2011 (Associated Press) – Riverkeeper, NRDC release new info, asserting risks at Entergy's NY Indian Point nuke plant

An environmental group says that if Entergy Corp.'s Indian Point nuclear plant in New York suffered an accident like the one in Japan, the consequences could be worse.

The analysis of the plant in Buchanan, N.Y. was released Monday. It asserts that up to 5.6 million people could be put at slightly increased risk for cancer. The plant is located about 40 miles north of New York City.

The plant's owners have said such an accident -- involving an earthquake and tsunami -- could not happen at the Indian Point.

The NRDC analysis draws heavily on earlier studies. It says Indian Point does not have sufficient protection against earthquakes. Owner Entergy disputes that.

A study by the NRDC and Riverkeeper say many options are available to replace Indian Point's energy output.

The plant's owner is seeking 20-year extensions for licenses that expire by 2015.

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