The Indian Point nuclear plant lacks basic firefighting tools in the vast majority of its facility and is now being scrutinized for the more than 100 exemptions it is seeking from established fire safety regulations, says Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
The nuclear plant, which sits on an earthquake fault and has suffered two fires since 2007, is missing basic fire detectors and fire suppression systems -- like sprinklers and automatic deluge power sprays -- in 72 percent of its facility, the Daily News reports.
Plant owner Entergy is seeking exemptions from federal fire safety requirements as it looks for a 20-year renewal of two operating licenses that expire in 2013 and 2015, according to the News. The exemptions would let workers shut the plant manually in case of a fire, instead of automatically through fire suppression systems.
Schneiderman told the News that Entergy's application indicates Indian Point wants to water down its precautionary measures.
But Entergy said it's only seeking 51 exemptions, and none of them compromise public safety.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for the plant to shut down when its operating licenses end. Entergy has said the plant is designed to withstand the strongest earthquake anticipated for the area and that it has safety measures in place in case of a terrorist attack.
