March 31, 2013

For Immediate Release Contact: Joint Information Center Manager

(479) 858-7871

(479) 858-6991

At 6:21 p.m. Arkansas Nuclear One exited the notice of unusual event that was declared earlier today. The notification of unusual event classification - the lowest of four emergency classifications designated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - was declared when a plant component fell during a planned lift, damaging plant equipment. At the time of the accident, Unit 1 was shut down for a planned refueling outage.

The plant entered the notification of unusual event due to damage to a breaker cubicle related to the accident in the plant. The notification of unusual event was exited after corrective actions were completed to stabilize power supplies and the plant no longer met the emergency action level criteria. Both units of ANO are in a stable shutdown condition. Power to Unit 1 is being supplied by emergency diesel generators. Power to Unit 2 is being provided by emergency diesel generators and off site power. There was no radiological release and no impact on public health and safety. The emergency response organization remains staffed in order to provide oversight in support of ongoing plant repairs.

The industrial accident at the plant resulted in the fatality of one employee and injuries to eight others. The injured employees were transported to a local hospital. Six employees were treated and released. Two remain hospitalized for their injuries.

Area residents are requested not to call the plant. Local radio stations are the best source of up