In the news: November 1995
Russian Delegation Visits Cuba
(October 10, 1995) Russian scientists and businessmen visited Cuba to discuss the future of the VVER-440 pressurized water reactor at Juragua. According to an official at Cuba’s National Center for Nuclear Security, construction was halted when the reactor was 90 percent complete. Cuba’s government is investigating the possibility of completing the reactor to help relieve the severe energy shortage caused by loss of subsidized Russian oil shipments.
In contrast to the reports from disgruntled former employees who have defected to the United States, International Atomic Energy Agency Director Hans Blix toured Juragua in January and was impressed by the effectiveness of the efforts to preserve what has been already constructed. According to an IAEA spokesman, “It is in good condition, given that it is still in a formative stage of development.”
San Onofre Wins in Court
(October 12, 1995) After two months of testimony and three days worth of deliberation, a jury in San Diego Federal District Court ruled that occupational radiation exposure did not cause Glen James’ chronic myelogenous leukemia. Mr. James, a former contract worker at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station filed the suit against Southern California Edison, the plant’s owner, claiming that he had been injured by excessive radiation exposure.
According to SCE’s defense attorney, “Federal regulations provide the standard of care necessary to protect employees and the communities surrounding nuclear facilities. That standard was upheld in this case.”
Westinghouse Settles Philippine Dispute
(October 14, 1995) Westinghouse Electric Company will take a third-quarter 1995 charge of $45 million to settle a long standing dispute over the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. The company completed the plant in 1985, but the Philippine government decided not to operate it, citing concerns over the plant’s quality and safety.
Westinghouse cited a desire to move forward with new business as part of the reason for the settlement. Because of the dispute, the Philippine government had banned Westinghouse from selling any equipment in the country.
