Operator of British Nuclear Plant Fined for Leaks

February 17, 2009

(The Associated Press) - A British judged has fined the operator of a nuclear power plant
250,000 pounds ($365,000) for allowing radioactive waste to seep into the ground over a 14-year period.
The judge also ordered Magnox Electric Ltd. on Tuesday to pay
150,000 in costs associated with the trial.
The company was previously convicted of breaking the law related
to the disposal of radioactive waste while operating a nuclear power
station near Chelmsford, 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of London.
Jurors were told contaminated water leaked from the site between
1990 and 2004 and the company failed to carry out the necessary inspections on a holding tank.
The Environment Agency said the company disclosed the problem
voluntarily and that leak did not cause a risk to area residents.