Columbia to increase monitoring from nuclear plant - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

Columbia to increase monitoring from nuclear plant

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Columbia plans to increase monitoring of its water supply from the Broad River, also a cooling source for a nuclear plant in Fairfield County.

The State newspaper reported the city plans to increase monitoring because of discharges from the V.C. Summer Nuclear station.

City officials also plan to be more involved with emergency exercises at the plant. Officials are considering millions of dollars in protection for water treatment facilities in case there's an accident at the nuclear station.

South Carolina Electric & Gas is building a second and third unit at the station in Jenkinsville.

Utility spokeswoman Rhonda O'Banion says discharges from the reactors will not cause any noticeable change in the water. She says the company will share test results and work with the city on emergency preparedness.