Regulatory turbulence in the wake of Three Mile island

A significant factor distinguishing the TMI accident is the absence among a large section of US society of the presumption that exists with a major aircraft accident that the overall system designed to ensure safety is adequate. The outcome of the current reviews of the regulation and licensing of nuclear power plants by the NCR and other bodies is uncertain and unpredictable. The cost will clearly be very high and there will be more emphasis on backfitting, on feedwater transients and small break LOCAs, and on limitations on operation based on safety system availability. (U.K.)