Flood-Protection Activities Introduced at Chernobyl NPP

On April 18 in the morning, the Prypiat River water level reached 107 meters of gauge height (under Baltic System). According to internal documents of Chernobyl NPP, the specific flood-protection activities are introduced at the enterprise when flood waters reach specified level. The objective of these activities is to prevent damage of the cooling pond dam and ingress of service water into the Prypiat River.

Pursuant to internal procedures, the round-the-clock duty charts for engineering staff of the hydro-technical facilities are established during flooding. Among these activities, there are dam detours twice a day, additional surveys of downstream side of dam and channels, their cleaning if required.

Moreover, the inventory of construction materials is currently prepared for elimination of dam defects, if they occur, and for detours using special transport, which could be needed in case of threat for dam body damage.

It is also assumed to keep continuous communication with Hydro-Meteorological Center of Ukraine, Meteorological Station located in Chernobyl town, “Ecocenter” enterprise, etc. to specify meteorological forecasts and situation in the river.

Prior to flood occurrence, the enterprise commission has reviewed and drew up an act for a dam, and its state was recognized satisfactory.

As on April 19 morning, the water level reached 107,12 m level. According to the opinion of meteorological specialists, the flood of Prypiat had not yet reached its maximum.

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