“Why can’t they just reduce output instead of completely shutting down?”
Something to do with the dylithium crystals Captn.
:)
I stand corrected - it looks like they did try to tune down the reactors a bit first.
>>“When the water temperature remains at an average of 90 degrees or higher over a 24-hour period, we have to take steps to try and reduce that temperature,” Johnson said. “We had reduced power output from all three units by 15 percent earlier, but that did not bring the temperature down enough.”<<
This new article does make it sound like its a release water temperature problem and thus environmental rather than safety.
>>The massive cooling towers at the plant usually are sufficient to control the temperature of water released from the plant, Johnson. Due to the historic heat wave currently enveloping much of the Tennessee Valley, however, it now may be necessary to bring cooler water down from tributaries in East Tennessee, Johnson said.<<
http://www.enewscourier.com/local/local_story_228222435.html