Tuesday, February 11, 2014

NRC approves uprates for Braidwood, Byron nuclear power plants - Pennenergy

February 10, 2014

By PennEnergy Editorial Staff

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a request by Exelon Generation Company, LLC (NYSE: EXC) to increase the generating capacity of the Braidwood and Byron nuclear power stations by 1.63 percent for each reactor.

The NRC staff determined that Exelon could safely increase the reactors’ output primarily through more accurate means of measuring feedwater flow. NRC staff also reviewed the company’s evaluations showing the plant’s design can accommodate the increased power level.

Read more by clicking on the following:  NRC approves uprates for Braidwood, Byron nuclear power plants - Pennenergy

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Meet Belvidere's top leaders-- Thursday February 27, 2014

 

Belvidere officials are welcoming residents to stop by City Hall Feb. 27 to share concerns and ideas with top leaders.
Residents living in Ward 1 can chat with Mayor Mike Chamberlain, Ald. Clint Morris, Ald. Clayton Stevens, Police Chief Jan Noble, Fire Chief Dave Worrell and Public Works Director Brent Anderson, a release said. The event will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 401 Whitney Blvd. in the city council chambers.

Meet Belvidere's top leaders - Blogs - Rockford Register Star

North Suburban Library District referendum to ask voters for upkeep funding -

By Jennifer Wheeler
Rockford Register Star
Posted Feb. 6, 2014 @ 9:00 am

    Referendum wording

    "Shall the extension limitation under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the North Suburban Public Library District, Winnebago and Boone Counties, Illinois, be increased from the lesser of 5% or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index over the prior levy year to 20.5% for the 2014 levy year?"

      »

  • LOVES PARK - Now that they have almost finished paying for the construction of their libraries, North Suburban Library District leaders are hoping the community will pay for upkeep at the facilities.
    Winnebago and Boone county voters are being asked in the March 18 primary to extend a tax payment originally approved to build and expand the libraries in 1996.
    That debt will be paid off in 2015, so the money would be redirected for an indefinite amount of time to pay for future improvements.
    The revenue generated from the referendum would pay for ongoing plumbing and electrical upgrades, roof replacements, additional materials and eMaterials and a parking lot expansion. It will foot the bill for shelving, furniture and additional bandwidth for Wi-Fi. …

    Residents who own homes valued at $100,000 would continue to pay about $74.20 in taxes to the library district. If the referendum was voted down it would only decrease on part of the library tax bill - for a homeowner with the $100,000 house it would mean a drop of $14.64, down to $59.56.

  • Read more: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20140206/News/140209644#ixzz2sqv4jG2U

  • NDK Crystal Inc. Explosion with Offsite Fatality - Investigations | the U.S. Chemical Safety Board

    Everyone should view this video to answer your questions about NDK in Belvidere.

    NDK Crystal Inc. Explosion with Offsite Fatality - Investigations | the U.S. Chemical Safety Board

    NDK Investigations by U.S. Chemical Safety Board

    The original site of this video is:  http://www.csb.gov/ndk-crystal-inc-explosion-with-offsite-fatality-/

    NDK Crystal Inc. Explosion with Offsite Fatality (8 Recommendations)

    American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (1 Recommendations)

     

    Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013

    2010-04-I-IL-1

    Revise the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code to include specific material thickness limitations for the design of pressure-containing components to ensure proper heat treatment and avoid environmentally induced damage mechanisms. Clarify required vessel wall thickness limitations for SA-723 steel in the following code sections:
    a) ASME BPVC Section II, Part A, Material Requirements
    b) ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division III, Article KM-400, Material Design Data

    Status: O-ARE/AR

    Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.

    Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Division (2 Recommendations)

    Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013

    2010-4-I-IL-3

    Prohibit the use of the existing pressure vessels at the NDK facility for crystal growing operations.

    Status: O-ARE/AR

    Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.

    2010-4-I-IL-4

    Develop and implement state requirements and procedures to ensure the pressure vessel approval process accurately identifies vessels that may be subject to corrosion or similar deterioration mechanisms, and ensure regular inspections in accordance with these state requirements.

    Status: O-ARE/AR

    Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.

    National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (1 Recommendations)

     

    Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013

    2010-4-I-IL-2

    Communicate the findings of this Case Study to pressure vessel inspectors in all 50 states. At a minimum:

    a. Send the information (such as an article summarizing the investigation) to each member who is a pressure vessel inspector; and,

    b. Post a direct link to the NDK Case Study on the National Board’s webpage.

    Status: O-ARE/AR

    Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.

    NDK Crystal, Inc. (4 Recommendations)

    View Investigation

    Final Report Released On: November 14, 2013

    2010-4-I-IL-5

    For the design and operation of any new NDK Crystal facility using a hydrothermal or equivalent crystal growing process, ensure that the facility uses a process that is rigorously demonstrated to be inherently safer than the existing process (for example through using lower temperatures and pressures, and/or less corrosive conditions).

    Status: O-ARE/AR

    Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.

    2010-4-I-IL-6

    Implement a program to ensure the ongoing integrity of any coating used on the new process vessels. Employ an expert (e.g., a coatings expert certified by NACE International (National Association of Corrosion Engineers)) to design the program.

    Status: O-ARE/AR

    Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.

    2010-4-I-IL-7

    Implement an annual inspection and corrective action program to ensure vessels remain resistant to environmentally induced damage mechanisms based on the inspection guidelines set forth in the American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code.

    Status: O-ARE/AR

    Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response (O - ARE/AR) - The recipient has not submitted a substantive response, or the evaluation by CSB staff of a response is pending, or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status.

    2010-4-I-IL-8

    Commission a facility siting study of the NDK Crystal facility by an independent consultant. Identify all vessel failure scenarios prior to restarting the crystal growing process. The siting study should include the consequences, necessary preventive measures, and emergency planning and response programs relevant to each failure scenario for all surrounding points of concern. Provide a copy of this study to the City of Belvidere Building and Zoning Department and the Illinois Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Division.

    To further view these recommendations go to:  http://www.csb.gov/recommendations/?pg=2

    Saturday, February 8, 2014

    Suzlon Group could take over Big Sky wind farm in Illinois -- Crain's Chicago Business

    By Steve Daniels

    Suzlon sued Big Sky Wind LLC, the entity owned by Edison Mission, in 2012 seeking early repayment of the loan, according to an SEC filing by Edison Mission. Big Sky countersued, and the litigation still is pending. But that lawsuit quickly was overshadowed by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition filed in December 2012 by Edison Mission.

    “If a restructuring of the loan or a sale effort is unsuccessful, Suzlon may foreclose on the project resulting in a write-off of the entire investment in the project,” the Edison Mission filing states.

    As of Sept. 30, Edison Mission's investment in Big Sky totaled $451 million in assets and $369 million in liabilities, according to the filing.

    Ms. Denning said she's confident Big Sky will continue operating, even if Suzlon takes ownership in lieu of collecting the $200 million-plus it's owed.

    “It's a great wind farm,” she said. "It operates super well.”

    Read the entire story by clicking on the following:  Suzlon Group could take over Big Sky wind farm in Illinois - Utilities News - Crain's Chicago Business

    Friday, February 7, 2014

    The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News

     

    Love is in the air at BCCA buffet dinner

    Feb. 6, 2014

    By Tricia Goecks

    Editor

    BELVIDERE – Love will be in the air at the Boone County Council of Aging (BCCA) buffet dinner on Feb. 11 at the Moose #295 lodge. In addition to raising funds for the BBCA/Keen Age Center’s operations, it helps bring awareness to the BCCA’s activities and mission. 

    Click on the following to read more:  rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican

    School District 200 faces $922,165 deficit in 2014-15

    Feb. 5, 2014

    By Bob Balgemann

    Reporter

    POPLAR GROVE - The financial forecast was for a new fiscal year but the projection was gloomy, as has been true in past years.

    Greg Kubitz, senior financial advisor for PMA Financial Network, showed the North Boone Community Unit School District 200 board of education a number of graphics and charts, and made numerous assumptions during the Jan. 27 meeting.

    Click on the following to read more:  rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican

     

    Food pantry to host wine tasting party

    Jan. 30, 2014

    By Tricia Goecks

    Editor

    BELVIDERE – The Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry will host its fourth annual Wine Tasting Party on Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the VFW in Belvidere.  “We want everyone to join us for a fun food networking and beer and wine sampling,” said Linda Clark, executive director of the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry.

    “One of their bigger events is the wine tasting. We are very supportive because the money goes back to the food pantry,” said VFW commander Greg Kelm. “They work so hard to see that the people of Boone County have food and items that they need at no cost to them.

    “We are very happy to have her at the VFW Club for this event.”

    Culvers assistant manager accused of identity theft

    Jan. 29, 2014

    By Tricia Goecks

    Editor

    BELVIDERE – Belvidere police detectives arrested Curtis Peck, 28, and charged him with two counts of identity theft on Jan. 21. Peck worked as the assistant manager at the Belvidere Culvers Restaurant.

    Belvidere police saw an increase in local identity thefts between December and January.  Several victims reported local unauthorized expenditures on their credit or debit cards. Detectives investigating the cases followed up on several leads which were provided by victims and local merchants.   As a result, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1800 block of Crestwood Ave. in Rockford.   Police seized computer equipment, electronic credit card writer, blank credit cards, receipts, drug paraphernalia, cannabis and a vehicle.

    Investigators believe that Peck obtained credit and debit card numbers while he worked the drive-thru window.  Although the investigation is ongoing, police believe the thefts of the credit and debit card numbers occurred over the past 60 days

    Click on the following to read more:  rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican

    Culvers assistant manager accused of identity theft

    Jan. 29, 2014

    By Tricia Goecks

    Editor

    BELVIDERE – Belvidere police detectives arrested Curtis Peck, 28, and charged him with two counts of identity theft on Jan. 21. Peck worked as the assistant manager at the Belvidere Culvers Restaurant.

    Belvidere police saw an increase in local identity thefts between December and January.  Several victims reported local unauthorized expenditures on their credit or debit cards. Detectives investigating the cases followed up on several leads which were provided by victims and local merchants.   As a result, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1800 block of Crestwood Ave. in Rockford.   Police seized computer equipment, electronic credit card writer, blank credit cards, receipts, drug paraphernalia, cannabis and a vehicle.

    Investigators believe that Peck obtained credit and debit card numbers while he worked the drive-thru window.  Although the investigation is ongoing, police believe the thefts of the credit and

    Click on the following to read more:  rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican

    Belvidere hires new financial officer - Blogs - Rockford Register Star

    By Jennifer Wheeler

    Becky Tobin will become Belvidere's next budget and finance officer.
    The Belvidere City Council voted to hire her on Monday at a salary of $69,000. She currently works as the assistant county administrator and will start with the city on March 3.
    "I am very excited for this new opportunity with the city of Belvidere," Tobin said.
    "I look forward to working with Mayor (Mike) Chamberlain, the aldermen and the city staff. Everyone at both the city and the county have been so supportive and kind as I prepare for this new chapter in my career."
    Tobin replaces Pat Chamberlin, who left last year to become the financial director for Sugar Grove, Ill.

    Click on the following for more details:  Belvidere hires new financial officer - Blogs - Rockford Register Star