The Nation - News from Nov. 24, 1986

Plutonium was allowed to build up beyond safety limits four times in recent years at the Savannah River Plant near Aiken, S.C., the Charlotte Observer reported. The newspaper said data obtained via a Freedom of Information request showed that the incidents, in 1983, 1984 and 1985, were well below conditions at which plutonium can ignite and release lethal radiation and heat, but exceeded initial safety limits set to guard against the fuel accumulating in a way that could set off a chain reaction. The plant, owned by the U.S. Energy Department and operated by Du Pont Co., produces plutonium for nuclear warheads.