8/30/2014
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
The Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) began construction on two nuclear reactors at this relatively remote location in 1977. The planned reactors were part of a larger nuclear power plant construction program that included 3 additional reactors near Hanford. By 1983 the program and WPPSS had imploded financially and construction halted at the Satsop site. As a result of the implosion WPPSS defaulted on $2.25 billion in municipal bonds. One of the Hanford reactors was finished but construction on the Satsop plants, which where 76% completed, never resumed. The site sat empty for many years before being transferred to a local partnership for redevelopment. It is now a business and technology park. Most or possibly all of the original buildings from the power plant project are still standing- including the cooling towers and unfinished reactor buildings. The business park has been moderately successful and has attracted several tenants that occupy the administrative buildings of the plant as well as a more recently constructed building. The Satsop business park's location has helped make redevelopment a challenge. The site is 5 miles from the nearest highway (12) and further away from the nearest small town (Elma). The closest city to Satsop is Aberdeen which is 20 miles away and already has an abundance of under-used commercial and industrial sites.
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
The Satsop business park is open to the public although all of the structures are either occupied or fenced and secured. The park promotes itself as a filming location and for fees (no idea how much) will allow access to areas of the site like the cooling towers. Roads in and out of the site are well maintained and marked with signs to the Satsop Business Park.
About the Satsop plants at the Center for Land Use Interpretation website.
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
Satsop Nuclear Power Plant, Washington
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