Ginna Nuclear Power Plant

The Robert E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant is an electrical generating facility located on the shores of Lake Ontario near Ontario, New York. Operating since 1970, the Ginna plant is one of the oldest nuclear power plants that is still in operation in the United States. Ginna is one of the smallest nuclear plants in the country, producing 581 megawatts of electricity. The reactor plant at Ginna is a single Westinghouse two-loop pressurized water reactor. In 1996, two Babcock & Wilcox steam generators replaced the previous Westinghouse units. Rochester Gas & Electric owned and operated Ginna until 2004, when Constellation Energy Group acquired the plant.

Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos was incorporated into dozens of materials used in the construction, maintenance and upkeep of the Ginna plant, including pipe covering, block insulation, insulating cement and gaskets. Workers who handled materials that contained asbestos, or worked in the vicinity of those who did, are at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Asbestos-containing pipe covering was applied to water and steam pipes throughout the Ginna plant. Asbestos block insulation covered the turbine. Handling, cutting or disturbing pipe covering or block insulation emitted asbestos dust into the air. A layer of asbestos-containing insulating cement was also applied to the turbine, on top of the block insulation, in order to protect the block insulation from damage. The asbestos-containing cement was manufactured as a dry powder, and it was mixed with water to form a paste. Pouring and mixing the dry powder released asbestos dust and fibers into the air.

Asbestos-containing gaskets were used in pumps, steam lines and other equipment. Asbestos was incorporated into gaskets because of its resistance to high temperatures and pressure. Workers at Ginna utilized prefabricated gaskets and created gaskets from sheets of asbestos-containing gasket material. Cutting gasket material emitted asbestos dust into the air. When a gasket was replaced, it was scraped off the flange. Scraping or cutting gaskets released asbestos dust and fibers into the air.

Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one once worked at the Robert E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.