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Construction Began
Workers began building the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant in 1968. It would take 10 years to completely finish building the plant. This future power plant would be located in central Pennsylvania, 10 miles from Harrisburg. -
The First Pressurized Water Reactor Finished
The first pressurized water reactor was completed in 1974, and brought into operation during the same year. This was not the water reactor that malfunctioned during the accident some years later. -
Other Power Plants were Never Finished
1974 marks the year that no nuclear power plants were finished starting after 1974. No nuclear power plants built after 1974 were finished in the US. -
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Public Support for Nuclear Energy Decreased
The public support for nuclear energy dropped from 69% in 1977 to 46% in 1979. When the Three Mile Island accident occurred, the public support decreased even more. -
Construction was Completely Finished
Workers finished building the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant. -
Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Accident
There was a failure that caused a partial meltdown of the unit 2 reactor. The water pumps malfunctioned causing the radioactive fuel to not be able to cool down. Some radioactive gases escaped. However, there were not any detected harm to the community. Even though there were no known health hazards, 2 million people did come in contact with a small amount of radiation. -
Period: to
Halt on Nuclear Power Plant Development
The development of nuclear power plants were cut off in the US from 1979 to 2009. No power plants were approved in this time. -
Hydrogen Bubble Discovery
Scientists discovered the power plant's hydrogen bubble that had been created during the accident would not burn or explode. -
Cleanup Ended
After 14 years of cleaning the radioactive waste and damage caused by the Three Mile Island accident, the cleaning was finished. -
Power Plant Lawsuit Dismissed
The Harrisburg US District Court dismissed a 17-year class action lawsuit against questionable health damages from the accident. -
The Power Plant will Close
The Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant closes down in 2019.
