Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station
Davis-Besse is a nuclear power plant in Carroll Township, Ohio, marked by its large cylindrical cooling towers and massive concrete buildings. The main structure includes the reactor and turbine hall, while administrative buildings, safety installations, and access roads spread across several acres around it.
The facility was built in the 1970s during a period when the United States expanded its nuclear program to meet growing energy demands. In the early 2000s, the plant underwent major repairs after corrosion was discovered in the reactor pressure vessel, leading to extended shutdowns and increased safety reviews.
The name honors Davis and Besse, two figures from the project's early days whose link to the region has largely faded from memory. The plant shapes the landscape around Carroll Township with its tall cooling towers, visible from many roads and now part of everyday life for residents.
Access to the site is available only through guided tours and requires prior registration due to strict security protocols. Visitors should expect noise and heat inside and are asked to wear closed shoes and appropriate clothing.
During tours, visitors are given earplugs because the noise level in the turbine hall is so high that normal conversation is nearly impossible. The temperatures inside reach levels similar to hot summer days in Texas, forcing workers to take regular breaks.
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