High Risk ☢ Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Nebraska

Cooper Nuclear Station NE

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  NEBRASKA

7 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
☢ Nuclear Power Plant
Primary Risk Radius
10
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
50
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score7 / 10   High
Facility Type☢ Nuclear Power Plant
Operator / BranchNebraska Public Power District
Host CountyNemaha County NE
Nearest CityPepperell MA
Primary Risk Radius10 miles
Secondary Risk Radius50 miles

// Strategic Significance

Cooper Nuclear Station on the Missouri River in southeast Nebraska sits in a flood-prone location that has repeatedly challenged its safety. In 2011 rising Missouri River floodwaters surrounded the plant requiring sandbagging and emergency measures to protect electrical systems — a near-miss that raised serious concerns about flood preparedness at river-based nuclear plants. Nebraska's two nuclear plants supply about one-third of the state's electricity.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

The 2011 Missouri River flooding demonstrated the flood vulnerability of Cooper Nuclear Station. The Missouri River below Cooper flows toward communities in Kansas Missouri and ultimately the Mississippi. Flooding that compromises plant safety systems represents a compound natural disaster and nuclear emergency scenario similar to the Fukushima accident triggered by the 2011 Japanese tsunami.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

10-mile EPZ: Evacuate via US-136 or NE-67 away from Missouri River. Monitor Nebraska Emergency Management Agency broadcasts. During flood emergencies standard evacuation routes may be compromised — know alternate high-ground routes. 50-mile zone: Monitor NEMA guidance for Missouri River communities downstream. Missouri River fish consumption restrictions would apply during any release.

// Recommended Preparedness Gear

Essential preparedness items for residents within the 10-mile risk zone of Cooper Nuclear Station NE.

72-Hour Emergency Food Kit View on Amazon → Water Filtration System View on Amazon → Portable Generator View on Amazon →

* ThreatMap USA participates in the Amazon Associates Program.

// Counties Within Risk Zone

// Cities Within Risk Zone