BLAIR, Neb. (AP) – The Omaha Public Power District has installed a new barrier around its Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant and is now pumping out floodwaters from the Missouri River. OPPD installed the new 8-foot-tall, water-filled barrier around the plant to replace a similar one that failed two weeks ago after a worker inadvertently punctured it with a bobcat. The utility planned to pump out the water behind the new barrier on Sunday to create a dry area around the plant, so it will be easier to for workers to get around.

Both OPPD and federal regulators have said Fort Calhoun is safe even without this barrier. Officials say all the key areas of the plant have stayed dry inside. The plant will remain shut down until after floodwaters subside in the fall.