OREANDA-NEWS. June 17, 2008. One more provocation was undertaken against the residents of the north-western and southern regions of Russia.

First, allegedly on behalf of the Press Center of the Nuclear Power Industry, some source spread SPAM messages entitled “An Accident at Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant.”

Later, some other source, as if on behalf and from the electronic address of the ecological NGOs “Ecological Watch-house of the North Caucasus,” sent SPAM message about excessive radiation background near Volgodonsk NPP (Rostov region):

“Several weather satellites of North American Aviation and Space Agency have registered excessive radiation in Southern Russia, particularly, in the lower reaches of Don River, starting from Tsimlyansk reservoir.”

The allegations said that at Taganrog Bay the radiation background was four times higher than the ordinary level (60 micro roentgen/hour).

Both messages are obviously designed to generate negative rumors among the population of the regions.

In reality, all Russia’s nuclear power plants (including Leningrad and Volgodonsk NPPs) are operating normally. The radiation background in their nearby areas is within norm.

This is a sheer provocation: none of the “authors” of the messages have said such things. Particularly, in an official statement, today, on June 16, the director of the Ecological Watch-house of the North Caucasus Andrey Rudomakha said that his organization had not sent such messages.

To remind, in early June some sources undertook an information attack on Leningrad NPP. They alleged – via internet – that there had been an accident at the plant. In the summer 2007 similar provocation was undertaken against Volgodonsk NPP.

Presently, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th units of Leningrad NPP are operating safely and efficiently. The 1st unit has been under maintenance since May 23. According to the automated radiation control system of Leningrad NPP, the radiation background at the plant, in Sosnovy Bor and in the 30-km zone is within norm – 12 micro roentgen/hour.

The only reactor of Volgodonsk NPP is also operating safely. The radiation background at the plant, in Volgodonsk and the 30-km zone is no more than 9 micro roentgen/hour, which is normal.