CLEVELAND -- Officials said that an emergency cooling system at the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant intended to kick on during a catastrophic accident probably would have failed.

NewsChannel5's Ted Hart reported that it's one of several problems being addressed as the plant works toward reopening.

The plant has been shut down for a year, and there are some people who hope it stays that way.

Amy Ryder, of Ohio Citizen Action, was one of about 100 people who showed up for a meeting between the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and First Energy, the company that owns and operates Davis-Besse.

"This reactor needs to remain closed permanently," she said. "First Energy lost (its) privilege to run this plant. (It's) proven (it's) not capable, and the license needs to be revoked."

Just weeks after closing for maintenance last February, leaks were discovered. The leaks allowed boric acid to nearly eat through the 6-inch steel cap that covers the reactor vessel.

Company officials now acknowledge that the emergency cooling system in place could have failed. The sump pump, which was intended to provide water to the reactor core, might have been choked off by debris.

"There's a concern with the amount of debris," said Jim Powers, of First Energy.

First Energy has replaced the sump with a new design and has replaced the reactor lid. Company officials said they expect to be loading fuel rods in the reactor in the next several days and then will begin a series of tests -- all steps toward reopening.

"We've made many improvements," said Todd Schneider, of First Energy.

Company officials said they hope to have Davis-Besse running by this spring.