(Host) The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant had a steam leak today that forced plant operators to clear the reactor building to reduce worker exposure to radiation.
Yankee spokesman Larry Smith says plant technicians were conducting routine surveillance when they noticed steam escaping.
(Smith) "So the surveillance was stopped, valves in the steam path were closed and all unnecessary personnel were asked to leave the reactor building. And that’s a precautionary measure until the system could be inspected."
(Host) Smith says the radioactive steam came from the plant’s high pressure coolant injection system. He said the steam was confined inside the building and that no radioactive material entered the environment.
Yankee officials have notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about the leak. Smith says the plant did not shut down during the incident.