Watch CBS News

1 Of 2 Reactors At Md. Nuclear Plant Shuts Down

LUSBY, Md. (AP) -- Constellation Energy Nuclear Group says it has shut down one of two nuclear reactors at its Calvert Cliffs power plant after a malfunction during testing.

Plant spokesman Kory Raftery says a control rod dropped into the reactor Thursday during tests at the Southern Maryland plant and it was shut down. He says electrical maintenance will be performed, but it's not clear when unit 2 will return to service.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Neil Sheehan says the plant must shut down within six hours if a rod can't be withdrawn. He says inspectors will follow the maintenance.

Raftery says there was no public safety threat. He says an investigation found no link to a shutdown in May.

The plant is located along the Chesapeake Bay, about 70 miles south of Baltimore.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.