Illinois nuclear reactor shuts down, vents radioactive steam

January 31, 2012 by legitgov

Illinois nuclear reactor shuts down, vents radioactive steam --Officials say the steam contains low levels of tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen. --Nuclear Regulatory Commission declared 'unusual event' 30 Jan 2012 Officials at a northern Illinois nuclear power plant believe a failed piece of equipment at a switchyard caused it to shut down. Exelon Nuclear officials say the switchyard is similar to a large substation that delivers power from the plant to the electrical grid. Unit 2 at Byron Generating Station shut down around 10:18 a.m. Monday after losing power. Operators began releasing [radioactive] steam to reduce pressure, though not from within the nuclear reactor.