Pilgrim Nuclear Plant Under Investigation After Weekend Malfunction

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has sent a three-member inspection team to the Pilgrim nuclear power plant to try and figure out what led to an automatic shutdown last week.

The shutdown at the Plymouth plant occurred as the reactor was being returned to service May 10 from a refueling and maintenance outage.

The three-member NRC team starting Monday will review plant operator performance and decision-making, the effectiveness of owner Entergy Nuclear's response to the event, and any actions taken by the company to prevent a similar event.

There was no danger from the shutdown that happened when the reactor was generating at 4 percent capacity.

"It's no danger to the public. No danger or safety issues involved. It's not unusual to come out of a refueling outage and have to investigate some issues," said Pilgrim spokeswoman Carol Wightman.

Pilgrim is conducting its own review. Wightman said she's not sure when the plant could be brought back on-line.

A report on the inspection is expected to be issued within 45 days after the review's completion.