Chlorine Leak Triggers Oyster Creek “Unusual Event”

A chlorine leak at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Lacey Township today prompts plant operators to declare an "unusual event" - the lowest of four emergency categories.

According to information from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the chemical was spotted spilling from a small line near water intakes. The unusual event was declared at 10:37 AM and the leak was plugged by 11:40 AM.

Oyster Creek spokesperson Suzanne D'Ambrosio said that employees on routine observational rounds noticed the chlorine odor. The odor is what prompted the declaration, which is a cautionary move in the interest of safety.

NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan said that the leak was contained on the Forked River site and that no injuries resulted. However, it still isn't known how much chemical seeped from the line or when it started.

NRC indicated that the line will require excavation and replacement.

The chemical has a role in cooling certain systems inside the plant and for counteracting algae growth, Sheehan said.