TVA Idles Newly-Started Browns Ferry Reactor After Springing Leak

Early this morning the Tennessee Valley Authority idled a nuclear reactor after it sprang a leak of hydraulic fluid.

It was only recently started. The Browns Ferry nuclear plant in Athens, Alabama, had been shut down in 1985 over safety concerns. Tuesday, Unit 1 became the first reactor in the U.S. to be started in the 21^st century.

The mishap came as two maintenance workers were tightening a fitting when it burst. The fluid was not radioactive, but they were sent to the hospital and then released.

The temporary shutdown was unexpected but TVA spokesman Craig Beasley says the public utility was prepared.

“We’re being very careful and deliberate as we conduct the Unit 1 power assention testing. In fact that’s what we were doing when we shut down the reactor. Part of the power assention program is to identify these issues that will have an effect on safe operation later.”

Browns Ferry could be jump started a new era in the valley. TVA is also considering restarting several other old reactors as part of an effort to expand carbon-free power.