NRC: Virginia Nuclear Reactors Could Restart Next Week

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says two nuclear reactors shut down since the August earthquake could be restarted as early as next week.

The agency met with about 300 members of the public Tuesday night in Mineral, the epicenter of the Aug. 23 5.8-magnitude earthquake. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that commission officials said the agency continues to inspect the plant and review information.

The NRC told operator Dominion last month that it needed agency approval before restarting the reactors after the earthquake caused peak ground movement greater than what the plant was designed to withstand.

Dominion officials say the units are ready to restart. Several environmental groups have asked the NRC to suspend the company’s license to restart the plant.

Each reactor would take about a week to restart.