Blast At Indian Point Nuke Plant Could Mean Closer Scrutiny

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) -- A transformer explosion at a nuclear plant in the New York City suburbs may trigger closer scrutiny from federal regulators at a time when its owner is trying to win a new license.

Officials said the Sunday night blast in the transformer yard at Indian Point 2 did not injure anyone, and no radiation was released. The cause was under investigation.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission imposes extra scrutiny when a plant averages more than three unplanned shutdowns per 7,000 hours of operation.

Entergy spokesman Jerry Nappi said there had been three such shutdowns since January. NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan said "some numbers will have to be crunched'' to see if the plant is over the limit.

Indian Point 3, the other plant on the site, remained online.

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