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N.J. Nuclear Reactor Running At Full Power Following Cutback From Hurricane Irene Flooding

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- One New Jersey nuclear power plant that cut its output due to Irene-related flooding problems is now back at full power, while a second is powering up.

Both the Salem I and Salem II reactors are on Salem County's Artificial Island, near where the Delaware River meets the Delaware Bay. The complex has three reactors in all.

On Wednesday, officials found floods further up the river were washing unusual amounts of debris and grass onto the screens where water for cooling is taken into the plants. So power at Salem I was reduced to 62 percent and Salem II was cut to 90 percent.

Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Neill Sheehan said Salem II was running at full power as of late Friday morning. Salem I was at 80 percent.

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(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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