Two Nuclear Reactors Taken Offline Due to Virginia Earthquake
Reports from federal officials say that two nuclear reactors were taken offline due to the earthquake that hit Virginia Tuesday lunchtime.
The reactors, located at the North Anna Power Station in Louisa County, Virginia were taken offline automatically by safety systems at the time of the earthquake.
The power plant, operated by Dominion Virginia Power is currently being fueled by four emergency diesel generators, which is keeping important safety equipment online.
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There have been no reports of damage of any nuclear power plants in the southeast, says Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Roger Hannah.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently investigating the situation to confirm that all plants are safe.
The USGS reported that the 5.9 quake was the largest to originate in Virginia since May 31, 1987. It also stated that the earthquake was centered at a depth of 4.6 miles.
The Pentagon was evacuated as the earthquake rocked the Washington, D.C. area. Several other public buildings including the capitol have also been evacuated.
The quake happened nine miles from Mineral, Virginia, which is about 100 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Doug Kammerer, meteorologist with the NBC affiliate in Washington said the tremor was a "very big earthquake for our area.”
The earthquake struck at about 1:15 p.m. and lasted around 30 to 45 seconds. There are no reported injuries or widespread damage.
