Possible generator tampering found at San Onofre

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Operators of the San Onofre nuclear power plant say someone may have tampered with an emergency generator but there’s no danger because both reactors at the Southern California plant are shut down.

The Orange County Register (http://bit.ly/U5Cfjs ) says the operator, Southern California Edison, announced Thursday that coolant was found in the oil system of the Unit 3 backup diesel generator.

Edison says the problem was discovered in October and reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The utility says there’s evidence of possible tampering but other causes haven’t been ruled out.

Plant security has been increased.

San Onofre’s reactors have been offline since January after problems were found with steam tubes.

Edison and the NRC plan to hold a public meeting Friday to discuss restarting one unit at low power.

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Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www.ocregister.com