Indian Point Nuclear Plant Shut Down... Again

BUCHANAN, N.Y. (AP) -- A nuclear power plant in the New York City suburbs is offline again because of a leak in an oil pipe.

It's the fourth unplanned shutdown since May for Indian Point 3 in Buchanan. That will likely mean more scrutiny from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Jerry Nappi, spokesman for plant owner Entergy Nuclear, says the plant shut down automatically Thursday night. He said Friday that there was no release of radioactivity. The oil leak was inside a building, so there was no contamination of soil.

However, to keep a top performance rating, a plant is permitted only three unplanned shutdowns within 8,000 hours. The fourth usually means an NRC inspection and review.

The other plant in Buchanan, Indian Point 2, continued operating.