Watch CBS News

Quake shuts down 2 nuclear reactors in Va.

RICHMOND, Va. - Federal officials say two nuclear reactors at the North Anna Power Station in Louisa County, Va., were automatically taken off line by safety systems around the time of the earthquake.

5.9 quake hits Va., felt along U.S. East Coast
Video: 5.9 magnitude earthquake felt along U.S. East Coast
Video: 5.9-Magnitude quake rattles DC monument

The Dominion-operated power plant is being run off three emergency diesel generators, which are supplying power for critical safety equipment. The NRC and Dominion are sending people to inspect the plant.

Why are East Coast earthquakes so widely felt?
White House, Capitol evacuated after Va quake

A fourth diesel generator failed, but it wasn't considered an emergency because the other generators are working.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Roger Hannah says the agency was not immediately aware of any damage at nuclear power plants in the southeast.

Hannah said he knew of no other shut reactor but that unusual events were reported at a dozen other plant sites.

Louisa County is about 40 miles northwest of Richmond.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.