Nuclear Regulatory Commission investigating radiation release at Three Mile Island in Pa.

NRC investigating radiation at Three Mile Island

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is sending investigators to the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant after a small amount of radiation was detected there.

About 150 employees were sent home Saturday afternoon after the radiation was detected at the central Pennsylvania plant.

Officials say there is no public health risk.

Exelon Nuclear spokeswoman Beth Archer says investigators are searching for a cause of the release. She says the radiation was quickly contained.

Tests showed the contamination was confined to surfaces inside the building.

The unit has been shut down for refueling and maintenance since Oct. 26. Officials are testing workers for radiation exposure.

A partial meltdown occurred in Three Mile Island’s Unit 2 reactor in March 1979.