UPDATE:
Steam and loud noises coming from the towers at Three Mile Island had residents confused and concerned earlier Wednesday.
Following a planned plant shutdown for maintenance at around 8 a.m., a pump in the turbine building stopped working, forcing an automatic shutdown of the entire plant as a safety precaution.
At that point steam was released into the air out of unit 1.
Several residents reported that to local authorities and plant officials. But we're told they have nothing to worry about as maintenance continues and the plant remains shut down.
TMI is not disclosing when the plant will be reopened.
We spoke to two residents right by the tower that let out the steam, each have lived there more than 40 years.
They found it unusual and could not recall ever seeing something similar, but otherwise went about their daily routine.
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Information provided by Exelon:
LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP, PA (Aug. 22, 2012) – Operators at Three Mile Island Generating Station took the unit offline Wednesday to make repairs to a heater element on the plant’s pressurizer tank. The repairs can only be done with the unit offline. TMI will return to service after the repairs, inspections and testing on the heater element are complete.
During the shutdown steam was released into the atmosphere, creating a loud noise heard by nearby residents.
“We are always closely monitoring plant systems and equipment as part of our daily operations,” said Rick Libra, TMI Site Vice President. “This maintenance work will help ensure that Three Mile Island operates safely and reliably for the long-term.”
Three Mile Island is located about 12 miles south of Harrisburg, Pa. The plant generates 852 megawatts of carbon free power - enough electricity for about 800,000 homes. Electric customers were not affected by the plant being off line.