SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) — Duke Energy Progress says problems with a pump motor prompted a brief alert at the Brunswick Nuclear Station near Southport.
The utility said the alert was issued shortly after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and was lifted about 40 minutes later.
Duke said one of the two reactors at the station was reduced to about 70 percent power because of the damaged pump motor.
The company’s statement says there was no impact to the health and safety of the public or plant employees.
An alert is the second category in increasing significance of four nuclear emergency classifications. It describes conditions that require emergency response agencies to be in a heightened state of readiness, but pose no threat to public safety.
It’s not clear what damaged the motor.