Feds Probe Equipment Failure at California Nuke Plant

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Federal regulators are sending a special team to investigate the San Onofre nuclear power plant on the Southern California coast after tubes that carry radioactive water failed a pressure test.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Thursday it will send an augmented inspection team to the northern San Diego County plant to review equipment design, construction and operation.

The move follows the failure of three tubes in Unit 3 during testing. The unit's two steam generators have been shut down since Jan. 31 after a leak was discovered in one of the thousands of tubes that carry radioactive water for heat transfer.

Traces of radioactive gas leaked but officials say there was no danger to workers or neighbors.

Unusual wear has been found in hundreds of tubes in adjoining Unit 2.

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