Unit 1 at PP&L, Inc.'s Susquehanna nuclear power plant shut down late Saturday (5/29) because of anomalies noticed during the testing of a control system on the non-nuclear side of the plant.

During routine testing of the electric hydraulic control system that controls all valves in the turbine/generator area of the plant, we noticed anomalies in the results of the tests," said Herb Woodeshick, special assistant to the president for PP&L, Inc., the operator of the plant. "No safety systems were involved. We shut down Unit 1 in an orderly manner. It will remain down, while we take a closer look at the control system."

Woodeshick said he could not say for how long Unit 1 will be shut down. "As always, the safe operation of Susquehanna is of paramount importance to us," he said.

The Susquehanna plant, located about five miles north of Berwick in Luzerne County, is jointly owned by PP&L, Inc. and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc.