FirstEnergy to shut down Davis-Besse nuclear power plant on Lake Erie's shore in Ohio to install new 82-ton reactor head to replace reactor that had cracks

Rachel Carter

OAK HARBOR, Ohio , October 5, 2011 (Associated Press) – The operators of a nuclear plant in northern Ohio are getting ready to install a new 82-ton reactor head.

The Davis-Besse nuclear power along Lake Erie is replacing a reactor that had cracks.

Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. isn't saying how long the plant just outside Toledo will be shut down for the replacement work. The company says the new head features control rod nozzles made of material less likely to crack.

The plant was shut down for four months last year to repair cracks that regulators say were discovered before they could cause damage.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says it will oversee the replacement work closely to make sure everything goes smoothly

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