LAKE COUNTY, Ohio, Posted 6:37 p.m. November 10, 1998 -- A nuclear plant watchdog group wants the Perry Nuclear Facility to be shut down by the Federal Government.

NewsChannel5 reports the Union of Concerned Scientists says two pinhole-sized leaks were found in two nuclear fuel cells.

First Energy spokesman Todd Schneider says the leaks were miniscule. He says, at no time was the public in any danger.

"We have tiny pinhole leaks inside of the rod. As a result, there's an increase in the level of radiation that's inside of the reactor," says Schneider.

"And that radiation is being contained within the reactor and is not escaping into the environment so the plant continues to operate safely."

Schneider says the fuel rods will be replaced when all the rods are replaced next spring.

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• Nov. 10, 1998: Watchdog Targets Perry Power Plant