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LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP, DAUPHIN COUNTY -
Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency officials reported low levels of radiation were measured on monitors at Three Mile Island Reactor Unit 1 at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, prompting about 15o workers to be removed from the reactor building.
According to Exelon, the energy company operating TMI, all the workers were checked for exposure, but none of them approached or exceeded any exposure limits.
An official with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said about 20 workers were exposed to levels of radiation so low they did not fall under NRC limits.
Exelon spokesman Ralph DeSantis said there was no contamination identified outside the reactor building and the public was never in danger.
Dauphin County and state EMA officials did not learn of the incident until Middletown Mayor Robert Reid contacted the county's 911 Center at 9:30 p.m., 5 1/2 hours after the radiation release.
"The event wasn't even close to meeting any thresholds for an emergency event, so there were no requirements (for notification)," DeSantis said.
"It could have been more timely," David Allard with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said. "It was a courtesy notice to us," he added.
John White with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Exelon followed procedure properly and will conduct its own investigation to find out where the leak came from.
"They need to understand what the cause was before they can resume work in order to prevent recurrence," White said.
Neighbors who live near Three Mile Island say they're mad they weren't notified of the evacuation.
"Its ridiculous, we have to live here. We were here before they were. Its time they're held accountable," said Ronald Burger.
Jill Morrison who also lives near TMI said, "It kind of makes you wonder, are they gonna let you know when something really happens?"
Officials believe the radiation exposure was caused by ongoing work related to the cutting of lines in preparation for the removal of a steam generator.
Three Mile Island has been closed for maintenance since late October.
According to Exelon, the energy company operating TMI, all the workers were checked for exposure, but none of them approached or exceeded any exposure limits.
An official with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said about 20 workers were exposed to levels of radiation so low they did not fall under NRC limits.
Exelon spokesman Ralph DeSantis said there was no contamination identified outside the reactor building and the public was never in danger.
Dauphin County and state EMA officials did not learn of the incident until Middletown Mayor Robert Reid contacted the county's 911 Center at 9:30 p.m., 5 1/2 hours after the radiation release.
"The event wasn't even close to meeting any thresholds for an emergency event, so there were no requirements (for notification)," DeSantis said.
"It could have been more timely," David Allard with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said. "It was a courtesy notice to us," he added.
John White with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Exelon followed procedure properly and will conduct its own investigation to find out where the leak came from.
"They need to understand what the cause was before they can resume work in order to prevent recurrence," White said.
Neighbors who live near Three Mile Island say they're mad they weren't notified of the evacuation.
"Its ridiculous, we have to live here. We were here before they were. Its time they're held accountable," said Ronald Burger.
Jill Morrison who also lives near TMI said, "It kind of makes you wonder, are they gonna let you know when something really happens?"
Officials believe the radiation exposure was caused by ongoing work related to the cutting of lines in preparation for the removal of a steam generator.
Three Mile Island has been closed for maintenance since late October.
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