British nuclear plant detects elevated levels of radiation

A higher than normal radiation reading was logged overnight via an air monitor at a perimeter fence, but Britain’s state nuclear decommissioning agency, which owns the site, said the source of the reading was unclear. “It is far too early to say there is a leak. Everything being done is precautionary. There is no danger to the workforce, communities or wildlife,” said Bill Hamilton, a spokesman from Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. “At the moment we don’t know where the radiation is coming from.”
Sellafield, a patchwork of grey buildings, industrial cylinders and cooling towers surrounded by grassland, said the decision to keep staff at home was conservative.

“As a result of a conservative and prudent decision, the Sellafield site is operating normally but with reduced manning levels today,” Sellafield said in a statement, adding that only essential workers were being asked to report to work. The British government said it was in constant contact with the site, about 480 km northwest of London, and that there was no risk to the public from the raised level of radioactivity.