News In Brief

Seal flaw to delay testing at Diablo Canyon A-plant

A leaking seal in a reactor coolant pump will delay low-power testing of the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant until the middle of the week, a spokesman for the plant's operator said Sunday.

Word of the leak came as 10 people were arrested for investigation of trespassing as they crossed onto plant grounds after a protest march Sunday. In Sunday's demonstration, about 100 people marched peacefully from nearby Avila Beach to the gates of the plant, Sheriff's Sgt. Leon Cole said.

Under Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules, a leaking coolant seal would not be cause for a start-up delay, but Pacific Gas & Electric decided to repair the seal first, the spokesman said.