SALEM TWP. - The Unit 2 reactor at PPL's Susquehanna nuclear power plant was shut down shortly after returning to service late Monday night due to a hydraulic oil leak.

Operators disconnected the reactor from the regional power grid to investigate the oil leak on a system that controls the flow of steam into a turbine.

Shutting down the reactor is the safest course of action until we can determine the reason for the oil leak and make the ncessary repair, stated Timothy S. Rausch, PPL Susquehanna senior vice president and chief nuclear officer in a news release. All systems are functioning as expected to keep the unit in safe condition.

The oil leak is not affecting employee or public safety and is contained within the turbine building. The Unit 1 reactor is operating safely at full power.

Before Unit 2 was shut down due to the oil leak, the reactor underwent repairs to the computer system that malfunctioned on Nov. 9 and turbine blades were replaced and inspected.