Constellation Energy says eight of its workers at the Byron Nuclear Generating Station, 4405 N. German Church Road, were transported to area hospitals the afternoon of March 10 for evaluation after a chemical leak.
The exposure came after a “small amount of a common non-radiological chemical used in plant systems escaped a holding tank in the turbine building,” a company statement said.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said multiple ambulances responded to the scene and transported the workers to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment of what were believed minor injuries. VanVickle said the incident remains under review.
“While this event does not impact public health or safety, we will continue to keep Byron workers and community stakeholders informed,” Constellation Energy said in its statement.
At least one television news outlet initially reported an explosion at the plant. That report has since been corrected.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Byron nuclear plant workers hospitalized after chemical leak
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
