Quake shifted large nuclear fuel containers in Va.

LOUISA, Va. — A Virginia utility says the East Coast earthquake last month shifted about two dozen massive containers for spent nuclear fuel but that they remained safe and intact.

Dominion Virginia Power said Thursday that 25 containers moved between one and 4.5 inches. The containers are at the North Anna Power Station, about 13 miles from the epicenter of the 5.8-magnitude quake on Aug. 23.

The containers weigh about 115 tons when full. Dominion said they are still intact and kept the used fuel inside in a safe condition. The utility is evaluating whether to move the containers back into their original positions.

The tremor shut down both reactors at the plant after they lost power.