Committee probes VY radiation reading changes

Vermont lawmakers are investigating whether the state Health Department broke the law by changing its methods for measuring radiation emitted by the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant without getting the approval of a legislative committee.

In 2006, Vermont Yankee boosted its power output by 20 percent and began emitting higher amounts of radiation.

Under the Health Department's old method for measuring radiation, Vermont Yankee would have been found in violation of state radiation limits when the Health Department issued its annual report on the radiation readings on July 18.

Under the new method of measurement, it passed.

Several members of the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules say they want to make sure the proper procedures were followed in making the change.