In September 2006, BN-600 power-generating unit of Beloyarsky nuclear power plant functioned in the rated power mode. Starting September 19, BN-600 was shut down for refueling and scheduled equipment inspection. It is expected to remain non-operating until October 9, 2006.

No violations of safety operation conditions or margins occurred. The rare gas activity breakthrough comprised .01% of the upper limit.

The radiation level in the town of Zarechniy and the power plant site was adequate to the normal operation mode of the nuclear plant and remained at the level of natural background activity and came to 5 microroentgen per hour in Zarechniy and Beloyarskiy, 6.5 microroentgen per hour in the village of Dubrovo, 6 microroentgen per hour in Kamenka, and 6.5 microroentgen per hour in Rezhik. The figures are within the average Russian range of 4 to 20 microroentgen per hour.

The activity concentration figures for Beloyarskoye reservoir water are .07 becquerel per litre, with the figures for head water being .074-.3 becquerel per litre, reports the spokesperson for the plant.