Duke stops using MOX at nuclear plant

[This is interesting as MOX is used in about 30 reactors in Europe see http://world-nuclear.org/info/inf29.html ]

http://www.thestate.com/statewire/story/480737.html

The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --Duke Energy has stopped using a test fuel at the Catawba nuclear station on Lake Wylie while it investigates unusual changes in the material.
The Charlotte Observer reported Tuesday Duke removed test bundles of mixed-oxide or MOX fuel, which mixes conventional uranium with surplus weapons plutonium.
Duke planned to test MOX fuel at the South Carolina reactor for more than four years, covering three refueling cycles at Unit 1 at Catawba. The newspaper says the fuel was removed in May, after two refueling cycles and less than three years of testing.
The MOX program is designed to dispose of 34 metric tons of plutonium, keeping it out of the hands of terrorists.
Duke and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission say the physical changes in the materials did not endanger plant safety.
Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotte.com