NATION IN BRIEF : VERMONT : Letter Brings Probe of Nuclear Plant

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is investigating the Vermont Yankee nuclear reactor. A letter from plant workers prompted the probe, said Vermont Gov. Madeleine M. Kunin. The letter claims that the Vernon, Vt., plant operators have cut corners on safety, specifically, that the plant operated for six months with a broken pump in its fuel pool system despite federal rules that require the plant to shut down within 30 days under such circumstances. Yankee spokeswoman Mary Schneider said the plant was operating safely.