 Multiple reactor sensors at the North Anna Nuclear Generating Station , located 10 mi ( 16 km ) northeast of the epicenter , detected a slight power reduction as a result of vibrations in the reactor or monitoring devices . This caused the two nuclear reactors to shut down automatically seconds before off @-@ site power was lost . The Nuclear Regulatory Commission sent additional inspectors to the Virginia plant after preliminary measurements suggested that the ground shook more than the two reactors were designed to handle . The damage was minimal and the NRC advised that further inspections should not be interpreted to mean that the plant was not safe . After a $ 21 million inspection , engineers stated that they only found cosmetic damage . On November 11 , 2011 , the NRC gave its approval for restarting the reactors . 
