By Marci Izard

NORTHFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — The nuclear power plant that has been in the spotlight because of a radioactive leak could be closing.  The Vermont senate voted to block the Vermont Yankee Power Plant from continuing to operate after its license expires in 2012.   

The senate’s decision comes in the wake of the discovery of a radioactive Tritium leak into ground water.  According to the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, exposure to large amounts of Tritium in water has been linked with cancer and birth defects.

The vote in Vermont’s senate may not be the final word. The decision could be reversed depending on who gets elected in November.