Layoffs under way at Millstone Power Station today

Waterford - Dominion is notifying up to 75 employees today that they will be laid off at Millstone Power Station as part of the parent company's plan to operate more efficiently.

The company based in Virginia owns Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, which runs Millstone. The company first announced the prospect of layoffs in February, after fewer than 150 people participated in a buyout, or voluntary separation program first offered in January.

About 500 positions were eligible for termination, including the jobs of engineer, technical specialist, chemist, health physicist, nuclear planner, procedure writer, process assistant, simulator computer specialist and senior quality inspector, said Ken Holt, a Dominion spokesman. The layoffs will not affect the safety at the two operating reactors, Holt said.

"Everybody that was affected are all having face to face meetings today whether they're keeping their current job, have a new job or are being separated from the company," Holt said.

Those who are let go can leave immediately if they choose but are not scheduled to leave until April 1, Holt said.

Holt was not sure he would have a final number of layoffs today since some affected employees did not report to work today.

"Some people aren't here today and it wouldn't be fair to talk about numbers when they don't know their status," he said.