SEABROOK, N.H. (AP) — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission plans to conduct inspections at Seabrook nuclear plant in New Hampshire due to degrading concrete in some areas.

The NRC said Friday while the problem is still being evaluated, the plant can continue to operate safely.

The NRC said the concrete is degrading due to an alkali silica reaction or ASR. ASR is a chemical that combines reactive silica from the concrete with alkali from cement paste when moisture is present. The result is a gel, which can expand and may cause micro-cracks in the concrete.

The NRC did not identify the problem areas. The inspections will verify and assess work being done to address the problem.

The single-reactor plant is operated by NextEra Energy Seabrook LLC.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.