NRC to Conduct Special Inspection at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

No: IV-18-013
August 24, 2018
Contact: Victor Dricks, 817-200-1128

NRC to Conduct Special Inspection at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will conduct a Special Inspection at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station to review events surrounding an Aug. 3, 2018, fuel-loading incident. The San Clemente, Calif., plant, is owned by Southern California Edison and permanently shut down in 2013.
NRC is sending a team to evaluate an incident in which a loaded fuel storage canister became stuck while being lowered into an underground storage vault. The charter authorizing the Special Inspection is available on the NRC website. Edison officials have told NRC they have stopped moving fuel into the storage vaults until NRC completes its review of the incident.
The NRC team is scheduled to begin the inspection on Sept. 10, and will spend about a week on site evaluating the licensee’s cause analysis and the adequacy of corrective actions. An inspection report documenting the team’s findings will be publicly available within 45 days of the end of the inspection.

Peach Bottom: Relief Request I5R-06

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Request for Additional Information - Relief Request I5R-06   (EPID L-2017-LLR-0059)

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Peach Bottom: Relief Request I5R-05

Subject:  Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Request for Additional Information - Relief Request I5R-05 (EPID L-2018-LLR-0058)

ADAMS Accession No. ML18226A201

NRC says manufacturing flaws 'negligible', plant shutdowns not necessary

In its petition to the NRC, Beyond Nuclear cited the potential defects in nuclear reactor components manufactured by AREVA-Le Creusot Forge (ACF). The defects involve flaws in the steel manufacturing process that result in carbon macrosegregation, a condition marked by excess carbon that can make the metal brittle and subject to sudden fracture or tearing under high pressure.

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Susquehanna: Inspection Report

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station - Integrated Inspection Report 05000387/2018002 and 05000388/2018002

ADAMS Accession No.  ML18221A500

TMI, Peach Bottom: Staff Qualification Requirements Ammendments

Braidwood, Byron, Calvert Cliffs, Clinton, Dresden, FitzPatrick, LaSalle, Limerick, Nine Mile, Peach Bottom, Quad Cities, Ginna, Three Mile Island - Issuance Of Amendments to Relocate the Staff Qualification Requirements (EPID L-2018-LLA-0053)

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Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection Report First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania in 2018

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07/27/2018

CONTACT:

Nate Wardle, DOH

717-787-1783

Neil Shader, DEP

717-787-1323

Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection Report First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania in 2018

Pennsylvanians Reminded to Take Steps to Avoid Infection

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania’s first probable human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in 2018 has been detected in an Allegheny County resident. Samples are being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing. The Departments of Health and Environmental Protection strongly recommend that all residents minimize their exposure to mosquitoes.

 

“Detecting the first human case of West Nile Virus this year serves as a great reminder for Pennsylvanians to take the proper precautions when they are outside or near areas where mosquitoes are prevalent,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “With our recent heavy rains, Pennsylvanians may see an increase in mosquito activity. There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-related diseases.”

 

Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day or night, the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellants and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.

 

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducts regular surveillance and control to manage mosquito populations around the state. So far, DEP has detected WNV-infected mosquitoes in 48 counties.

 

“Today’s announcement reminds all Pennsylvanians to be vigilant and take precautions to protect against mosquito bites. Using a personal insect repellant or staying indoors during dawn and dusk will help prevent exposure to mosquitoes,” said Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP monitors mosquito populations across Pennsylvania for the presence of disease.”

 

The mosquitoes that transmit WNV breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These areas can include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots and other types of plastic containers.

 

Simple steps to eliminate standing water around the home include:

 

• Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

• Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.

• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

• Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths.

• Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with fish.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.

• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

• Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

 

DEP will continue to survey affected communities to monitor mosquito activity and WNV. DEP biologists have initiated a survey of the mosquito population to determine the risk for further human illness. If necessary, adult mosquito populations will be reduced. These efforts will continue through October.

 

For a fact sheet on WNV, including symptoms, please click on the Department of Health’s West Nile Virus Fact Sheet.

 

For more information, including current WNV test results for mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/ and click on Surveillance Maps and Tables, or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.

 

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit www.health.pa.gov or www.dep.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release

No: 18-033 July 26, 2018

CONTACT: Scott Burnell, 301-415-8200

 

NRC Makes Available for Public Review Peach Bottom’s Subsequent License Renewal Application‌

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has received a subsequent license renewal application from Exelon Generation Co. LLC, which requests an additional 20 years for the already-renewed operating licenses of Peach Bottom Units 2 and 3. The application is now available for public review on the NRC website.

 

Exelon filed the application July 10, seeking to renew the licenses for a second time. The Peach Bottom units are boiling-water reactors, located approximately 18 miles south of Lancaster, Pa. The NRC approved the initial license renewal in May 2003, with Unit 2 currently licensed to operate through Aug. 8, 2033, and Unit 3 through July 2, 2034.

 

The NRC staff is reviewing the application to determine if it has sufficient information to complete the agency’s extensive safety and environmental reviews. If the application is determined to be complete, the staff will docket it and publish a notice of opportunity to request an adjudicatory hearing before the NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board.

 

Information about the license renewal process is available on the NRC website. A copy of the Peach Bottom subsequent license renewal application will be available at the Harford County Public Library, 2407 Whiteford Road, in Whiteford, Md.

Exelon Generation headquarters mulling move from Kennett Square

From Chester County Press:

In what can best be called a “kicking the tires” phase, Exelon Generation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corp., is in the early stages of exploring the option of moving its Kennett Square headquarters, where 700 employees work in two buildings, located at 200 and 300 Exelon Way.
An official statement from the subsidiary, provided to the Chester County Press by David Tillman, director of nuclear communications, reads:
“As part of our cost saving efforts, Exelon Generation’s real estate and facilities team is currently exploring location options for our Kennett Square headquarters.  While our lease doesn’t expire until late 2020, we are being proactive and expect to have a decision by the end of this year.”

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ANS Nuclear Policy Wire 7/24

From ANS Nuclear Policy Wire 7/24:

Last night, House and Senate members released the conference report on the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Included is language that will allow the Secretary of Energy to delegate approval authority for low-risk civil nuclear exports.

While the provision does not apply to China, which represents the bulk of the current international market, it is nonetheless a small but important step in streamlining the current export approval process.

A big thanks to ANS members who weighed in with their House members to support the Society's campaign on this issue.

The House will vote on the conferenced language on Thursday; the Senate will follow shortly after.

       Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release

No: 18-032 July 23, 2018

CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200

NRC Names New Director of the Agency’s Office of Investigations

Edward “Andy” Shuttleworth has been selected as the new director of the agency’s Office of Investigations.

Shuttleworth most recently served as Acting Assistant Director for Intelligence at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security Investigations. He has held a number of leadership positions within HSI, including Deputy Assistant Director for Intelligence Operations; Director, DHS’s Human Smuggling Cell; Unit Chief, Intellectual Property Crimes Unit at the National Intellectual Property Rights Center; and Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Laredo, Texas.

“We are pleased to welcome Andy to our team,” said NRC’s Executive Director for Operations Margaret Doane. “He brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to the NRC, and will play a key role in upholding the agency’s mission of public health and safety.”

The Office of Investigations develops policy, procedures, and standards for conducting all NRC investigations of alleged wrongdoing by licensees and other entities. OI conducts and supervises investigations within the scope of NRC authority except those of NRC employees and contractors. OI maintains liaison with other agencies and organizations to ensure the timely exchange of information and makes appropriate referrals to the Department of Justice for prosecution of criminal violations.

Shuttleworth holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University, Troy, Ala.

Peach Bottom: Information Request Re: Adopt 50.69 License Amendment

Peach Bottom Units 2 and 3 - Request for Additional Information 2nd Round (FINAL) - Adopt 50.69 License  Amendment (EPID L-2017-LLA-0281)

ADAMS Accession:  ML18200A274

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Press Release

No: 18-031 July 18, 2018

CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200

NRC Announces Hearing Opportunity on Holtec Application For Proposed New Mexico Spent Fuel Storage Facility‌

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has announced an opportunity for the public to request an adjudicatory hearing on Holtec International’s application for a license to construct and operate a consolidated interim storage facility for commercial spent nuclear fuel in Lea County, N.M.

The announcement, published July 16 in the Federal Register, describes the requirements and procedures for filing a request for a hearing and petition to intervene. The deadline for requests is Sept. 14.

Holtec submitted its application March 30, 2017. The company intends initially to store 500 canisters holding approximately 8,680 metric tons of spent fuel, and eventually to store up to

10,000 canisters at a dry cask storage facility located about halfway between Carlsbad and Hobbs, N.M. The NRC formally docketed the application Feb. 28, and published a Federal Register notice March 30, initiating its environmental review. The period for submitting public comments on the scope of the environmental review closes July 30.

If granted, a hearing would be held before three administrative judges appointed from the NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel. Hearing contentions may raise issues of law or fact with Holtec’s application.

TMI, Peach Bottom, etc: ASME Code Cases N-878, N-879, and N-880

Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2; Byron Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2; Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Units 1 and 2; Clinton Power Station, Unit No. 1; Dresden Nuclear Power Station, Units 2 and 3; James Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant; LaSalle County Station, Units 1 and 2; Limerick Generating Station, Units 1 and 2; Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2; Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3; Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, Units 1 and 2; R. E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant; and Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 1 – Supplemental Information Needed for Acceptance of Requests to Use ASME Code Cases N-878, N-879, and N-880

ADAMS Accession No. ML18186A545