Saturday, December 31, 2022
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Oral Argument on Three Mile Island Cleanup Set for January 19, 2023
Also, the SRBC's decision to reduce the amount of water TMI-1
can withdraw from the Susquehanna River is due this Thursday.
TMI's permit expired in October, 2021. Constellation is
asking only for enough waterer to cleanup TMI-1.
TMI-2's water permit lapsed in the 1990s, and they have not
applied for water use rights. TMI-2 has no access to river
water at this time.
TMI-Alert is the only entity which has offered testimony
on Section 401 Clean Water Certification, and argued
against dumping radioactive, cleanup water into the
Susquehanna River. The DEP has remained silent.
TMIA has litigated water use cases at the NRC and the
SRBC dating back to 2020.
Happy Holidays,
Eric Epstein
TMI-2 Hearing, (1_19_23).pdf
TMI-2 Hearing, (1_19_23).pdf
NRC Announces David Pelton as New Director, Office of Enforcement
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
No: 22-051 December 12, 2022
CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200
NRC Announces David Pelton as New Director, Office of Enforcement
The NRC announced today the selection of David (Dave) L. Pelton as the new director of the Office of Enforcement, effective Jan. 1, 2023, replacing Mark Lombard, who will retire at end of the year following nearly 20 years of federal government service.
The NRC Office of Enforcement supports the NRC mission by developing and overseeing policies and programs for enforcement and allegations. The OE director also oversees staff managing the Differing Professional Opinion Program and the agency’s non-concurrence process.
“Dave is an extremely talented person, bringing a wide range of technical and leadership experience to this important agency position,” said Executive Director for Operations Daniel H. Dorman. “His time spent working both in the headquarters and in the regions has given him a keen understanding of our critical work at a variety of levels.”
Dorman praised the outgoing Lombard, stating that, “Mark has been a highly effective leader for decades, most recently his unprecedented role in leading the NRC task force that responded to the Covid-19 global pandemic. He is extremely well respected by his peers and his contributions will not be forgotten.”
Pelton currently serves as the Region II Deputy Regional Administrator in Atlanta. He began his career at the NRC in 1997 as a Region III resident inspector. Pelton held progressively responsible positions, to include working in the region as a Region III senior operator licensing examiner; senior resident inspector in Region I; executive technical assistant in the Office of the EDO, and a variety of branch chief positions in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. He is a 2016 graduate of the NRC’s Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program.
Before joining the NRC, Pelton worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the Division of Nuclear Test Engineering and the Division of Nuclear Performance Assessment. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
Friday, December 9, 2022
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Security Baseline Inspection Report 05000387/2022403 and 05000388/2022403
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Security Baseline Inspection Report 05000387/2022403 and 05000388/2022403
Epstein Petition for Leave to Intervene & Hearing Request at the NRC; Re: Susquehanna Nuclear, LLC. Bankruptcy of Talen Energy Corporation, (Final copy, 11/28/22)
Epstein Petition for Leave to Intervene & Hearing Request at the NRC; Re: Susquehanna Nuclear, LLC. Bankruptcy of Talen Energy Corporation, (Final copy, 11/28/22)
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Unit 2 - Final Significance Determination of a White Finding with Assessment Follow-Up and Notice of Violation; Inspection Report 05000277/2022090
November 30, 2022 Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Unit 2 - Final Significance Determination of a White Finding with Assessment Follow-Up and Notice of Violation; Inspection Report 05000277/2022090
Epstein Petition for Leave to Intervene and Hearing Request at the NRC; Re: Susquehanna Nuclear, LLC. Bankruptcy of Talen Energy Corporation, (11/28/22)
Epstein Petition for Leave to Intervene and Hearing Request at the NRC; Re: Susquehanna Nuclear, LLC. Bankruptcy of Talen Energy Corporation, (11/28/22)
Saturday, November 19, 2022
DOE rejects Palisades application for funds to restart
DOE rejects Palisades application for funds to restart
- By JULIANA KNOT HP Staff Writer
- Nov 18, 2022
Palisades Nuclear Generating Station is pictured during a tour earlier this fall.
Don Campbell / HP staff
COVERT — Holtec International's bid to restart Palisades Nuclear Power Plant has been rejected, ending any hopes of bringing the plant back online.
The nuclear planting decommissioning company learned on Friday its application for Department of Energy civil nuclear credits had been denied, said Pat O'Brien, director of government affairs and communications.
“We appreciate the consideration that the Department of Energy (DOE) put into our application for the Civilian Nuclear Credit program. We fully understood that what we were attempting to do, re-starting a shuttered nuclear plant, would be both a challenge and a first for the nuclear industry," he said in a prepared statement. "While the DOE’s decision is not the outcome many had hoped for, we entered this process committed to working with our federal, state, and community partners to see if the plant could be repowered to return to service as a provider of safe, reliable, and carbon-free generation."
O'Brien said site workers and company stakeholders had also been notified on Friday, prior to alerting media. He did not comment on why the application, submitted in September, was rejected. The Department of Energy did not immediately respond for comment.
Decommissioning has already begun, but everything done thus far has been reversible, plant officials said, in the case the plant was able to reopen. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $6 billion to prolong the lives of nuclear power plants closing for economic and not safety reasons. Palisades is licensed to operate through 2031.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer threw her support behind reopening Palisades in April, calling the plant a source of carbon-free energy and union jobs. Before shutting down two weeks early in May, the plant employed more than 600 people. Now, only about a third remain at the plant.
The plant faced an uphill battle to reopen, as two-thirds of its workforce had left, no fuel had been ordered and Holtec was not licensed to operate a plant. To be successful, the company would have had to partner with a third party with an operating license.
Holtec remains focused on decommissioning Palisades, O'Brien said, a process which will take about 19 years.
"As we have said, both before acquiring Palisades and since taking ownership, Holtec remains committed to helping the nuclear and energy industries meet challenges and find solutions here in Michigan and across the country. That commitment remains as our employees focus on the safe and timely decommissioning of Palisades to allow for potential reuse," O'Brien said in a prepared statement. "Our thanks to our team at Palisades who are leading its decommissioning and for whom the health and safety of our community remain the highest priority.”
Holtec officially acquired the plant from Entergy Inc., who has since vacated the merchant nuclear power business, in July. The decommissioning company has said small modular reactors, like at their Oyster Creek facility, remain a possibility for Palisades, especially given strong community support for nuclear energy. Additionally, developers have expressed a lot of interest in the nearly 500-acre site along the lakeshore.
Contact: jknot@TheHP.com, 932-0360, Twitter: @knotjuliana
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Request for Withholding Information from Public Disclosure (EPID L-2022-LLM-0003)
Subject: Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Request for Withholding Information from Public Disclosure (EPID L-2022-LLM-0003)
ADAMS Accession No.: ML22307A165
Using Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search”
Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”
Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number
Click Search
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Request for Withholding Information from Public Disclosure (EPID L-2019-PMP-0064)
Subject: Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Request for Withholding Information from Public Disclosure (EPID L-2019-PMP-0064)
ADAMS Accession No.: ML22311A053
Using Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search”
Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”
Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number
Click Search
Friday, November 11, 2022
"Nuclear regulators probe two recent incidents at Peach Bottom plant", (November 10, 2022)
"Nuclear regulators probe two recent incidents at Peach Bottom plant”
Nuclear regulators flagged two recent incidents at York County's Peach Bottom nuclear power plant that didn't pose an immediate danger to residents but nonetheless raised concerns from government regulators and a local watchdog group.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission initially issued a white level issue — meaning an event of "moderate concern," according to NRC spokesperson Neil Sheehan — over a May power-loss incident that resulted in an emergency reactor shutdown at the plant located in Peach Bottom Township.
A less severe green issue was raised after inspectors found in August that a discharge valve connected to water pipes in Unit 2 was not automatically closing as it was designed to do.
Both issues are still going through the NRC's regulatory process, Sheehan said. They could result in increased scrutiny at the plant.
Sheehan said the May incident occurred during a construction project on an electrical grid the plant is connected to. Unexpected issues caused the breakers in the plant's switchyard to disconnect some of the power flowing to the reactor in Unit 2, he said.
Peach Bottom Automic Power Station Submitted
When an electrical disruption is sensed, he said, the plant’s power system will respond with a partial reactor shut down and insert several control rods into the core to slow down nuclear fission. During the May incident, however, a plant operator caused a full shut down when they cut the remaining flow of power to the reactor. That halted all nuclear fission.
When a spokesperson for Constellation Energy, the company that owns and operates Peach Bottom, was asked about the power loss incident, they issued a statement saying they are reviewing the NRC's inspection report and that there was no risk to public safety during the incident.
Once Constellation responds to the report, Sheehan said the NRC will finalize its inquiry into the event.
Eric Epstein, a longtime local nuclear energy watchdog, said his organization — Three Mile Island Alert — is satisfied with how the NRC is handling the rector shut down issue, they think there is inconsistency in how the NRC handles issues when it comes to the discharge valve problem.
Specifically, Epstein said a malfunctioning water valve should be more cause for concern than the current green-level issue advisory.
"Green is like getting a detention," he said. "White is pretty serious; that's like being called down to the principal's office."
Eric Epstein, chairman of ant-nuclear watchdog group TMI-Alert speaks at a public meeting on the decommissioning of Dauphin County nuclear plant Three Mile Island on Tuesday, July 23, Lindsay C. VanAsdalan
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Cyber Security Inspection Report 05000387/2022404 and 05000388/2022404 (Cover Letter Only)
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Cyber Security Inspection Report 05000387/2022404 and 05000388/2022404 (Cover Letter Only)
ADAMS Accession No. ML22313A106
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000387/2022003 and 05000388/2022003
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000387/2022003 and 05000388/2022003
ADAMS Accession No. ML22312A357SUS2022-003 IR FINAL.pdf
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Issuance of Amendment Nos. 283 and 266 Re: Change to Reactor Steam Dome Pressure--Low Instrument Function Allowable Value in Technical Specifications (EPID L-2021-LLA-0184)
Subject: Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Issuance of Amendment Nos. 283 and 266 Re: Change to Reactor Steam Dome Pressure--Low Instrument Function Allowable Value in Technical Specifications (EPID L-2021-LLA-0184)
ADAMS Accession No.: ML22256A054
Using Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search”
Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”
Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number
Click Search
Friday, November 4, 2022
Confusing Report Card: Peach Bottom Issued White Finding and Apparent Violation by the NRC
The Color Coded Grading System for Nuclear Plants: "Decoding the Nuclear Crayon"
Supposedly, the crayon selection is determined by the risk
associated with the violation -- the more steps taken towards
core damage, the fewer steps remaining to complete that journey
the worser the crayon color -- Green to White to Yellow
to Red.
The NRC picked Green for the High Pressure Service Water pump
discharge check valve problem.
associated with the violation -- the more steps taken towards
core damage, the fewer steps remaining to complete that journey
the worser the crayon color -- Green to White to Yellow
to Red.
The NRC picked Green for the High Pressure Service Water pump
discharge check valve problem.
They picked White (preliminarily) for the Reactor Protection System
power supply glitch that triggered an automatic scram and containment
isolation.
power supply glitch that triggered an automatic scram and containment
isolation.
The HPSW violation seems to involve many more steps than
the RPS violation. If anything, the crayon selections should
be reversed.
the RPS violation. If anything, the crayon selections should
be reversed.
The HPSW problem dates back to 2016 and remained uncorrected for years.
The RPS problem dates back hours and remained uncorrected for minutes.
The HPSW problem was "analyzed" to be Green based on no concurrent failures.
Duh! No problem, except perhaps gross rupture of the reactor
pressure vessel, is anything but Green if no concurrent failures are
assumed.
pressure vessel, is anything but Green if no concurrent failures are
assumed.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment ("PRA") does not work that way, at least
not when done properly.PRA looks at the likelihood of success when a safety
component is needed. By assuming zero concurrent failures, NRC
didn't PRA they prayed for good luck.
not when done properly.PRA looks at the likelihood of success when a safety
component is needed. By assuming zero concurrent failures, NRC
didn't PRA they prayed for good luck.
With the HPSW check valve stuck open, the flow in the running pump dropped
to nearly have the needed flow (5,000 gpm to 3,300 gpm). Which means the
cooling flow provided to emergency systems was nearly halved.
For the RPA glitch, the NRC ditched its zero concurrent failures ploy and
assumed that concurrent failures could be present and lead to core damage.
assumed that concurrent failures could be present and lead to core damage.
To be fair, the NRC's inconsistent treatment might have benefit.
Consistency runs the risk of being wrong all the time.
Inconsistency increases the chances of being right some of the time, even
if you don't know when.
if you don't know when.
I suspect Constellation the owner will negotiate the final finding back to
a Green from the preliminary White.
a Green from the preliminary White.
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Federal Emergency Management Agency Level 1 Finding from 2022 Evaluated Emergency Preparedness Exercise
SUBJECT: SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 – FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY LEVEL 1 FINDING FROM 2022 EVALUATED EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXERCISE
FEMA notification letter to Susquehanna.pdfNRC Publishes Annual Report to Congress on Nuclear Security Inspections
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 22-045 November 3, 2022
CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200
NRC Publishes Annual Report to Congress on Nuclear Security Inspections
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has made publicly available an unclassified version of its annual report to Congress detailing the prior year’s security inspection program.
The report is required under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It covers the NRC’s security inspection program, including force-on-force exercises for commercial nuclear power reactors and Category I fuel cycle facilities for calendar year 2021. It provides information regarding the overall security and safeguards performance of the commercial nuclear power industry and Category I fuel cycle facilities to keep Congress and the public informed of the NRC’s efforts to oversee the protection of the nation’s civilian nuclear power infrastructure and strategic special nuclear material.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NRC conducted 176 security inspections at commercial nuclear power plants and Category I fuel cycle facilities. These inspections included 18 full triennial force-on-force inspections at nuclear power plants, involving simulated attacks on the facilities to test the effectiveness of a licensee’s physical protection program, and one triennial force-on-force inspection conducted at a Category I fuel cycle facility
The NRC’s security inspection program and publicly available results are discussed in the report.
Whenever NRC inspectors identify a security finding during an inspection, they ensure the licensee implements appropriate compensatory measures to correct the situation, if not already implemented by the licensee. Details of security findings are considered sensitive and not released to the public.
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
NRC Announces Headquarters and Regional Leadership Appointments
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 22-044 October 31, 2022
CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200
NRC Announces Headquarters and Regional Leadership Appointments
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission today announced leadership appointments naming Scott A. Morris as Deputy Executive Director for Reactor and Preparedness Programs and Raymond K. Lorson as Region I Administrator.
Both Morris and Lorson will transition to their new roles following the retirements of DEDR Darrell J. Roberts and Region I Administrator David C. Lew at the end of the year.
NRC Executive Director for Operations Daniel H. Dorman, who made the announcement, praised the two as “extremely talented individuals committed to NRC’s complex and important mission.”
“Scott has an impressive and proven record of leadership accomplishments in a broad range of skillsets,” said Dorman. “He brings an in-depth knowledge of nuclear energy programs to his new management role. His experience as an engineer and an administrator will help guide our future work.
“Since joining the NRC, Ray has served admirably, strategically and effectively, implementing complex programs while leading staff with a focus on the values that continue to guide our performance. I am pleased to announce his selection,” Dorman added.
Morris joined the NRC in 1993. His roles included senior resident inspector at two of Region I’s nuclear power sites. He also served as an executive technical assistant for the EDO, and a branch chief in the Office of Nuclear Safety and Incident Response. He has been the Region IV administrator since 2018.
Morris is a graduate of the NRC Senior Executive Development Program. He is a Navy submarine program service veteran and holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
Lorson joined the NRC in 1991 as a regional reactor engineer. He also served as resident inspector at the Peach Bottom and Salem nuclear power plants, as well as senior resident inspector at the Seabrook and Salem plants. He also served in a variety of other agency leadership roles. Lorson is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the NRC SESDP.
Morris will be based at the NRC headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, and Lorson will remain at the Region I office in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Federal Register notice on TMI 2 decommissioning license amendment request
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
ATTN: Document Control Desk
Washington , DC 20555-0001
Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2 (TMl-2)
NRC Possession Only License No. DPR 73
NRC Docket No. 50-320
Subject: License Amendment Request - Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning
Technical Specifications, Response to Request for Additional Information
NRC Expands Social Media Platforms by Adding Instagram
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 22-042 October 19, 2022
CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200
NRC Expands Social Media Platforms by Adding Instagram
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is adding Instagram as a new platform to its social media program. Beginning today, the NRC will post photos, short videos, and graphics on Instagram to provide a more creative approach to information regarding the NRC’s mission, with a focus on the skilled and diverse employees who carry it out.
“We’re adding Instagram to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,
Individuals will be able reach the Instagram page or the agency’s other social media accounts through icons on the NRC homepage, without having an account. Those already on Instagram can follow us directly on the platform.
Updated comment guidelines, a social media disclaimer and other information can be found here.
Friday, October 14, 2022
NRC Imposes Civil Penalty to Pennsylvania Company
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: I-22-013 October 14, 2022
CONTACT: Diane Screnci, 610-337-5330
Neil Sheehan, 610-337-5331
NRC Imposes Civil Penalty to Pennsylvania Company
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing an order imposing a $25,600 fine against a Pennsylvania firm for work performed in West Virginia without obtaining agency permission.
On March 2, 2022, the NRC announced that Steel City Gamma LLC, based in Daisytown (Washington County), Pennsylvania, would be issued a Severity Level II violation and a civil penalty for performing industrial radiography work in West Virginia without obtaining agency permission. The work took place on Dec. 18, 2019, and between Jan. 1, 2020, and April 9, 2020, at a facility in Pleasant Valley, West Virginia.
In accordance with NRC practices, the company was provided with the opportunity to pay the fine or contest it via a written response. Since then, however, the NRC has not received either the payment or further communications on the matter from the company, leading the agency to take the step of issuing an order imposing the civil penalty.
The enforcement action stemmed from an investigation conducted between April 21, 2020, and March 1, 2021, the NRC’s Office of Investigations, which determined that Steel City Gamma did not abide by the applicable requirements, including conducting the work without a license from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when it was amended to possession and storage only. In addition, the investigation found that the company’s then-owner engaged in deliberate misconduct by knowingly violating regulations pertaining to reciprocity.
On Feb. 3, 2022, the NRC Region I Office, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, conducted a predecisional enforcement conference with Steel City Gamma to discuss the violations, causes and corrective actions. During this conference, the company’s current owner acknowledged the violations. In addition to the fine, the NRC at that time also issued an order prohibiting the firm’s former owner from participating in NRC-licensed activities for five years because of the deliberate misconduct.
The violations did not result in any actual safety or security consequences.
As an NRC “Agreement State,” the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania oversees the use of nuclear materials within its borders that would otherwise be regulated by the NRC. Under a reciprocity requirement, if Agreement State-licensed materials are used in a state where nuclear materials are regulated by the NRC, including West Virginia, approval must first be obtained from the agency.
Monday, October 3, 2022
NRC Approves Probation for Mississippi's Agreement State Regulatory Program
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 22-040 October 3, 2022
CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200
NRC Approves Probation for Mississippi’s Agreement State Regulatory Program
The Commission has approved placing the state of Mississippi on probation for deficiencies in its agreement state program regulating the use of radioactive materials. This move does not affect oversight of the Grand Gulf nuclear power plant in Mississippi, which remains under NRC authority, or state responsibilities related to emergency preparedness at Grand Gulf.
Probation ensures continued protection of public health and safety while program weaknesses are addressed. Placing a state on probation requires approval by the NRC’s Commissioners. The weaknesses identified in Mississippi do not pose an immediate risk to public health and safety.
Mississippi is one of 39 states that have entered into agreements with the NRC giving them authority to license and regulate certain nuclear materials users within their borders. A recent NRC review of Mississippi’s program concluded it was “adequate to protect public health and safety but needs improvement and not compatible with the NRC’s program.” The NRC review found the state’s performance unsatisfactory in several performance areas. The report on Mississippi’s program can be found here.
Pending the Commission’s decision, the state has been on “Heightened Oversight,” a condition requiring increased interaction with NRC staff, preparation of a program improvement plan, bimonthly conference calls and periodic status reports. Mississippi’s program improvement plan has been reviewed and approved by NRC staff. The NRC will remain closely involved with state program managers as they implement improvements during the probationary period.
The Mississippi program will be re-evaluated in February 2023.
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Material Control and Accounting Program Inspection Report 05000277/2022401 and 05000278/2022401 (Cover Letter Only)
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Material Control and Accounting Program Inspection Report 05000277/2022401 and 05000278/2022401 (Cover Letter Only)
ADAMS Accession No. ML22269A406
Friday, September 30, 2022
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Design Basis Assurance Inspection (Teams) Inspection Report 05000387/2022013 and 05000388/2022013
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Design Basis Assurance Inspection (Teams) Inspection Report 05000387/2022013 and 05000388/2022013
Friday, September 23, 2022
NRC Proposes $96,000 Civil Penalty to the U.S. Air Force
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: IV-22-013 September 23, 2022
Contact: Victor Dricks, 817-200-1128
NRC Proposes $96,000 Civil Penalty to the U.S. Air Force
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a $96,000 civil penalty to the U.S. Air Force for 14 violations of NRC requirements associated with their use of radioactive materials.
The NRC identified 14 apparent violations of NRC requirements during inspections conducted Oct. 26-28, 2021, at the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency’s facility in Falls Church, Virginia; and Sept. 27-30 and Oct. 22, 2021, at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These inspections reviewed activities authorized under the Department of the Air Force’s Master Materials License.
The violations involved: four failures related to the implementation of the Master Materials License; seven failures related to the environmental use of thorium-232 source material at Kirtland Air Force Base; and three failures related to NRC’s security requirements.
The NRC held a regulatory conference with Air Force officials on June 30, during which they had an opportunity to provide additional information about the inspection findings and answer questions from NRC staff. Based on all the information gathered, NRC officials determined all the apparent violations were appropriately characterized and merited a $96,000 civil penalty.
The NRC made its enforcement decision after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the event, the immediate actions taken in response, the apparent cause and corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence.
The Air Force has 30 days to pay the fine, dispute the fine, or request involvement from a neutral third-party mediator to resolve the issue.
Security related information will not be publicly available. However, the non-security related information is posted on the NRC website.
Friday, September 16, 2022
NRC Names New Resident Inspector at Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: I-22-012 September 14, 2022
CONTACT: Diane Screnci, 610-337-5330
Neil Sheehan, 610-337-5331
NRC Names New Resident Inspector at Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region I officials in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, have selected Corey Dukehart as the resident inspector at the Peach Bottom nuclear power plant in Delta, Pennsylvania. He joins Senior Resident Inspector Scott Rutenkroger at the two-unit site, which is operated by Constellation Nuclear.
“Corey has gained invaluable experience during his time with the NRC through his participation in our rigorous training program and by virtue of his earlier time served in the Navy,” said NRC Region I Administrator Dave Lew. “He will provide the region with an additional front-line inspector as he puts his acquired skills to use.”
Dukehart joined the NRC in 2020 as part of the Nuclear Regulator Apprenticeship Network, where he completed several apprenticeships in different areas of the agency. He also served as the acting resident inspector at the Ginna nuclear power plant in New York before moving to the Region I Office as a project engineer.
Prior to joining the NRC, Dukehart served six years in the Navy as an enlisted nuclear operator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear energy engineering technology from Thomas Edison State University.
Each operating U.S. commercial nuclear power plant has at least two NRC resident inspectors who serve as the agency’s eyes and ears at the facility, conducting inspections, monitoring safety-significant work projects and interacting with plant workers and the public. Resident inspectors can serve at a reactor site for up to seven years.
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Unit 2 - Authorization and Safety Evaluation for Alternative Request I5R-14, Revision 1, (EPID L-2022-LLR-0006)
Subject: Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Unit 2 - Authorization and Safety Evaluation for Alternative Request I5R-14, Revision 1, (EPID L-2022-LLR-0006)
ADAMS Accession No.: ML22236A670
ADAMS Hyperlink: https://
Using 
Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search”
Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”
Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number
Click Search
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Issuance of Amendment Nos. 282 and 265 Regarding Risk-Informed Completion Times in Technical Specifications (EPID L-2021-LLA-0062)
Subject: Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Issuance of Amendment Nos. 282 and 265 Regarding Risk-Informed Completion Times in Technical Specifications (EPID L-2021-LLA-0062)
ADAMS Accession No.: ML22200A062ADAMS Hyperlink: https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML22200A062
Using Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search”
Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”
Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number
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Updated Inspection Plan for Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 (Report 05000387/2022005 and 05000388/2022005)
Updated Inspection Plan for Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 (Report 05000387/2022005 and 05000388/2022005)
ADAMS Accession No. ML22242A024
Updated Inspection Plan for Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 (Report 05000277/2022005 and 05000278/2022005)
Updated Inspection Plan for Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 (Report 05000277/2022005 and 05000278/2022005)
ADAMS Accession No. ML22242A023
Peach Bottom ROP-23 Inspection Plan Transmittal Letter & Rpt 22.pdf
Saturday, August 27, 2022
CONSTELLATION ENERGY GENERATION, LLC, THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR STATION, UNIT 1 - NRC INSPECTION REPORT NOS. 05000289/2022001 and 07200077/2022001
CONSTELLATION ENERGY GENERATION, LLC, THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR STATION, UNIT 1 - NRC INSPECTION REPORT NOS. 05000289/2022001 and 07200077/2022001
ADAMS accession number ML22236A030
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Federal Register notice on TMI 2 decommissioning license amendment request
Eric,
In case you haven’t seen this yet.
Comments are due by Sept. 21, 2022, and requests for a hearing are due by Oct. 21, 2022.
Neil Sheehan
NRC Public Affairs Officer
Region I
Neil Sheehan
NRC Public Affairs Officer
Region I
Monday, August 22, 2022
ML22221A214 Distribution - Correction of Errors Inadvertently Introduced in the Safety Evaluation Report for Issuance of License Amendment No. 305, to Facility Operating License No. DPR-50 for the Three Mile Island Station, Unit No. 1
Date: 08/11/2022
Title: Correction of Errors Inadvertently Introduced in the Safety Evaluation Report for Issuance of License Amendment No. 305, to Facility Operating License No. DPR-50 for the Three Mile Island Station, Unit No. 1
To: David P. Rhoades, Senior VP, Constellation Nuclear
From: Amy M. Snyder, Senior PM, NRC/NMSS/DUWP/RDB
Document(s) in Web-based ADAMS:
Letter - Letter to D. Rhoades, Constellation Nuclear, from A. Snyder, NRC - Three Mile Island Station, Unit No. 1, Correction to Safety Evaluation, Amendment No. 305 (ML22221A214) https://
TMI-2 SOLUTIONS, LLC, THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR STATION, UNIT 2 – NRC INSPECTION REPORT 05000320/2022003
TMI-2 SOLUTIONS, LLC, THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR STATION, UNIT 2 – NRC INSPECTION REPORT 05000320/2022003
ADAMS Accession number ML22228A014
Saturday, August 13, 2022
TMI-1, Cert of Permanent Removal of Spent Fuel from SFPool
Hello Eric,
Docketed today into ADAMS 8/8/2022
ML22208A093
https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.
Document Title: Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 1 - Certification of Permanent Removal of All Spent Fuel Assemblies from the Spent Fuel Pool
Document Type: Letter
Document Date: 07/27/2022
Thursday, August 11, 2022
NRC Identifies Eight Abnormal Occurrence Events in FY 2021 Annual Report to Congress
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 22-033 August 10, 2022
CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200
NRC Identifies Eight Abnormal Occurrence Events in FY 2021 Annual Report to Congress
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has published its annual report to Congress for fiscal year 2021 regarding Abnormal Occurrences involving medical and industrial uses of radioactive material.
Eight Abnormal Occurrences were identified. Six of these events were medical events, such as misadministration of radioactive material in diagnosis or treatment of an illness. This represents approximately 0.005 percent of the estimated number of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy procedures involving radioactive material performed in the United States annually. Two events – one at a medical facility and another at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research in Gaithersburg, Maryland, – involved serious safety-significant deficiencies in management or procedural controls. No events at commercial nuclear power plants in fiscal year 2021 met the criteria for an Abnormal Occurrence declaration.
U.S. law defines an Abnormal Occurrence as an unscheduled incident or event that the NRC determines to be significant from the standpoint of public health or safety. The NRC sets specific criteria for determining which events qualify. The FY 2021 report identified no “Other Events of Interest” as defined in the Abnormal Occurrences criteria.
The Report to Congress on Abnormal Occurrences, Fiscal Year 2021, is available on the NRC website as NUREG-0090, Volume 44.
Monday, August 8, 2022
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000387/2022002 and 05000388/2022002
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000387/2022002 and 05000388/2022002
ADAMS Accession No. ML22213A260
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000277/2022002 and 05000278/2022002
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000277/2022002 and 05000278/2022002
ADAMS Accession No. ML22209A115
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
NRC Amends Licensing, Inspection, and Annual Fees for Fiscal Year 2022
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 22-023 June 22, 2022
CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200
NRC Amends Licensing, Inspection, and Annual Fees for Fiscal Year 2022
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is amending its regulations for the licensing, inspection, special projects, and annual fees it will charge applicants and licensees for fiscal year 2022.
The FY 2022 final fee rule, published today in the Federal Register, includes fees required by the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act necessary to recover, to the maximum extent practicable, approximately 100 percent of the NRC’s total budget authority for FY 2022, less the budget authority for excluded activities. A proposed fee rule was published for public comment on Feb. 23.
The FY 2022 final fee rule reflects a total budget authority of $887.7 million, an increase of $43.3 million from FY 2021. After accounting for exclusions from the fee-recovery requirement and net billing adjustments, the NRC must recover approximately $752.7 million in fees in FY 2022. Of this amount, approximately $198.8 million will be recovered through fees for services (Part 170), and approximately $553.9 million will be recovered through annual fees (Part 171).
Compared to FY 2021, annual fees are decreasing for fuel facilities, spent fuel storage/reactor decommissioning activities, and for a uranium recovery facility licensee. Annual fees are increasing for operating power reactors, non-power production or utilization facilities, the U.S. Department of Energy Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Program, DOE transportation activities, and for 47 materials users fee categories. While the operating power reactors annual fee is increasing in FY 2022, it does not exceed the annual fee cap established by NEIMA. Generally, annual fees are impacted by changes to the budget, fees for services, the number of licensees, and other factors.
The final fee rule also includes a change in the hourly rate charged for services, affecting licensees and applicants. The NRC has increased its hourly rate from $288 to $290 for FY 2022 and has adjusted license application fees accordingly.
The NRC estimates that the FY 2022 annual fees will be paid by the 93 licensees of operating commercial power reactors, three non-power production or utilization facilities, 122 spent nuclear fuel storage and decommissioning reactor facilities, eight fuel cycle facilities, one uranium recovery facility, and approximately 2,500 nuclear materials licensees.
Beaver Valley - OFFSITE AGENCY NOTIFICATION DUE TO CHEMICAL LEAK
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
06/21/2022 - 06/22/2022
Power Reactor
Event Number: 55953
Facility: Beaver Valley
Region: 1 State: PA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: Shawn W. Keener
HQ OPS Officer: Bill Gott
Notification Date: 06/21/2022
Notification Time: 16:52 [ET]
Event Date: 06/21/2022
Event Time: 15:47 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 06/21/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - Offsite Notification
Person (Organization):
Gray, Mel (R1DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 15 | Power Operation | 15 | Power Operation |
Event Text
OFFSITE AGENCY NOTIFICATION DUE TO CHEMICAL LEAK
The following information was provided by the licensee via fax or email:
"At 1547 EDT on June 21, 2022, it was determined that Beaver Valley Power Station Unit No. 1 experienced a reportable chemical leak. Approximately 261 gallons of a Sodium Hypochlorite/Sodium Bromine mixture reached the ground and approximately 130.5 gallons (of the 261 gallons) progressed to the Ohio River (via storm drain). The source of the leakage has been isolated and absorbent material has been placed to contain the leakage. Following confirmation of this leakage, notifications were made to the following offsite agencies starting at 1615 EDT:
"National Response Center (Incident Report # 1339391)
"Pennsylvania Department Of Environmental Protection
"Beaver County Emergency Management
"This condition is being reported as a four-hour, non-emergency notification per 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, June 22, 2022
NRC to Meet with U.S. Air Force Officials During Regulatory Conference
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: IV-22-010 June 21, 2022
Contact: Victor Dricks, 817-200-1128
No: IV-22-010 June 21, 2022
Contact: Victor Dricks, 817-200-1128
NRC to Meet with U.S. Air Force Officials During Regulatory Conference
Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff will meet with representatives of the U.S. Air Force on June 30 to discuss apparent violations associated with the use of radioactive materials.
The virtual meeting will begin at 8 a.m. Central time. NRC staff and representatives from the Air Force will meet at the NRC’s Region IV office in Arlington, Texas. The public will be able to observe the meeting via Microsoft Teams or listen by calling 301-576-2978, conference code 728313416#. NRC staff will answer questions from the public before closing the event to public observation to discuss security-related matters.
The NRC identified 14 apparent violations of NRC requirements during inspections conducted Oct. 26-28, 2021, at the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency’s facility in Falls Church, Virginia; and Sept. 27-30 and Oct. 22, 2021, at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These inspections reviewed activities authorized under the Department of the Air Force’s Master Materials License.
The apparent violations being considered for escalated enforcement involved: four failures related to the implementation of the Master Materials License; seven failures related to the environmental use of thorium-232 source material at Kirtland Air Force Base; and three failures related to NRC’s security requirements.
During this conference, Air Force officials will have the opportunity to provide their perspective or additional information regarding the apparent violations before the agency makes its final enforcement decision. Air Force officials will also discuss corrective actions taken and planned to address the issues and prevent recurrence.
No decisions will be made during the meeting. The NRC will review the information and finalize its determination in approximately 60 days following the conference, which will be publicly available.
22-010-iv.pdf
22-010-iv.pdf
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