Karl Herchenroeder
RW Monitor
11/6/2015
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission last week completed its quarterly inspection at Entergy’s shuttered Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant without identifying any “findings of safety significance.”
Entergy shut the plant down at the end of 2014 after 42 years in operation and is now preparing the facility for SAFSTOR. NRC conducted on-site inspections from July 20-23 and Sept. 14-17, which also included in-office reviews. Inspections featured inspector observations, interviews with personnel, and a review of procedures and records. Results of the inspection were discussed with plant manager Mike Romeo and other staff on Oct. 5.
According to the NRC report, the inspectors observed chemistry technicians collect, prepare, and analyze spent fuel pool water samples; radiation protection technicians performing routine radiological inspections; and RP technicians performing source checks of instrumentation. The NRC officials also toured the calibration lab and observed a demonstration of instrument calibration. The inspectors reviewed radiation work permits, as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) committee meeting minutes, ALARA reports, and procedures associated with occupational exposure.
Inspectors found that site survey records were clear and complete, according to the report. The NRC officials also determined that dose assessments were being performed in accordance with plant procedures and that ALARA dose reports indicate Entergy is meeting occupational dose projections for the year.
Placing Vermont Yankee into SAFSTOR means the reactor could sit for six decades before the completion of active decommissioning. However, Entergy and Vermont officials have agreed to tear down the facility when the trust fund has accrued the $1.24 billion required for cleanup, which could occur sometime in the 2030s or 2040s.
The NRC this week received a petition from the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, state Public Service Department, and two utilities (including the prior owner of the Vermont Yankee plant) requesting a “comprehensive” agency review to ensure the site decommissioning fund is not used for other, unallowed purposes.
“This trust fund is for cleaning up the Vermont Yankee site,” state Attorney General William Sorrell said in a press release. “We think the NRC needs to hold Entergy to that promise. The NRC should look at withdrawals from the fund holistically and with public participation in the decision-making process. This trust fund must be protected to ensure the site is cleaned up.”
