Wppss Faces $100,000 Fine For Five Violations

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed a $100,000 fine Wednesday for five violations at the Northwest’s only commercial nuclear power plant.

The violations were identified during a special inspection last summer at the Washington Public Power Supply System Plant No. 2 near Richland.

They occurred as the plant returned to power generation from its routine closure to refuel.

The failures involved improperly taking restart steps and failure to conduct required tests.

Callan said the utility has taken corrective actions, which he called “a sign of improved performance on the part of the Supply System.”

But he noted the violations were similar to those noted in August 1995 when the NRC fined the Supply System $50,000.

The utility has 30 days to respond, and must either pay the fine or protest.