Nrc To Investigate Wppss Reactor

Fri., April 21, 1995

From Staff And Wire Reports

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission next week will begin a special inspection at the state’s only commercial nuclear power plant.

The five-member team will review events that led to two Washington Public Power Supply System employees violating plant procedures during the restart of the No. 2 reactor after an automatic shutdown earlier this month, the NRC said Thursday.

The reactor’s components were not damaged when a control room supervisor opened a valve that was supposed to remain closed because the reactor’s cooling system is pressurized. The incident occurred April 9.

A supervisor and a shift manager were relieved of their duties two days later. WPPSS spokeswoman Mary Ace did not know if there had been a recommendation for additional disciplinary action.

“The supply system is taking this extremely seriously,” Ace said.

It’s too soon to say if the supply system will face fines or other penalties, she said.

The incident occurred only two days after supply system representatives met with the commission in Arlington, Texas, to discuss mishaps involving operation of the control room ventilation system.

On Friday, WPPSS will begin shutting down the reactor for annual refueling and maintenance.

The special inspection begins Monday.

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