A majority of
U.S. nuclear power plants are operating at the highest
performance levels in the latest mid-cycle assessments from
the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Out of 99 operating commercial reactors in the first half of
2015, 75 fully met all safety and security performance
objectives and were inspected using the
NRC’s baseline inspection program. An additional 21
reactors were assessed as needing to resolve one or two
items of low safety significance with regulatory oversight
that includes additional inspection and follow-up of
corrective actions. These plants are: Clinton; Comanche Peak
1 and 2; Davis-Besse; Diablo Canyon 1 and 2; Dresden 2 and
3; Duane Arnold; Fitzpatrick; Millstone 3; Monticello;
Oyster Creek; Palisades; River Bend; St. Lucie 1; Salem 1;
Susquehanna 1 and 2; and Vogtle 1 and 2. Since the reporting
period ended, Davis-Besse and St. Lucie 1 have resolved
their issues and transitioned to the highest performing
level.
There were no
reactors in the third performance category, but Arkansas
Nuclear One 1 and 2 and Pilgrim were in the fourth
performance category. ANO 1 and 2 were in the category
because of two safety findings of substantial significance.
Pilgrim was placed in this category because of long-standing
performance issues of low-to-moderate safety significance.
Each plant receives either a mid-cycle assessment or annual
assessment letter along with an NRC inspection plan.
Subscribe to
Nuclear Power International magazine