Limerick Generating Station
LIMERICK PA – The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has determined that Exelon Nuclear’s Limerick Unit 2 power plant merits “additional scrutiny” because company personnel followed “inadequate procedures” related to the operation of two main feed water system valves earlier this year.
NRC Region I Public Affairs Officer Neil Sheehan, from the agency’s offices in King of Prussia, said Thursday (Dec. 8, 2012) that while its so-called “white” finding about Unit 2 operations was of only low-to-moderate safety significance, actions at the plant created a reactor safety system problem between April 23 and May 23 (2011). A primary containment isolation valve was rendered inoperable, due to the valves failing to fully shut.
“We will perform additional inspections at the plant to ensure that the company fully understands the root causes of the issues and has implemented lasting and meaningful corrective actions,” Sheehan said.
NRC’s final findings on the incident follow a November quarterly inspection report in which the vale problem was initially revealed. At that time, the agency noted, Exelon had the option of either requesting a regulatory conference to discuss the matter with NRC staffers or respond to its criticisms in writing. Thursday’s announcement did not indicate which Exelon chose.
Other coverage:
- NRC adds oversight on one Limerick reactor (Philadelphia Inquirer)
I hope the reactors’ computer systems and controls sensors are being routinely updated as technology progresses. Realizing the age of the plant, the fact is that many of the automated systems should have been replaced and updated.
I would appreciate hearing how much of that kind of effort is taking place and hearing what has actually needed updating.
Consider your cars. Are you still confident in your 1975 model vehicle?
This additional oversight due to a mistake is well warranted, but let’s hear what the operators have to say about their long-term education and fix.