April 29, 2015

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Via PennEnergy

NRC finalizes security-related inspection finding for Comanche Peak nuclear power plant, resulting in additional oversight

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will increase its level of oversight at the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant following the finalization of a security-related inspection finding classified as "greater than green." Luminant Generation Co. owns the plant, which has two operating reactors and is located near Glen Rose, Texas.

The NRC uses a color-coded assessment system for inspection findings and performance indicators, with colors ranging from green, for very low safety or security significance, to white, yellow or red, connoting high safety or security significance. In the case of security-related inspection findings or performance indicators, the NRC notifies the public when the "greater than green" threshold has been crossed. However, the agency does not provide specifics because of the sensitive nature of the information associated with such findings and indicators.

NRC inspectors identified the finding during a security baseline inspection at the Comanche Peak plant that concluded on January 26, 2015. On April 2, Luminant Generation Company provided the NRC a letter that described the reason for the violation and the corrective actions taken. The finding was documented in an inspection report issued on March 6, 2015.

After considering the information presented by the company, and the information developed during the inspection, the NRC has determined the finding is appropriately characterized as "greater than green."

"The NRC will determine the most appropriate response with respect to inspection and follow-up reviews, based on the significance of the finding," NRC Region IV Administrator Marc Dapas said. "It should be noted that the plant remains secure. Before our inspectors left the site, we ensured that appropriate compensatory measures were implemented."