IR 05000293/2025003
| ML25365A288 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Pilgrim |
| Issue date: | 01/20/2026 |
| From: | Eve E NRC Region 1 |
| To: | Trice K Holtec Decommissioning International |
| References | |
| IR 2025003, IR 2025004 | |
| Download: ML25365A288 (0) | |
Text
January 20, 2026
SUBJECT:
HOLTEC DECOMMISSIONING INTERNATIONAL, LLC, PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION - NRC INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000293/2025003 &
Dear Kelly Trice:
On December 31, 2025, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at the permanently shut-down Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS). The results of the inspection were discussed with David Noyes, Site Vice President, and other members of your staff on January 15, 2026, and are described in the enclosed inspection report.
No violations of more than minor significance were identified during this inspection.
This letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be made available for public inspection and copying at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html and at the NRC Public Document Room in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for Withholding.
Sincerely, Elise Eve, Acting Chief Decommissioning, ISFSI, and Reactor Health Physics Branch Division of Radiological Safety and Security
Docket No.
05000293 License No.
cc w/encl: Distribution via ListServ
Enclosure:
Inspection Report Nos.
& 05000293/2025004 ELISE EVE Digitally signed by ELISE EVE Date: 2026.01.20 07:54:32 -05'00'
SUBJECT:
HOLTEC DECOMMISSIONING INTERNATIONAL, LLC, PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION - NRC INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000293/2025003 &
05000293/2025004 DATED JANUARY 20, 2026
Distribution:
MFerdas, DRSS EEve, DRSS BBickett, DRSS ATaverna, DRSS BEdwards, DRSS R1ORAMAIL RESOURCE
ADAMS A
Inspection Report
Docket No.
05000293
License No.
Report Nos.
05000293/2025003 & 05000293/2025004
Enterprise Identifier:
I-2025-003-0068
Licensee:
Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC (HDI)
Facility:
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS)
Location:
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Inspection Dates:
July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025
Inspectors:
A. Taverna, Health Physicist
Decommissioning, ISFSI, and Reactor Health Physics Branch
Division of Radiological Safety and Security
B. Edwards, Health Physicist
Decommissioning, ISFSI, and Reactor Health Physics Branch
Division of Radiological Safety and Security
Approved By:
Elise Eve, Acting Chief
Decommissioning, ISFSI, and Reactor Health Physics Branch
Division of Radiological Safety and Security
SUMMARY
A routine announced decommissioning inspection was completed on December 31, 2025, at the
permanently shut-down Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS). The inspection included a
review of fire protection program, decommissioning implementation and status,
decommissioning occupational radiation control, decommissioning radioactive waste treatment,
and effluent and environmental monitoring, and decommissioning solid waste management,
demolition and transportation of radioactive materials. The inspection consisted of observations
by the inspectors, interviews with site personnel, a review of procedures and records, and site
walk downs. The NRCs program for overseeing the safe decommissioning of a permanently
shut-down nuclear power reactor is described in Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 2561,
Decommissioning Power Reactor Inspection Program.
List of Violations
No violations of more than minor significance were identified.
Additional Tracking Items
None.
SITE STATUS
PNPS is currently inspected under Category 3, Decommissioning (DECON), No Fuel in the
Spent Fuel Pool as described in IMC 2561. The inspectors noted that during this inspection
period, PNPS completed cutting of the in-core monitoring housing (ICMH) tubes within the
reactor vessel to prepare for drain down of the vessel into the torus. The site completed drain
down of the reactor vessel into the torus on December 11, 2025.
INSPECTION SCOPES
The inspection was conducted using the appropriate portions of the inspection procedures (IPs).
Currently approved IPs are located on the public website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-
collections/insp-manual/inspection-procedure/index.html. The inspectors reviewed select
procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel to assess licensee
performance and compliance with Commission rules and regulations, license conditions, site
procedures, and standards. The inspectors performed on-site decommissioning inspection
activities on September 8 - 11 and December 8 - 11, 2025.
IP 64704 - Decommissioning Fire Protection Program
Fire Protection Program (IP Section 3.01)
The inspector discussed changes to the Fire Hazards Analysis with the sites Fire Protection
Program Engineering Supervisor. Additionally, the inspector discussed fire barriers, evaluations
of combustible loads, and dry well fire protection.
Fire Area Walkdown and Work Observations (IP Section 3.02)
The inspectors conducted walkdowns or observations to verify combustible material controls
and fire protection features per program requirements in the following fire areas:
Radwaste building -1 and -13 elevations
Reactor building 51, 74, and 117 elevations
Control room & chem lab 37 elevation
Cable spreading room (CSR) 23 elevation
Offgas building
Retube building
Radwaste truck lock
Machine shop
Fire Hydrant FH-3
Fire Department Connection (FDC)
The inspectors reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding between Plymouth Fire
Department and Pilgrim and incipient fire brigade training.
Verification of the Fire Protection Systems and Equipment (IP Section 3.03)
The inspectors reviewed implementation of selected aspects of fire protection features to
determine whether they were effectively maintained, surveillances were performed, and capable
of performing their intended function:
Self-assessment (internal audit) of Pilgrim that included fire protection, 2025-I-04
August Wet and Dry Pipe Sprinkler Alarm Test, 50079905-01-01-35
Fire Extinguisher Annual Check, 50079864-99-03
October & November Fire Extinguisher Quick Check Monthly Inspection, 50079833-02-
44; 50079833-02-45
Fire Door Assembly Surveillance, 50078252-01-13
High Radiation Fire Damper Inspection, 50079468-01
Interior Water Supply Loop Isolation Valves/Shutoff Valves Inspection, 50078260-01-02
Fire Water Supply Shutoff Valve Inspection, 50078214-01-01-227
IP 71801 - Decommissioning Implementation and Status
Status of Decommissioning (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors observed licensee meetings and inspection discussions to assess
decommissioning status and conduct, including:
Daily RP/Chem Meeting
119 level reactor building briefing
Refocus briefing
Vessel drain down briefings
Issue Report (IR) Screening and Management Review Committee (MRC) meeting
Discussion on vessel drain down
Schedule review meeting
Design Changes, Tests, Experiments, and Modifications (IP Section 03.02a)
The inspectors reviewed a sample of evaluations and design changes:
EC PNP-2025-014, Relocation of AVANTech filtering system to the spent fuel pool
(SFP)
EC PNP-2025-015, Confirm acceptability to store loaded cassettes in the SFP
EC PNP-2025-023. Replacement of pen recorder
EC PNP-2025-005, Original Reactor Building Ventilation (RBV) abandonment and use
new flow instrumentation.
Problem Identification and Resolution (IP Section 03.02b)
The inspectors reviewed a sample of condition reports initiated between July 1, 2025, through
December 31, 2025, to assess whether the licensee was appropriately identifying, evaluating,
and correcting issues commensurate with their safety significance. Specifically, the inspectors
reviewed condition reports associated with fire protection, radiation waste storage, radiation
protection, and radioactive waste treatment, and effluent and environmental monitoring.
The inspectors met with the Employee Concerns Program manager to discuss and understand
the state of safety culture for the site and the sites process for addressing employee concerns.
IP 83750 - Decommissioning Occupational Radiation Control
Radiological Work Planning and Execution (IP Section 3.01)
The inspectors the following:
Radiological work permits (RWP) for reactor vessel draining, drywell valve
manipulations, fixative coating to reactor vessel internals, support activities, underwater
vacuuming of ICMH with filter handling, entry to reactor cavity bulkhead, locked high
radiation (LHRA) waste/equipment handling, bottom head drain line flush, and bottom
head/shroud shelf vacuuming (RWP 2025-255, -149, -148).
As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) plans for RWP 2025-255, -149, and -148.
In-Progress Reviews for ICMH work activities, EN-RP-105
Reactor Vessel Bottom Head Drain Flow Path Verification and Complete Vessel Drain
Down instructions.
Air sample and surveys prior to drain down, 2025-0318 and 2025-0654. Post vessel
drain down surveys: 2025-098, 2025-0994, 2025-0995, 2025-0996, and 2025-0997.
The inspectors attended pre-job/RP briefings, reviewed radiological surveys, and observed
activities including RP coverage regarding ICMH cutting, cavity entry, torus filter replacement,
and vessel drain down activities. The inspector entered the dry well 23 for additional walk
downs.
Occupational Radiation Exposure Topical Areas (IP Section 3.02)
The inspectors reviewed the following:
Whole body count (WBC) analysis report and daily source check, and 2024 Fastscan
WBC calibration report and calibration certification reference sheet.
Personnel contamination monitoring event log, NISP-RP-006 Revision 1
Whole Body Counting/In-Vitro Bioassay procedure, P-EN-RP-208 Revision 11
DLR/Electronic Dosimetry Discrepancy Reports and DLR/ED Discrepancies requiring
evaluation 25-060, PNPS 6.1-222.
Issue and Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment procedure, P-EN-RP-503 Revision
10 and personnel respirator qualification cards.
Respiratory Protection Program, P-EN-RP-501 Revision 10
Self-assessment (internal audit) of Pilgrim that includes radiation protection, 2025-I-04
The inspectors conducted walk down of the storage location for personnel dosimeters and the
source calibrator for the electronic dosimeters. Inspectors accompanied RP personnel set up
process for RDS units in the calibration lab and observed replacement of RDS units in the Legio
Land B/C storage area. Additionally, the inspectors observed WBC source and functional
checks.
The inspectors had discussions with RP management regarding worker dose, WBC calibration,
and upcoming plans for the condenser bay abatement work.
IP 84750 - Decommissioning Radioactive Waste Treatment, and Effluent and Environmental
Monitoring
Changes in the Offsite Dose Calculations Manual (ODCM), Process Control Program (PCP),
and Radwaste System Design and Operation (IP Section 3.01)
Inspectors reviewed the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM), PNPS-ODCM Revision 19 to
determine changes made were justified and incorporated. Inspectors had discussions with RP
management and Environmental/Chemistry management about the status of the Radiological
Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP) and associated IRs.
The inspectors conducted walk downs of ventilation and discharge systems to verify current
configurations were consistent with site ODCM requirements and procedures.
Annual Effluent and Environmental Reports (IP Section 03.02)
The inspectors verified the annual Radiological Effluent Release Report and Radiological
Environmental Operating Report were submitted as required and reported doses were below
regulatory requirements.
Implementation of the Radiological, Effluent, and Groundwater Protection Initiative Programs (IP
Section 03.03)
The inspectors reviewed the following:
Vendor lab quality assurance program reports and National Voluntary Laboratory
Accreditation Program (NVLAP) certification.
Defueled Safety Analysis Report (DSAR) on radioactive waste management
Environmental sampling results including groundwater
Environmental monitoring equipment and calibration certificates
Ventilation and discharge systems
Radioactive Gaseous and Liquid Effluent Treatment (Section 03.03a)
The inspectors performed walkdowns of effluent radiation monitors to ensure adequate material
condition.
Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (Section 03.03b)
Observed sampling locations of different environmental media such as shellfish, water, and
associated procedures:
Surface water at Powder Point Bridge
Discharge canal sample
The inspectors conducted walkdowns of environmental monitoring locations associated with air
sampling and thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) monitoring stations to determine whether
they were located as described in the ODCM and to determine the equipment material
condition:
East Weymouth
Cleft Rock
East Rocky Hill Road
Pedestrian Bridge
Property Line
East Break Water
Groundwater Protection Initiative (IP Section 03.03c)
The inspectors performed walkdowns on a sample of groundwater wells to assess adequate
material condition and location:
MW220
MW212
MW219
MW207
MW217
MW209
MW211
MW217
MW218
MW204
MW205
MW202
MW202I
MW210
MW215
MW211
MW206
MW216
MW213
MW214
MW4r
Inspection Procedure 86750 - Decommissioning Solid Radioactive Waste Management,
Demolition and Transportation of Radioactive Materials
Radioactive Material Storage, Control, and Processing (IP Section 3.01)
The inspectors reviewed sealed source leak test and inventory including a disposal acceptance
letter that contains sources that were shipped for disposal.
Additionally, the inspector conducted walkdowns of sealed source locations to determine if they
were accounted for and were intact. The inspectors also had discussions with site management
and rad waste management regarding status of the sites Part 37 materials security for any
changes since last inspection.
Transportation of Radioactive Materials (IP Section 3.02)
The inspectors reviewed the following:
Shipping manifest: 25-136
Scaling Factors, P-EN-RW-104 Revision 15 and Process Control Program, P-EN-RW-
105 Revision 7 to review the sites approach to sampling waste streams, processing,
classification and packaging low-level solid radioactive waste in accordance with NRC
regulations.
Additionally, inspectors discussed with HDI and WCS personnel regarding the sites process for
source term characterization and scaling factors, and packaging of past waste shipments for the
cattle chute and HiDOT 35 PSS Table.
Demolition and Disposition Radiologically Impacted Structures (IP Section 3.03)
Inspectors reviewed Radiological engineering evaluation on open-air demolition, PNPS 6.1-222,21-052 Revision 2, to review sites approach for demolition and disposition of impacted
structures.
Inspection Procedure 92702 - Follow-up on Traditional Enforcement Actions Including
Violations, Deviations, Confirmatory Action Letters, and Orders
Inspectors reviewed licensee response and corrective actions associated with Notice of
Violation, EA-24-105.
The inspectors determined that the licensee has taken proper corrective actions in response to
the violation(s) as presented in the Holtec Response to Apparent Violation(s) in NRC Inspection
Report 072001044/2024402; EA-24-105 and associated corrective action plan.
INSPECTION RESULTS
No violations of more than minor significance were identified.
EXIT MEETING/DEBRIEFS
On January 15, 2026, the inspectors presented the inspection results to David Noyes, Site Vice
President, and other members of the HDI staff. No proprietary information was retained by the
inspectors or documented in this report.