ML14184B276
| ML14184B276 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Cook  |
| Issue date: | 07/03/2014 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs Region II |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Press Release No. III-14-024 | |
| Download: ML14184B276 (2) | |
Text
No: III-14-024 July 3, 2014 CONTACT: Viktoria Mitlyng 630-829-9662 Prema Chandrathil 630-829-9663 NRC Schedules Public Meeting July 8 to Discuss Performance of D.C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff will hold a public meeting on July 8, to discuss the agencys annual assessment of safety performance for the D.C. Cook nuclear power plant. The two-unit plant is operated by Indiana Michigan Power Co., and is located in Bridgman, Mich., approximately 13 miles south of Benton Harbor.
The meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at the Lake Charter Township Hall, 3220 Shawnee Road, in Bridgman. The NRC will present its assessment of the plants 2013 performance, talk about agency activities, and be available to respond to questions or comments from the public.
NRC inspectors spend a significant amount of time monitoring a wide range of plant activities to ensure the plant operates safely. Our hands-on approach is a key factor in protecting the public and environment, said NRC Region III Administrator Cynthia D. Pederson. We hold public meetings near the plant every year to make our inspectors available and accessible to answer questions and have open discussions about NRC oversight with those who live near the plant.
The annual assessment letter sent from the NRC Region III office to the company addresses the performance of the plant during 2013 and will serve as the basis for the discussion.
Overall, the D.C. Cook facility operated safely in 2013. All performance indicators and inspection findings for D.C. Cook were green and both units remained in Column 1 of the action matrix.
As a result, D.C. Cook Unit 1 and Unit 2 will continue to receive the NRCs normal level of oversight during 2014.
The NRC uses color-coded inspection findings and performance indicators to assess nuclear plant performance. The colors start with green and then increase to white, yellow, or red, commensurate with the safety significance of the issues involved. Performance indicators are statistical measurements of plant and equipment performance. The NRCs action matrix reflects overall plant performance and agency response. There are five columns in the matrix with Column 1 requiring a baseline level of inspections. A move to the other columns results in an increased level of NRC oversight and inspections.
Inspections are performed by two NRC Resident Inspectors assigned to the plant, inspection specialists from the Region III Office in Lisle, Ill., and specialists from the agencys headquarters in
Page l 2 Rockville, Md. Among the areas of performance to be inspected this year by NRC inspectors are activities associated with radiological safety, equipment designs, and emergency preparedness.
The most current performance information for D.C. Cook Unit 1 and Unit 2 is available on the NRC website.