Press Release-II-21-020, NRC Launches Special Inspection at Vogtle Unit 3

Press Release-II-21-020: NRC Launches Special Inspection at Vogtle Unit 3

ML21183A139
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	06/21/2021
From:	Office of Public Affairs Region II
To:
Category:Press Release
References
Press Release-II-21-020
Download: ML21183A139 (1)

Text

No: II-21-020 June 21, 2021

Contact:

Dave Gasperson, 404-997-4417 NRC Launches Special Inspection at Vogtle Unit 3 The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has launched a special inspection at the Vogtle nuclear power plant to identify what has led to construction remediation work for the electrical cable raceway system at Unit 3. The plant is located in Waynesboro, Georgia, and is operated by Southern Nuclear Operating Co. Units 3 and 4 at the site are currently under construction.

The NRC inspection team will focus on the electrical cable raceway system, consisting primarily of conduits and cable trays designed to route and support the cables needed to ensure safety-related equipment is powered to perform its safety functions. Electrical cable raceway systems for commercial nuclear power plants are routed and designed to prevent a single event from disabling redundant safety-related equipment.

During the inspection, the NRC will review Southern Nuclears actions following the discovery that led to construction remediation work, including a review of their root cause investigation, corrective actions, construction quality assurance process, and any potential implications for Unit 4.

The inspection expands on the routine baseline inspection program performed by inspectors from the NRCs Region II office, headquarters, and the Vogtle 3 and 4 onsite resident inspector office.

Southern Nuclear began hot functional testing for Unit 3 in April to ensure reactor components and safety systems perform as designed and to confirm the reactor is ready for nuclear fuel load. With no nuclear fuel in the reactor, there is no increased risk to the public as Southern Nuclear conducts these tests or performs remediation work on the electrical cable raceway system.

The NRC will not authorize the licensee to load fuel and operate Vogtle Unit 3 until construction is complete and they have satisfied the standards identified in their combined license. The inspection team will document its findings and conclusions in a public report to be issued within 45 days of the end of the review. Construction inspection reports for Vogtle Units 3 and 4 can be found here.