Press Release-IV-15-007, NRC Returns Fort Calhoun to Normal Reactor Oversight Program; Public Meeting Scheduled for April 9

Press Release-IV-15-007: NRC Returns Fort Calhoun to Normal Reactor Oversight Program; Public Meeting Scheduled for April 9

ML15090A718
Person / Time
Site:	Fort Calhoun
Issue date:	03/30/2015
From:	Office of Public Affairs Region IV
To:
Category:Press Release
References
Press Release-IV-15-007
Download: ML15090A718 (1)

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No: IV-15-007 March 30, 2015 CONTACT: Victor Dricks 817- 200-1128 Lara Uselding 817-200-1519 NRC Returns Fort Calhoun to Normal Reactor Oversight Program; Public Meeting Scheduled for April 9 The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is returning the Fort Calhoun nuclear plant to the NRCs normal reactor oversight program. The plant, operated by Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), is located 19 miles north of Omaha, Neb.

The NRC increased its oversight following a 2011 refueling outage that was extended due to record flooding, an electrical fire and significant performance issues. Since December 2011, the agency has conducted approximately 60,000 hours0 days <br />0 hours <br />0 weeks <br />0 months <br /> of inspection, assessment and licensing activities. The plant restarted Dec. 18, 2013, after a shutdown of 32 months.

Fort Calhoun Station has operated safely since plant restart, said Region IV Administrator Marc Dapas. In addition, OPPD has made significant improvements to its corrective action program, continues to implement its long-term improvement plan and has effectively addressed the performance deficiencies that resulted in NRCs increased oversight.

Currently, the NRC has reviewed and closed seven of the ten improvement areas in the post-restart Confirmatory Action Letter in which OPPD committed to correct past deficiencies and ensure there is sustained improved performance going forward. The remaining open items include long-term actions such as performing a design basis reconstitution.

Although the plant will be returned to the normal oversight process, NRC staff will continue to perform follow-up inspections to verify that all CAL commitments continue to be met. Fort Calhoun is returning to normal oversight as it currently has no significant safety or security issues.

The letter issued to OPPD outlining the agencys decision can be found here. A public meeting will be held in Omaha on April 9 between the NRC and OPPD to discuss Fort Calhouns efforts to improve performance. The meeting will be at the Thompson Center, 6705 Dodge St., from 6-9 p.m. NRC staff will be available to answer questions from members of the public following that meeting.