IR 05000255/2025005
| ML25357A093 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Palisades  |
| Issue date: | 12/23/2025 |
| From: | April Nguyen NRC/RGN-III/DORS |
| To: | Mlynarek M Palisades Energy |
| References | |
| IR 2025005 | |
| Download: ML25357A093 (0) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
PALISADES NUCLEAR PLANT - RESTART INSPECTION REPORT 05000255/2025005
Dear Mr. Michael Mlynarek:
On October 31, 2025, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at the Palisades Nuclear Plant. The enclosed inspection report documents the inspection results, which the inspectors discussed on December 10, 2025, with yourself and other members of your staff.
Due to the temporary cessation of government operations, which commenced on October 01, 2025, the NRC began operating under its Office of Management and Budget-approved plan for operations during a lapse in appropriations. Consistent with that plan, the NRC operated at reduced staffing levels throughout the duration of the shutdown. However, the NRC continued to perform critical health and safety functions and make progress on other high-priority activities associated with the ADVANCE Act and Executive Order 14300.
On November 13, 2025, following the passage of a continuing resolution, the NRC resumed normal operations. However, due to the 43-day lapse in normal operations, the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation granted the Regional Offices an extension on the issuance of the calendar year 2025 inspection reports that should have been issued by November 13, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The NRC resumed the routine cycle of issuing inspection reports on November 13, 2025.
One finding of very low safety significance (Green) is documented in this report. This finding involved a violation of NRC requirements and was determined to be Severity Level IV. We are treating this violation as a non-cited violation (NCV) consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy.
A licensee-identified violation which was determined to be of very low safety significance is documented in this report. We are treating this violation as an NCV consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy.
December 23, 2025 If you contest the violations or the significance or severity of the violations documented in this inspection report, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001; with copies to the Regional Administrator, Region III; the Director, Office of Enforcement; and the NRC Resident Inspector at Palisades Nuclear Plant.
On June 13, 2022, Palisades ceased permanent power operations and subsequently removed all fuel from the reactor, as detailed in the letter from Entergy to the NRC, Certifications of Permanent Cessation of Power Operations and Permanent Removal of Fuel from the Reactor Vessel, (ADAMS Accession No. ML22164A067). On September 28, 2023, Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC (Holtec) submitted a letter to the NRC requesting exemptions from certain portions of the requirements of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.82(a)(2) to pursue the potential reauthorization of power operations at Palisades (ADAMS Accession No. ML23271A140).
On July 24, 2025, the NRC approved an exemption from the requirements of 10 CFR 50.82(a)(2), as detailed in the letter, Palisades Nuclear Plant - Exemption from the Requirements of 10 CFR 50.82(a)(2) Concerning the Prohibition to Operate and Emplace Fuel in the Reactor Vessel, (ADAMS Accession No. ML25163A182) and a set of licensing actions supporting reauthorization of Palisades Nuclear Plant. On August 25, 2025, Palisades notified the NRC that they rescinded their 10 CFR 50.82(a)(1) certification, which removed the prohibition on operation and emplacement of fuel in the reactor (ADAMS Accession No. ML25237A317). Palisades also implemented the set of licensing actions to support reimplementation of their operational licensing basis.
On August 25, 2025, the NRC transitioned oversight of Palisades to the Reactor Oversight Process (ROP).
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, April M. Nguyen, Lead Palisades Restart Team Division of Operating Reactor Safety Docket Nos. 05000255 License No. DPR-20 Enclosure:
As stated cc w/ encl: Distribution via LISTSERV Signed by Nguyen, April on 12/23/25