Duke Energy to discuss Fire Protection Violation

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will meet with officials from Duke Energy on March 5 to discuss an apparent violation of a license condition on fire protection at its Oconee Nuclear Station power plant in Seneca.   The conference will be held at NRC Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. The agency notified Duke Energy on Jan. 31 that it is considering escalated enforcement action after the power company failed to complete the installation and implementation of the protected service water system at Oconee Nuclear Station by Dec. 31 as part of the final steps of transitioning the plant’s fire protection program to the National Fire Protection Association Standard under NRC regulations.  Oconee Nuclear Station has three pressurized water reactors. Failure to install the protected service water system is a significant regulatory concern to the NRC because proper installation would improve safety and reduce risk at the plant. Duke Energy requested an additional two-year extension for installation, but the NRC rejected that request on Jan. 15. At the conference, Duke Energy officials will have an opportunity to provide their perspective on the apparent violation and any other information they believe NRC officials should take into consideration before making their final enforcement decision.