Nuclear mattersNRC inspects Nebraska reactor radiation exposure
On 3 April, workers at the Cooper Nuclear Station, located near Brownville, Nebraska removed a long tube contaminated with highly radioactive material through the bottom of the reactor vessel, rather than through the top as is usually done, triggering radiation alarms; the NRC is investigating
Brownsville, Nebraska's Cooper nuclear plant // Source: mywausanews.com
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has begun a special inspection at the Cooper Nuclear Station, located near Brownville, Nebraska, to review the circumstances surrounding a maintenance procedure that led to unplanned radiation exposures to three workers. The plant is operated by the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD).
Inspectors, who began their work Monday, will look at the circumstances and decision-making by NPPD officials that led to the exposures, review the licensee’s response to the event, calculate the exposures the workers received, and review corrective actions taken to prevent a recurrence.
The incident occurred on 3 April, when workers removed a long tube contaminated with highly radioactive material through the bottom of the reactor vessel, rather than through the top as is usually done, triggering radiation alarms. The workers set the tube down and immediately left the area. The licensee does not believe the workers received radiation exposures in excess of NRC limits.
“We want to understand why normal work practices were not followed, resulting in unplanned radiation exposures to three workers,” said Region IV Administrator Elmo E. Collins. “We want to take a look at the decision-making that contributed to this event.”
The team consisting of two NRC inspectors, began work Monday and will probably spend several days at the plant.
They will write an inspection report on their findings within 45 days of the end of the inspection that will be made publicly available.
