Successful completion of their five-year period of enhanced administrative protocols
- Edited by Linton Levy -
U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) has released the following statement after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) announcement that FirstEnergy Nuclear Operation Company’s (FENOC) Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant will now return to their normal schedule of NRC oversight and inspections:
“I would like to congratulate FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company on their successful completion of their five-year period of enhanced administrative protocols required by the NRC as a result of their 2002 reactor vessel head incident. FENOC’s commitment to an increased safety regime was evident as several independent audit teams found FENOC’s actions acceptable to support continued safe facility operation. I am glad to see that the Davis-Besse power plant will continue to provide the safe, emissions-free nuclear power Ohioans have come to rely upon.
The NRC has exhibited consummate professionalism and dedication to public safety throughout this process and they have taken several steps to prevent similar events from occurring throughout the country. I believe the nuclear industry is safer today due to their actions. A well-managed NRC is essential to promoting the Nuclear Renaissance in the United States, and I will continue to lead my colleagues in the Senate to ensure the NRC has the resources it needs.”
As a result of the Davis-Besse incident, the NRC has instituted several new, stricter requirements for inspections to ensure material damage that could result in leaks will be detected and repaired well before there is any affect on overall plant safety. Additionally, the NRC has implemented new inspector training programs and web-based tools that promote communication, the sharing of lessons learned and trend identification.
As both Chairman and Ranking Member on the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee over the last eight years, Senator Voinovich has had oversight responsibility of the NRC, and has worked hard to ensure the NRC has the resources to fulfill their role in ensuring public safety.
Sen. Voinovich continues to believe that nuclear power is the only real alternative we have today to produce enough low-cost, reliable, and clean energy to remove harmful pollutants from the air, prevent the harmful effects of global climate change and keep good jobs from going overseas. At a time when we are struggling to regain our economic footing, Ohio’s manufacturing industry has an incredible opportunity when it comes to nuclear energy. Nuclear energy offers thousands of well-paying jobs in all stages of development and production.