NRC to Duke: Let’s talk in Atlanta

Nuclear Regulatory Commission has announced plans for a meeting with Duke Energy to talk about what the government watchdog regards as an apparent violation last year in Unit One at Oconee Nuclear Station. The conference is being arranged Thursday, July 31 at the NRC’s regional offices in Atlanta and apparently is a step in the process in whether Duke will be penalized. According to the NRC, the topic will be that “Greater than Green” finding for a missed crack in a pressure boundary weld. The violation in question resulted from a crack in a weld, which Duke personnel found and self-reported. That crack led to what the company called a small leak and the temporary shut down last November of Unit One. The July 31 meeting is considered a Category 1 meeting—which means the public is invited to observe and have one or more chances to communicate with NRC staff after the business portion and before the meeting is adjourned.