nuclear-news

Storage of nuclear fuel wastes the big issue at NRC hearing

“Putting on my Blue Ribbon Commission hat, I wholeheartedly agree that we need nuclear repository sites,” Macfarlane said.

Questions on SONGS, storage of spent nuclear fuel fly at NRC confirmation hearing, Power Engineering, Jun 13, 2012 By Brian Wheeler, senior editor, and Sharryn Dotson, online editor The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on June 13 held a hearing on the nomination for Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko’s replacement, Allison Macfarlane. The committee also addressed the reappointment of Kristine Svinicki to the commission.
NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko on May 21 resigned, a position he held since May 2009, effective upon the confirmation of a successor…..
California Sen. Barbara Boxer said she would not be voting for
Svinicki because of conflicting answers she gave about her work with
Yucca Mountain and because Boxer said Svinicki opposed her request for
a redesign review of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
(SONGS). The 2,200 MW power plant is currently shut down through
August because of wear on tubes found inside the reactors.
“I asked for a review of a license amendment at SONGS, but do you
think we should have had a review?” Boxer said.
“I support a review,” Svinicki said.
Sessions did say that Macfarlane’s background is not the typical
background for an NRC chairman, and a few of the senators questioned
if she would be able to handle managing 4,000 employees at the NRC.
“You are walking into a tough situation,” Boxer said to Macfarlane.
“But, I sense you can bring people together.”
Questions for both nominees covered issues such as the need for a
nuclear waste repository, reports of intimidation from upper
management at NRC and what timetable Macfarlane and Svinicki think
should be followed to implement post-Fukushima safety regulations.
“Will you work to ensure that the schedule is accelerated so nuclear
safety improvements are implemented in five years?” Boxer asked.
“Yes, I will work to implement them in five years even though there
may be some regulatory issues outside of my control,” Svinicki said.
On the subject of a nuclear waste repository, both Macfarlane and
Svinicki said they believe the U.S. needs a permanent site.
“Putting on my Blue Ribbon Commission hat, I wholeheartedly agree that
we need nuclear repository sites,” Macfarlane said.
The concern echoed by almost all of the senators was if Macfarlane
could work with all of the commissioners and staff.
“I will work to ensure that the NRC is a top place to work for all of
its employees,” Macfarlane said.
There is no word on when the voting results will be made public.
http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2012/06/questions-on-songs-storage-of-spent-nuclear-fuel-fly-at-nrc-confirmation-hearing.html

June 14, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized