NRC to host conference with Entergy over Pilgrim nuclear plant

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced that it will be holding a conference with Entergy regarding an apparent violation at the Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on July 8.

During a special inspection of the facility -- following a shutdown induced by a winter storm in January of this year -- a complication arose when safety release valves failed to open properly. At that time, inspectors determined that this could have been avoided during a regular shutdown of the plant that took place on Feb. 9, 2013. As a result of this the plant has received a white marker that indicates a low to moderate issue relating to safe operations.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. ET at the NRC's Region I Office located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and the conference is open to members of the public. A telecast with slides will be available to those who are unable to attend in person. Following the discussion with the company, the NRC officials will be able to answer questions.

The conference allows the company a chance to clarify issue raised in the report; no final decision will be made at the conference. Enforcement action, if any, will be determined by NRC officials at a later time.