NRC names new resident inspector at Millstone Nuclear Power Plant

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said late last week that it has named Christopher Highley a new resident inspector at Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in Waterford, Connecticut.

“Chris Highley has the experience, training and commitment to safety that will help the NRC in carrying out its mission of protecting people and the environment, and ensuring the safe operation of the Millstone units," NRC Region I Administrator Dan Dorman said.

Highley has worked with the NRC since November 2014, starting out as a project engineer. Prior to joining the commission, Highley served for 25 years as a nuclear surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy. Highley earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with minors in math and physics from the University of Arizona.

All nuclear reactors in the U.S. are assigned a minimum of two resident inspectors, who are responsible for all inspection and monitoring activities. Inspectors also act as liaisons between the facility's management, staff, NRC officials and the public.

Highley joins fellow Resident Inspector Louis McKown and Senior Resident Inspector Jo Ambrosini at the facility.

The Millstone plant has three nuclear reactors, one of which is in the decommissioning process. The other two units can generate approximately 2,080 megawatts of electricity.