NRC to host Iowa forum on Duane Arnold plant's safety review

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding an open house on April 16 to discuss its annual safety-performance review of the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Palo, Iowa.

The public meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at the Hiawatha Community Center, 101 Emmons St., in Hiawatha, Iowa. Meeting attendees can discuss the plant’s 2014 performance and the agency’s oversight of the facility with NRC staff members. Additionally, the public will be able to observe the meeting between the NRC and plant officials, as well as participate in the question-and-comment period that follows.

“NRC inspectors spend a significant amount of time monitoring a wide range of plant activities to ensure the plant operates safely. Our hands-on approach is a key factor in protecting the public and environment,” NRC Region III Administrator Cynthia Pederson said. “We hold public meetings near the plant every year to make our inspectors available and accessible to answer questions and have open discussions about NRC oversight with those who live near the plant.”

In 2014, the Duane Arnold plant operated safely overall, with all performance indicators rated "green," or of low safety significance, though the unit was under enhanced oversight for the first half of 2014 due to two low-to-moderate findings in 2013.

The annual assessment letter is available on the NRC website: NRC.gov.