NRC to hold open house on Columbia nuclear plant safety review

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said on Thursday that it will hold an open-house discussion on July 21 in Richland, Washington, on the agency's annual safety-performance review of the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant.

The plant's performance will be discussed, and interested community members will be able to ask NRC staff questions.

“By assessing each plant’s performance in a comprehensive manner, we are able to focus our inspection resources on those areas most in need of attention,” NRC Region IV Administrator Marc Dapas said.

“Because Columbia Generating Station did not have any safety or security issues rising above very low significance in 2014, we are not currently planning any inspections above and beyond our normal reviews.”

NRC staff members will be available 5-7 p.m. at the Richland Public Library Gallery on Northgate Drive. There are no formal presentations planned during this time frame, as the plant did not have any issues relating to performance, security or safety that would need further discussion. Attendees will be able to gain information regarding the plant's performance, as well as assessment and oversight plans for the rest of 2015. Both resident inspectors for the plant will be available to answer questions at the open house.