NRC to accelerate earthquake assessment schedule

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced on Tuesday that it will be accelerating its planned earthquake risk analysis at nuclear reactors in the U.S.

According to the commission, a review of updated earthquake hazard information, which was provided by plants in the U.S., indicated that many of them were prepared to complete in-depth analyses.

“Our substantial reviews have shown that fewer reactors than we first thought actually need the in-depth analysis,” Bill Dean, director of the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, said. “This outcome means both the NRC and industry can better focus their seismic expertise to work on the plants most in need of additional analysis. We now expect the first in-depth risk analysis to be completed three months ahead of the original schedule, and the last ones potentially a year ahead of their original deadline.”

The NRC had required that nuclear plants reevaluate their protective measures against seismic activity following the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident that took place in 2011 after a major earthquake.

With submissions that have been received, the NRC concludes that plants are considered to be safe for continued operation as analyses are completed.

The first plants to be analyzed include the Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant in March 2017 and Indian Point Unit 2 and the Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant in June 2017.