NRC eyeing Millstone after power spike

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is sending a team to the Millstone Power Station in Waterford to investigate an accidental power spike in a reactor on Feb. 12.

The NRC said a reactor operator caused a spike in power that his control room crew failed to prevent from escalating as soon as it should have.

A spokesman said there are enough questions about the spike that the agency wants to take a closer look on Tuesday.

“Even though there was no impact on public health and safety, it is important that we have a complete understanding of this operational event and that Dominion fully assesses the root cause and takes comprehensive actions to prevent recurrence,” said NRC Region I Administrator Bill Dean in a statement.

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The spokesman said the review could lead to in fines or other actions at the Dominion-owned nuclear complex in Waterford.

A company official says the spike occurred when an operator pushed a control button in the wrong direction.

The final report will be issued about 45 days after inspection.

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