Investigators are being sent to the plant to investigate equipment safety concerns
– By Thomas Cheplick –
The Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station's decision to shutdown on July 12th because of a severe thunderstorm has drawn the attention of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The Commission has launched a special investigation into the emergency shutdown, sending four inspectors to Lacey Township in New Jersey to review the plant's decision to temporarily shutdown.
Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station is America's oldest nuclear power plant, and provides the state of New Jersey with about nine percent of its electricity.
The Oyster Creek shutdown occurred not because the plant was knocked offline by the thunderstorm, but because of safety precautions.
Samuel J. Collins, a Nuclear Regulatory Commission regional administrator, says the inspection is happening, because during the shutdown, equipment safety issues emerged.
There was apparently an electrical component failing, an emergency diesel generator not starting quick enough, and problems with an isolation condenser.
"While the plant was safely removed from service during the event, several equipment issues arose during the shutdown that we believe bear closer examination. Through this special inspection, we intend to gain a better understanding of these issues, including the actions taken by plant operators in response," Collins said.
Oyster Creek spokesman, David Benson, agrees that the backup generators did not start quick enough but notes that the generators have been repaired.
"We are not satisfied with the performance of one of the two diesel generators. Our expectation is for the generator to start up in seven seconds. This generator took 80 seconds," Benson said.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be issuing its findings of the investigation within 45 days.
The Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station was recently in the news for winning a 20-year-extension of its operating permit.