Problems plague startup of Palo Verde nukes: NRC proposes fines for QA deficiencies, records falsification
Defective coolant pump design in unit one and a failure to get adequate rate relief from the Arizona Corporation Commission to cover the 16% cost overruns are delaying commercial operation at Phoenix's Palo Verde nuclear plant. Arizona Public Service (APS) Company's deteriorating financial situation caused the utility to scrap a program to credit customers who purchase energy-saving devices and threatens more extreme action. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission fined APS for alleged quality assurance (QA) violations following a construction appraisal inspection at unit one and reports of falsified installation records. APS argues that its own inspectors would have found the missing bolts and the caps installed on pressure-sensing lines, but concedes the QA lapses. The company challenges NRC's report of a possible 150 falsifications, and concedes only one. The NRC imposes a $40,000 fine on each violation. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 5227862
- Journal Information:
- Electr. Light Power; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Light Power; (United States) Vol. 63:1; ISSN ELLPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ARIZONA
BUILDINGS
CONTAINMENT
CONTAINMENT BUILDINGS
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
FEDERAL REGION IX
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
OPERATION
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QUALITY ASSURANCE
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REACTOR START-UP
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