The degradation was discovered during a below-grade inspection of the accessible portion of the foundation, including the tunnel, a safety structure with vital electric cables that support the cooling system used when the reactor is shut down.
“Our preliminary analysis has been confirmed and reconfirmed by the NRC, and the best and brightest ASR experts across the country who have been on site and continue to look at this issue: ASR is not impacting the safe operation of the plant,” said Alan Griffith, spokesman for plant owner NextEra Energy Seabrook. Griffith noted that the company reported the degradation to the NRC and the public a year before the commission’s inspection report was released. “We’re confident we’re absolutely on the right track with our strategy, which includes comprehensive monitoring and analysis being conducted by outside experts,’’ he said.
The NRC said it found no impact on electric systems, piping, or other components in the underground structure. The concrete walls are performing well beyond design specifications, according to the NRC and the plant’s owner, NextEra Energy Resources. The NRC has concluded that the plant, which generates enough electricity to power more 1 million homes each year, remains safe.
The problem at Seabrook came to light just months after Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis last March heightened public concern about Seabrook’s safety as the facility seeks to extend its operating license. NextEra is hoping to receive approval soon to add another 20 years to its 40-year license, which is set to expire in 2030.
Local politicians are voicing deep concerns about the possible extension of the plant’s license. They are quick to point out that the NRC has conceded that it does not know the scope and severity of the degradation throughout the plant’s entire foundation and note that the commission in November notified other nuclear power plants with similar concrete foundations to be vigilant about this issue.
