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Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Exemption for Point Beach Nuclear Plant Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Point Beach Nuclear Plant, owned and operated by NextEra Energy Point Beach, LLC, has received approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to temporarily waive certain access authorization and fitness-for-duty requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The exemption allows the plant to implement alternative controls to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of personnel performing critical duties. The NRC's decision aims to balance the need to maintain public safety while minimizing disruptions to the plant's operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • NextEra Energy Point Beach, LLC requested an exemption from certain access authorization and fitness-for-duty requirements of 10 CFR 26 and 10 CFR 73.56 due to social distancing measures in effect at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant.
  • The exemption would be in effect for no later than 90 days after the COVID-19 pandemic is ended or by December 31, 2020, whichever occurs first.
  • NextEra estimates the exemption will become necessary by July 31, 2020, but may request emergency processing if a specific case arises that challenges regulatory compliance.
  • The plant has reviewed the NRC's recommended regulation listing and determined that exemptions are required to manage activities during the pandemic.
  • NextEra will develop an exemption policy that outlines when and how exemptions would be invoked and who has authority to approve.
  • The exemption allows the plant to implement alternative controls to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of personnel performing critical duties.

Statistics:

  • 90 days: the maximum duration the exemption would be in effect after the COVID-19 pandemic is ended
  • December 31, 2020: the latest date the exemption would be in effect
  • July 31, 2020: the estimated date the exemption will become necessary
  • 2007: the year the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) published a Pandemic Licensing Plan
  • April 27, 2006: the date of the NRC Pandemic Flu workshop

Sources:

  • Exemption Request for Access Authorization and Fitness for Duty Requirements due to COVID-19 Pandemic, May 21, 2020 (ADAMS Accession No. ML20142A369)
  • Notice of Meeting with NextEra Energy/Florida Power & Light Company Regarding Exemption Requests Regarding Access Authorization and Fitness for Duty Requirements Due to COVID-19, June 3, 2020 (ADAMS Accession No. ML20155K885)

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