Nuclear Power Plant to Undergo Safety Audits

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will send a team to Seabrook Station nuclear power plant later this month to audit the facility's seismic walkdowns, or visual inspections, as a part of assessments required in the wake of the Fukushima, Japan, meltdown.

NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan issued the following statement about the team of inspectors, which will evaluate Seabrook Station from July 30 to Aug. 1:

"The team will verify that the seismic walkdowns were properly carried out by NextEra. The company submitted a report to the NRC on its walkdowns at Seabrook last year.

"Seabrook is one of eight plants nationwide to undergo such seismic walkdown audits. The NRC inspectors will be reviewing on-site walkdown guidance, procedures and documents; asking clarifying questions of the plant staff involved with the evaluations; and walking down appropriate structures, systems and components, as necessary.

"A report summarizing the results will be issued within about 90 days after the audit."

More information about the audits can be found on the NRC's website.