NRC chief: Keep improving plant (Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110627/NEWS01/110629720#nrc-chief-keep-improving-plant

Photo: http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=OW&Date=20110627&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=110629720&Ref=AR&Profile=1012&maxw=490&maxh=275
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko, rear, is given a tour of the Nebraska Public Power District's Cooper nuclear power plant near Brownville, Neb., by Dan Goodman, front, assistant operations manager at the plant, Sunday, June 26, 2011. Jaczko checked the measures the utility has taken to protect the plant from the rising waters of the Missouri River.

By Christopher Burbach
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

The nation's top nuclear energy regulator urged Omaha Public Power District employees Monday to continue improving the safety of Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station as Missouri River floodwaters rise.

"In the end this challenge is yours," Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman Gregory Jaczko told about 50 people in a meeting at OPPD headquarters. "It's up to all of you to address these challenges, to address these issues " and ensure the plant's safety.

Jaczko spoke after touring the plant, which before this flood had been directed by regulators to improve its safety features.

"You seem to be preparing yourself to deal with those challenges, and that's good to see," he said.

NRC staff talk daily with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make sure they know what's going on at Fort Calhoun and Cooper nuclear plants, he said.

[leveymg]

1. French General to Troops (1939): Keep improving the Maginot Line

Japanese PM to TEPCO Executives (2010): Keep improving Fukushima-Daiichi.

[enough]

2. There's a tough no-nonsense regulator for you. "That's good to see." (nt)