NRC ISSUES CONFIRMATORY ORDER TO ENTERGY WITH ACTIONS TO IMP

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NRC ISSUES CONFIRMATORY ORDER TO ENTERGY WITH ACTIONS TO IMPROVE QUALITY CONTROL AND EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAMSEntergy Operations, Inc. and Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. have agreed to implement actions to ensure the effectiveness of the quality control programs and safety conscious work environment at 11 nuclear power plants under an agreement with the NRC. This includes Arkansas Nuclear One Units 1 and 2, James Fitzpatrick, Grand Gulf, Indian Point Units 2 and 3, Palisades, Pilgrim, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, and Waterford 3 nuclear power stations. In 2009, NRC received a complaint from an employee, at the River Bend Station in Louisiana, who claimed retaliation after questioning inspection activities that were thought to bepart of the plant’s quality control program. Entergy chose to resolve the matter using the NRC’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process in which a neutral mediator assists parties in reaching an agreement. As a result of the ADR agreement, Entergy agreed to take fleet-wide actions to reinforcethe company’s commitment to a safety conscious work environment (SCWE) and to reorganizethe quality control reporting chain of command. Some of the SCWE actions includestrengthening training for employees and new supervisors concerning reporting of safetyconcerns; and improving the employee concerns programs. Entergy also agreed to conduct a safety culture survey at River Bend. “We are pleased with the outcome of the arbitration process in order to reach a final agreement that protects the public and the environment. The fleet-wide actions being taken bythe licensee and the organizational structural change will complement the licensee’s previousactions,” said Roy Zimmerman Director of the NRC’s Office of Enforcement.Quality control programs are important in ensuring safe plant operations and includeindependent verifications and inspections of maintenance activities and modifications to plant equipment. NRC inspectors confirmed that there were no actual impacts on plant equipment at the Entergy sites.NRC NEWSU.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONOffice of Public Affairs Region IV612 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 400Arlington, TX 76011-4125Telephone: (817) 860-8128Site: www.nrc.govBlog: http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov
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Entergy has initiated additional actions designed to ensure that employees feel free to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. The company undertook several actions relating to its employee concerns program; a program designed to investigate and manage a variety of concerns, including claims of retaliation. Entergy is conducting employee concerns programtraining, reviewing past cases involving any retaliation claims and making improvements to the program’s procedures. Copies of the confirmatory order will be posted on the NRC website. ###