Nuclear Plant Gets Green Light for Fuel Canister Loading Without Issues
Published Date: 3/10/2025
Notice
Summary
Constellation Energy is getting the green light to load six special fuel canisters at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station starting May 2025. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission reviewed the plan and found no big environmental problems, even though some usual rules won’t be followed exactly. This means the station can safely handle and move spent fuel without delays or extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemption lets plant load six spent-fuel canisters
The NRC is issuing an exemption that allows Constellation Energy to load six 89 multi-purpose canisters (MPC-89) at the Nine Mile Point independent spent fuel storage installation beginning in May 2025, even though certain Certificate of Compliance (CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 3, Revision No. 0) terms will not be met. Approving the exemption lets Constellation manage margin to full core discharge capacity to enable refueling and offloading of reactor fuel and to manage availability of specialized resources and equipment needed for competing fuel-loading activities.
NRC finds no significant environmental or radiological impact
The NRC's environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact (available March 10, 2025) conclude that granting the exemption for the six MPC-89 loading starting in May 2025 would not significantly change releases, public or occupational radiation exposure, or the potential for radiological accidents. The NRC determined an environmental impact statement is not warranted and that there would be no significant environmental impacts from the proposed action.
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