Nuclear Plant Wants Sleeves, Not Plugs, for Faulty Tubes
Published Date: 4/15/2025
Notice
Summary
Holtec Palisades, LLC wants to fix broken steam generator tubes at the Palisades Nuclear Plant using special metal sleeves instead of plugging them. This change could help the plant restart power operations safely and efficiently. The public can comment by May 15, 2025, and request hearings by June 16, 2025, as the NRC reviews this important update.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow sleeve repairs instead of plugging
The license amendment request would let Palisades use Framatome Alloy 690 sleeves to repair defective steam generator tubes instead of removing tubes from service by plugging. This change is intended to support the return to service of the steam generators as part of the potential resumption of power operations at the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Van Buren County, Michigan.
NRC staff proposes no-hazards finding
The NRC staff reviewed the licensee's analysis and proposes to determine the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration under 10 CFR 50.92. The licensee's analysis states the Framatome Alloy 690 repair sleeves meet ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code criteria, preserve safety factors, and would not significantly increase accident probability, create new accident types, or reduce safety margins.
NRC may expedite amendment issuance
The NRC may issue the amendment before the normal 60-day notice period if it concludes the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. The Commission also may issue the amendment prior to the 30-day comment period expiration if failing to act would prevent restart of the facility.
Public participation and SUNSI access deadlines
The public may submit comments on the proposed amendment by May 15, 2025, and must file requests for a hearing or petitions to intervene by June 16, 2025. Potential parties who believe they need access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) must request access by April 25, 2025, and any contentions based on SUNSI must be filed no later than 25 days after receiving access.
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