Summary
This Form 8-K filing from FirstEnergy Corp. on June 5, 2003, provides an update to the investment community regarding the ongoing efforts to safely return the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station to service. The report details a meeting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) IMC 0350 Panel, which reviewed progress on the restart checklist and discussed the significance of recent findings, including control rod drive mechanism cracking and reactor pressure vessel head degradation. Key developments include the completion of 11 out of 29 restart checklist items by FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC), such as improvements in boric acid corrosion management and in-service inspection programs. FENOC has also conducted preliminary pressure tests on the reactor coolant system and plans to modify high-pressure injection pumps to enhance safety. The NRC continues its oversight with additional resident inspectors and scheduled meetings to review specific technical and operational aspects of the restart process.
Key Highlights
- 1FirstEnergy Corp. provided an update on the status of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station restart efforts to the investment community.
- 2The NRC's IMC 0350 Panel met with FENOC to review progress on the restart checklist.
- 3FENOC has completed 11 of 29 actions on the restart checklist, including boric acid corrosion management and in-service inspection programs.
- 4The NRC issued a final significance for 'red finding' related to control rod drive mechanism cracking and reactor pressure vessel head degradation.
- 5FENOC successfully completed two preliminary pressure tests of the reactor coolant system in May, paving the way for a full-pressure test in July.
- 6Modifications are planned for high-pressure injection pumps, including the addition of an internal strainer, with completion expected by mid-July 2003.
- 7The NRC will increase its on-site presence with a third resident inspector joining in September 2003.