NRC Chairman confirms safety at Turkey Point
TURKEY POINT, Fla. (AP) -- The Turkey Point nuclear plant is safe and secure despite security guards at the facility being caught sleeping on duty, the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said during a visit here Tuesday.
Chairman Dale Klein toured the plant, about 30 miles south of Miami, meeting with managers during a symbolic visit meant to ensure public confidence.
Klein said that the plant will have to address its staffing issues, as too many employees are working long hours. But Klein said he was assured the facility is safe, and that past security incidents won't be repeated.
The visit came a month after the federal agency said it would fine Turkey Point's operator -- Florida Power & Light -- $130,000 for violations connected with guards sleeping on duty on various occasions from 2004 to 2006. The guards were contracted by Wackenhut Corp.
"Anytime you have a negative plant experience there's usually enough blame to go around for everyone," he said. "I think the plant did not perform at the high standard that they wanted to. And I think Wackenhut would clearly say they did not perform as they wanted to. When we see a problem like that, we fix them."
A Wackenhut spokesman did not immediately respond to a telephone message left at his office or to an e-mail.
FPL filed for an indefinite extension so it can review the investigative report before deciding to pay or dispute the fine, the company said Tuesday. FPL said it's still waiting for a response.
Klein did not discuss specifics on how security and staffing problems would be addressed. His visit was more a show of force than anything else, reminding employees that his agency is monitoring.
"Visits like this let everybody know that big brother is watching," FPL spokesman Dick Winn said.
Klein said FPL will have to address a "staffing issue" at Turkey Point as FPL plans to build two new nuclear generators at the facility.
Florida's largest electric utility already operates two nuclear units, as well as gas-oil and natural gas plants at Turkey Point. Plans for the two new generators would become operational in 2018 and 2020.
Too many inspectors are working overtime and long shifts, an issue that could become a larger problem as the facility expands, Klein said.
"They know they have a staffing issue," he said. "They're working on it. They have a plan. Obviously, we'll be monitoring their staffing. Things can always be better."
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
