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October 28, 2009

NRC panel backs PPL license extension

PPL Corp. is one regulatory step away from receiving approval to run its nuclear plant in Salem Township for an additional 20 years.

The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards recommended approval earlier this month of PPL’s application to extend the license for the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station’s two reactors.

The reactors’ current licenses, which run until 2022 and 2024, would be extended until 2042 and 2044.

The committee found PPL’s plan to implement 52 aging-management programs, along with adequate oversight from the NRC on a specific maintenance issue, ensures the plant will be able to operate safely during the additional 20 years.

“The programs established and committed to by PPL provide reasonable assurance that the SSES can be operated in accordance with its current licensing basis for the period of extended operation without undue risk to the health and safety of the public,” the letter concludes. “The PPL application for renewal of the operating licenses for SSES, Units 1 and 2 should be approved.”

The letter did indicate that six inaccessible electric cables have had significant exposure to water. It noted PPL has agreed to inspecting and draining manholes where water pools and contacts the wires, while testing the wires to ensure they’re not degrading.

The committee agreed with the NRC staff that PPL’s maintenance and oversight program will confirm the cables’ safety.

“This is the last remaining step in the NRC review of the application,” said NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan. A final decision, by the director of the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, could come as soon as next month or December.

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