How will the NRC identify which plants do not meet the regulations based upon their PWR sump performance?
Plant-specific evaluations for excessive head loss across the containment sump screen because of the accumulation of debris on the containment sump screen are needed to determine whether a operating pressurized reactor meets the applicable safety regulations. Based on the information available to date, continued operation of PWRs is justified until the plant-specific evaluations are completed. To provide additional assurance until those evaluations are completed, the NRC asked the licensees of PWRs to implement interim compensatory measures. However, if the results of ongoing NRC inspections and reviews indicate that unsafe conditions exist at any operating PWR, the NRC will take immediate plant-specific actions to ensure the continued health and safety of the public. Also, if a licensee discovers that it is not in compliance with the NRC regulations during the implementation of the requested actions in Bulletin 2003-01, it is required to take prompt corrective actions.
