The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has held a meeting on Holtec International’s Quality Assurance Plan for the Palisades plant.
As Holtec looks to restart the Covert Township facility next year, it needs to provide the NRC proof it can do so safely. Speaking at this week’s meeting was Van Buren County Commissioner Mike Chappell, who said getting Palisades back online will be good for the area and for the entire state.
“With our growing rate of dependence on electricity, it is more important than ever that we support Holtec in their efforts to reopen Palisades for the reliable, carbon-free power that it will be able to provide all of us,” Chappell said. “This nuclear power would enhance our energy security.”
However, Beyond Nuclear’s Kevin Kamps disagreed. He questioned the ability of Holtec to prove the plant can be safe and said refiring the facility is too risky.
“I don’t think there’s any facilities in Van Buren County, other than Palisades, that I know of that can take out the entire Great Lakes in one fell swoop,” Kamps said. “So, I would ask the NRC to address this combination of conflicting roles that seems to really nullify the purpose of QA if a production manager is in charge of it.”
Van Buren County Administrator John Faul said the 600-plus jobs provided by the plant will help strengthen the fabric of the entire community.
The NRC has said it will not allow Palisades to be restarted if Holtec can’t meet its safety standards and ensure all equipment on site is in good, working order.
