V.C. Summer Nuclear Plant Criticized for Neglecting Safety Equipment Maintenance
The V.C. Summer nuclear power plant in South Carolina has been criticized by federal inspectors for failing to maintain a crucial piece of safety equipment for years. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) found that a turbine-driven pump, essential for cooling the plant during emergencies, had not been properly maintained, with some parts neglected for up to 20 years. This oversight was revealed during an annual safety compliance meeting, where it was noted that similar maintenance issues had been flagged in previous years. Despite these findings, the plant has been deemed to operate safely overall.