ML071640020
| ML071640020 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Calvert Cliffs  |
| Issue date: | 05/31/2007 |
| From: | Constellation Energy Group |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| Kimberly Sargent, OCA, 301-415-1776 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML071640019 | List: |
| References | |
| CORR-07-0093 | |
| Download: ML071640020 (2) | |
Text
May 2007 Calvert Cliffs: Safe and Secure by Design Almost 30 years ago, Constellation Energy - then Baltimore Gas & Electric - began a tradition of excellence at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. Year after year, Constellation Energy has continued that tradition, earning national recognition by the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations for maintaining operational excellence at Calvert Cliffs. In doing so, Constellation Energy continues to prove that high levels of safety, reliability and efficiency go hand in hand.
Other national organizations hold Constellation Energy in high After terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001, experts regard for the commitment to safe, secure operations demon- studied nuclear power plant security with added scrutiny. In strated at Calvert Cliffs. The National Safety Council has honored 2002, the Center for Strategic and International Studies found Calvert Cliffs with the organizations Industry Leader Award for that nuclear power plants were the best defended among safety performance and the Green Cross for Safety Excellence. possible terrorism targets. Later in 2002, the Nuclear Energy The company also earned the Nuclear Energy Institutes Top Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy partnered with Industry Practice Award for developing at Calvert Cliffs an international experts from the Electric Power Research Institute integrated risk management program that increases plant safety to study nuclear power plant security. This scientific study found and plant production. In 2007, Calvert Cliffs became the first plant that containment buildings at U.S. nuclear power plants would in the Constellation fleet to apply for OSHAs Voluntary Protection protect against a radiation release if struck by a large commercial Programs (VPP) STAR level of performance. OSHAs VPP STAR jetliner loaded with jet fuel. More information on these studies designation is reserved for work places that have implemented a can be found at www.nei.org.
comprehensive safety and health management system and demonstrated safety performance above industry average.
Operating safely begins with a safe design Being honored among industrial and nuclear facilities comes from Calvert Cliffs design and Constellation Energys commitment to operating securely and safely. The team continually maintains and improves the plants redundant safety systems based on the best practices in the energy industry.
The plants redundant safety systems protect nuclear fuel.
While in use, nuclear fuel is protected by a ceramic case, called a pellet. Pellets sit in fuel rods and are contained in a building with thick concrete walls. Once spent, fuel is stored under cool water within a concrete structure for a decade. In 2006, the Department of Homeland Security announced Radioactivity drops significantly during this decade. Then the the nuclear portion of its National Infrastructure Protection spent fuel moves to a secure concrete structure on site awaiting Plan (NIPP) at Calvert Cliffs. The site served as a pilot plant a national spent-fuel storage site to open at Yucca Mountain, for this program and provided the foundation for the ongoing Nevada. At Yucca, the spent fuel will remain secure as it loses development of the nuclear sectors portion of the NIPP.
the remaining radioactivity.
The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations accredits training programs.
Training bolsters a safety-conscious culture Every year these partners conduct intense emergency Constellation Energys Calvert Cliffs team has been recognized management training drills. Every two years the NRC grades as an industry leader in training. For every employee, training these exercises, and every six years the graded drill includes begins on the first day at work and never ends. agencies within a 50-mile radius of Calvert Cliffs.
Everyone participates in annual training on safe work practices. At Calvert Cliffs, redundant safety systems, a safe design, Additional training is required for employees who have access to and well-trained personnel reflect Constellation Energys plant areas where nuclear systems are located. The operations commitment to generating reliable, efficient energy safely in staff works on a rotating shift, so that every fifth week is a todays environment. Safety is our top priority.
training week, spent requalifying on fundamental and advanced job skills and studying the latest technology and techniques for safe, reliable, efficient operations.
Training ranges from computer-based, self-study courses to a formal, 18-month classroom program approved by the National Academy of Nuclear Training, with additional testing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. All training programs are formally evaluated and accredited by the National Nuclear Accrediting Board on a set frequency.
Federal oversight reinforces safe operations In addition to testing nuclear plant operators, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates and oversees all operations at Calvert Cliffs and all other nuclear power plants.
NRC inspectors work on site daily. Additional inspectors review operations on a regular basis, totaling thousands of hours of federal oversight a year.
Although an emergency at Calvert Cliffs is unlikely, the plant must have a federally approved emergency plan, which the NRC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency test each year. First-line supervisors take ownership of training, helping The Calvert Cliffs team works constantly with federal, state and employees enhance skills.
local emergency management agencies as part of this plan.
Media Corporate Communications 1-888-232-1919 constellation.com