Current Event Today: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released its event reports for March 13-14, 2025, documenting various incidents at nuclear power plants and facilities across the country. These current events range from non-emergency equipment issues to an unusual event declaration due to a loss of offsite power.
Current Event Today: Key Incidents Detailed in NRC Report
The NRC report details several significant incidents impacting nuclear facilities. A potential defect with a circuit board was reported at the Catawba Nuclear Station in South Carolina. Analysis of the faulty component, conducted by vendor AMETEK, identified two prematurely failing capacitors. The issue potentially affects numerous other U.S. nuclear power plants, prompting further investigation.
In Illinois, the state’s Emergency Management Agency reported a lost X-ray fluorescence analyzer belonging to Days & Crawford Scrap Metal. The device, containing sealed sources of Americium-241 and Cadmium-109, is currently under investigation. While categorized as a “Less than Cat 3” source, posing minimal risk of permanent injury, its loss highlights concerns about oversight and security.
A lost radiography camera containing a 95.4 curie Iridium-192 source was reported by National Inspection Services, LLC in Texas. This “Category 2” source, capable of causing permanent injury with short-term exposure, was eventually recovered undamaged. The incident underscores the importance of proper handling and security protocols for radioactive materials.
Curtiss Wright Flow Control Co. in Ohio submitted a Part 21 interim report concerning faulty quick disconnect connectors. While the issue was identified before shipment to customers, it necessitates a thorough failure analysis to determine the root cause and prevent future occurrences.
Current Event Today: Personnel and Power Issues
Two separate fitness-for-duty violations were reported. At McGuire Nuclear Station in North Carolina, a contract supervisor tested positive for illegal drugs, while at Wolf Creek Generating Station in Kansas, a non-licensed employee brought an illegal substance into the protected area. Both individuals had their plant access terminated.
Finally, Turkey Point Nuclear Plant in Florida declared an Unusual Event due to a loss of offsite power to the 4B 4KV bus. While plant parameters remained stable, with backup power provided by an emergency diesel generator, the incident emphasizes the criticality of reliable power supply for nuclear facilities. The Unusual Event was later terminated after multiple emergency power sources were secured.
Current Event Today: Conclusion
The NRC’s current event reports provide valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and concerns surrounding nuclear safety and security. These current events underscore the need for continuous vigilance, robust safety protocols, and thorough investigations to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Continued monitoring and reporting of these current events remain essential for maintaining public trust and safeguarding the environment.