Since 1986, it has been Holtec’s continued mission to develop technologies and services, while providing the utmost protection to workers and the communities in which it operates. Holtec continues to deliver this mission through its promise to decommission shutdown nuclear power plants safely and efficiently.
Decommissioning at Oyster Creek Generating Station (Lacey Township, NJ)
The past year included many successes for Oyster Creek Generating Station. In the earlier part of 2019, Oyster Creek disconnected its main transformers from the substation, reconfigured its security footprint around the station and closed multiple buildings and other portions of the site.
More recently, segmentation of reactor internals and removal of high-activity waste including clearing of the refuel floor and spent fuel pool has commenced. This includes removal and segmentation of the cavity shield blocks and reactor vessel head. Completion of work on the top floor of the reactor building (119-foot elevation) will prepare the floor for the eventual movement of all fuel from the Spent Fuel Pool to the ISFSI (Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation) pad, which is planned for early 2021. The engineering work and the initial groundwork for expanding the ISFSI pad is proceeding and on schedule. Larger changes will soon be visible, as various buildings are scheduled for demolition this month.
Decommissioning at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (Plymouth, MA)
2019 was a busy year for Pilgrim Station. The first major success of the year included the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s announcement of Pilgrim Station returning to Column 1, a safety level achieved by meeting all outstanding safety concerns. This hard work, perseverance and commitment led Pilgrim to a successful start of decommissioning.
Since the shutdown and defueling of the reactor, Pilgrim has achieved several other milestones. Electrical and heating loads have been reduced and hazards have been removed, including 16,000 gallons of lube oil.
Most recently, concrete pours for the new ISFSI pad have been completed and Holtec’s HI-STORM 100 dry storage systems have been delivered in preparation of the next dry storage campaign, where spent fuel will be moved from the Spent Fuel Pool to the ISFSI pad.
Oyster Creek and Pilgrim in the Community
Partnering with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department in its annual toy drive, Oyster Creek employees donated about 200 toys to families in need. Using an Oyster Creek warehouse building as a toy collection area, the Sheriff’s Department and Oyster Creek employees gathered the toys and prepared them for distribution. Oyster Creek employees also donated about 100 coats to the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties annual children’s coat drive.
Pilgrim Station was proud to donate funds to Plymouth North High School’s Robotics Program, in support of the children and the program in its entirety. Additionally, Pilgrim Station employees gathered funds to donate to the South Shore Community Action Council to help low-income families and individuals in need.
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