EDF Energy – Nuclear Generation Ltd – Hinkley Point B Planned Intervention
- Site: Hinkley Point B
- IR number: 15-118
- Date: November 2015
- LC numbers: 21, 26, 32, 33, 34
Executive summary
Purpose of intervention
This was a planned inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd’s (NGL’s) Hinkley Point B power station, undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Civil Nuclear Reactor Programme (CNRP) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The work was carried out in line with the planned inspection programme contained in the Hinkley Point B Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I (the nominated site inspector for Hinkley Point B) with an ONR nuclear liabilities inspector and a project inspector carried out an inspection of radioactive waste management arrangements and facilities on the site.
I also carried out compliance inspections on licence condition 21 (commissioning) and 26 (control of operations), met with Independent Nuclear Assurance and reviewed some recent events on the site.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable. No system inspections were carried out on this visit.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
From the inspection of radioactive waste management arrangements and facilities we concluded that:
- For LC32 (accumulation of radioactive waste) we recognised that there had been progressive improvement in the management of radioactive waste over the past few years. We noted the importance of managing radioactive waste accumulations during the planned outage starting early in 2016. Based on the evidence sampled, we considered that compliance with LC32 was to an adequate standard and that an IIS rating of 3 was appropriate.
- For LC33 (disposal of radioactive waste) we noted that a process was in place that would allow the licensee to respond should ONR see fit to issue a Direction under LC33. The Licensee outlined the arrangements that were in place to enable disposal of Low Level Waste under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (as amended) 2010. The arrangements in place to manage interactions with ONR were also reviewed. Based on the evidence sampled, we considered that adequate arrangements were in place and that an IIS rating of 3 was appropriate.
- For LC 34 (leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste) we reviewed the radioactive leak schedule for the site and noted that all leaks had been prioritised and action plans were in place with appropriate timescales to address them. Based on the evidence sampled, we considered that adequate arrangements were in place and considered that an IIS rating of 3 was appropriate.
In addition:
- For LC21 (commissioning) I reviewed the arrangements that were in place to control the installation and commissioning of the new Gaseous Activity Monitoring system. I was satisfied that good processes were in place to provide assurance that the activities were being managed. Responsibilities within the project were understood and the required staff were in post. Appropriate safety committees had been established, equipment acceptance testing was in progress and some enabling work on the site had been completed. I assigned an IIS rating of – 2 (good) to this inspection.
- For LC26 (control and supervision of operations) I reviewed the arrangements that were in place ahead of the Reactor 3 statutory outage next year. I was satisfied that processes were in place to provide assurance that the outage planning and execution were being adequately managed. An outage delivery structure had been established and resourced and I judged that adequate control and supervision of operations had been demonstrated. I therefore assigned an IIS rating of – 3 (adequate).
I discussed progress with permissioning projects on the site and received a preliminary report on a recent leakage of pond water into the active effluent treatment plant basement.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR’s guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
Conclusion of Intervention
There were no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety. At present, no additional regulatory action is needed over and above the planned interventions of Hinkley Point B power station as set out in the Integrated Intervention Strategy, which will continue as planned.