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![handle is hein.gao/gaobaacij0001 and id is 1 raw text is:
DOCUMENT RESUME
0245'! - [A1672675]
Allegations of Poor Construction Practices on the North Anna
Nuclear Powerplants. END-7T-30; B-164105. June 2, 1977. 15 pp. +
2 appendices (5 pp.).
Report to Rep. John D. Dirgell, Chairman, House Committee on
Interstate and Foreign Coemerce: Energy and Power Subcommittee;
by Elmer B. Staats, Comptroller General.
Issue Area: Energy: Making Nuclear Fission a Substantial Energy
Source (1608); Science and Technology: Management and
Oversight of Programs (2004);Ccnsume: and Worker Protection:
Regulation of Biological Products to Insure their Safety,
Purity, Potency, and Efficacy (908).
Contact: Energy and Minerals Div.
Budget Function: Natural Resoerces, Environment, and Energy:
Energy (303).
Organization Concerned: Nuclear Regulatory Commissiou; Virginia
Electric and Power Co.
Congressional Relevance: House Committee on Interstate and
Foreign Commerce: Energy and Pcwer Subcommittee-
In response to allegations of poor construction
practices, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission investigated North
Anna nuclear powerplants and inspection practices. GAO observed
or monitored NRC activities throughout the investigation.
Findings/Conclusions: Inspectors fcuni 32 instances of failur:
by the Virginia Electric and Power Company and its contractors
to meet acceptable construction criteria or specifications, but
concluded that they had no direct safety significance. The
Commission fined the utility $31,900, required corrective
action, and required the utility to strengthen its management
and quality assurance efforts. GAO foi.l that inspectors were
thorougl but did not find justification for the conclusion that
safety significance was lacking. GAO also questioned the NRC
requirement for the utility to audit enq.neering judgments since
vested interests are involved. Recommendations: The NRC should:
(1) e-xpand investigations to include other North Anna units; (2)
req.ire that audits of engineering judgments be made by
.' peadent axperts; and (3) issue regulations to protect
.;duals who notify NRC of problems from reprisals. (HTWV](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobaacij0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)