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DOCUMENT BESDME
06838 - fB22072231
rExplosions at Nuclear Powerplants]. EMD-78-99; B-164105. August
4, 1978. Released Augqust 11, 1978. 8 pp.
Report to Rep. Tom Bevill, Chairman, House Committee on
Appropriations: Public Works Subcommittee; by Elmer B. Staats,
Comptroller General.
Issue Area: Energy: Making Nuclear Fissicn a Substantial Energy
Source 1608).
Contact: Enerqy and Minerals Div.
Budqet Function: Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy:
E.bq y (305).
Orqanization Concerned: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Congressional Relevance: Rep. Tom Bevill.
Since 1971, about 50 gas explosions heve been reported
at boilinq water nuclear powerplants. These explGsicnL Lave
caused deqr.%ation and failure (if off-gas systems, radiation
exposure aad other injuries to ?ersonLel, physical damage to
facilities. aud lost revenues during .kactcr shutdowns for
repair. An example of such an explosicn was the one that
occurred a-: the Millstone nuclear powerplaiit in Connecticut on
December 31, 1977. In spite of the fact that the prctlca and
actions which would minimize it have beeL known for some tiae,
the Nuclear Regulatory Commiss:.on (NBC) has taken action on
operating plants only after incidents have occurred. The
explosion at Millstone might have been prevented by ventilation
of the stack area. Recent actions by NBC, when implemented, will
miniaize the chances of gas explosion, but according to NRC's
present plans, it will take up to 1 year before corrective
actions are implemented at all facilities. The Chairman, NRC,
should accelerate the process for requiring and implementing the
actions aimed at minimizing gas explcsions at nuclear
powerplants. These actions should include ventilatia of closed
areas, assuring seal integrity, and protection of piping from
iqnition sources. (HTW)](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobaaxug0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)