Pilgrim Back Online After Valve Repair

COURTESY PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION

PLYMOUTH – The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station is back online after the plant was shut down last week due to a problem with a main steam valve.

Pilgrim reconnected to the grid last night, according to Entergy Spokesperson Patrick O’Brien.

Operators discovered a leak in the valve during an inspection last Thursday and shut down the reactor to fix the problem. Plant officials say there was never any risk to public safety.

The repair marked the latest equipment issue at the aging plant. Pilgrim is under increased scrutiny by federal inspectors after a series of safety violations and unplanned shutdowns. It is one of the three worst performing plants in the nation, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

An internal Nuclear Regulatory Commission e-mail made public earlier this month detailed concerns about the plant’s safety culture, with the lead inspector saying staff seemed “overwhelmed” by running the plant.

NRC inspectors will return to the station in January for the final week of a three-week, federally-mandated review of the station.

Pilgrim is one step away from a shutdown order.  

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