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Nuclear Regulation: Action Needed To Ensure That Utilities Monitor and Repair Pipe Damage

RCED-88-73 Published: Mar 18, 1988. Publicly Released: Apr 01, 1988.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO: (1) assessed the pipe degradation problems at the Surry and Trojan nuclear power plants; and (2) addressed actions that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the utilities took to identify and correct pipe system problems.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Due to the significance of the information that has been developed concerning erosion and corrosion at nuclear power plants, the Chairman, NRC, should require utilities to: (1) inspect all nuclear plants to develop data regarding the extent that erosion and corrosion exist in pipe systems, including straight sections of pipe; (2) replace pipe that does not meet the industry's minimum allowable thickness standards; and (3) periodically monitor pipe systems and use the data developed during these inspections to monitor the spread of erosion and corrosion in the plants.
Closed – Implemented
NRC has accepted an industry developed program to inspect, repair, and replace single-phase pipes. NRC and INPO will monitor the industry's program. Since NRC believes that the industry's commitment satisfies the Commission's safety concerns, NRC does not plan to issue requirements in these areas.

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Topics

Electric utilitiesIndependent regulatory commissionsIndustrial accidentsInspectionNuclear powerplant constructionNuclear powerplant safetyNuclear powerplantsSafety regulationSystems managementIndustry standards