SC nuclear plant worker fired after alcohol test

SENECA, S.C. (AP) — A contractor supervisor at the Oconee Nuclear Station near Seneca has been removed after a positive test for alcohol during a random test.

The Greenville News said a report filed with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission indicated the contractor’s access to the plant has been terminated.

Duke Energy spokesman Robert Cook says he can’t discuss information on any worker at the plant.

But Cook says anyone who tests positive for alcohol is removed from duty and loses access to the operation.

He says pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and ongoing random tests are required of all employees.

Cook also said he couldn’t say how many employees have been terminated for similar tests.

Joey Ledford with the NRC says alcohol and drug infractions occur infrequently at nuclear plants.

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Information from: The Greenville News, http://www.greenvillenews.com