Regulators sign off on SC nuke plant improvements

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Federal regulators have signed off on improvements at a Hartsville nuclear power plant where a fire and other troubles brought national attention and increased federal oversight this year.

The State newspaper reports Saturday that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission told Raleigh, N.C.-based Progress Energy in a letter it has taken appropriate steps to fix problems at the H.B. Robinson nuclear plant.

The 40-year-old plant has had increased federal scrutiny and inspections in the past two years because of two March 2010 fires and operating problems. NRC and Progress officials said at a March public meeting they were disappointed with last year’s performance at the reactor.

Progress officials have acknowledged problems but said their difficulties never threatened the public. Company officials say they have new management, written procedures and staff training.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com