- Site: Heysham 2
- IR number: 20-129
- Date: February 2021
- LC numbers: 32, 34
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This report describes an inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL’s) Heysham 2 Power Station licensed site, undertaken to assess Licence Condition (LC) compliance against LC32 and LC34. This inspection was undertaken jointly with Environment Agency (EA). In accordance with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Strategy, each year ONR performs a series of planned LC inspections at nuclear licensed sites. This intervention forms part of the 2020/2021 Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The intervention included planned compliance inspections against the following Licence Conditions:
- LC32 – Accumulation of Radioactive Waste; and
- LC34 – Leakage and Escape of Radioactive Material and Radioactive Waste.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, meetings were carried out remotely via Skype by the ONR nominated site inspector but a physical plant walkdown was also undertaken of the site as part of the inspection.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
No system based inspection was undertaken hence, this is not applicable for this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The LC32 inspection examined the arrangements for processing and the accumulation of radwaste in a number of plant areas. The site’s own key performance indicators (KPIs) seem appropriate and drive the correct focuses. The site is steadily reducing its longer term legacy wastes. The solid radwaste facilities and packages were in good material condition and were in a tidy state at the time of my inspection.
I undertook an inspection against LC34. The site has responded positively to a recent fleet issue with respect to the categorisation of LC34 leaks. All the current leaks are minor in nature and all are contained. The site understands that improvements are required in the timeliness of repairs to some of these minor leaks and should be increasing the priority given to these. Station are considering how very minor pond defects on the civil structure should be categorised although I am convinced that they currently have a robust monitoring regime in place for these defects.
I am satisfied the licensee is complying with its LC34 arrangements which require barriers to leakage and escape to be identified and their integrity assessed, based on sampling inspection. I am satisfied the level detectors which play an important role in detecting failure of these barriers are in place and in working order. I am satisfied any significant radioactive leak would be detected by the station.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on my sample, in my opinion the licensee is meeting its legal requirements under LC32 and LC34 and therefore I have assigned a rating of green (no formal action) for both in accordance with the ONR inspection rating guide. No additional follow up is required.