Construction issues at plant near Augusta raises concerns about nuclear construction

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has found problems with concrete used in the construction of a nuclear fuel plant near Augusta, raising concerns about quality control as the nation prepares for a likely surge in new nuclear construction.

The NRC is criticizing what it calls poor quality control and a lack of oversight by the contractor building a mixed oxide fuel plant at the Savannah River Site, a massive operation that processes nuclear materials in South Carolina, just across the state border from Augusta.

The agency found that the concrete used in the plant, which will convert weapons-grade plutonium into nuclear fuel, was improperly manufactured. It also found problems with concrete reinforcement bars used in construction.

A report by the NRC says it also found problems with quality control assurance and a lack of oversight by the contractor on the matter. It also notes that similar problems were found in nuclear construction 20 years ago.

Opponents of nuclear expansion say the report heightens their concerns that a lack of oversight in nuclear construction industry-wide could potentially lead to safety issues. They hope the report serves as a wake-up call to contractors as efforts increase to build nuclear reactors and other nuclear operations.

The $4 billion mixed oxide fuel (MOX) plant is currently one of the U.S. Department of Energy's most significant and expensive new nuclear construction projects underway.

The Savannah River Site is a major employer and economic engine in the Augusta area.