Sleeping Workers Problem Being Addressed at Pa. Nuke Plants, NRC Says

 
by KYW's Jim Melwert

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says some steps have been taken to fix security problems at Peach Bottom nuclear power plant, in York County, Pa., after workers were caught sleeping on the job. But the commission still feels that more needs to be done.
 
The NRC says this review was part of an investigation into Peach Bottom, after they learned of inattentive workers, including some who were asleep on the job.

NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan says not only were there inattentive workers, but there was also an ineffective behavior observation oversight program at the plant: 

"We've seen some breakdowns in that program. We've now identified that as a performance deficiency and subsequently to this a determination of the overall significance of that."

Sheehan says managers are supposed to be trained to catch anyone who isn't doing their job. He says steps have been taken to correct the problems, including Exelon taking over security, instead of using an outside company. He says both Exelon and the NRC still have work to do, and the inspections will continue.
   
In addition to Peach Bottom, Exelon also operates nuclear power plants in Limerick (Montgomery County), Pa. and at Three Mile Island.