During July 14-17, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) is inspecting the Chornobyl NPP. The inspection goal is to check whether SSE ChNPP could perform pilot operation of Commissioning Stage 1 of the New Safe Confinement meeting the requirements of nuclear and radiation safety.
The Commissioning Stage 1 of the New Safe Confinement (NSC CS-1) is a complex of facilities designed and constructed by the General Contractor of the NSC Project, i.e. NOVARKA Company. It includes metal structures of the Arch together with the main crane system, and the systems of life-support and state control of NSC, as well as new ventilation stack.
The SNRIU Commission is headed by Mrs. Tamara Sushko, Deputy Chairperson of the Radioactive Waste Management Safety Department.
“This inspection is related to the fact that Chornobyl NPP submitted an application and a package of documents to obtain a specific permission for pilot operation of NSC CS-1.
Simultaneously, we have two procedures under implementation. On the one hand, we perform expert review of radiation and nuclear safety related documentation provided by Chornobyl NPP. On the other hand, the inspection team performs investigation on whether Chornobyl NPP could execute the declared type of activity (scientific and research operation of NSC CS-1 — edit.)”, Mrs. Sushko comments.
According to documentation regulating such inspections, the final decision is expected at the end of July or in the beginning of August this year.
Read more: ChNPP has obtained a certificate confirming readiness for NSC CS-1 operation
It is a reminder that following the completion of NSC CS-1 and its successful testing, on July 10, 2019, during the Donor Countries Assembly meeting at ChNPP, the Deed of NSC CS-1 All Facilities Hand-over from the Contractor (NOVARKA) to the Employer (SSE ChNPP) was signed.
On September 27, 2019, the Deed of NSC CS-1 Readiness for Operation was signed. ChNPP departments are fully staffed by NSC operational and repair personnel, who have received theoretical and practical training and are allowed to work independently.
