The nation’s top nuclear regulator this week urged stronger steps to prevent and deal with groundwater contamination at nuclear power plants. Gregory B. Jaczko, chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, also said voluntary efforts by the nuclear industry are not good enough. “Rather than the NRC providing clear and consistent regulatory requirements as a strong and decisive regulator, it abdicates our responsibility as the regulator to licensees (plant owners),” Jaczko said in comments published by the NRC. “While I appreciate the industry’s efforts to address underground leakage and groundwater contamination, I believe it is necessary for the agency to objectively and independently monitor licensees’ performance and openly provide that information to the public,” he wrote. Jaczko’s comments follow a months-long Asbury Park Press investigation into tritium leaks and spills … Read entire article »