No. IV-11-038

Contact: Victor Dricks (817) 860-8128

 Lara Uselding (817) 276-6519

 

August 25, 2011 

 E-Mail: OPA4.Resource@nrc.gov 

NRC ISSUES CONFIRMATORY ORDER TO ENTERGY WITH ACTIONS TO 

IMPROVE QUALITY CONTROL AND EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAMS

Entergy Operations, Inc. and Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. have agreed to implement 

actions to ensure the effectiveness of the quality control programs and safety conscious work 

environment at 11 nuclear power plants under an agreement with the NRC. This includes 

Arkansas Nuclear One Units 1 and 2, James Fitzpatrick, Grand Gulf, Indian Point Units 2 and 3, 

Palisades, Pilgrim, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, and Waterford 3 nuclear power stations. 

In 2009, NRC received a complaint from an employee, at the River Bend Station in 

Louisiana, who claimed retaliation after questioning inspection activities that were thought to be 

part of the plant’s quality control program. Entergy chose to resolve the matter using the NRC’s 

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process in which a neutral mediator assists parties in 

reaching an agreement. 

As a result of the ADR agreement, Entergy agreed to take fleet-wide actions to reinforce 

the company’s commitment to a safety conscious work environment (SCWE) and to reorganize

the quality control reporting chain of command. Some of the SCWE actions include

strengthening training for employees and new supervisors concerning reporting of safety 

concerns; and improving the employee concerns programs. Entergy also agreed to conduct a 

safety culture survey at River Bend. 

“We are pleased with the outcome of the arbitration process in order to reach a final 

agreement that protects the public and the environment. The fleet-wide actions being taken by 

the licensee and the organizational structural change will complement the licensee’s previous 

actions,” said Roy Zimmerman Director of the NRC’s Office of Enforcement.

Quality control programs are important in ensuring safe plant operations and include 

independent verifications and inspections of maintenance activities and modifications to plant 

equipment. NRC inspectors confirmed that there were no actual impacts on plant equipment at 

the Entergy sites.

NRC NEWS

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Office of Public Affairs Region IV

 612 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 400

 Arlington, TX 76011-4125

Telephone: (817) 860-8128

Site: www.nrc.gov

Blog: http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov
Entergy has initiated additional actions designed to ensure that employees feel free to 

raise concerns without fear of retaliation. The company undertook several actions relating to its 

employee concerns program; a program designed to investigate and manage a variety of 

concerns, including claims of retaliation. Entergy is conducting employee concerns program

training, reviewing past cases involving any retaliation claims and making improvements to the 

program’s procedures. 

Copies of the confirmatory order will be posted on the NRC website. 

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