The Comanche Peak plant in Texas has been cited by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for repeated, improper handling of low-level radioactive waste. The NRC said contaminated clothing and maintenance equipment were left outside a controlled area 11 times between January 24, 2000 and May 24, 2001.
The alleged violations were the first at Comanche Peak. TXU Energy, owner of the plant, said the infractions posed no risk. The company and federal regulators agreed that hazardous material never left an unrestricted area. The NRC will review the cases and decide whether actual violations took place. Comanche Peak was fined $50,000 when it was cited in 1993 for a radioactive water spill in a containment area during refuelling.
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