Torus Coating Problem at Fermi Unit 2, Monroe County, MI

July 17, 2019 power point presentation by David Lochbaum, formerly with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Feb. 2007 report "Futility at the Utiliy," also by Lochbaum and about Fermi 2.

Here is a note from David Lochbaum to Michael Keegan of the Coalition for a Nuclear-Free Great Lakes, and Don't Waste Michigan, in Monroe, MI, dated July 17, 2019:

Hello Michael:

I did some research into the history of the torus coatings matter at Fermi Unit 2. 

Attached is a PDF of the results of that inquiry. Feel free to forward to any one who desire.

My research did not reveal why this problem exists at this late date. It was allegedly solved two decades ago. And over the past 20 years, there have been many -- MANY -- reminders to industry and NRC about potential problems with the alleged solutions. 

And yet is remains a problem without a certified solution. 

And for this problem to lack a solution at this plant is even more amazing. More than a decade ago, I authored the attached report about another safety problem at Fermi 2 that the owner and the NRC allowed to exist for two decades. 

It would appear that in Michigan, the NRC sets the safety bar and doesn't realize that Fermi 2 is limboing beneath it. 

Or maybe they fail to realize that safety bars are to be hurdled over rather than ducked under.

Speaking of over/under, any suggestions on just how many (within say, 10) other safety problems languish unsolved and undetected at Fermi 2? 

Thanks,

Dave Lochbaum

Arnie Gundersen, chief engineer at Fairewinds Energy Education, and an expert witness on behalf of environmental intervenors opposed to the Fermi nuclear power plant, added this comment re: Lochbaum's email and document above: 

I agree with Dave’s great analysis. Drywall coating pealing off is a decades old problem...think of leaves getting stuck in your gutter, meaning the gutters do not drain to the ground...paint chips in the drains mean the pumps can’t get access to the water even though the water is available.  “Water, water everywhere and nor any drop to pump”...A similar analogy to Samuel Taylor Coleridge: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, "Water, water everywhere, / Nor any drop to drink."