NIST reactor remains shut down as NRC investigates radiation release

February 11, 2021, 7:02AMNuclear News

Neutron measurement studies at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) are on hold for an investigation of a different sort. On February 9, less than a week after elevated radiation levels were detected as the NCNR research reactor was powered up following a scheduled maintenance outage, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission began an inspection at the facility. According to NIST, the reactor will remain shut down until the cause of the release is corrected.

“The first step will be to develop a plan for safely assessing the condition of the reactor so that the root cause of the elevated radiation levels can be investigated,” NIST announced on February 5. “Once that root cause is determined, NIST will identify and then implement all necessary corrective actions.”

To continue reading, log in or create a free account!

Related Articles

NRC approves NuScale uprated SMR design

June 2, 2025, 9:30AMNuclear News

NuScale earned approval for its “larger” US460 77-MWe small modular reactor plant design, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced last week.The standard design approval (SDA) is a...

NRC news roundup

Summer progress; Waterford news; safety report of Northeast plants

May 16, 2025, 9:30AMNuclear News

Here’s a look at some recent announcements from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.Summer SLR: The NRC this month published its final environmental impact statement for Summer Unit 1’s...