BUCHANAN -- “Our first principal conclusion is that Indian Point is a safe plant,” said Dr. James Rhodes, co-chair of the Indian Point Independent Safety Evaluation Panel, noting one of the two key findings of their four-month review of the nuclear power plant.

Rhodes said that is based on their review of the Buchanan facility, as compared to the highest nationals standards for nuclear plant operation.

Point two is where they found problems.

Emergency preparedness demands full and effective interaction between the plant owner and operator, and public at all levels, said former state Public Service Commission chair Maureen Helmer, who worked on public policy. 

“When you think about it, it is the most visible aspect of nuclear plant operation, demanding that a strong and mutually respectful relationship between the plant and offsite organizations is essential”, said Helmer.  “In the team’s view, the relationship at present is not healthy and needs to be improved.”

One specific recommendation, “Engage in aggressive and proactive communication and outreach for a strong, lasting, mutually respectful and trusting relationship between the company and the community.” 

Another component of that issue, given a good deal of attention, was staffing.  The panel acknowledged that Indian Point is facing competition issues in finding qualified employees.  Company policy, however, plays into this also.  Four positions, related to community outreach, are unfilled.

The "Raging Grannies" entertain during the public comment

Other key recommendations in the 200-page report:

• Commit to continuing financial investment necessary to achieve and maintain top levels of safety, security and emergency preparedness at Indian Point.
• Expeditiously embark on a comprehensive upgrade of Emergency Response Facilities and equipment.
• Follow through with Entergy’s plan of action to address immediate and longer term critical staffing shortages at Indian Point.
• Upgrade security equipment in order to improve reliability, maintainability and effectiveness of these systems.
• Repair, clean, paint and preserve station structures and equipment in order to visibly convey to workers and the public that Entergy is committed to the care and protection of the station.

Communication has “been a problem, apparently”, conceded Entergy spokesman Jim Steets, who said as a whole, the report will be a useful tool.

 “I can tell you, we’re pretty impressed with what we’ve seen at this point.  We’ll be examining it in greater detail, of course, over the next sixty days, where we will have a formal response to report, which we will make public.  At first reading of the report, we find it as a valuable tool that includes lessons for us to make the improvements we think we need to make.”

Entergy got the report the same day everyone else, including the public did.  The ISE Panel held a briefing for county and municipal officials Thursday morning, a formal news conference in the afternoon, and a sparsely attended public session in the evening.