Pennsylvania Power & Light Co.'s Susquehanna nuclear power plant has earned the highest mark in every safety performance category evaluated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

"This level of performance requires a total team effort from every employee involved in plant operations, maintenance, engineering and support," said Herbert D. Woodeshick, special assistant to the president for PP&L.

The NRC released its evaluation of Susquehanna on Thursday (9/21). The NRC periodically evaluates the safety performance of all nuclear power plants in the United States.

While Susquehanna consistently has received high marks from the NRC, this is the first time it has earned the highest marks in every category of the evaluation, which covers plant performance for an 18-month period.

In its previous safety performance assessment, released in April 1994, the plant got the highest mark in three of four categories and the second highest mark in the fourth. The categories assessed are operations, maintenance, engineering and plant support, which includes such areas as radiological controls, emergency planning and security.

"Overall, the NRC observed a superior level of performance at Susquehanna," the safety agency said in its report. The NRC cited excellent communications among departments, teamwork in resolving safety issues and strong internal critiques.

Among the conclusions drawn by the NRC in its evaluation are the following:

• Plant operator performance "continued to be a strength."
• Susquehanna has a "strong, well-managed and effective" maintenance program.
• Engineering work is "superior," and the overall technical quality of plant modifications and licensing actions is "excellent."
• Plant support effectively contributed to safe performance. Radiation protection, environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness were described as "outstanding."

As a result of Susquehanna's performance over the past 18 months, the NRC is extending the plant's review period to 24 months.

"While the NRC's report is largely positive about Susquehanna, it does point out areas for improvement that we will address," Woodeshick said. "We continually look for ways to improve plant safety, reliability and cost performance for PP&L customers."

He noted PP&L is pleased with the results of the evaluation, but realizes that the focus must be on continuous improvement.

"This achievement will help us remain focused on improving safety performance and maintaining our standing as one of the top plants in the nuclear power industry," he said.

The Susquehanna plant, located in Luzerne County about five miles north of Berwick, is owned jointly by PP&L and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc.