In a recent evaluation, the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations said that "Overall performance is exemplary" at the Susquehannanuclear power plant.

"Industry standards of excellence are met in many areas. No significant weaknesses are noted," INPO, an independent industry group, said in a report to PP&L, Inc., operator of the plant, following the inspection and evaluation. The "exemplary" rating is INPO's second highest on a five-point scale. The Susquehanna plant also received an "exemplary" rating in its previous evaluation in August 1996.

"This evaluation is important because of the information and suggestions in the report," said Herbert D. Woodeshick, special assistant to the president for Susquehanna for PP&L, Inc. "The INPO team puts a significant effort into providing a thorough assessment, and we welcome the critical external perspective that it provides."

INPO, based in Atlanta, Ga., was established by the nuclear power industry in 1979 as a self-improvement organization. It promotes the highest level of safety and reliability in nuclear power plant operations. All U.S. utilities that operate nuclear power plants are INPO members.

INPO routinely evaluates plants every 18 to 21 months. More than 750 evaluations have been conducted at nuclear plants throughout the country since the program began.

An INPO assessment team visited Susquehanna in late February. Team members evaluated plant operations, maintenance and support against the best practices documented at nuclear power plants across the nation.

In its report, these beneficial practices and accomplishments were noted:

• A well-trained work force that demonstrates solid technical skills.
• Line manager ownership of training supported by a strong, proactive training organization.
• Development and implementation of a "leadership academy" that has enhanced station supervisor leadership skills.
• A significant reduction in illuminated control room annunciators.
• A strong commitment to provide facilities and equipment necessary to improve material condition and support long-term station operations, as demonstrated by the new tool room, improvements in the emergency core cooling pump room, and construction of improved support staff facilities.

The report also listed three key areas PP&L should work to improve. Those are:

• Weaknesses in work authorization, scheduling and risk management application contribute to unnecessary challenges to work implementation and to system unavailability.
• Management has not placed sufficient priority on permanently filling key positions or establishing an effective approach to identify and address personnel development needs. Several key management positions are currently filled by acting personnel or remain vacant.
• Additional management emphasis is needed in the areas of human performance, work management and material condition. The senior management team has the desire and motivation to improve the station's performance. Considerable progress was noted in several areas. However, higher management expectations,including effective benchmarking, are needed to raise the standards of managers and staff, as well as the station's performance.

"We have been working on the areas identified by INPO and will continueto do so," Woodeshick said. "Our goal is top performance at Susquehanna. The INPO assessment is one indicator of how we're doing, and we take their suggestions seriously."

The Susquehanna plant, jointly owned by PP&L, Inc. and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc., is located about five miles northeast of Berwick along Route 11.