Tube integrity is integral to the safe operation of steam generators. Because of past problems with steam generator tubes affecting the operation of steam generators, the NRC continues activities related to improving tube integrity, as does the nuclear industry. During November 2000, after the Indian Point 2 steam generator leakage event, NRC developed a Steam Generator Action Plan to consolidate activities related to steam generators and to ensure that issues are appropriately tracked and dispositioned. In May 2001, this plan was revised to address a differing professional opinion on steam generator tube integrity. The action plan milestones are tracked and status is updated on a quarterly basis. This plan is just one facet of NRC's overall strategy to maintain safe operation of nuclear power plants, increase public confidence in agency regulatory actions, and improve effective and efficient use of NRC's resources.

The plan consolidates numerous NRC action items related to steam generators that originated from or are associated with the following activities:

Evaluation and implementation of recommendations from the NRC's Indian Point 2 (IP2) Lessons Learned Task Group report
Evaluation and implementation of recommendations from NRR staff review of the Office of the Inspector General report on the IP2 steam generator tube failure event
Resolution of an NRC differing professional opinion (DPO) on steam generator issues.
The NRC's review of the industry initiative related to steam generator tube integrity (i.e., NEI 97-06)
Resolution of Generic Safety Issue (GSI) 163 (Multiple Steam Generator Tube Leakage)

For more information about the steam generator action plan, see the following: