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	NRC NEWS U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, REGION I 475 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, Pa. 19406
	CONTACT:	Diane Screnci (610)337-5330/ e-mail: dps@nrc.gov Neil A. Sheehan (610)337-5331/e-mail: nas@nrc.gov

I-98-8

January 23, 1998

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has cited Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation for four violations of NRC requirements at the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station in Oswego, New York. The staff has proposed a $55,000 fine.

During inspections conducted between August and October, NRC inspectors reviewed the circumstances surrounding four shipments of radioactive waste. Based on those inspection findings, and information provided by Niagara Mohawk during a December predecisional enforcement conference, the NRC staff has determined four violations of NRC requirements occurred.

The violations include: the shipment of two core shroud samples that caused radiation levels in the transportation vehicle's occupied space to exceed federal limits; the incorrect shipment of a liner of low-level radioactive waste; two shipments, in 1995 and 1997, of radioactive material to a facility not licensed to receive the material.

While the actual safety consequences of these violations was low, NRC Region I Administrator Hubert Miller said, "These violations indicate a lack of adequate oversight of the radioactive materials handling and transportation program." Miller also said the fact that the three violations happened within a two-month period "indicates a potential for greater safety significance."

The NRC also recognized that the company took prompt and comprehensive corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Niagara Mohawk has 30 days to pay the fine or request in writing that all or part be withdrawn.