New problems have been found at the construction site of the Olkiluoto-3 nuclear power facility. According to a release by the environmental group Greenpeace, the problem concerns welds in the steel liner of the inner shell of the reactor building which have been carried out contrary to orders. Lasse Reima, the director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation at the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority STUK has confirmed the problem. In September, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority ordered the welding work to be suspended, but within a few weeks noticed that the order had not be observed. The welds have been done by a Polish engineering works. STUK has published a report on its decision concerning the steel liner, and STUK's director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation says he considers the anomalies significant. "This was a significant decision because the anomalies found in the welding work are significant. Unfortunately there has been repeated cause for complaint in the operations of the engineering works in question," Lasse Reima told YLE. STUK concerned
According to Reima the company has required continuous special attention and supervision by STUK, even though the primary responsibility for reactor construction work lies with the contractor Areva and the owner TVO.
STUK has asked for a report on why supervision by TVO and Areva failed and what they plan to do about it.
"Yes, we consider this worrying. I can't say that in this respect was the Greenpeace statement in any respect incorrect," said Reima.
According to the Olkiluoto-3 project director, Jouni Silvennoisen, a normal inspection in September found anomalies in one weld specification, after which TVO asked the Polish contractor to suspend welding and to file a report on the matter.
Later, TVO and STUK carried out an inspection that revealed that some further welding had been done after the request to stop was issued. A report was requested on this as well. At the same time a study was made of the condition of the component. No problems were found with the welds.
"At this time, the situation is that the weld specifications have been approved and work is in progress. Before final inspection of the components, a review will be made of quality control practices of the engineering works and it will be seen whether or not they have been sufficient," said Silvennoinen.