‘Missing’ documents complicate restart of retired Michigan nuclear plant

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI — Amid delays to restart a retired nuclear plant along Lake Michigan, “missing” documentation for some of the repair work threatens to slow the process further.

Holtec International, owner of the Palisades Nuclear Plant, is “missing” documents needed to back up some welding repair work done inside.

The company initially hoped to restart Palisades by the end of 2025. That date was pushed to early 2026.

Spokesperson Nick Culp did not provide an updated timeline after a meeting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Monday, Feb. 9.

Holtec must now ask federal regulators to greenlight work done and allow the restart process to roll forward.

Welding on the “pressurizer spray nozzle safe end and safety nozzles flange” was completed as the plant transitioned from decommissioning to operational status, said Palisades Senior Licensing Engineer Steve Callis.

But without a report on the performance of materials used in the repairs, the company must prove the work is on par with federal regulations, NRC Materials Engineer Jay Collins said.

It’ll continue to search for the missing documentation until the request for relief is submitted on Feb. 20, Callis said.

NRC officials are asking for detailed drawings of the repaired areas and a summary of other work done in the plant in the request.

This is a standard process for reviewing repairs under federal regulations, Culp said.

“This work is to ensure long-term safe and reliable plant operations,” he said.

Critics argued Holtec’s actions showed disregard for federal safety protocols and public safety.

“I think that sounds like very sloppy, sloppy work,” said resident Kathy Barnes.

Palisades began operations on the Lake Michigan shoreline in 1971. It was purchased by Holtec and ceased operations in 2022.

Holtec purchased the plant in 2022, intending to oversee the decommissioning process. The company specializes in dismantling retired nuclear facilities.

“In addition to being a zombie, it’s a Frankenstein’s monster with all kinds of shortcuts being taken on safety,” said Kevin Kamps of anti-nuclear advocacy group Beyond Nuclear.

If successful, Palisades will be the first U.S. nuclear power plant to return to operation after decommissioning.

“Palisades will return to service once all restart activities are complete and all federal requirements and industry standards are met,” Culp said.