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NRC Confirms Worker Fell Into Palisades Reactor Cavity During Restart Prep

Regulators are reviewing the fall during Palisades’ closely watched return to operations.

Overview

  • On Oct. 21, a contractor slipped into the reactor cavity pool at the Covert Township plant and ingested some borated water, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
  • Radiation protection staff removed the worker from the water, performed decontamination, detected 300 counts per minute in hair, and sent the individual off site for medical attention.
  • Holtec says the worker was wearing required protective gear, including a life vest, and that a human‑performance review of how the fall occurred is underway.
  • Ongoing radiological assessments are expected by Holtec to show exposure below regulatory and administrative dose limits, with continued monitoring and follow‑up.
  • The incident occurred as Palisades transitions back to operations following late‑August NRC authorization, with new fuel delivered and restart activities under heightened oversight.