DOE to Investigate INL for Reported Electrical Explosion

The Energy Department’s Office of Enforcement will investigate a “near miss” electrical explosion involving three workers performing preventive maintenance at Idaho National Laboratory, according to a letter sent from DOE’s Enforcement Director to INL contractor Battelle Energy Alliance released yesterday. “Under the Major Fraud Act (MFA), as amended…this investigation may be a proceeding commenced by the United States that relates to a violation of, or the failure to comply with, a Federal regulation,” the July 16-dated letter sent from DOE Enforcement Director Steven Simonson to INL Director John Grossenbacher states. “Costs incurred in connection with such a proceeding are subject to the reimbursement restrictions of the MFA.”

 

Referring to the reported April 23 incident as a “near miss arc flash event,” the notice calls on Battelle to track any incurred costs that could support DOE’s investigation, and to segregate those from other potentially allowable costs. As part of the investigation, DOE officials will visit INL and interview lab personnel.