


Root Cause / Cause Analysis
WD Associates provides highly experienced industry personnel to perform Root Cause / Cause Analysis services for significant events that have occurred at your facility. In addition, WD performs independent reviews and provides oversight and mentoring of the development and implementation of effective actions at your facility to aid in ensuring performance problems and gaps are identified before they result in a loss of production, regulatory compliance issues or personnel injuries.
Root Cause / Cause Analysis services include:
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Corrective Action Program (CAP) development and Implementation
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Root Cause Analysis Team support
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Independent Reviews of Cause Analysis
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Major equipment failures investigations
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Severe personnel injury/fatality investigations
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Training and Mentoring leaders in Performance Improvement and CAP
Assessments / Inspection Support
WD Associates provides highly experienced industry personnel to assist clients in performing assessments/inspections at your facility; we also perform independent reviews of assessments/inspections as requested. In addition, WD develop assessment programs to enable clients in identifying performance gaps and operational vulnerabilities at your facility.
Assessments / Inspection Support services include:
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CAP Program Effectiveness Assessments
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Training Program Assessments
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Safety Program Assessments
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NRC IP 95001/95002/95003 Support
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NERC Assessment support
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NERC Cold Weather Assessments
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Vegetation management safety event analysis
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Plant Operational Performance & Material Condition Assessments
Performance Improvement Mentoring and Support
WD Associates provides highly experienced personnel to help clients become more effective in solving problems ranging from targeting fixes for specific problems to overall integrated organizational improvements.
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Performance Improvement / Mentoring and Support services include:
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Development and implementation of continuous improvement activities
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Support for analysis and resolution of performance gaps
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Performance Assessment Mentoring and Support
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Analysis of Safety Culture issues
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Organizational Effectiveness Assessments

STEVE WACKENSTEDT
Summary of Contracting/Consulting
Steve’s career began with the U.S. Navy, after which he joined Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, where he advanced through roles from Auxiliary Operator to Operations Shift Manager. During his tenure, Steve also played key roles in training and mentoring of future operators, contributing to a 100% pass rate for multiple Initial Licensed Operator Training classes.
In subsequent roles, Steve brought his expertise to several nuclear power stations across the country, where he focused on regulatory recovery, root cause analysis, and improving operational standards. Notably, he has served as a mentor, trainer, and consultant for facilities like Arkansas Nuclear One Station, Wolf Creek Nuclear Station, and Browns Ferry Nuclear Station, providing mentorship, assessment support, training, and supporting successful NRC inspections.
Steve also leveraged his skills as a Test Engineer for Vogtle Units 3 & 4, contributing to system startup testing and the turnover of systems to the client.
Steve’s ability to identify and address complex challenges, mentor teams, and foster a culture of improvement makes him a vital asset to any organization. We’re proud to have someone of his caliber contributing to our team.
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Contact through WD office:
Jeanine Foster, Corporate Contracts Manager
WD Associates, Inc.
410-452-0055 Ext. 12