On July 7, 2014 at approximately [2040 EDT], an issue was discovered with currently removed Electromatic Relief Valves (
EMRVs) that calls the operability of the currently installed
EMRVs into question. Based on this new information, all 5 of the currently installed
EMRVs were conservatively declared
inoperable. With the potential of 5
EMRVs inoperable a Technical Specification shutdown is required under
Technical Specification 3.4.b, whereby reactor pressure shall be reduced to 110 psig or less within
24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />. This event is immediately reportable under:
50.72(b)(2)(i), 'The initiation of any nuclear plant shutdown required by the plant's Technical Specifications.'
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), 'Any event or condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to: (D) Mitigate the consequences of an accident.'"
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. The licensee will notify the State of New Jersey and issue a press release.
- * * RETRACTION AT 1745 EDT ON 7/11/2014 FROM CHARLES SPAGNUOLO TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *
The original concern and July 7, 2014 EN [report] was caused by abnormal wear found on removed Electromatic Relief Valve actuators. However, on July 8, 2014, upon completion of in situ testing as well as visual examination of the installed EMRV actuators, it was determined that the 5 currently installed EMRVs were fully operable and capable of performing their safety function. Therefore, Oyster Creek is retracting the notifications made under 50.72(b)(2)(i) and 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D).
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and the State will be notified. The licensee will be issuing a press release.
Notified the R1DO (DeFrancisco).