IR 05000269/2026010
| ML26035A177 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Oconee  |
| Issue date: | 02/04/2026 |
| From: | Daniel Bacon NRC/RGN-II/DORS |
| To: | Snider S Duke Energy Carolinas |
| References | |
| IR 2026010 | |
| Download: ML26035A177 (0) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
OCONEE NUCLEAR STATION - FIRE PROTECTION TEAM INSPECTION (FPTI) REPORT 05000269/2026010 AND 05000270/2026010 AND 05000287/2026010
Dear Steven M. Snider:
On January 29, 2026, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at Oconee Nuclear Station and discussed the results of this inspection with Mr. Todd Grant, Site Engineering General Manager and other members of your staff. The results of this inspection are documented in the enclosed report.
One finding of very low safety significance (Green) is documented in this report. This finding involved a violation of NRC requirements. We are treating this violation as a non-cited violation (NCV) consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy.
If you contest the violation or the significance or severity of the violation documented in this inspection report, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN:
Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001; with copies to the Regional Administrator, Region II; the Director, Office of Enforcement; and the NRC Resident Inspector at Oconee Nuclear Station.
February 4, 2026 This letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be made available for public inspection and copying at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html and at the NRC Public Document Room in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for Withholding.
Sincerely, Daniel M. Bacon, Chief Engineering Branch 2 Division of Operating Reactor Safety Docket Nos. 05000269 and 05000270 and 05000287 License Nos. DPR-38 and DPR-47 and DPR-55
Enclosure:
As stated
Inspection Report
Docket Numbers:
05000269, 05000270 and 05000287
License Numbers:
Report Numbers:
05000269/2026010, 05000270/2026010 and 05000287/2026010
Enterprise Identifier:
I-2026-010-0030
Licensee:
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
Facility:
Oconee Nuclear Station
Location:
Seneca, SC
Inspection Dates:
January 12, 2026 to January 29, 2026
Inspectors:
J. Alamudun, Reactor Inspector
D. Dang, Resident Inspector
W. Monk, Senior Reactor Inspector (Team Lead)
Approved By:
Daniel M. Bacon, Chief
Engineering Branch 2
Division of Operating Reactor Safety
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring the licensees performance by conducting a fire protection team inspection (FPTI) at Oconee Nuclear Station, in accordance with the Reactor Oversight Process. The Reactor Oversight Process is the NRCs program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors. Refer to https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/oversight.html for more information.
List of Findings and Violations
No Semi-Annual Visual Turbine Building Deluge Systems Grinnell Heat Detector Inspections as Required by NFPA 72-2013 Cornerstone Significance Cross-Cutting Aspect Report Section Mitigating Systems Green NCV 05000269,05000270,05000287/2026010-01 Closed None (NPP)71111.21N.05 The NRC identified a Green Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) Units 1, 2, & 3 RFOL, 3.D, Fire Protection, for the licensees failure to complete semi-annual visual inspections of Turbine Building Grinnell thermostat heat detectors as required by NFPA 72, Fire Alarm / Detection System, Code of Record 2013 Section 10.3, Inspection.
Additional Tracking Items
None.
INSPECTION SCOPES
Inspections were conducted using the appropriate portions of the inspection procedures (IPs) in effect at the beginning of the inspection unless otherwise noted. Currently approved IPs with their attached revision histories are located on the public website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/insp-manual/inspection-procedure/index.html. Samples were declared complete when the IP requirements most appropriate to the inspection activity were met consistent with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 2515, Light-Water Reactor Inspection Program - Operations Phase. The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel to assess licensee performance and compliance with Commission rules and regulations, license conditions, site procedures, and standards.
REACTOR SAFETY
71111.21N.05 - Fire Protection Team Inspection (FPTI) Structures, Systems, and Components (SSCs) Credited for Fire Prevention, Detection,
Suppression, or Post-Fire Safe Shutdown Review (IP Section 03.01) (3 Samples)
The inspectors verified that components and/or systems will function as required to support the credited functions stated for each sample. Additional inspection considerations are located in the fire hazards analysis (FHA) or safe shutdown analysis (SSA).
(1)a. Review deficiencies or open fire protection impairments for the selected system, including any temporary modifications, operator workarounds, or compensatory measures.
b. Verify that operator actions can be accomplished as assumed in the licensees FHA, or as assumed in the licensees fire probabilistic risk assessment (FPRA) analysis and SSA.
c. Review repetitive or similar maintenance work requests, which could be an indicator of a design deficiency and could affect the ability of the components to perform their functions when needed.
d. Ensure that post-maintenance and/or surveillance activities are performed as scheduled.
e. Perform a walkdown inspection to identify equipment alignment discrepancies. Inspect for deficient conditions such as corrosion, missing fasteners, cracks, and degraded insulation.
f. Ensure the selected SSCs that are subject to aging management review (AMR) pursuant to 10 CFR Part 54 are being managed for aging (e.g., loss of material, cracking, reduction of heat transfer) in accordance with appropriate aging management programs. Verify that the licensees aging management program activities (such as Fuel Oil Analysis or Selective Leaching Aging Management Program) associated with FP equipment are being implemented.
g. If a review of operating experience issues will be completed for the selected inspection sample, verify that the licensee adequately reviewed and dispositioned the operating experience in accordance with their processes.
SSC #1 (Fire Prevention) - Transient Combustible Controls Program
- (3) SSC #3 (Safe Shutdown) - U1/U2/U3 Emergency Feedwater Systems
Fire Protection Program Administrative Controls (IP Section 03.02) (2 Samples)
The inspectors verified that the selected control or process is implemented in accordance with the licensees current licensing basis. If applicable, ensure that the licensees FPP contains adequate procedures to implement the selected administrative control. Verify that the selected administrative control meets the requirements of all committed industry standards.
- (1) Fire Protection Admin Program #1 - Hot Work Program
- (2) Fire Protection Admin Program #2 - Fire Brigade Drills and Training Program
Fire Protection Program Changes/Modifications (IP Section 03.03) (1 Sample)
The inspectors verified the following:
a. Changes to the approved FPP do not constitute an adverse effect on the ability to safely shutdown.
b. The adequacy of the design modification, if applicable.
c. Assumptions and performance capability stated in the SSA have not been degraded through changes or modifications.
d. The FPP documents, such as the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report, fire protection report, FHA, and SSA were updated consistently with the FPP or design change.
e. Post-fire SSD operating procedures, such as abnormal operating procedures affected by the modification were updated.
Fire Detection System Replacement
INSPECTION RESULTS
No Semi-Annual Visual Turbine Building Deluge Systems Grinnell Heat Detector Inspections as Required by NFPA 72-2013 Cornerstone Significance Cross-Cutting Aspect Report Section Mitigating Systems Green NCV 05000269,05000270,05000287/2026010-01 Closed None (NPP)71111.21N.05 The NRC identified a Green Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) Units 1, 2, & 3 RFOL, 3.D, Fire Protection, for the licensees failure to complete semi-annual visual inspections of Turbine Building Grinnell thermostat heat detectors as required by NFPA 72, Fire Alarm / Detection System, Code of Record 2013 Section 10.3, Inspection.
Description:
When the inspection team was walking down the Main Feedwater Pump Fire Water Suppression systems, it was noted that a few of the associated Grinnell quartzoid thermostat heat detectors had accumulated debris/loading around the thermal element which could cause an insulating thermal effect resulting in the heat detectors to not activate at their rated design temperature. The inspectors asked for the surveillance inspection history of the fire suppressions detection system, and it was determined that these heat detectors were not visually inspected as required by NFPA 72-2013, Fire Alarm / Detection System.
Additionally, the licensee conducted an extent of condition and determined that all the Turbine Building deluge fire suppression systems quartzoid thermostat heat detectors were not being visually inspected on a semi-annual basis. Each of the three ONS Units have two Main Feedwater Pump, one Turbine-driven Emergency Feedwater and one Main Turbine Lube Oil Conditioning fire suppression deluge systems.
Corrective Actions:
- Action was needed to identify all required heat detectors not currently being visually inspected on site.
- Additionally, action was needed to develop procedures and preventative maintenance (PMs) to perform semi-annual visual inspections as required by NFPA 72-2013.
Corrective Action References: This issue is tracked in the licensees CAP under NCR 2582298 - 2026 ONS NRC FPTI: Fire Detection Visual Inspections Not Performed as Required, 01/14/2026 and NCR 2582270, 2026 ONS NRC FPTI: Replace Quartzoid Detector at Front of the 1B Feedwater Turbine, 01/14/2026.
Performance Assessment:
Performance Deficiency:
The licensees failure to complete visual inspections of the sites quartzoid thermostat heat detectors was a performance deficiency (PD). Specifically, NFPA 72, Fire Alarm / Detection System, COR 2013 Section 10.3.1, states visual inspection shall be performed IAW the schedules in Table 10.3.1 (Heat Detectors - Semiannually).
Screening:
The inspectors determined that the performance deficiency (PD) was more-than-minor because if left uncorrected it would have the potential to lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the lack of periodic visual inspections of the heat detectors precludes the licensees ability to detect material deficiency conditions which could lead to the thermal heat detectors failing to activate their associated water suppression system at their design/rated temperature.
Significance:
The inspectors assessed the significance of the finding using Appendix F, Fire Protection and Post - Fire Safe Shutdown SDP. Using IMC 0609, Appendix F, Attachment 1, the NRC team determined that the finding screened to Green (very low safety significance)because the fire finding adversely affected an area with adequate automatic detection and suppression (Question 1.4.1-B). Therefore, the issued screened to Green, and no further analysis was required.
Cross-Cutting Aspect:
Not Present Performance. No cross-cutting aspect was assigned to this finding because the inspectors determined the finding did not reflect present licensee performance.
Enforcement:
Violation:
ONS license condition 3.D requires in part, that the licensee shall implement and maintain in effect all provisions of the approved fire protection program that comply with 10 CFR 50.48(a) and 10 CFR 50.48(c), NFPA Standard 805, 2001 Edition. NFPA 805, Section 3.2.3, Procedures, states Procedures shall be established for implementation of the fire protection program. In addition to procedures that could be required by other sections of the standard, the procedures to accomplish inspection, testing, and maintenance for fire protection systems and features credited by the fire protection program.
The licensees fire protection program is committed to NFPA-72 for heat detectors. NFPA 72-2013, Fire Alarm / Detection System, Section 10.3.1, states visual inspection shall be performed in accordance with the schedules in Table 10.3.1 (Heat Detectors - Semiannually).
Contrary to the above, since the sites Turbine Building deluge fire suppression systems (i.e.,
Main Feed Pump, Lube Oil Conditioning, and TDEFW Pump fire water suppression systems)commissioning (1973) the license failed to perform the required semiannual visual inspections of these systems heat detector initiating devices.
Enforcement Action:
This violation is being treated as a non-cited violation (NCV), consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS
The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained nor documented in this report.
On January 29, 2026, the inspectors presented the FPTI
Exit Meeting
inspection results to Mr.
Todd Grant, Site Engineering General Manager and other members of the licensee staff.
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Inspection
Procedure
Type
Designation
Description or Title
Revision or
Date
OSC-8837
Unit 1 Feedwater Pump A NFPA 15 Code Compliance
07/25/2006
OSC-8838
Unit 1 Feedwater Pump B NFPA 15 Code Compliance
07/25/2006
Calculations
OSC-9659
Oconee Nuclear Safety Capability Assessment For Units 1,
2, and 3
Rev. 12
SSF Pump Room Zone 11 Beam Detector
06/03/2024
Corrective Action
Documents
NCR 2580376
Fire Detector TROUBLE Alarm
2/25/2025
AD-TQ-ALL-0086 Procedure Revise Request
01/13/2026
26 ONS NRC FPTI: Remove Transient Combustibles and
Close Storage Locker
01/14/2026
26 ONS NRC FPTI: Remove Transient Material within 8
of Front of Heater
01/14/2026
NCR 2582270
26 ONS NRC FPTI: Replace Quartzoid Detector at Front
of the 1B Feedwater Turb
01/14/2026
Corrective Action
Documents
Resulting from
Inspection
NCR 2582298
26 ONS NRC FPTI: Fire Detection Visual Inspections Not
Performed as Required
01/14/2026
O-0310-L-001
TURBINE BUILDING - UNIT 1 FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
Rev. 11
OFD-121D-1.1
Rev. 40
Drawings
OFD-124C-1.2
FLOW DIAGRAM OF HIGH-PRESSURE SERVICE WATER
SYSTEM TURBINE BUILDING
Rev. 43
Fire Plans
CSD-ONS-PFP-
Pre-Fire Plan for U1 Turbine Building Elevation 775
Rev. 1
Grinnell Quartzoid Thermostat Model F910 Spec Sheet
Rev. 0
25 Annual Fire Department Site Access Training
Rev. 1
ADM-NFPA805
Rev. 0
ONS USFAR
Section 9.5.1
Fire Protection
Rev. 30
71111.21N.05
Miscellaneous
ONS-25-010390
Fire Protection Impairment Form - Fire Hydrant 23 Broken
2/23/2025
Inspection
Procedure
Type
Designation
Description or Title
Revision or
Date
AD-FP-ALL-1520
TRANSIENT COMBUSTIBLE CONTROL
Rev. 4
AD-FP-ALL-1521
HOT WORK PERMITS
Rev. 4
AD-FP-ALL-1523
TEMPORARY IGNITION SOURCE CONTROL
Rev. 0
AD-OP-ALL-0207
FIRE BRIGADE ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
Rev. 8
AD-TQ-ALL-0086
FIRE BRIGADE AND HAZMAT TRAINING
REV. 8
IP/0/A/0250/005 H
Periodic Test/Replacement of Mulsifyre Heat Detectors
REV 010
IP/0/B/0385/002 B
STANDBY SHUTDOWN FACILITY FIRE DETECTION
SYSTEM VISUAL INSPECTION
REV 012
MP/0/A/1705/019
Fire Protection - SLC-Related Fire Doors - HELB Doors -
Annual And Bi-Monthly Inspections
Rev. 31
OSS-0072.0A-00-
0004
FIRE PROTECTION ACCEPTANCE SPECIFICATION
Rev. 21
OSS-0254.00-00-
1000
Design Basis Specification for the Emergency Feedwater
System
Rev. 61
OSS-0254.00-00-
4008
Design Basis Specification for Fire Protection
Rev. 53
PD-FP-ALL-1500
Fleet Fire Protection Program Manual
Rev. 3
PT/0/B/0250/003
SSF FIRE DETECTION CONTROL PANEL TEST
Rev. 0
PT/1/A/0250/010
Fire Suppression Systems Dry Pipe Test
Rev. 23
Procedures
PT/1/A/250/10B
Fire Suppression Systems Test
Rev. 22
IP/0/A/250/5H - RANDOMLY REPLACE MULSIFYRE FIRE
DETECTORS
06/08/2015
IP/0/A/250/5H - RANDOMLY REPLACE MULSIFYRE FIRE
DETECTORS
06/30/2021
EC 421928 SSF FIRE DETECTION POWER FAILURE
TESTING
04/28/2025
EC 421928 Fire Detection Verify FACU #PL0007 Factory
Wiring
2/31/2024
Work Orders
PT/1/A/0250/010B - Fire Suppression Systems Test
04/15/2023
Inspection
Procedure
Type
Designation
Description or Title
Revision or
Date
PT/1/A/0250/010B - Fire Suppression Systems Test
05/26/2025
SEMI/ANNUAL INSPECTION OF FIRE DETECTOR
2/02/2024
SEMI/ANNUAL INSPECTION OF FIRE DETECTOR
07/30/2025
SSF FIRE DETECTION VISUAL INSPECTION
REV 01
SSF PUMP ROOM ZONE 11 BEAM DETECTOR
06/03/2024