IR 05000298/2018010
ML18128A074 | |
Person / Time | |
---|---|
Site: | Cooper |
Issue date: | 05/08/2018 |
From: | Jason Kozal NRC/RGN-IV/DRP/RPB-C |
To: | Dent J Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) |
Kozal J | |
References | |
IR 2018010 | |
Download: ML18128A074 (14) | |
Text
May 8, 2018 Mr. John Dent, Jr.
Vice President-Nuclear and CNO Nebraska Public Power District Cooper Nuclear Station 72676 648A Avenue P.O. Box 98 Brownville, NE 68321 SUBJECT: COOPER NUCLEAR STATION - INSPECTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND SPENT FUEL POOL INSTRUMENTATION ORDERS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMUNICATION/
STAFFING/MULTI-UNIT DOSE ASSESSMENT PLANS - INSPECTION REPORT 05000298/2018010
Dear Mr. Dent:
On March 15, 2018, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed the onsite portion of this inspection at your Cooper Nuclear Station. On April 16, 2018, the NRC inspectors discussed the results of this inspection with Mr. J. Kalamaja, General Manager of Plant Operations, and other members of your staff. The results of this inspection are documented in the enclosed report.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to the implementation of mitigation strategies and spent fuel pool instrumentation orders (EA-12-049 and EA-12-051) and Emergency Preparedness Communication, Staffing, and Multi-Unit Dose Assessment Plans, your compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations, and with the conditions of your operating license. Within these areas, the inspection involved examination of selected procedures and records, observation of activities, and interviews with station personnel.
NRC inspectors documented one finding of very low safety significance (Green) in this report.
The finding did not involve a violation of NRC requirements.
If you disagree with a cross-cutting aspect assignment or a finding not associated with a regulatory requirement in this report, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your disagreement, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001; with copies to the Regional Administrator, Region IV; and the NRC resident inspector at the Cooper Nuclear Station. Jr. 2 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 10 CFR 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for Withholding.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Jason W. Kozal, Chief Project Branch C Division of Reactor Projects Docket: 50-298 License: DPR-46 Enclosure:
Inspection Report 05000298/2018010 w/Attachment:
Documents Reviewed
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Inspection Report
Docket Number: 05000298 License Number: DPR-46 Report Number: 05000298/2018010 Enterprise Identifier: I-2018-010-0017 Licensee: Nebraska Public Power District Facility: Cooper Nuclear Station Location: Brownville, Nebraska Inspection Dates: March 12, 2018 to April 16, 2018 Inspectors: M. Stafford, Resident Inspector - Cooper (Team Leader)
R. Alexander, Sr. Project Engineer - Region IV J. Mateychick, Sr. Reactor Inspector - Region IV S. Sheldon, Project Engineer - Region III Approved By: Jason Kozal Chief, Project Branch C Division of Reactor Projects
Enclosure
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring licensees performance by conducting a Temporary Instruction 2515/191, Implementation of Mitigation Strategies and Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation Orders and Emergency Preparedness Communication/
Staffing/Multi-Unit Dose Assessment Plans at Cooper 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. NRC and self-revealed findings, violations, and additional items are summarized in the table below.
List of Findings and Violations Failure to Maintain Satellite Phones in Locations That Provide Reasonable Assurance They Will Remain Available Following All Beyond Design Basis External Events Cornerstone Significance Cross-cutting Report Aspect Section Emergency Green H.3 - TI 2515/191 Preparedness FIN 05000298/2018010-01 Change Closed Management The NRC inspection team identified a Green finding related to the licensees failure to maintain the station satellite phones in locations that would provide reasonable assurance the phones would remain available following all beyond design basis external events.
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.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- TEMPORARY INSTRUCTIONS, INFREQUENT AND ABNORMAL TI 2515/191 - Inspection of the Implementation of Mitigation Strategies and Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation Orders and Emergency Preparedness Communication/Staffing/Multi-Unit Dose Assessment Plans Inspectors verified plans for complying with NRC Orders EA-12-049, Order Modifying Licenses with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis External Events (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No.
ML12056A045) and EA-12-051, Order Modifying Licenses With Regard to Reliable Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation (ADAMS No. ML12054A679) are in place and are being implemented by the licensee. Additionally, the inspection verified implementation of staffing and communications information provided in response to the March 12, 2012, request for information letter (ADAMS No. ML12053A340) and multiunit dose assessment information provided per COMSECY-13-0010, Schedule and Plans for Tier 2 Order on Emergency Preparedness for Japan Lessons Learned, dated March 27, 2013, (ADAMS No.
- (1) Based on samples selected for review, the inspectors verified that the licensee satisfactorily implemented appropriate elements of the Diverse and Flexible Coping Strategies (FLEX) as described in the plant specific submittals [including the Final Integrated Plan (ADAMS Accession No. ML17017A166)] and the associated safety evaluation (ADAMS No. ML17226A032) and determined that the licensee is in compliance with NRC Order EA-12-049, Order Modifying Licenses with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis External Events. The inspectors verified the licensee satisfactorily:
a) developed and issued FLEX Support Guidelines (FSGs) to implement the FLEX strategies for postulated external events; b) integrated their FSGs into their existing plant procedures such that entry into and departure from the FSGs were clear when using existing plant procedures; c) protected FLEX equipment from site-specific hazards; d) developed and implemented adequate testing and maintenance of FLEX equipment to ensure their availability and capability; e) trained their staff to assure personnel proficiency in the mitigation of beyond-design basis events; and f) developed the means to ensure the necessary off-site FLEX equipment would be available from off-site locations.
- (2) Based on samples selected for review, the inspectors verified that the licensee satisfactorily implemented appropriate elements of the FLEX strategy as described in the plant specific submittals [including the Final Integrated Plan (ADAMS Accession No.
ML17017A166)] and the associated safety evaluation (ADAMS No. ML17226A032) and determined that the licensee is in compliance with NRC Order NRC Order EA-12-051, Order Modifying Licenses With Regard to Reliable Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation.
The inspectors verified the licensee satisfactorily :
a) installed the spent fuel pool (SFP) instrumentation sensors, cabling and power supplies to provide physical and electrical separation as described in the plant specific submittals and safety evaluation; b) installed the SFP instrumentation display in the location, environmental conditions and accessibility as described in the plant specific submittals; c) trained their staff to assure personnel proficiency with the maintenance, testing, and use of the SFP instrumentation; and d) developed and issued procedures for maintenance, testing and use of the reliable SFP instrumentation.
- (3) The inspectors reviewed information provided in the licensees multi-unit dose submittal and in response to the NRCs March 12, 2012, request for information letter (ADAMS No. ML12053A340), and verified that the licensee satisfactorily implemented enhancements pertaining to Near-Term Task Force Recommendation 9.3 in response to a large scale natural emergency event that results in an extended loss of all ac power to all site units and impedes access to the site. The inspectors verified the following:
a) the licensee satisfactorily implemented required staffing changes to support an extend loss of all AC power (ELAP)/loss of ultimate heat sink (LUHS) scenario; b) EP communications equipment and facilities are sufficient for dealing with an ELAP/LUHS scenario; and c) the licensee implemented multi-unit/-source dose assessment capabilities (including releases from spent fuel pools) using the licensees site-specific dose assessment software and approach.
The inspectors verified that non-compliances with requirements and standards identified during the inspection were entered into the licensee's corrective action program as appropriate.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Failure to Maintain Satellite Phones in Locations That Provide Reasonable Assurance They Will Remain Available Following All Beyond Design Basis External Events Cornerstone Significance Cross-cutting Report Aspect Section Emergency Green H.3 - Change TI 2515/191 Preparedness FIN 05000298/2018010-01 Management Closed The NRC inspection team identified a Green finding related to the licensees failure to maintain the station satellite phones in locations that would provide reasonable assurance the phones would remain available following all beyond design basis external events.
Description:
The Cooper Nuclear Station FLEX Program Document, Revision 1, Section 5.2.27, Support Functions - Communications, states, in part: NEI 12-01 provides required emergency communications capabilities during an Extended Loss of AC Power (ELAP)Satellite phones are credited for off-site communicationDocking stations and remote antennas have been installed to allow use of the satellite phones from inside buildings.
NEI 12-01, Guideline for Assessing Beyond Design Basis Accident Response Staffing and Communications Capabilities, Revision 0, Section 4.5, Equipment Location Requirements, states: to be assumed operable, a piece of on-site communications equipment should be in a location, and maintained in a manner, that maximizes survivability following a beyond design basis external eventEquipment should be stored, or otherwise available, in locations that can be readily accessed when neededThe above guidance applies to equipment at the point of use as well as any supporting infrastructure components. Such components may include portable power sources, and radio system repeaters and antennas.
Initially, when the licensee implemented their plans to resolve issues associated with communications during a beyond design basis external event (BDBEE), they had handheld satellite phones located in the control room and the technical support center (TSC), which required the users to relocate outdoors to acquire a usable signal. These locations are rated to withstand all BDBEE, and would therefore meet the requirements of NEI 12-01. However, in an effort to enhance the communications methods, the licensee pursued plans to provide a means for personnel to be able to communicate with satellite phones from inside buildings.
These enhancements involved providing external antennas, relocating the existing satellite phones to docking stations in a structure attached to the elevated release point (ERP shack)and in a communications room (PBX room), and routing wires to control room and TSC desk phones. These enhancements are mentioned in general in a letter from the licensee to the NRC, NLS2013028, dated 2/21/13, Response to NRC Technical Issues for Resolution Regarding Licensee Communication Submittals Associated with Near-Term Task Force Recommendation 9.3.
In moving the physical location of the satellite phones from the control room and TSC, the licensee failed to ensure that the new locations were suitable to withstand all BDBEE. The ERP shack is not rated for tornado wind loading, and the phones relocated from the control room may not survive this external event. Additionally, the external antennas located on the elevated release point and the meteorological tower would not be able to withstand the elevated wind speeds during a tornado or other high wind event.
The team determined that, by implementing this enhancement to communications systems, the licensee placed their satellite phone equipment in locations that are vulnerable to BDBEE.
This does not meet the requirements of NEI 12-01 and therefore does not meet the requirements of the FLEX Program Document.
Corrective Action(s): In response to the teams questions, the licensee documented the concerns in the corrective action program. Additionally, the licensee is in the process of procuring three additional satellite phones to stage in the control room, thereby restoring compliance with NEI 12-01.
Corrective Action Reference(s): CR-CNS-2018-01499
Performance Assessment:
Performance Deficiency: That the station failed to maintain the satellite phones in locations that provide reasonable assurance the phones will remain available following all beyond design basis external events is a performance deficiency. Specifically, by moving the satellite phones from locations where the phones were protected from beyond design basis external events to locations where the phones were not protected was contrary to NEI 12-01, Revision 0, Section 4.5. The ERP shack is not rated for tornado wind loading and therefore the phones relocated from the control room may not survive this external event. Additionally, the antennas may not survive high wind speeds.
Screening: The inspectors determined the performance deficiency was more than minor because it adversely affected the facilities and equipment attribute of the Emergency Preparedness Cornerstone and its objective to ensure that the licensee is capable of implementing adequate measures to protect the health and safety of the public in the event of a radiological emergency. Specifically, by moving the satellite phones to locations that are not rated for all beyond design basis external events, the licensee would not be able to contact any offsite organizations.
Significance: The team assessed the significance of the finding using Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609, Appendix O, Significance Determination Process for Mitigating Strategies and Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation (Orders EA-12-049 and EA-12-051), dated October 7, 2016. The team determined that the performance deficiency did not
- (1) impact the spent fuel pool instrumentation order (EA-12-051);
- (2) did not involve a failure of FLEX equipment for 72 hours8.333333e-4 days <br />0.02 hours <br />1.190476e-4 weeks <br />2.7396e-5 months <br /> or more that would result in a complete loss of one or more of the FLEX functions;
- (3) did not involve deficient procedures or training that would result in a complete loss of one or more of the FLEX functions;
- (4) did not have a product of the exposure time and external even initiating event frequency greater than 1E-6; and
- (5) did not involve significant programmatic issues which reduced the effectiveness of the Mitigating Strategies. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green).
Cross-cutting Aspect: The finding had a human performance cross-cutting aspect associated with change management, in that the licensee failed to fully evaluate implementing the enhancement to move the satellite phones from the control room and TSC to the ERP shack an the PBX room [H.3].
Enforcement:
Inspectors did not identify a violation of regulatory requirements associated with this finding.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS
The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
- On March 15, 2018, the inspection team presented the on-site inspection results in a management debrief to Mr. J. Kalamaja, General Manager of Plant Operations, and other members of the site staff.
- On April 16, 2018, the lead inspector presented the final inspection results in an exit meeting to Mr. J. Kalamaja, General Manager of Plant Operations, and other members of the site staff.
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Other Activities - TI 2515/191
Procedures/Instructions
Number Title Revision
0-CNS-OU-108 Shutdown Safety Management Program 4
0.50.5 Outage Shutdown Safety 37
2.4FPC Fuel Pool Cooling Trouble 34
5.1FLOOD Emergency Operations Procedure: Flood 22
7.0.11 Maintenance Procedure: Flood Control Barriers 30
14.41.1.1 FPC-LIT-1 Testing 4
EOF08 Position Instruction Manual: Logistics Coordinator 30
FSG 5.10FLEX FLEX Support Guidelines (FSGs) 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.01 125 VDC Div 1 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.02 125 VDC Div 2 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.03 250 VDC Div 1 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.04 250 VDC Div 2 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.05 Reliable Hardened Containment Vent Battery 1
Charger Tie-in
FSG 5.10FLEX.06 Fuel Pool Level Instrument Electrical Tie-In 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.07 4160 F Bus Tie-in with Off-Site Generator 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.08 4160 G Bus Tie-in with Off-Site Generator 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.09 Hotwell to ECST FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.10 ECST Makeup from North Well 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.11 Spent Fuel Pool Supply FLEX Operations 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.12 Reactor Building Reliable Air FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.13 REC SW FLEX Supply 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.14 RHR Div 1 Shutdown Cooling FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.15 RHR Div 2 Shutdown Cooling FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.16 Residual Heat Removal Service Water (RHRSW) 2
Div 1 FLEX Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.17 Residual Heat Removal Service Water (RHRSW) 2
Div 2 FLEX Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.18 Alternate Reactor Building Ventilation FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.19 Alternate Ventilation FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.20 Debris Removal in Support of FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.21 Shutdown Injection FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.22 Communications and Lighting Equipment FLEX 1
Power
FSG 5.10FLEX.23 Reactor Equipment Cooling FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.24 Control Building Temporary Heating FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.25 Alternate RPV Injection thru RHR SW Riser or RHR- 1
B B.5.B Connection
FSG 5.10FLEX.26 RHR Suppression Pool Cooling Div 1 FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.27 RHR Suppression Pool Cooling Div 2 FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.28 Vital Instrumentation FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.29 Alternate Reactor Vessel Injection from Missouri 1
River
FSG 5.10FLEX.30 Hardened Containment Vent System FLEX 5
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.31 FLEX Equipment Refueling Operations 1
5.3SBO Station Blackout 43
5.7.17 CNS Dose Assessment 49
5.7.17.1 Dose Assessment (Manual) 3
6.FPC.701 FPC Level Transmitter Functional Test 0
OI 25 Operations Routine Duties 70
Security Access Control Devices 50
Procedure 2.8
Site Services Station Security 59
Procedure 1.1
FLEX Final Integrated Plan 1
FLEX Program Document 1
Preventative Maintenance Activities
Number Title Revision
5067082 SAMG Diesel Generator Testing 9/27/2016
5155721 Perform Vendor FLEX Maintenance Activities (1 year 5/23/2017
Operational Inspections)
5164463 Perform Vendor FLEX Equipment Maintenance (6 11/06/2017
month)
5194852 Spent Fuel Pool Primary LI Signal PCRS 12/29/2017
Drawings
Number Title Revision
453010422 Emergency Condensate Storage Tanks AB/02
R110827 Cooper Nuclear Strategy Topography Survey 8/23/2012
Other Documents/Reports
Number Title Revision
EC 6036621 Install Remote Satellite Units 0
EE 01-057 Class I Restrained Seismic Design Basis of Class IIS 0
Piping
EE 01-147 Summary of Main Steam Isolation Valve (MSIV) 2
Leakage Pathway to the Condenser Seismic
Qualification
ER 2016-002 FLEX Portable Equipment Deployment Path 0
Liquefaction Evaluation
Number Title Revision
INT0350113 FLEX Modifications 1
INT0350114 FLEX Strategy 1
INT0350116 FLEX Strategy Walkdown 0
Lesson Plan Level Measurement & Devices 8
IAC202-00-00
LO#2018-0092 2018 CNS TI-2515/191 Mitigating Strategies (SFP/EP)
Inspection Assessment
MEC 500-01-01 MEC OSC Emergency Response Overview 2
ML17226A032 Cooper Nuclear Station Safety Evaluation Regarding 9/20/2017
Implementation of Mitigating Strategies and Reliable
Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation Related to Orders
EA-12-049 and EA-12-051 (CAC Nos. MF0971 and
MF0972)
MP FLEX Equipment Maintenance Plans for FLEX Air {Not Dated}
800000050260 Compressors; 175 kW, 60 kW, and 6 kW Diesel
Generators; and FLEX Godwin Pumps
NEDC 09-102 Internal Flooding - HELB, MELB, and Feedwater Line 2
Break
NEDC 14-001 Storage Facility Structural Calculation 1
NEDC 14-027 Review of ERIN Calculation C122140001-11622, 0
MAAP Analysis to Support Cooper FLEX Strategy
NEI 12-01 Guideline for Assessing Beyond Design Basis 0
Accident Response Staffing and Communications
Capabilities
NEI 12-06 Diverse and Flexible Coping Strategies (FLEX) 2
Implementation Guidelines
NLS2013028 Response to NRC Technical Issues for Resolution 2/21/13
Regarding Licensee Communication Submittals
Associated with Near-Term Task Force
Recommendation 9.3
NSRC-005 SAFER Response Plan for Cooper Nuclear Station 9/15/2015
PM Notification Maintenance Plan 800000050260 Revision 10/25/2017
11417703
Purchase Order Preventive Maintenance Program 3/06/17
4500200470
Technical Beyond Design Basis Components 11/06/16
Requirements
Manual Section
3.12
Cooper Nuclear Station NEI 12-01 Phase 2 Staffing 4/21/2016
Assessment
FLEX Validation Document
NANTeL Generic Basic FLEX, ERO0010102/ILT-
251/NAN-56252
NANTeL Generic Advanced FLEX, ERO0010103/ILT-
253/NAN-56254
Corrective Action Program Documents (CR-CNS-)
2016-02845 2016-02869 2017-01463 2017-02565
2017-02568 2017-02799 2017-02801 2017-03089
2017-03777 2017-05033 2017-05285 2017-06372
2018-01166 2018-01243 2018-01442* 2018-01443*
2018-01450* 2018-01451* 2018-01457* 2018-01458*
2018-01463* 2018-01469* 2018-01475* 2018-01494*
2018-01496* 2018-01499* 2018-01500* 2018-01509*
2018-01511* 2018-02294*
- - Initiated as a result of this inspection
SUNSI Review Non-Sensitive Publicly Available Keyword:
By: MHS2/rdr Sensitive Non-Publicly Available NRC-002
OFFICE RI:DRP/C/CNS SPE:DRP/A SRI:DRS/EB2 RIII:DRP/PE BC:DRP/C
NAME MStafford RAlexander JMateychick SSheldon JKozal
SIGNATURE /RA-E/ /RA/ /RA/ /RA-E/ /RA/
DATE 4/19/18 4/19/18 4/20/18 4/19/18 5/8/18
May 8, 2018
Mr. John Dent, Jr.
Vice President-Nuclear and CNO
Nebraska Public Power District
Cooper Nuclear Station
2676 648A Avenue
P.O. Box 98
Brownville, NE 68321
SUBJECT: COOPER NUCLEAR STATION - INSPECTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND SPENT FUEL POOL INSTRUMENTATION
ORDERS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMUNICATION/
STAFFING/MULTI-UNIT DOSE ASSESSMENT PLANS - INSPECTION
REPORT 05000298/2018010
Dear Mr. Dent:
On March 15, 2018, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed the onsite
portion of this inspection at your Cooper Nuclear Station. On April 16, 2018, the NRC
inspectors discussed the results of this inspection with Mr.
- J. Kalamaja, General Manager of
Plant Operations, and other members of your staff. The results of this inspection are
documented in the enclosed report.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to the
implementation of mitigation strategies and spent fuel pool instrumentation orders (EA-12-049
and EA-12-051) and Emergency Preparedness Communication, Staffing, and Multi-Unit Dose
Assessment Plans, your compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations, and with the
conditions of your operating license. Within these areas, the inspection involved examination of
selected procedures and records, observation of activities, and interviews with station
personnel.
NRC inspectors documented one finding of very low safety significance (Green) in this report.
The finding did not involve a violation of NRC requirements.
If you disagree with a cross-cutting aspect assignment or a finding not associated with a
regulatory requirement in this report, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date
of this inspection report, with the basis for your disagreement, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001; with copies to the
Regional Administrator, Region IV; and the NRC resident inspector at the Cooper Nuclear
Station.
J. Dent Jr. 2
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 10 CFR 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for
Withholding.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Jason
- W. Kozal, Chief
Project Branch C
Division of Reactor Projects
Docket: 50-298
License: DPR-46
Enclosure:
Inspection Report 05000298/2018010
w/Attachment:
Documents Reviewed
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Inspection Report
Docket Number: 05000298
License Number: DPR-46
Report Number: 05000298/2018010
Enterprise Identifier: I-2018-010-0017
Licensee: Nebraska Public Power District
Facility: Cooper Nuclear Station
Location: Brownville, Nebraska
Inspection Dates: March 12, 2018 to April 16, 2018
Inspectors:
- M. Stafford, Resident Inspector - Cooper (Team Leader)
- R. Alexander, Sr. Project Engineer - Region IV
- J. Mateychick, Sr. Reactor Inspector - Region IV
- S. Sheldon, Project Engineer - Region III
Approved By: Jason Kozal
Chief, Project Branch C
Division of Reactor Projects
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring licensees performance
by conducting a Temporary Instruction 2515/191, Implementation of Mitigation Strategies and
Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation Orders and Emergency Preparedness Communication/
Staffing/Multi-Unit Dose Assessment Plans at Cooper 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. NRC and self-
revealed findings, violations, and additional items are summarized in the table below.
List of Findings and Violations
Failure to Maintain Satellite Phones in Locations That Provide Reasonable Assurance They
Will Remain Available Following All Beyond Design Basis External Events
Cornerstone Significance Cross-cutting Report
Aspect Section
Emergency Green H.3 - TI 2515/191
Preparedness FIN 05000298/2018010-01 Change
Closed Management
The NRC inspection team identified a Green finding related to the licensees failure to maintain
the station satellite phones in locations that would provide reasonable assurance the phones
would remain available following all beyond design basis external events.
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.
OTHER ACTIVITIES - TEMPORARY INSTRUCTIONS, INFREQUENT AND ABNORMAL
TI 2515/191 - Inspection of the Implementation of Mitigation Strategies and Spent Fuel Pool
Instrumentation Orders and Emergency Preparedness Communication/Staffing/Multi-Unit Dose
Assessment Plans
Inspectors verified plans for complying with NRC Orders EA-12-049, Order Modifying Licenses
with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis External Events
(Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No.
ML12056A045) and EA-12-051, Order Modifying Licenses With Regard to Reliable Spent Fuel
Pool Instrumentation (ADAMS No. ML12054A679) are in place and are being implemented by
the licensee. Additionally, the inspection verified implementation of staffing and
communications information provided in response to the March 12, 2012, request for
information letter (ADAMS No. ML12053A340) and multiunit dose assessment information
provided per COMSECY-13-0010, Schedule and Plans for Tier 2 Order on Emergency
Preparedness for Japan Lessons Learned, dated March 27, 2013, (ADAMS No.
(1) Based on samples selected for review, the inspectors verified that the licensee
satisfactorily implemented appropriate elements of the Diverse and Flexible Coping
Strategies (FLEX) as described in the plant specific submittals [including the Final
Integrated Plan (ADAMS Accession No. ML17017A166)] and the associated safety
evaluation (ADAMS No. ML17226A032) and determined that the licensee is in
compliance with NRC Order EA-12-049, Order Modifying Licenses with Regard to
Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis External Events. The
inspectors verified the licensee satisfactorily:
a) developed and issued FLEX Support Guidelines (FSGs) to implement the FLEX
strategies for postulated external events;
b) integrated their FSGs into their existing plant procedures such that entry into and
departure from the FSGs were clear when using existing plant procedures;
c) protected FLEX equipment from site-specific hazards;
d) developed and implemented adequate testing and maintenance of FLEX equipment
to ensure their availability and capability;
e) trained their staff to assure personnel proficiency in the mitigation of
beyond-design basis events; and
f) developed the means to ensure the necessary off-site FLEX equipment would be
available from off-site locations.
(2) Based on samples selected for review, the inspectors verified that the licensee
satisfactorily implemented appropriate elements of the FLEX strategy as described in the
plant specific submittals [including the Final Integrated Plan (ADAMS Accession No.
ML17017A166)] and the associated safety evaluation (ADAMS No. ML17226A032) and
determined that the licensee is in compliance with NRC Order NRC Order EA-12-051,
Order Modifying Licenses With Regard to Reliable Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation.
The inspectors verified the licensee satisfactorily :
a) installed the spent fuel pool (SFP) instrumentation sensors, cabling and power
supplies to provide physical and electrical separation as described in the plant
specific submittals and safety evaluation;
b) installed the SFP instrumentation display in the location, environmental conditions
and accessibility as described in the plant specific submittals;
c) trained their staff to assure personnel proficiency with the maintenance, testing, and
use of the SFP instrumentation; and
d) developed and issued procedures for maintenance, testing and use of the reliable
SFP instrumentation.
(3) The inspectors reviewed information provided in the licensees multi-unit dose submittal
and in response to the NRCs March 12, 2012, request for information letter (ADAMS
No. ML12053A340), and verified that the licensee satisfactorily implemented
enhancements pertaining to Near-Term Task Force Recommendation 9.3 in response to
a large scale natural emergency event that results in an extended loss of all ac power to
all site units and impedes access to the site. The inspectors verified the following:
a) the licensee satisfactorily implemented required staffing changes to support an
extend loss of all AC power (ELAP)/loss of ultimate heat sink (LUHS) scenario;
b) EP communications equipment and facilities are sufficient for dealing with an
ELAP/LUHS scenario; and
c) the licensee implemented multi-unit/-source dose assessment capabilities (including
releases from spent fuel pools) using the licensees site-specific dose assessment
software and approach.
The inspectors verified that non-compliances with requirements and standards identified during
the inspection were entered into the licensee's corrective action program as appropriate.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Failure to Maintain Satellite Phones in Locations That Provide Reasonable Assurance They
Will Remain Available Following All Beyond Design Basis External Events
Cornerstone Significance Cross-cutting Report
Aspect Section
Emergency Green H.3 - Change TI 2515/191
Preparedness FIN 05000298/2018010-01 Management
Closed
The NRC inspection team identified a Green finding related to the licensees failure to
maintain the station satellite phones in locations that would provide reasonable assurance the
phones would remain available following all beyond design basis external events.
Description: The Cooper Nuclear Station FLEX Program Document, Revision 1, Section
5.2.27, Support Functions - Communications, states, in part: NEI 12-01 provides required
emergency communications capabilities during an Extended Loss of AC Power
(ELAP)Satellite phones are credited for off-site communicationDocking stations and
remote antennas have been installed to allow use of the satellite phones from inside
buildings.
NEI 12-01, Guideline for Assessing Beyond Design Basis Accident Response Staffing and
Communications Capabilities, Revision 0, Section 4.5, Equipment Location Requirements,
states: to be assumed operable, a piece of on-site communications equipment should be in a
location, and maintained in a manner, that maximizes survivability following a beyond design
basis external eventEquipment should be stored, or otherwise available, in locations that
can be readily accessed when neededThe above guidance applies to equipment at the
point of use as well as any supporting infrastructure components. Such components may
include portable power sources, and radio system repeaters and antennas.
Initially, when the licensee implemented their plans to resolve issues associated with
communications during a beyond design basis external event (BDBEE), they had handheld
satellite phones located in the control room and the technical support center (TSC), which
required the users to relocate outdoors to acquire a usable signal. These locations are rated
to withstand all BDBEE, and would therefore meet the requirements of NEI 12-01. However,
in an effort to enhance the communications methods, the licensee pursued plans to provide a
means for personnel to be able to communicate with satellite phones from inside buildings.
These enhancements involved providing external antennas, relocating the existing satellite
phones to docking stations in a structure attached to the elevated release point (ERP shack)
and in a communications room (PBX room), and routing wires to control room and TSC desk
phones. These enhancements are mentioned in general in a letter from the licensee to the
NRC, NLS2013028, dated 2/21/13, Response to NRC Technical Issues for Resolution
Regarding Licensee Communication Submittals Associated with Near-Term Task Force
Recommendation 9.3.
In moving the physical location of the satellite phones from the control room and TSC, the
licensee failed to ensure that the new locations were suitable to withstand all BDBEE. The
ERP shack is not rated for tornado wind loading, and the phones relocated from the control
room may not survive this external event. Additionally, the external antennas located on the
elevated release point and the meteorological tower would not be able to withstand the
elevated wind speeds during a tornado or other high wind event.
The team determined that, by implementing this enhancement to communications systems,
the licensee placed their satellite phone equipment in locations that are vulnerable to BDBEE.
This does not meet the requirements of NEI 12-01 and therefore does not meet the
requirements of the FLEX Program Document.
Corrective Action(s): In response to the teams questions, the licensee documented the
concerns in the corrective action program. Additionally, the licensee is in the process of
procuring three additional satellite phones to stage in the control room, thereby restoring
compliance with NEI 12-01.
Corrective Action Reference(s): CR-CNS-2018-01499
Performance Assessment:
Performance Deficiency: That the station failed to maintain the satellite phones in locations
that provide reasonable assurance the phones will remain available following all beyond
design basis external events is a performance deficiency. Specifically, by moving the satellite
phones from locations where the phones were protected from beyond design basis external
events to locations where the phones were not protected was contrary to NEI 12-01,
Revision 0, Section 4.5. The ERP shack is not rated for tornado wind loading and therefore
the phones relocated from the control room may not survive this external event. Additionally,
the antennas may not survive high wind speeds.
Screening: The inspectors determined the performance deficiency was more than minor
because it adversely affected the facilities and equipment attribute of the Emergency
Preparedness Cornerstone and its objective to ensure that the licensee is capable of
implementing adequate measures to protect the health and safety of the public in the event of
a radiological emergency. Specifically, by moving the satellite phones to locations that are
not rated for all beyond design basis external events, the licensee would not be able to
contact any offsite organizations.
Significance: The team assessed the significance of the finding using Inspection Manual
Chapter (IMC) 0609, Appendix O, Significance Determination Process for Mitigating
Strategies and Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation (Orders EA-12-049 and EA-12-051), dated
October 7, 2016. The team determined that the performance deficiency did not (1) impact the
spent fuel pool instrumentation order (EA-12-051); (2) did not involve a failure of FLEX
equipment for 72 hours8.333333e-4 days <br />0.02 hours <br />1.190476e-4 weeks <br />2.7396e-5 months <br /> or more that would result in a complete loss of one or more of the
FLEX functions; (3) did not involve deficient procedures or training that would result in a
complete loss of one or more of the FLEX functions; (4) did not have a product of the
exposure time and external even initiating event frequency greater than 1E-6; and (5) did not
involve significant programmatic issues which reduced the effectiveness of the Mitigating
Strategies. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance
(Green).
Cross-cutting Aspect: The finding had a human performance cross-cutting aspect associated
with change management, in that the licensee failed to fully evaluate implementing the
enhancement to move the satellite phones from the control room and TSC to the ERP shack
an the PBX room [H.3].
Enforcement: Inspectors did not identify a violation of regulatory requirements associated
with this finding.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS
The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
- On March 15, 2018, the inspection team presented the on-site inspection results in a
management debrief to Mr.
- J. Kalamaja, General Manager of Plant Operations, and other
members of the site staff.
- On April 16, 2018, the lead inspector presented the final inspection results in an exit meeting
to Mr.
- J. Kalamaja, General Manager of Plant Operations, and other members of the site
staff.
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Other Activities - TI 2515/191
Procedures/Instructions
Number Title Revision
0-CNS-OU-108 Shutdown Safety Management Program 4
0.50.5 Outage Shutdown Safety 37
2.4FPC Fuel Pool Cooling Trouble 34
5.1FLOOD Emergency Operations Procedure: Flood 22
7.0.11 Maintenance Procedure: Flood Control Barriers 30
14.41.1.1 FPC-LIT-1 Testing 4
EOF08 Position Instruction Manual: Logistics Coordinator 30
FSG 5.10FLEX FLEX Support Guidelines (FSGs) 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.01 125 VDC Div 1 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.02 125 VDC Div 2 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.03 250 VDC Div 1 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.04 250 VDC Div 2 FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.05 Reliable Hardened Containment Vent Battery 1
Charger Tie-in
FSG 5.10FLEX.06 Fuel Pool Level Instrument Electrical Tie-In 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.07 4160 F Bus Tie-in with Off-Site Generator 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.08 4160 G Bus Tie-in with Off-Site Generator 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.09 Hotwell to ECST FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.10 ECST Makeup from North Well 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.11 Spent Fuel Pool Supply FLEX Operations 2
FSG 5.10FLEX.12 Reactor Building Reliable Air FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.13 REC SW FLEX Supply 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.14 RHR Div 1 Shutdown Cooling FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.15 RHR Div 2 Shutdown Cooling FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.16 Residual Heat Removal Service Water (RHRSW) 2
Div 1 FLEX Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.17 Residual Heat Removal Service Water (RHRSW) 2
Div 2 FLEX Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.18 Alternate Reactor Building Ventilation FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.19 Alternate Ventilation FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.20 Debris Removal in Support of FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.21 Shutdown Injection FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.22 Communications and Lighting Equipment FLEX 1
Power
FSG 5.10FLEX.23 Reactor Equipment Cooling FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.24 Control Building Temporary Heating FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.25 Alternate RPV Injection thru RHR SW Riser or RHR- 1
B B.5.B Connection
FSG 5.10FLEX.26 RHR Suppression Pool Cooling Div 1 FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.27 RHR Suppression Pool Cooling Div 2 FLEX 1
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.28 Vital Instrumentation FLEX Operations 1
FSG 5.10FLEX.29 Alternate Reactor Vessel Injection from Missouri 1
River
FSG 5.10FLEX.30 Hardened Containment Vent System FLEX 5
Operations
FSG 5.10FLEX.31 FLEX Equipment Refueling Operations 1
5.3SBO Station Blackout 43
5.7.17 CNS Dose Assessment 49
5.7.17.1 Dose Assessment (Manual) 3
6.FPC.701 FPC Level Transmitter Functional Test 0
OI 25 Operations Routine Duties 70
Security Access Control Devices 50
Procedure 2.8
Site Services Station Security 59
Procedure 1.1
FLEX Final Integrated Plan 1
FLEX Program Document 1
Preventative Maintenance Activities
Number Title Revision
5067082 SAMG Diesel Generator Testing 9/27/2016
5155721 Perform Vendor FLEX Maintenance Activities (1 year 5/23/2017
Operational Inspections)
5164463 Perform Vendor FLEX Equipment Maintenance (6 11/06/2017
month)
5194852 Spent Fuel Pool Primary LI Signal PCRS 12/29/2017
Drawings
Number Title Revision
453010422 Emergency Condensate Storage Tanks AB/02
R110827 Cooper Nuclear Strategy Topography Survey 8/23/2012
Other Documents/Reports
Number Title Revision
EC 6036621 Install Remote Satellite Units 0
EE 01-057 Class I Restrained Seismic Design Basis of Class IIS 0
Piping
EE 01-147 Summary of Main Steam Isolation Valve (MSIV) 2
Leakage Pathway to the Condenser Seismic
Qualification
ER 2016-002 FLEX Portable Equipment Deployment Path 0
Liquefaction Evaluation
Number Title Revision
INT0350113 FLEX Modifications 1
INT0350114 FLEX Strategy 1
INT0350116 FLEX Strategy Walkdown 0
Lesson Plan Level Measurement & Devices 8
IAC202-00-00
LO#2018-0092 2018 CNS TI-2515/191 Mitigating Strategies (SFP/EP)
Inspection Assessment
MEC 500-01-01 MEC OSC Emergency Response Overview 2
ML17226A032 Cooper Nuclear Station Safety Evaluation Regarding 9/20/2017
Implementation of Mitigating Strategies and Reliable
Spent Fuel Pool Instrumentation Related to Orders
EA-12-049 and EA-12-051 (CAC Nos. MF0971 and
MF0972)
MP FLEX Equipment Maintenance Plans for FLEX Air {Not Dated}
800000050260 Compressors; 175 kW, 60 kW, and 6 kW Diesel
Generators; and FLEX Godwin Pumps
NEDC 09-102 Internal Flooding - HELB, MELB, and Feedwater Line 2
Break
NEDC 14-001 Storage Facility Structural Calculation 1
NEDC 14-027 Review of ERIN Calculation C122140001-11622, 0
MAAP Analysis to Support Cooper FLEX Strategy
NEI 12-01 Guideline for Assessing Beyond Design Basis 0
Accident Response Staffing and Communications
Capabilities
NEI 12-06 Diverse and Flexible Coping Strategies (FLEX) 2
Implementation Guidelines
NLS2013028 Response to NRC Technical Issues for Resolution 2/21/13
Regarding Licensee Communication Submittals
Associated with Near-Term Task Force
Recommendation 9.3
NSRC-005 SAFER Response Plan for Cooper Nuclear Station 9/15/2015
PM Notification Maintenance Plan 800000050260 Revision 10/25/2017
11417703
Purchase Order Preventive Maintenance Program 3/06/17
4500200470
Technical Beyond Design Basis Components 11/06/16
Requirements
Manual Section
3.12
Cooper Nuclear Station NEI 12-01 Phase 2 Staffing 4/21/2016
Assessment
FLEX Validation Document
NANTeL Generic Basic FLEX, ERO0010102/ILT-
251/NAN-56252
NANTeL Generic Advanced FLEX, ERO0010103/ILT-
253/NAN-56254
Corrective Action Program Documents (CR-CNS-)
2016-02845 2016-02869 2017-01463 2017-02565
2017-02568 2017-02799 2017-02801 2017-03089
2017-03777 2017-05033 2017-05285 2017-06372
2018-01166 2018-01243 2018-01442* 2018-01443*
2018-01450* 2018-01451* 2018-01457* 2018-01458*
2018-01463* 2018-01469* 2018-01475* 2018-01494*
2018-01496* 2018-01499* 2018-01500* 2018-01509*
2018-01511* 2018-02294*
- - Initiated as a result of this inspection
SUNSI Review Non-Sensitive Publicly Available Keyword:
By: MHS2/rdr Sensitive Non-Publicly Available NRC-002
OFFICE RI:DRP/C/CNS SPE:DRP/A SRI:DRS/EB2 RIII:DRP/PE BC:DRP/C
NAME MStafford RAlexander JMateychick SSheldon JKozal
SIGNATURE /RA-E/ /RA/ /RA/ /RA-E/ /RA/
DATE 4/19/18 4/19/18 4/20/18 4/19/18 5/8/18