IR 05000331/2020004
| ML21043A357 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Duane Arnold  |
| Issue date: | 02/12/2021 |
| From: | Billy Dickson NRC/RGN-III/DRP/B2 |
| To: | Hansen P NextEra Energy Duane Arnold |
| References | |
| IR 2020004, IR 2020501 | |
| Download: ML21043A357 (6) | |
Text
February 12, 2021
SUBJECT:
DUANE ARNOLD ENERGY CENTER - INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 05000331/2020004 AND 05000331/2020501
Dear Mr. Hansen:
On December 31, 2020, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at Duane Arnold Energy Center. On October 22, 2020, the NRC inspectors discussed the results of this inspection with you and other members of your staff. The results of this inspection are documented in the enclosed report.
No findings or violations of more than minor significance were identified during this inspection.
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,
/RA/
Billy C. Dickson, Jr., Chief Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects
Docket No. 05000331 License No. DPR-49
Enclosure:
As stated
Inspection Report
Docket Number:
05000331
License Number:
Report Number:
05000331/2020004 AND 05000331/2020501
Enterprise Identifier: I-2020-004-0029
Licensee:
NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC
Facility:
Duane Arnold Energy Center
Location:
Palo, IA
Inspection Dates:
October 01, 2020 to October 12, 2020
Inspectors:
R. Edwards, Senior Health Physicist
G. Hansen, Senior Emergency Preparedness Inspector
C. Norton, Senior Resident Inspector
Approved By:
Billy C. Dickson, Jr., Chief
Branch 2
Division of Reactor Projects
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring the licensees
performance by conducting an integrated inspection at Duane Arnold Energy Center, 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 findings or violations of more than minor significance were identified.
Additional Tracking Items
None.
PLANT STATUS
The unit began the inspection period in Mode 4, Cold Shutdown. On October 6, 2020, the
licensee de-tensioned the reactor head to transition to Mode 5, Refuel. On October 8, 2020, the
licensee began core unload. At 07:45 a.m. on October 12, 2020, the licensee removed the last
fuel bundle from the reactor vessel and Duane Arnold transitioned to permanently defueled.
The licensee submitted a defueled certification letter to permanently end reactor operations.
The NRC ended the reactor oversight process at Duane Arnold on October 12, 2020.
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.
Starting on March 20, 2020, in response to the National Emergency declared by the President
of the United States on the public health risks of the Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19), resident inspectors were directed to begin telework and to remotely access
licensee information using available technology. During this time, the resident inspectors
performed periodic site visits each week; conducted plant status activities as described in
IMC 2515, Appendix D, Plant Status; observed risk-significant activities; and completed on-site
portions of IPs. In addition, resident and regional baseline inspections were evaluated to
determine if all or portions of the objectives and requirements stated in the IP could be
performed remotely. If the inspections could be performed remotely, they were conducted per
the applicable IP. In some cases, portions of an IP were completed remotely and on-site. The
inspections documented below met the objectives and requirements for completion of the IP.
71114.08 - Exercise Evaluation Scenario Review
Inspection Review (IP Section 02.01- 02.04) (1 Sample)
(1)
The inspectors reviewed and evaluated the proposed scenario for biennial emergency
plan exercise on March 12, 2020.
(2)
On September 22, 2020, DAEC submitted a letter to the NRC (ML20266G292)
requesting the postponement of the biennial emergency preparedness exercise from
September 2, 2020, to CY 2021 due to health and safety considerations associated with
the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency.
(3)
The NRC approved the exemption request in a letter dated November 25, 2020,
(ML20301A846).
INSPECTION RESULTS
No findings were identified.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS
The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
- On October 22, 2020, the inspectors presented the integrated inspection results to
Mr. P. Hansen, Decommissioning Director, and other members of the licensee staff.