IR 05000413/2020004
| ML21028A345 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Catawba  |
| Issue date: | 01/28/2021 |
| From: | Margaret Tobin NRC/RGN-II/DRP/RPB1 |
| To: | Simril T Duke Energy Carolinas |
| References | |
| IR 2020004 | |
| Download: ML21028A345 (10) | |
Text
January 28, 2021
SUBJECT:
CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION - INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 05000413/2020004 AND 05000414/2020004
Dear Mr. Simril:
On December 31, 2020, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at Catawba Nuclear Station. On January 21, 2021, 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/
Margaret C. Tobin, Acting Chief Reactor Projects Branch 1 Division of Reactor Projects
Docket Nos. 05000413 and 05000414 License Nos. NPF-35 and NPF-52
Enclosure:
As stated
Inspection Report
Docket Numbers:
05000413 and 05000414
License Numbers:
Report Numbers:
05000413/2020004 and 05000414/2020004
Enterprise Identifier: I-2020-004-0046
Licensee:
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
Facility:
Catawba Nuclear Station
Location:
York, SC
Inspection Dates:
October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020
Inspectors:
J. Austin, Senior Resident Inspector
C. Fontana, Emergency Preparedness Inspector
M. Meeks, Senior Operations Engineer
S. Sanchez, Senior Emergency Preparedness Insp
C. Scott, Resident Inspector
J. Tornow, Physical Security Inspector
J. Walker, Emergency Response Inspector
Approved By:
Margaret C. Tobin, Acting Chief
Reactor Projects Branch 1
Division of Reactor Projects
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring the licensees
performance by conducting an integrated inspection at Catawba 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 findings or violations of more than minor significance were identified.
Additional Tracking Items
Type
Issue Number
Title
Report Section
Status
LER-2020-003-00 for
Catawba Nuclear Station,
Unit 1, Valid Actuation of the
Unit 1 Reactor Protection
System and Auxiliary
Feedwater System
Closed
PLANT STATUS
On October 24, 2020, both units reduced power to approximately 50 percent to support
switchyard relay modification. Both units returned to 100 percent rated thermal power (RTP) on
October 25, 2020 and have remained at or near 100 percent RTP for the remainder of the
inspection period.
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 DProperty "Inspection Manual Chapter" (as page type) with input value "NRC Inspection Manual 2515,</br></br>Appendix D" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process., 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.
REACTOR SAFETY
71111.01 - Adverse Weather Protection
External Flooding Sample (IP Section 03.03) (1 Sample)
(1)
The inspectors evaluated that flood protection barriers, mitigation plans, procedures,
and equipment are consistent with the licensees design requirements and risk
analysis assumptions for coping with external flooding in the Unit 2 diesel building.
71111.04 - Equipment Alignment
Partial Walkdown Sample (IP Section 03.01) (3 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated system configurations during partial walkdowns of the following
systems/trains:
(1)
Emergency supplemental power system and supporting systems following
maintenance on November 21, 2020
(2)
Unit 1 steam generator feed pumps on November 21, 2020
(3)
Unit 1 vital AC system on December 30, 2020
Complete Walkdown Sample (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)
(1)
The inspectors evaluated system configurations during a complete walkdown of the
1B EDG starting air system on December 30, 2020
71111.05 - Fire Protection
Fire Area Walkdown and Inspection Sample (IP Section 03.01) (2 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated the implementation of the fire protection program by conducting a
walkdown and performing a review to verify program compliance, equipment functionality,
material condition, and operational readiness of the following fire areas:
(1)
Unit 1 battery rooms, fire area 9 on October 30, 2020
(2)
Unit 2 battery rooms, fire area 10 on October 30, 2020
Fire Brigade Drill Performance Sample (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)
(1)
The inspectors evaluated the onsite fire brigade training and performance during an
announced fire drill near the spent fuel pool charcoal filter on October 9, 2020.
71111.06 - Flood Protection Measures
Inspection Activities - Internal Flooding (IP Section 03.01) (2 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated internal flooding mitigation protections in the:
(1)
Unit 1 Turbine building, Elevation 554 on December 6, 2020
(2)
Unit 2 Turbine building, Elevation 554 on December 6, 2020
71111.11A - Licensed Operator Requalification Program and Licensed Operator Performance
Requalification Examination Results (IP Section 03.03) (1 Sample)
(1)
On September 21, 2020, the licensee completed the comprehensive biennial
requalification written examinations and the annual requalification operating
examinations required to be administered to all licensed operators in accordance with
Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 55.59(a)(2), Requalification
Requirements, of the NRCs Operators Licenses. During the week of December
14, 2020, the inspectors performed an in-office review of the overall pass/fail results
of the individual operating examinations and the crew simulator operating
examinations in accordance with Inspection Procedure (IP) 71111.11, Licensed
Operator Requalification Program. These results were compared to the thresholds
established in Section 3.02, Requalification Examination Results, of IP 71111.11.
71111.11Q - Licensed Operator Requalification Program and Licensed Operator Performance
Licensed Operator Performance in the Actual Plant/Main Control Room (IP Section 03.01) (1
Sample)
(1)
The inspectors observed and evaluated licensed operator performance during work
performed in the switchyard (relay modification) while both units were at
approximately 50 percent power in support of maintenance on October 24, 2020.
Licensed Operator Requalification Training/Examinations (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)
(1)
The inspectors observed and evaluated a simulator scenario that included a steam
generator (SG) feed regulator valve failure, pressurizer pressure instrument failure,
stator liquid cooling pump failure, main turbine runback, and a small break loss of
coolant accident (LOCA) and reactor trip on November 3, 2020.
71111.12 - Maintenance Effectiveness
Quality Control (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)
The inspectors evaluated the effectiveness of maintenance and quality control activities to
ensure the following SSC remains capable of performing its intended function:
(1)
Condition Report (CR) 2358745 Nuclear Oversight finding (2020-CNS-OTSL-01-F-1)
operations rounds and turnover on November 19, 2020
71111.13 - Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control
Risk Assessment and Management Sample (IP Section 03.01) (2 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated the accuracy and completeness of risk assessments for the
following planned and emergent work activities to ensure configuration changes and
appropriate work controls were addressed:
(1)
Risk mitigation plan for dual unit downpower to 48 percent on October 23,2020
(2)
Risk review when standby shutdown facility (SSF) and emergency supplemental
power supply (ESPS) were out of service in conjunction with switchyard maintenance
on November 11, 2020
71111.15 - Operability Determinations and Functionality Assessments
Operability Determination or Functionality Assessment (IP Section 03.01) (4 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated the licensee's justifications and actions associated with the
following operability determinations and functionality assessments:
(1)
CR 2352597, 2NV-271 Leakage rate noted increasing on October 14, 2020
(2)
CR 2355996, 2A charging oil in the 2A charging pump due to high water content on
November 3,2020
(3)
CR 2356772, SSF diesel generator load fluctuations on November 9, 2020
(4)
CR 2357565, Units 1 & 2 entered abnormal operating procedure for the loss of
instrument air on November 11, 2020
71111.19 - Post-Maintenance Testing
Post-Maintenance Test Sample (IP Section 03.01) (5 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated the following post-maintenance test activities to verify system
operability and functionality:
(1)
WO 20426003, Functional test following replacement of a cooling tower fan motor
replacement on October 28, 2020
(2)
WO 20385949, Channel calibration following replacement of Tavg card for loop C
on November 3, 2020
(3)
PT/2/A/4200/069, SG PORV nitrogen leakage test following valve positioner and
nitrogen regulator replacement on November 4, 2020
(4)
PT/0/A/4200/017 A, Standby shutdown facility diesel test following 18-month
preventive maintenance on November 18, 2020
(5)
WO 20436046, Instrument loop calibration check following replacement of the
standby nuclear service water pond level transmitter on December 9, 2020
71111.22 - Surveillance Testing
The inspectors evaluated the following surveillance tests:
Surveillance Tests (other) (IP Section 03.01) (3 Samples)
(1)
PT/2/A/4200/009 A, Auxiliary safeguards test cabinet periodic test on November 3,
2020
(2)
PT/2/A/4350/002 A, Diesel Generator 2A operability test on November 3, 2020
(3)
PT/2/A//4600/001, Rod control movement test on October 16, 2020
Inservice Testing (IP Section 03.01) (1 Sample)
(1)
PT/2/A/4200/005 A, Safety injection /pump 2B performance test on November 25,
2020
71114.01 - Exercise Evaluation
Inspection Review (IP Section 02.01-02.11) (1 Sample)
(1)
The inspectors evaluated the biennial emergency plan exercise during the week of
October 26, 2020. The simulated scenario began with a main feedwater line break
outside containment and loss of both main feedwater pumps. Both the reactor and
turbine failed to automatically or manually trip from the simulator control room, thus
meeting the criteria for declaration of an Alert. A short time later, two steam
generator power operated relief valves failed open and the turbine driven feedwater
pump started but immediately tripped off. These failures resulted in a Heat Sink Red
Condition, thus meeting the conditions for declaring a Site Area Emergency. Once a
containment penetration failed and started a radioactive release to the environment,
conditions for a General Emergency were met, and the Offsite Response
Organizations were able to demonstrate their ability to implement emergency actions.
OTHER ACTIVITIES - BASELINE
71151 - Performance Indicator Verification
The inspectors verified licensee performance indicators submittals listed below:
EP01: Drill/Exercise Performance (IP Section 02.12) (1 Sample)
(1)
EP01: Drill & Exercise Performance for the period January 1, 2019, through June 30,
2020.
IE01: Unplanned Scrams per 7000 Critical Hours Sample (IP Section 02.01) (2 Samples)
(1)
Unit 1 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020)
(2)
Unit 2 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020)
EP02: ERO Drill Participation (IP Section 02.13) (1 Sample)
(1)
EP02: Emergency Response Organization Drill Participation for the period January 1,
2019, through June 30, 2020.
EP03: Alert & Notification System Reliability (IP Section 02.14) (1 Sample)
(1)
EP03: Alert & Notification System Reliability for the period January 1, 2019, through
June 30, 2020.
MS05: Safety System Functional Failures (SSFFs) Sample (IP Section 02.04) (2 Samples)
(1)
Unit 1 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020)
(2)
Unit 2 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020)
BI02: RCS Leak Rate Sample (IP Section 02.11) (2 Samples)
(1)
Unit 1 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020)
(2)
Unit 2 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020)
71152 - Problem Identification and Resolution
Semiannual Trend Review (IP Section 02.02) (1 Sample)
(1)
The inspectors reviewed the licensees corrective action program for potential
adverse trends in identification of adverse conditions that might be indicative of a
more significant safety issue.
71153 - Followup of Events and Notices of Enforcement Discretion
Event Report (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)
The inspectors evaluated the following licensee event reports (LERs):
(1)
LER 05000413/2020-003-00, Catawba Nuclear Station, Unit 1, Valid Actuation of the
Unit 1 Reactor Protection System and Auxiliary Feedwater System (ADAMS
Accession No. ML20310A151)
INSPECTION RESULTS
Minor Violation
Minor Violation: Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, requires that written procedures
shall be established, implemented, and maintained, covering applicable procedures
recommended in Appendix A of Regulatory Guide 1.33, Revision 2, February 1978. Section
8.1.l of Appendix A of Regulatory Guide 1.33, Revision 2, February 1978, states that written
procedures should be provided for reactor protection system tests and calibrations. Licensee
procedure IP/1A/3240/014 H, Power range N-41 Incore-Excore Cross calibration contains
instructions for the N-41 calibration. Contrary to this procedure, on September 8, 2020, the N-
42 drawer was withdrawn resulting in a reactor trip and actuation of the auxiliary feed system.
Screening: The inspectors determined the performance deficiency was minor. The
performance deficiency was screened in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0612 Appendix B, Additional Screening guidance, dated December 12, 2020, and was
determined to be of minor significance because the finding did not meet any of the more than
minor screening questions. Specifically, this violation was a result of a human performance
action and considered to be an isolated occurrence.
Enforcement: The licensee has taken actions to restore compliance under Condition Report
2347752. This failure to comply with IP/1A/3240/014 H constitutes a minor violation that is
not subject to enforcement action in accordance with the NRCs Enforcement Policy.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS
The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
- On January 21, 2021, the inspectors presented the integrated inspection results to Tom
Simril and other members of the licensee staff.
On October 30, 2020, the inspectors presented the emergency preparedness exercise
inspection results to Mr. and other members of the licensee staff.