IR 05000413/2024003
| ML24304A001 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Catawba  |
| Issue date: | 11/04/2024 |
| From: | Robert Williams NRC/RGN-II/DORS |
| To: | Flippin N Duke Energy Carolinas |
| References | |
| IR 2024003 | |
| Download: ML24304A001 (1) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION - INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 05000413/2024003 AND 05000414/2024003
Dear Nicole Flippin:
On September 30, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at Catawba Nuclear Station. On October 29, 2024, 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, Robert E. Williams, Jr., Chief Projects Branch 1 Division of Operating Reactor Safety 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:
05000413/2024003 and 05000414/2024003
Enterprise Identifier:
I-2024-003-0021
Licensee:
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
Facility:
Catawba Nuclear Station
Location:
York, South Carolina
Inspection Dates:
July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024
Inspectors:
D. Rivard, Senior Resident Inspector
A. Wang, Resident Inspector
J. Bell, Senior Health Physicist
B. Kellner, Senior Health Physicist
N. Lacy, Operations Engineer
Approved By:
Robert E. Williams, Jr., Chief
Projects Branch 1
Division of Operating Reactor Safety
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
None.
PLANT STATUS
Unit 1 started the reporting period at or near 100 percent rated thermal power (RTP). On September 10, 2024, Unit 1 commenced a power coast down and reached at or near 94 percent RTP on September 25, 2024. On September 26, 2024, Unit 1 power was reduced to at or near 86 percent for approximately 14 hours1.62037e-4 days <br />0.00389 hours <br />2.314815e-5 weeks <br />5.327e-6 months <br /> for steam generation safety valve testing and restored to at or near 94 percent RTP later that day. Due to lowering condenser vacuum on September 27, 2024, Unit 1 power was reduced to at or near 34 percent to stabilize condenser vacuum. Unit 1 remained at or near 34 percent for the remainder of the period.
Unit 2 started the reporting period at or near 100 percent RTP. On September 27, 2024, Unit 2 was manually tripped due to a loss of condenser vacuum. On September 28, 2024, Unit 2 was placed online and power raised to 34 percent RTP on September 29, 2024. Unit 2 remained at 34 percent RTP through the end of the 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 performed activities described in IMC 2515, Appendix D, Plant Status, observed risk significant activities, and completed on-site portions of IPs. 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
71111.01 - Adverse Weather Protection
Impending Severe Weather Sample (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)
- (1) The inspectors evaluated the adequacy of the overall preparations to protect risk significant systems from impending severe weather from Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024.
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) B train of control room area ventilation (VC) while A train was out of service (OOS) for maintenance on July 10, 2024
- (2) Unit 2 A emergency diesel generator (EDG) lube oil (LD) system on July 19, 2024
- (3) Unit 1 A train essential switchgear power alignment via Unit 2 and standby transformer SATA on September 18, 2024
71111.05 - Fire Protection
Fire Area Walkdown and Inspection Sample (IP Section 03.01) (4 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) Fire area 22: auxiliary building elevation 594' common areas on August 14, 2024
- (2) Fire areas 29 and 30: train A and B service water pumphouse on September 3, 2024
- (3) Fire area 11: auxiliary building elevation 560' common areas on September 6, 2024
- (4) Fire area 26: 1B EDG, room 304, on September 24, 2024
71111.11B - Licensed Operator Requalification Program and Licensed Operator Performance
Licensed Operator Requalification Program (IP Section 03.04) (1 Sample)
An inspection was performed to assess the effectiveness of the facility licensee in implementing requalification requirements identified in 10 CFR Part 55, Operators Licenses. Each of the following inspection activities was conducted in accordance with IP 71111.11, Licensed Operator Requalification Program and Licensed Operator Performance.
- (1) Biennial Requalification Written Examinations The inspectors evaluated the quality of the licensed operator biennial requalification written examination administered on August 2, 2024.
Annual Requalification Operating Tests The inspectors evaluated the adequacy of the facility licensees annual requalification operating test.
Administration of an Annual Requalification Operating Test The inspectors evaluated the effectiveness of the facility licensee in administering requalification operating tests required by 10 CFR 55.59(a)(2) and that the facility licensee is effectively evaluating their licensed operators for mastery of training objectives.
Requalification Examination Security The inspectors evaluated the ability of the facility licensee to safeguard examination material, such that the examination is not compromised.
Remedial Training and Re-examinations The inspectors evaluated the effectiveness of remedial training conducted by the licensee, and reviewed the adequacy of re-examinations for licensed operators who did not pass a required requalification examination.
Operator License Conditions The inspectors evaluated the licensees program for ensuring that licensed operators meet the conditions of their licenses.
Control Room Simulator The inspectors evaluated the adequacy of the facility licensees control room simulator in modeling the actual plant, and for meeting the requirements contained in 10 CFR 55.46.
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 in the control room during Unit 2 post-trip response due to loss of condenser vacuum on September 29, 2024, nuclear condition report (NCR) 0253027.
Licensed Operator Requalification Training/Examinations (IP Section 03.02) (2 Samples)
- (1) The inspectors observed and evaluated an active simulator examination and critique on July 18, 2024.
- (2) The inspectors observed and evaluated a scheduled drill and critique on September 11, 2024, involving a turbine trip with a failure of the reactor protection system (RPS) causing an anticipated transient without scram (ATWS), resulting in an Alert declaration, followed by a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) combined with a failed open power operated relief valve (PORV), releasing radioactive steam in the vicinity of the power plant resulting in a Site Area Emergency declaration.
71111.13 - Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control
Risk Assessment and Management Sample (IP Section 03.01) (3 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) Elevated risk due to 1A VC breaker maintenance, on July 11, 2024
- (2) Unit 2 elevated risk due to emergent 2A EDG battery charger issue during B train work week, work order (WO) 20682514
- (3) Unit 1 elevated risk due to emergent 1A EDG annunciator panel issue, work request (WR) 20275021
71111.15 - Operability Determinations and Functionality Assessments
Operability Determination or Functionality Assessment (IP Section 03.01) (7 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated the licensee's justifications and actions associated with the following operability determinations and functionality assessments:
- (1) NCR 02522447 (WR 20271553 and WR 20272299), meteorological tower delta air temperature off scale low
- (2) NCR 02524815, Unit 2 AP-12 entry due to loss of charging, following 2A chemical and volume control system mixed bed demineralizer alignment
- (3) NCR 02525196, Unit 2 channel 1 input card setpoint failed high
- (4) NCR 02517770, hanger 1-R-CA-0298 maintenance block obstructing movement
- (5) NCR 02527872, gate valve 1CA-68 unable to shut
- (6) NCR 02528213, 1A EDG inoperable for alarm panel failure
- (7) NCR 02430236, Unit 1 auxiliary feedwater system loss of safety function during Hurricane Helene
71111.18 - Plant Modifications
Temporary Modifications and/or Permanent Modifications (IP Section 03.01 and/or 03.02) (1 Sample)
The inspectors evaluated the following temporary or permanent modifications:
- (1) Engineering change (EC) 417897 (Unit 1) and EC 417250 (Unit 2), add a relief valve to the suction of the standby makeup pump
71111.24 - Testing and Maintenance of Equipment Important to Risk
The inspectors evaluated the following testing and maintenance activities to verify system operability and/or functionality:
Post-Maintenance Testing (PMT) (IP Section 03.01) (6 Samples)
- (1) PT/1/A/4350/002 B, "Diesel Generator 1B Operability Test," as post maintenance test for WO 20567000, on June 21, 2024
- (2) WO 20524313, tasks 36, 38, 62, 66 valve motor breaker replacement retest using PT/2/A/4200/004 B, "2A Containment Spray Pump Comprehensive Test," on July 11, 2024
- (3) PT/2/A/4200/007 C, "Standby Makeup Pump #2 Performance Test," on August 16, 2024, after modification to suction line, per EC 417250
- (4) PT/0/A/4200/017 A, "Standby Shutdown Facility Diesel Test," on August 16, 2024, following maintenance window
- (5) WOs 20668821 and 20671060 for the replacement of the R1A relay in emergency diesel generator 1B and 2B and retest using procedure PT/1/A/4350/002 B and PT/2/A/4350/002 B, respectively
- (6) WO 20631742, calibration procedure for a failed input card for a protective reactor trip function
Surveillance Testing (IP Section 03.01) (4 Samples)
- (1) PT/2/A/4200/004 B, "2A Containment Spray Pump Comprehensive Test," on July 11, 2024
- (2) PT/2/A/4600/001, "Unit 2 RCCA (rod cluster control assembly) Movement Test," on July 30, 2024
- (3) MP/0/A/7150/072, "Main Steam Safety Valve Setpoint Test," on September 26, 2024
- (4) PT/0/A/4150/002 A, "Transient Investigation," Unit 2 manual trip on loss of condenser vacuum, on September 28, 2024
Reactor Coolant System Leakage Detection Testing (IP Section 03.01) (1 Sample)
- (1) NCR 025300219, Unit 2 elevated unidentified reactor coolant system leakage, on September 30, 2024
71114.06 - Drill Evaluation
Additional Drill and/or Training Evolution (2 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated:
- (1) Drill and exercise performance (DEP) tabletop exercise and critique involving a loss of vital batteries which resulted in an Unusual Event declaration, on July 22, 2024
- (2) Scheduled drill and critique on August 28, 2024, involving a fire in the 1A chemical and volume control pump room which resulted in an Unusual Event declaration. The event escalated when increasing 1B reactor coolant pump vibrations caused the pump's shaft to seize. Combined with 1D main steam safety valve failing open, safety injection, and failure of the reactor protection system, an anticipated trip without shutdown resulted in an Alert declaration. This was followed by a radiological release with a 1D steam generator tube rupture, resulting in a Site Area Emergency declaration.
RADIATION SAFETY
71124.06 - Radioactive Gaseous and Liquid Effluent Treatment
Walkdowns and Observations (IP Section 03.01) (5 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated the following radioactive effluent systems during walkdowns:
- (1) Units 1 and 2 vent stack radiation monitors 1/2 EMF-35/36 and associated sample lines
- (2) Unit 2 containment air release and addition system radiation monitor 2EMF-38/39
- (3) Unit 1 waste monitor tanks and associated radiation monitor 1EMF-49
- (4) Auxiliary monitor tanks and associated process radiation monitor 0EMF-57
- (5) Monitor tank building vent radiation monitor 0EMF-58
Sampling and Analysis (IP Section 03.02) (4 Samples)
Inspectors evaluated the following effluent samples, sampling processes and compensatory samples:
- (1) Daily particulate, iodine and gas sample for Unit 1 containment air release and addition system
- (2) Unit 1 vent particulate and iodine continuous sample
- (3) Compensatory sampling for 0EMF-57 (monitor tank building liquid process) radiation monitor out of service from 12/20/2023 to 1/9/2024
- (4) Compensatory sampling for 1EMF-35/36 (Unit 1 vent) radiation monitor out of service from 3/20/23 to 3/30/23
Dose Calculations (IP Section 03.03) (2 Samples)
The inspectors evaluated the following dose calculations:
- (1) Dose calculations for liquid waste releases composite for June 2024
- (2) Dose calculations for gaseous waste releases composite for June 2024
Abnormal Discharges (IP Section 03.04) (1 Sample)
The inspectors evaluated the following abnormal discharges:
- (1) Waste gas decay tank 'D' unplanned release into auxiliary building due to valve leak on 7/26/2021
71124.07 - Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program
Environmental Monitoring Equipment and Sampling (IP Section 03.01) (1 Sample)
- (1) The inspectors evaluated environmental monitoring equipment and observed collection of environmental samples.
Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)
- (1) The inspectors evaluated the implementation of the licensees radiological environmental monitoring program.
GPI Implementation (IP Section 03.03) (1 Sample)
- (1) The inspectors evaluated the licensees implementation of the Groundwater Protection Initiative (GPI) program to identify incomplete or discontinued program elements.
OTHER ACTIVITIES - BASELINE
===71151 - Performance Indicator Verification The inspectors verified licensee performance indicators submittals listed below:
IE03: Unplanned Power Changes per 7000 Critical Hours Sample (IP Section 02.02)
=
- (1) Unit 1 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024)
- (2) Unit 2 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024)
MS09: Residual Heat Removal Systems (IP Section 02.08) (2 Samples)
- (1) Unit 1 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024)
- (2) Unit 2 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024)
PR01: Radiological Effluent Technical Specifications/Offsite Dose Calculation Manual Radiological Effluent Occurrences (RETS/ODCM) Radiological Effluent Occurrences Sample (IP Section 02.16) (1 Sample)
- (1) May 6, 2023, through June 30, 2024
71153 - Follow Up of Events and Notices of Enforcement Discretion Event Follow up (IP Section 03.01)
- (1) On September 27, 2024, the inspectors observed the licensee response to a dual unit loss of power to recirculated water cooing tower fans that resulted in a loss of condenser vacuum and manual reactor trip on Unit 2 (NCR 2530207) and a significant power reduction on Unit 1. The inspectors reviewed the Unit 2 post trip response evaluation, the restoration of recirculate water cooling tower fan power supplies, and the licensees corrective actions and approval of Unit 2 restart.
INSPECTION RESULTS
No findings were identified.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS
The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
- On August 1, 2024, the inspectors presented the radiation protection public radiation safety inspection results to Nicole Flippin and other members of the licensee staff.
- On August 2, 2024, the inspectors presented the licensed operator requalification program inspection results to Nicole Flippin and other members of the licensee staff.
- On October 29, 2024, the inspectors presented the integrated inspection results to Nicole Flippin and other members of the licensee staff.
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Inspection
Procedure
Type
Designation
Description or Title
Revision or
Date
Corrective Action
Documents
2515431, 02446796, 02447130, 02469767, 02483565
Miscellaneous
Simulator Testing
23 ILT-1A SBT, 2023 Steady State Power Operation and
Drift Test (48/75/100%), 2023 FW Line Break Transient Test
Transient Test #1, 2024 ASE2405, 2024 ASE2406t, 2024
Power Decrease SBT
MNT request to change EMF COTs to 18-months
6/15/2021
EMFs in AD-EP-CNS-0401 without MRule functions
6/8/2022
0EMF57 high range not calibrated
6/13/2022
TR 16.11-7-3 not performed for 1(2) EMF-39
5/8/2023
NOS audit EITER designation for some radiation monitors
not IAW with definitions
9/26/2023
Corrective Action
Documents
Failure to complete monthly dose projections per TS 5.5.5
1/11/2024
Catawba REMP Sample Locations - TLD Summary Report
~10 Year Trend
04/17/2024
Catawba Nuclear Station Meteorological Tower Data
Recovery Data for CY 2021, 2022, 2023, and January
through June 2024
Various
Calculations
Catawba Nuclear Station 2023 Annual Evaluation of Met
Data and X/Q and D/Q Values [Spreadsheet comparing to
previous 5 years of data]
07/29/2024
ENRAD ID #
03393
Lo Volume air sampler at REMP Location 208
11/13/2023
ENRAD ID #
09048
Lo Volume air sampler at REMP Location 201 - 03/06/2023
and 03/14/2024
Various
ENRAD ID #
09385
ISCO Composite Water Sampler Model 3710 at REMP
Location 208
10/31/2023
Calibration
Records
ENRAD ID#
03094
Lo Volume air sampler at REMP Location 200 - 02/08/2023
and 02/13/2024
Various
Corrective Action
Documents
AR 02249432, 02454856, 02484287, 02485938, 02504322,
2512440, 02517219, 02519593, 02517568, and 02522447
Various
Inspection
Procedure
Type
Designation
Description or Title
Revision or
Date
Drawings
CN -1680-241-01
Ground Water Monitoring Wells, Site Plan Well Locations
Duke Energy Catawba Nuclear Station, Site Modification
Review Report [Groundwater Protection Initiative 5-Year
Update (2019-2023)]
03/01/2024
Engineering
Evaluations
Duke Energy Catawba Nuclear Station, Updated
Groundwater Drawings Report [Groundwater Protection
Initiative 5-Year Update (2019-2023)]
03/01/2024
Miscellaneous
Catawba Nuclear Station 2021, 2022, and 2023 Annual Land
Use Censuses
Various
AD-CP-ALL-0015
Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Data
Review
AD-CP-ALL-0017
Radiological Groundwater Protection
AD-CP-ALL-0017
Radiological Groundwater Protection
AD-CP-ALL-0022
ODCM Revision Process
EnRad
Laboratories
Procedure 720
Milk Sampling at Catawba Nuclear Station
EnRad
Laboratories
Procedure 721
EnRad Laboratories Airborne Radioiodine and Airborne
Particulate Sampling at Catawba Nuclear Station
EnRad
Laboratories
Procedure 727
Direct Radiation Measurements (TLDs) at Catawba Nuclear
Station
IP/0/B/3343/001
Meteorological Monitoring System Check
Procedures
IP/0/B/3343/013
Meteorological Monitoring System (EEB) Calibration and
Maintenance Procedure
Self-Assessments 02249431
Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP) at
Catawba Nuclear Station
05/30/2019
20447306-01
Calibrate Meteorological Instrumentation [Semi-Annual
Calibration]
07/14/2021
20634217-01
Calibrate Meteorological Instrumentation [Semi-Annual
Calibration]
05/02/2024
Work Orders
20664597-01
Perform CAL of MET System
07/31/2024