IR 05000424/2024001

–Integrated Inspection Report 05000424/2024001 and 05000425/2024001

ML24106A281
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	04/23/2024
From:	Alan Blamey Division Reactor Projects II
To:	Coleman J Southern Nuclear Operating Co
References
IR 2024001
Download: ML24106A281 (11)

Text

SUBJECT:

VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2-INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 05000424/2024001 AND 05000425/2024001

Dear Jamie Coleman:

On March 31, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2. On April 4, 2024, the NRC inspectors discussed the results of this inspection with Johnny Weissinger 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, Alan J. Blamey, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects Docket Nos. 05000424 and 05000425 License Nos. NPF68 and NPF81

Enclosure:

As stated

Inspection Report

Docket Numbers: 05000424 and 05000425

License Numbers: NPF-68 and NPF-81

Report Numbers: 05000424/2024001 and 05000425/2024001

Enterprise Identifier: I2024001-0026

Licensee: Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Facility: Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2

Location: Waynesboro, GA

Inspection Dates: January 01, 2024 to March 31, 2024

Inspectors: T. Morrissey, Senior Resident Inspector B. Truss, Resident Inspector

Approved By: Alan J. Blamey, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects

Enclosure

SUMMARY

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring the licensees performance by conducting an integrated inspection at Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2, 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 began the inspection period at rated thermal power (RTP). On February 29, 2024, the unit was down powered to 92 percent RTP for a quarterly main turbine valve stroke test and returned to RTP that same day. The unit remained at or near RTP for the remainder of the inspection period.

Unit 2 began the inspection period at approximately 70 percent RTP. The unit was returned to RTP on January 5, 2024, after replacing the 2A heater drain pump motor and returning the heater drain pump to service. On March 17, 2024, the unit was down powered to approximately 70 percent RTP for a planned replacement of the 2B heater drain pump motor. The unit was returned to RTP on March 22, 2024. The unit remained at or near 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 performed activities described in IMC 2515, Appendix D, Plant Status, observed risk-significant activities, and completed onsite 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.

71111.01 - Adverse Weather Protection

Seasonal Extreme Weather Sample (IP Section 03.01) (1 Sample)

(1) The inspectors evaluated readiness for seasonal extreme weather conditions prior to the onset of seasonal cold temperatures for the following unit 1 and 2 systems on January 16, 2024:

• emergency diesel generator (EDG)

• nuclear service cooling water (NSCW)

• auxiliary feedwater (AFW)

Impending Severe Weather Sample (IP Section 03.02) (2 Samples)

(1) The inspectors evaluated licensee readiness for impending adverse weather conditions due to a strong weather front approaching the site on January 9, 2024. The site was under a tornado watch; however, severe winds were not experienced on site

(2) The inspectors evaluated the adequacy of the overall preparations to protect risk-significant systems from cold weather below freezing on January 1719, 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) Unit 1, turbine driven auxiliary feed water (TDAFW) while train "A" AFW pump was out of service (OOS) for planned maintenance, on January 11, 2024

(2) Unit 1, train "A" EDG while train "B" EDG was OOS to repair an uncontrolled loading issue when paralleling to the grid and a jacket water leak, on January 2224, 2024

(3) Unit 2, TDAFW and train "B" motor driven AFW while train "A" motor driven AFW pump was OOS for planned work, on March 12, 2024

71111.05 - Fire Protection

Fire Area Walkdown and Inspection Sample (IP Section 03.01) (5 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 zones 15/27, unit 2 fuel handling building level "B" and "C" penetration areas on January 4, 2024

(2) Fire zones 79A/79B/78A/78B, unit 2 trains "A" and "B" safety-related batteries and switchgear rooms, on February 15, 2024

(3) Fire zones 59/68/69/75, unit 2 rod control switchgear areas, on March 7, 2024

(4) Fire zones 36/37, unit 1 train "A" and "B" component cooling water (CCW) pump rooms on March 20, 2024

(5) Fire zones 143/161/163, unit 1 train "A" EDG and electrical tunnel to control building areas, on March 25, 2024

Fire Brigade Drill Performance Sample (IP Section 03.02) (2 Samples)

(1) The inspectors evaluated the onsite fire brigade training and performance during an unannounced fire drill in the following area:

• Unit 2 turbine building hydrogen seal system area, on January 29, 2024

(2) The inspectors evaluated the onsite fire brigade training and performance during an unannounced fire drill in the following area:

• Unit 2 auxiliary building safety related inverter room BD1I12/AD1I11, on February 12, 2024

71111.06 - Flood Protection Measures

Flooding Sample (IP Section 03.01) (1 Sample)

(1) The inspectors evaluated internal flooding mitigation protection in the: Unit 1, north and south main steam valve rooms, on February 22, 2024

71111.11Q - Licensed Operator Requalification Program and Licensed Operator Performance

Licensed Operator Performance in the Actual Plant/Main Control Room (IP Section 03.01) (2 Samples)

(1) The inspectors observed and evaluated licensed operator performance in the control room while raising unit 2 power from 70 percent to 92 percent RTP after returning 2A heater drain pump to service. In addition, the inspectors observed main turbine valve testing at 92 percent RTP prior to restoring power to RTP, on January 45, 2024

(2) The inspectors observed and evaluated licensed operator performance in the control room while lowering unit 2 power from 100 percent to 70 percent RTP to support 2B heater drain pump motor replacement. In addition, the inspectors observed main turbine valve testing at 92 percent RTP, on March 17, 2024

Licensed Operator Requalification Training/Examinations (IP Section 03.02) (1 Sample)

(1) The inspectors observed and evaluated a simulator scenario consisting of a loss of a heater drain pump, manual reactor trip due to a low flow trip annunciation with no automatic reactor trip, and a primary coolant leak, on January 17, 2024

71111.12 - Maintenance Effectiveness

Maintenance Effectiveness (IP Section 03.01) (2 Samples)

The inspectors evaluated the effectiveness of maintenance to ensure the following structures, systems, and components (SSCs) remain capable of performing their intended function:

(1) Unit 1, heater drain pump "B" trip resulting in a manual reactor trip (CR 10999382) on August 22, 2023

(2) Unit 1, train "B" residual heat removal, miniflow valve 1FV0611 failed to reopen in auto (CR 10992966) on August 2, 2023

71111.13 - Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control

Risk Assessment and Management Sample (IP Section 03.01) (4 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) Unit 1, elevated risk with train "B" EDG OOS for unplanned maintenance on January 2224, 2024

(2) Unit 1, elevated risk with train "B" EDG OOS for planned testing on February 22, 2024

(3) Unit 2, elevated risk with train "A" NSCW pump 3 and the standby auxiliary transformer OOS with the train "A" centrifugal charging pump and train "A" safety injection pump individually OOS for planned maintenance, on March 1213, 2024

(4) Unit 2, elevated risk with train "B" NSCW and EDG inoperable for planned maintenance on March 26, 2024

71111.15 - Operability Determinations and Functionality Assessments

Operability Determination or Functionality Assessment (IP Section 03.01) (5 Samples)

The inspectors evaluated the licensee's justifications and actions associated with the following operability determinations and functionality assessments:

(1) CR 11039992, Unit 2 "A" EDG turbo vibration switch pneumatic tubing vibrating and in contact with jacket water piping, on January 19, 2024

(2) CR 11041870, Unit 1 "B" EDG loaded uncontrollably when paralleled to grid, on Jan 25, 2024

(3) CR 10992966, Unit 1 train "B" residual heat removal miniflow valve failed to reopen when in auto, on February 12, 2024

(4) CR 11050638, Unit 2 train "C" battery room wall fire penetration seal degraded, on February 16, 2024

(5) CR 11053470 and 11056014, Unit 2 "B" EDG fuel oil storage tank surveillance failure due to water found in oil sample, on March 5, 2024

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) SNC980101, NSCW alternate head installation for unit 2 train "A" pump 3 refurbishment

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) (5 Samples)

(1) Procedure 14802A1, "Train A NSCW Pump/Check Valve IST and Response Time Test, (NSCW pump no. 3 and in-service test (IST) only) after train A NSCW pump no. 3 outage; work orders (WOs) SNC1170263, SNC1173246 and SNC1136164, on February 7, 2024

(2) Procedure 146332, "SSPS Slave Relay K648 Train B Test Safety Injection, after Unit 2 train B engineered safety features chilled water outage; WOs SNC1163423, SNC1484043 and SNC1183521, on February 28, 2024

(3) Procedure 144302, "NSCW Cooling Tower Fans Monthly Test" after unit 2 train "B" NSCW fan 1 system outage; WOs SNC137308, SNC1017773, SNC1369806 and SNC1083719, on March 7, 2024

(4) Procedure 14510A2, "Train A Control Room Emergency Filtration System Operability Test," after train 2A control room emergency filtration outage; WOs SNC807670, SNC1177821, and SNC1205499, on March 14, 2024

(5) Procedure 14803B1, "Train B CCW Pumps and Check Valve IST and Response Time Tests," (Pump 4 IST only), after CCW pump 4 planned maintenance; WO SNC1476006, on March 21, 2024

Surveillance Testing (IP Section 03.01) (3 Samples)

(1) 14980B1, Unit 1 "Diesel Generator 1B Operability Test," on February 5, 2024

(2) 245291, Unit 1 "Pressurizer Level Protection Channel I 1L459 Channel Operational Test and Channel Calibration," (calibration only), on February 18, 2024

(3) 14425D1, Unit 1 "Power Ranger Quarterly Analog Channel NI 44 Operational Test,"

on March 30, 2024

Inservice Testing (IST) (IP Section 03.01) (1 Sample)

(1) 14808A2, Unit 2 "Train A Centrifugal Charging Pump and Check Valve IST and Response Time Test," (IST portion only), on January 10, 2024

71114.06 - Drill Evaluation

Required Emergency Preparedness Drill (1 Sample)

(1) On March 19, 2024, the inspectors evaluated an emergency preparedness drill in the simulator and technical support center. Used fuel loading activities were in progress in the Unit 1 spent fuel pool (SFP) in the fuel handling building. The drill involved a seismic event with an intensity value less than an operating basis earthquake. The seismic event resulted in a crane malfunction and dropping of the lid for a multipurpose container in the SFP. The lid punctured a hole in the SFP liner and damaged multiple fuel assemblies. The drill scenario resulted in an 'Alert,' 'Site Area Emergency,' and 'General Emergency' declarations and 'Protective Action Recommendations' notifications to the State of Georgia and surrounding counties.

OTHER ACTIVITIES-BASELINE

===71151 - Performance Indicator Verification

The inspectors verified licensee performance indicators submittals listed below:

IE01: Unplanned Scrams per 7000 Critical Hours Sample (IP Section 02.01)===

(1) Unit 1, (January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023)

(2) Unit 2, (January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023)

IE03: Unplanned Power Changes per 7000 Critical Hours Sample (IP Section 02.02) (2 Samples)

(1) Unit 1, (January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023)

(2) Unit 2, (January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023)

IE04: Unplanned Scrams with Complications (USwC) Sample (IP Section 02.03) (2 Samples)

(1) Unit 1, (January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023)

(2) Unit 2, (January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023)

71152A - Annual Follow-up Problem Identification and Resolution Annual Follow-up of Selected Issues (Section 03.03)

The inspectors reviewed the licensees implementation of its corrective action program related to the following issues:

(1)

• CR 11041870, 1B EDG uncontrolled loading during surveillance testing

INSPECTION RESULTS

No findings were identified.

EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS

The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.

• On April 4, 2024, the inspectors presented the integrated inspection results to Johnny Wessinger and other members of the licensee staff.

DOCUMENTS REVIEWED

Inspection Type Designation Description or Title Revision or

Procedure Date

71111.15 Procedures NMP-CH401 Diesel Fuel Oil Program Version 7.2

71111.15 Procedures NMP-CH401006 Water and Sediment Determination Version 2.1

71111.15 Work Orders SNC 1544638 DFOST-B Sampling-M 02/25/2024

71111.18 Procedures 27012-C Bingham Williamette Type VCM Pump Maintenance 27.1

71111.18 Procedures NMP-ES095002 Temporary Configuration Change Process 2.0

71111.18 Work Orders SNC131627 NSCW Train A Pump #3 Rebuild/Inspection/Reassembly 11/7/2023

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