ML072560803

Letter to D. Lochbaum from NRC Re Oyster Creek Scram on 7-17-07

ML072560803
Person / Time
Site:	Oyster Creek
Issue date:	09/13/2007
From:	David Lew Division Reactor Projects I
To:	Lochbaum D Union of Concerned Scientists
bellamy rr
References
Download: ML072560803 (2)

Text

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION I 475 ALLENDALE ROAD KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19406-1415 September 13, 2007 Mr. David Lochbaum Union of Concerned Scientists 1707 H Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20006

Dear Mr. Lochbaum:

I am responding to your letter of July 18, 2007, which raised concerns related to the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station plant scram that occurred on July 17, 2007. Your concerns related to whether operator actions were appropriate including whether the plant should have scrammed and whether the consequences of the event were expected (e.g., main steam isolation valve closure and containment spray). Although you did not request a written response, we are providing this response to emphasize the importance we place on event response.

Event response is a key priority for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC has various processes in place to ensure effective event response. For this event, the resident inspectors promptly responded to the control room and provided timely communication of plant status to NRC regional management. Additional inspection was considered in accordance with the criteria outlined in NRC Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0309, Reactive Inspection Decision Basis for Reactors (ML070860410). Based on review of the event conditional risk, detailed information gathered through prompt onsite inspection, and consultation with regional specialist inspectors, we determined that a special team inspection was not warranted.

Accordingly, we initiated a baseline event follow-up inspection to more fully assess plant equipment and operator response.

Throughout the event, there was frequent communication between the resident inspectors, NRC regional management, and NRC headquarters staff to assess licensee performance and plant conditions. Specialist inspection support to address various technical questions and issues was provided, where needed. Additionally, a Preliminary Notification of Event or Unusual Occurrence (PN) (PNO-I-07-006) was issued to communicate the event to external stakeholders. Close communications have continued between NRC regional management and the inspection staff throughout our follow-up inspection. We will include our conclusions on this matter in our next periodic resident inspection report, which will be issued no later than November 15, 2007.

We expect our inspection to determine the significance and impact of licensee performance during this event, and we will forward a copy of the resident inspection report to you once it is issued. Our inspection scope includes independent verification that event-related performance deficiencies, if any occurred, are identified and addressed through the licensees formal corrective action program. We expect this inspection to address your questions.

Mr. D. Lochbaum 2 I trust that this letter has been responsive to your concern. If you have any further questions or concerns in this matter, please contact Ronald Bellamy at 610-337-5200.

Sincerely,

/RA/

David C. Lew, Director Division of Reactor Projects Docket No. 50-219 License No. DPR-16

Mr. D. Lochbaum 2 I trust that this letter has been responsive to your concern. If you have any further questions or concerns in this matter, please contact Ronald Bellamy at 610-337-5200.

Sincerely,

/RA/

David C. Lew, Director Division of Reactor Projects Docket No. 50-219 License No. DPR-16 Distribution w/encl:

S. Collins, RA M. Dapas, DRA D. Lew, DRP J. Clifford, DRP R. Bellamy, DRP S. Barber, DRP M. Ferdas, DRP, Sr Resident Inspector R. Treadway, DRP, Resident Inspector J. DeVries, DRP, Resident OA R. Laufer, RI OEDO H. Chernoff, NRR J. Lubinski, NRR E. Miller, PM, NRR J. Hughey, NRR, Backup G. Matakas, ORA Region I Docket Room (with concurrences)

Response Letter ADAMS Accession Number: ML072560803 Incoming Letter ADAMS Accession Number: ML072220387 SUNSI Review Complete: GSB (Reviewers Initials)

DOCUMENT NAME: C:\FileNet\ML072560803.wpd After declaring this document An Official Agency Record it will be released to the Public.

To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box: "C" = Copy without attachment/enclosure "E" = Copy with attachment/enclosure "N" = No copy OFFICE RI/DRP RI/DRP RI/DRP RI/DRP NAME SBarber/SB MFerdas/SB for RBellamy/RRB DLew/DCL DATE 08/08/07 08/08/07 09/12/07 09/12/07 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY