ML12219A181
ML12219A181 | |
Person / Time | |
---|---|
Site: | Wolf Creek |
Issue date: | 08/03/2012 |
From: | O'Keefe N NRC/RGN-IV/DRP/RPB-B |
To: | Matthew Sunseri Wolf Creek |
O'Keefe N | |
References | |
IR-12-003 | |
Download: ML12219A181 (52) | |
See also: IR 05000482/2012003
Text
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
REGION I V
1600 EAST LAMAR BLVD
ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76011-4511
August 3, 2012
Matthew W. Sunseri, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation
P. O. Box 411
Burlington, KS 66839
SUBJECT: WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION - INTEGRATED INSPECTION
REPORT 05000482/2012003
Dear Mr. Sunseri:
On June 29, 2012, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at
your Wolf Creek facility. The enclosed inspection report documents the inspection results which
were discussed on July 18, 2012, with Mr. Richard Clemens and other members of your staff.
The inspections examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and
compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed
personnel.
One NRC identified finding and one self-revealing finding of very low safety significance (Green)
were identified during this inspection. Both of these findings were determined to involve
violations of NRC requirements. Further, a licensee-identified violation which was determined to
be of very low safety significance is listed in this report. The NRC is treating these violations as
non-cited violations (NCVs) consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy.
If you contest these non-cited violations, you should provide a response within 30 days of the
date of this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington DC 20555-0001; with copies to the
Regional Administrator, Region IV; the Director, Office of Enforcement, United States Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; and the NRC Resident Inspector at the
Wolf Creek Generating Station.
If you disagree with a crosscutting aspect assignment in this report, you should provide a
response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your
disagreement, to the Regional Administrator, Region IV; and the NRC Resident Inspector at the
Wolf Creek Generating Station.
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRC's "Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter, its
enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the
NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of
NRC's Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS). ADAMS is
M. Suneri -2-
accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public
Electronic Reading Room).
Sincerely,
/RA/
Neil OKeefe, Chief
Project Branch B
Division of Reactor Projects
Docket No.: 05000482
License No: NPF-42
Enclosure: Inspection Report 05000482/2012003
w/ Attachment: Supplemental Information
cc w/ encl: Electronic Distribution
M. Suneri -3-
Electronic distribution by RIV:
Regional Administrator (Elmo.Collins@nrc.gov)
Deputy Regional Administrator (Art.Howell@nrc.gov)
DRP Director (Kriss.Kennedy@nrc.gov)
Acting DRP Deputy Director (Allen.Howe@nrc.gov)
Acting DRS Director (Tom.Blount @nrc.gov)
Acting DRS Deputy Director (Patrick.Louden@nrc.gov)
Senior Resident Inspector (Chris.Long@nrc.gov)
Resident Inspector (Charles.Peabody@nrc.gov)
WC Administrative Assistant (Shirley.Allen@nrc.gov)
Branch Chief, DRP/B (Neil.OKeefe@nrc.gov)
Senior Project Engineer, DRP/B (Leonard.Willoughby@nrc.gov)
Project Engineer, DRP/B (Nestor.Makris@nrc.gov)
Public Affairs Officer (Victor.Dricks@nrc.gov)
Public Affairs Officer (Lara.Uselding@nrc.gov)
Project Manager (Terry.Beltz@nrc.gov)
Acting Branch Chief, DRS/TSB (Dale.Powers@nrc.gov)
RITS Coordinator (Marisa.Herrera@nrc.gov)
Regional Counsel (Karla.Fuller@nrc.gov)
Congressional Affairs Officer (Jenny.Weil@nrc.gov)
OEMail Resource
DRS/TSB STA (Dale.Powers@nrc.gov)
Executive Technical Assistant (Silas.Kennedy@nrc.gov)
R:\_REACTORS\_WC\2012\2012003.docx ML 12219A181
SUNSI Rev Compl. Yes x No ADAMS Yes No Reviewer Initials NFO
Publicly Avail. Yes No Sensitive
X Yes X No Sens. Type Initials NFO
SRI:DRP/B RI:DRP/B SPE:DRP/B C:DRS/EB1 C:DRS/EB2 C:DRS/OB
CLong CPeabody LWilloughby TFarnholtz GMiller MHaire
/NFO via E/ /NFO via E/ /RA via E/ /RA/ /RA/ /NFO via T/
7/20/12 7/20/12 8/9/12 7/31/12 7/31/12 8/1/12
C:DRS/PSB1 C:DRS/PSB2 AC:DRS/TSB BC:DRP/B
MHay JDrake RKellar NOKeefe
/RA/ /RA/ DPowers for /RA/
8/1/12 8/1/12 8/1/12 8/3/12
OFFICIAL RECORD COPY T=Telephone E=Email F=Fax
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
REGION IV
Docket: 05000482
License: NPF-042
Report: 05000482/2012003
Licensee: Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation
Facility: Wolf Creek Generating Station
Location: 1550 Oxen Lane NE, Burlington, Kansas
Dates: March 31 through June 29, 2012
Inspectors: C. Long, Senior Resident Inspector
C. Peabody, Resident Inspector
N. Makris, Project Engineer
C. Alldredge, Health Physicist
N. Greene, PhD, Health Physicist
L. Carson II, Senior Health Physicist
J. ODonnell, Health Physicist
L. Ricketson, P.E., Senior Health Physicist
Approved Neil OKeefe, Chief, Project Branch B
By: Division of Reactor Projects
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
IR 05000482/2012003; 03/31/2012 - 06/29/2012; Wolf Creek Generation Station, Integrated
Resident and Regional Report; Flood Protection Measures, Plant Modifications.
The report covered a 3-month period of inspection by resident inspectors and an announced
baseline inspection by region-based inspectors. Two Green noncited violations of significance
were identified. The significance of most findings is indicated by their color (Green, White,
Yellow, or Red) using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process.
The crosscutting aspect is determined using Inspection Manual Chapter 0310, Components
Within the Cross Cutting Areas. Findings for which the significance determination process
does not apply may be Green or be assigned a severity level after NRC management review.
The NRC's program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is
described in NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 4, dated December 2006.
A. NRC-Identified Findings and Self-Revealing Findings
Cornerstone: Initiating Events
- Green. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50,
Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for a work
order that did not accomplish a leak seal repair in accordance with its
engineering evaluation. Valve BMV0037 is a safety related ASME Code Class 2
steam generator blowdown valve that had a body-to-bonnet steam leak. Wolf
Creek and its vendor produced modification documents to perform a leak-seal
repair. The inspectors identified that on December 10, 2011, Wolf Creek installed
an injection port in the valve body in close proximity of another injection port.
Work orders allowed the location of the injection ports to be determined by the
work. The pair was not installed in accordance with change package 9385. After
inspector questioning, Wolf Creek performed an evaluation that demonstrated
that the valve body retained structural integrity. This issue was entered into the
corrective action program under condition report 52992.
The failure to ensure that the configuration of a safety-related steam generator
blowdown was controlled in accordance with the approved engineering change
package during leak seal activities is a performance deficiency. This finding was
more than minor because it impacted the procedure quality attribute of the
Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the objective to limit the likelihood of
those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions
during shutdown as well as power operations. Using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, this finding was determined to be of very low safety
significance because an evaluation after the modification was able to
demonstrate structural integrity. Therefore, the finding does not contribute to both
the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment will not
be available. The inspectors identified the cause of the finding had a human
performance crosscutting aspect in the area of resources. Specifically, the
licensee did not ensure that the work order instructions were complete, accurate,
and reflected up-to-date design documentation sufficiently to control plant
configuration in accordance with design H.2.c] (Section 1R18).
-2- Enclosure
Cornerstone: Mitigating Systems
- Green. A self-revealing non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B,
Criterion V, Inspections, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified as a result of
a leaking watertight door that was observed on January 13, 2012. Station
procedure MPM XX-002, Watertight Door Preventive Maintenance Activities,
failed to ensure the proper position of the alignment screws, which resulted in
leakage through a misalignment between the door and its threshold. During the
January 13, 2012, loss of offsite power, the auxiliary building general area sump
pumps did not operate for approximately 36 hours4.166667e-4 days <br />0.01 hours <br />5.952381e-5 weeks <br />1.3698e-5 months <br />. Condensed steam and other
effluents slowly accrued in the stairwell area outside the containment spray pump
rooms to a depth of 24 to 36 inches. The train B containment spray pump room
watertight door leaked approximately 10 gallons per minute and pooled in both
the containment spray pump room and the residual heat removal pump room to a
depth of three inches. This issue was entered into the corrective action program
under condition report 51622. The licensee corrected the procedure and
realigned the affected watertight doors.
Failure to properly adjust safety-related watertight door alignment screws during
testing activities is a performance deficiency. The performance deficiency is
more than minor and therefore a finding because, if left uncorrected it could lead
to a more significant safety concern. Using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609,
Appendix A, the finding was characterized using Exhibit 4, Seismic, Flooding,
and Severe Weather Screening Criteria. The finding was determined to be of
very low safety significance (Green) because the degraded flood protection
equipment would not have caused a plant trip or other initiating event, would not
degrade two or more trains of a multi-train safety system, would not degrade one
or more trains of a supporting system, and the finding does not involve the total
loss of any safety function. The inspectors determined the cause of this finding
was not indicative of current performance. (Section 1R06).
B. Licensee-Identified Violations
A violation of very low safety significance was identified by the licensee and has been
reviewed by the inspectors. Corrective actions taken or planned by the licensee have
been entered into the licensees corrective action program. This violation and
associated corrective action tracking numbers are listed in Section 4OA7 of this report.
-3- Enclosure
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Plant Status
Wolf Creek began the inspection period on March 31 at 100 percent power and remained at full
power until May 24, when power was reduced to 69 percent for planned turbine thermal
performance testing. Wolf Creek returned to 100 percent power later on May 24. On June 6,
Wolf Creek reduced power to 88 percent when it entered Limiting Condition of Operation 3.0.3
due to having the train A vital switchgear and battery air conditioning unit inoperable. Wolf
Creek returned to 100 percent power later on June 6 and remained at 100 percent for the rest of
the inspection period.
1. REACTOR SAFETY
Cornerstones: Initiating Events, Mitigating Systems, and Barrier Integrity
1R01 Adverse Weather Protection (71111.01)
.1 Readiness for Impending Adverse Weather Conditions
a. Inspection Scope
Since thunderstorms with potential tornados and high winds were forecast in the vicinity
of the facility for April 14, 2012, the inspectors reviewed the plant personnels overall
preparations/protection for the expected weather conditions. On April 13, 2012, the
inspectors walked down the condensate storage tank, demineralized water storage tank,
reactor makeup water, and refueling water storage tank because their functions could be
affected, or required, as a result of high winds or tornado-generated missiles or the loss
of offsite power. The inspectors evaluated the plant staffs preparations against the sites
procedures and determined that the staffs actions were adequate. During the
inspection, the inspectors focused on plant-specific design features and the licensees
procedures used to respond to specified adverse weather conditions. The inspectors
also toured the plant grounds to look for any loose debris that could become missiles
during a tornado. The inspectors evaluated operator staffing and accessibility of
controls and indications for those systems required to control the plant. Additionally, the
inspectors reviewed the Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) and performance
requirements for the systems selected for inspection, and verified that operator actions
were appropriate as specified by plant-specific procedures. The inspectors also
reviewed a sample of corrective action program items to verify that the licensee-
identified adverse weather issues at an appropriate threshold and dispositioned them
through the corrective action program in accordance with station corrective action
procedures. Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the
attachment.
Because the storm of April 14, 2012, caused the temporary diesel-driven fire water pump
to be locally shut down due to wave action on Coffey County lake, and a second storm
with similar behavior was predicted to arrive on April 19, the inspectors reviewed
corrective action documents and the temporary fire pump operating procedures. The
inspectors discussed applicable equipment and staffing requirements with the operations
-4- Enclosure
superintendent. The inspectors reviewed plans to secure the pump during periods of
high wave action for the long-term safety and reliability of the pump, and to have the
dedicated operator stationed in an adjacent building to restart the pump in the event of
an actual fire. The inspectors reviewed station procedures for operation of the
temporary diesel-driven fire water pump and walked down the pump, as well as the
suction, and discharge system connection. The inspectors also walked down the electric
motor-driven fire water pump and service water pumps in the adjacent circulating water
screen house building to verify that the area was free from any wind-driven missiles and
that the equipment would be available to respond to a valid demand in the event of a
fire. Specific documents reviewed are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of two readiness for impending adverse weather
condition samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Summer Readiness for Offsite and Alternate-ac Power
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors performed a review of preparations for summer weather for selected
systems, including conditions that could lead to loss-of-offsite power and conditions that
could result from high temperatures. The inspectors reviewed the procedures affecting
these areas and the communications protocols between the transmission system
operator and the plant to verify that the appropriate information was being exchanged
when issues arose that could affect the offsite power system. Examples of aspects
considered in the inspectors review included:
- The coordination between the transmission system operator and the plants
operations personnel during off-normal or emergency events
- The explanations for the events
- The estimates of when the offsite power system would be returned to a normal
state
- The notifications from the transmission system operator to the plant when the
offsite power system was returned to normal
During the inspection, the inspectors focused on plant-specific design features and the
procedures used by plant personnel to mitigate or respond to adverse weather
conditions. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed the USAR and performance
requirements for systems selected for inspection, and verified that operator actions were
appropriate as specified by plant-specific procedures. Specific documents reviewed
during this inspection are listed in the attachment. The inspectors also reviewed
corrective action program items to verify that the licensee was identifying adverse
-5- Enclosure
weather issues at an appropriate threshold and entering them into their corrective action
program in accordance with station corrective action procedures.
These activities constitute completion of one readiness for summer weather affect on
offsite and alternate-ac power sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R04 Equipment Alignment (71111.04)
Partial Walkdown
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors performed partial system walkdowns of the following risk-significant
systems:
- April 14, 2012, Auxiliary building watertight doors and internal flood barriers with
train B emergency core cooling watertight door out of service
- June 19, 2012, Boron injection tank depressurization flowpath through the safety
injection test line
The inspectors selected these systems based on their risk significance relative to the
Reactor Safety Cornerstones at the time they were inspected. The inspectors attempted
to identify any discrepancies that could affect the function of the system, and, therefore,
potentially increase risk. The inspectors reviewed applicable operating procedures,
system diagrams, USAR, technical specification requirements, administrative technical
specifications, outstanding work orders, condition reports, and the impact of ongoing
work activities on redundant trains of equipment in order to identify conditions that could
have rendered the systems incapable of performing their intended functions. The
inspectors also inspected accessible portions of the systems to verify system
components and support equipment were aligned correctly and operable. The
inspectors examined the material condition of the components and observed operating
parameters of equipment to verify that there were no obvious deficiencies. The
inspectors also verified that the licensee had properly identified and resolved equipment
alignment problems that could cause initiating events or impact the capability of
mitigating systems or barriers and entered them into the corrective action program with
the appropriate significance characterization. Specific documents reviewed during this
inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of two partial system walkdown samples as
defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.04-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
-6- Enclosure
1R05 Fire Protection (71111.05)
Quarterly Fire Inspection Tours
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors conducted fire protection walkdowns that were focused on availability,
accessibility, and the condition of firefighting equipment in the following risk-significant
plant areas:
- April 4, 2012, Train A motor-driven auxiliary feedwater pump and valve rooms
- April 4, 2012, Train B motor-driven auxiliary feedwater pump and valve rooms
- April 5, 2012, Turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump and valve rooms
The inspectors reviewed areas to assess if licensee personnel had implemented a fire
protection program that adequately controlled combustibles and ignition sources within
the plant; effectively maintained fire detection and suppression capability; maintained
passive fire protection features in good material condition; and had implemented
adequate compensatory measures for out of service, degraded or inoperable fire
protection equipment, systems, or features, in accordance with the licensees fire plan.
The inspectors selected fire areas based on their overall contribution to internal fire risk
as documented in the plants Individual Plant Examination of External Events with later
additional insights, their potential to affect equipment that could initiate or mitigate a
plant transient, or their impact on the plants ability to respond to a security event. Using
the documents listed in the attachment, the inspectors verified that fire hoses and
extinguishers were in their designated locations and available for immediate use; that
fire detectors and sprinklers were unobstructed; that transient material loading was
within the analyzed limits; and fire doors, dampers, and penetration seals appeared to
be in satisfactory condition. The inspectors also verified that minor issues identified
during the inspection were entered into the licensees corrective action program.
Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of three quarterly fire-protection inspection
samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.05-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R06 Flood Protection Measures (71111.06)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the USAR, the flooding analysis, and plant procedures to
assess susceptibilities involving internal flooding; reviewed the corrective action program
to determine if licensee personnel identified and corrected flooding problems; inspected
underground bunkers/manholes to verify the adequacy of sump pumps, level alarm
circuits, cable splices subject to submergence, and drainage for bunkers/manholes; and
-7- Enclosure
verified that operator actions for coping with flooding can reasonably achieve the desired
outcomes. The inspectors also inspected the areas listed below to verify the adequacy
of equipment seals located below the flood line, floor and wall penetration seals,
watertight door seals, common drain lines and sumps, sump pumps, level alarms, and
control circuits, and temporary or removable flood barriers. Specific documents
reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
- April 17, 2012, Containment spray train B and residual heat removal train B
pump rooms
These activities constitute completion of one flood protection measures inspection
sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.06-05.
b. Findings
Introduction. A Green, self-revealing, non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B,
Criterion V, Inspections, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified as a result of a
leaking watertight door that was observed on January 13, 2012. Station Procedure
MPM XX-002 Watertight Door Preventive Maintenance Activities, failed to ensure the
proper position of the alignment screws, which resulted in leakage through a
misalignment between the door and its threshold.
Description. On January 13, 2012, Wolf Creek tripped due to a main generator breaker
fault. Many non-safety systems were without power for several days until temporary
power could be arranged. One such system was the auxiliary building general area
sumps, which were without power for approximately 36 hours4.166667e-4 days <br />0.01 hours <br />5.952381e-5 weeks <br />1.3698e-5 months <br />. Condensed steam and
other effluents slowly accrued in the stairwell area outside the containment spray pump
rooms. The containment spray pump rooms lead to the corresponding train residual
heat removal pump rooms. Each train of containment spray pump rooms is separated
from the stairwell by a watertight door. There is no flood protection between the
corresponding containment spray and residual heat removal pump rooms. Over the
36-hour period without power, the general area water level rose to approximately 24 to
30 inches in depth, which was above the bottom of the watertight doors. The train A
containment spray pump room door passed minimal leakage with no impact to
safety-related equipment in the rooms. The train B containment spray pump room door
passed an unacceptable amount of leakage estimated to be approximately 10 gpm and
pooled into both the containment spray pump room and the residual heat removal pump
room to a depth of three inches.
On April 17, 2012, Wolf Creek identified that a previous condition report screening
resulted in a nonconservative operability assessment of door leakage. The licensee
discovered that corrective actions had not been taken and at 2:53 p.m., control room
operators promptly declared the door and the train B containment spray and train B
residual heat removal pumps inoperable and entered the appropriate technical
specification action statements. The licensee inspected the material condition of the
gasket and determined that it met the requirements of its preventive maintenance activity
detailed in station procedure MPM XX-002, Watertight Doors Preventive Maintenance
Activity. At that point, the licensee determined that the procedure must be in some way
inadequate. The licensee contacted another facility for information and compared their
-8- Enclosure
respective procedures. The licensee determined that another facility was regularly
adjusting the doors alignment screws (dog ears) whereas Wolf Creeks procedure
directed the mechanic to skip that step if the door passed its chalk test in the previous
step.
The chalk test checks engagement between the door frame and the door seal.
Operations personnel determined that the chalk test had a high likelihood of producing a
false positive because the chalk is transferred around the entire perimeter of the seal
when the mechanic closes the door, appearing to demonstrate a proper seal. However,
actual sealing occurs when the hand wheel is turned to engage the dog ears. If the dog
ears are properly aligned, the door will seal around the entire seating surface. However,
if they are loose, the door may rest ajar in the threshold allowing water to pass. A field
inspection observed that six of eight dog ears were loose on the containment spray room
B watertight door, whereas only two of eight dog ears on the train A door were loose and
it performed satisfactorily under the same flood conditions. The licensee completed the
adjustments of the to the alignment screws, door jamb welding, and seal replacement
and returned the train B containment spray and emergency core cooling systems to
service at 2:48 p.m. on April 18, 2011.
Analysis. Failure to properly adjust safety-related watertight door alignment screws
during testing activities is a performance deficiency. The performance deficiency is
more than minor, and therefore a finding because, if left uncorrected it could lead to a
more significant safety concern. Using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A,
the finding was characterized under the Exhibit 4, Seismic, Flooding, and Severe
Weather Screening Criteria. The finding was determined to be of very low safety
significance (Green) because the degraded flood protection equipment would not have
caused a plant trip or other initiating event, would not degrade two or more trains of a
multi-train safety system, would not degrade one or more trains of a supporting system,
and the finding does not involve the total loss of any safety function. The inspectors
determined the cause of this finding was not indicative of current performance.
Enforcement. Title 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, states that: Activities affecting
quality shall be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings of a
type appropriate to the circumstances and shall be accomplished in accordance with
these instructions, procedures, or drawings. Instructions, procedures, or drawings shall
include appropriate quantitative or qualitative acceptance criteria for determining that
important activities have been satisfactorily accomplished. Procedure MPM XX-002,
Watertight Doors Preventive Maintenance Activity, Revision 4, a safety-related
procedure, was intended to implement activities affecting quality for flood doors.
Contrary to the above, from original plant construction in 1985 through April 18, 2012,
the licensee performed activities affecting the quality of watertight doors using a
procedure that was not appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, Wolf Creek
station procedure MPM XX-002, Watertight Doors Preventive Maintenance Activity,
Revision 4, failed to ensure the proper position of the door alignment screws, which
resulted in leakage due to misalignment. Because this finding is of very low safety
significance and was entered into the licensee corrective action program as condition
report 51622, this violation is being treated as a non-cited violation in accordance with
Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy: NCV 05000482/2012003-01, Unacceptable
Leakage Through Safety-Related Watertight Door During Loss of Offsite Power.
-9- Enclosure
1R11 Licensed Operator Requalification Program and Licensed Operator Performance
(71111.11)
.1 Quarterly Review of Licensed Operator Requalification Program
a. Inspection Scope
On June 18, 2012, the inspectors observed a crew of licensed operators in the plants
simulator during requalification testing. The inspectors assessed the following areas:
- Licensed operator performance
- The ability of the licensee to administer the evaluations
- The modeling and performance of the control room simulator
- The quality of post-scenario critiques
- Followup actions taken by the licensee for identified discrepancies
These activities constitute completion of one quarterly licensed operator requalification
program sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.11.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Quarterly Observation of Licensed Operator Performance
a. Inspection Scope
On the evening of April 5, 2012, the inspectors observed the performance of on-shift
licensed operators in the plants main control room. At the time of the observations, the
plant was in a period of heightened activity due to Security Force on Force drills being
conducted throughout the plant. The inspectors observed the operators performance of
the following activities:
- Shift turnover brief
- Drill communication brief
- Routine reactivity manipulations.
In addition, the inspectors assessed the operators adherence to plant procedures,
including procedure AP 21-001, Conduct of Operations, and other operations
department policies.
These activities constitute completion of one quarterly licensed-operator performance
sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.11.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
- 10 - Enclosure
1R12 Maintenance Effectiveness (71111.12)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated degraded performance issues involving the following risk
significant systems:
- May 15, 2012, Startup main feedwater pump performance monitoring,
maintenance rule function AE-04
- June 21, 2012, Reactor protection system card replacements, maintenance rule
function SP-02
The inspectors reviewed events such as where ineffective equipment maintenance has
resulted in valid or invalid automatic actuations of engineered safeguards systems and
independently verified the licensee's actions to address system performance or condition
problems in terms of the following:
- Implementing appropriate work practices
- Identifying and addressing common cause failures
- Scoping of systems in accordance with 10 CFR 50.65(b)
- Characterizing system reliability issues for performance monitoring
- Charging unavailability for performance monitoring
- Trending key parameters for condition monitoring
- Ensuring proper classification in accordance with 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) or -(a)(2)
- Verifying appropriate performance criteria for structures, systems, and
components classified as having an adequate demonstration of performance
through preventive maintenance, as described in 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2), or as
requiring the establishment of appropriate and adequate goals and corrective
actions for systems classified as not having adequate performance, as described
The inspectors assessed performance issues with respect to the reliability, availability,
and condition monitoring of the system. In addition, the inspectors verified maintenance
effectiveness issues were entered into the corrective action program with the appropriate
significance characterization. Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are
listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of two quarterly maintenance effectiveness
samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.12-05.
- 11 - Enclosure
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R13 Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control (71111.13)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed licensee personnel's evaluation and management of plant risk
for the maintenance and emergent work activities affecting risk-significant and safety-
related equipment listed below to verify that the appropriate risk assessments were
performed prior to removing equipment for work:
- April 10 and 15, 2012, NK02 DC bus voltage and current fluctuations
The inspectors selected these activities based on potential risk significance relative to
the Reactor Safety Cornerstones. As applicable for each activity, the inspectors verified
that licensee personnel performed risk assessments as required by 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4)
and that the assessments were accurate and complete. When licensee personnel
performed emergent work, the inspectors verified that the licensee personnel promptly
assessed and managed plant risk. The inspectors reviewed the scope of maintenance
work, discussed the results of the assessment with the licensee's probabilistic risk
analyst or shift technical advisor, and verified plant conditions were consistent with the
risk assessment. The inspectors also reviewed the technical specification requirements
and inspected portions of redundant safety systems, when applicable, to verify risk
analysis assumptions were valid and applicable requirements were met. Specific
documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of one maintenance risk assessments and
emergent work control inspection sample as defined in Inspection
Procedure 71111.13-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R15 Operability Evaluations and Functionality Assessments (71111.15)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following issues:
- April 13, 2012, Chemical and volume control system alternate charging line
check valves BBV8379A and BBV8379B potential stud degradation
- April 18, 2012, Flood door operability in Auxiliary Building
- May 2, 2012, Operator Manual Actions for control room ventilation damper GKD-
181
- 12 - Enclosure
- May 23, 2012, Refueling water storage tank valve BNV-11 manual actions during
sump recirculation
- June 16, 2012, Vital Switchgear room temperatures after loss of train B air
conditioning unit
- January 24 and February 13, 2012, residual heat removal transients following
non-vital power loss with normal service water running in Mode 5
The inspectors selected these potential operability issues based on the risk significance
of the associated components and systems. The inspectors evaluated the technical
adequacy of the evaluations to ensure that technical specification operability was
properly justified and the subject component or system remained available such that no
unrecognized increase in risk occurred. The inspectors compared the operability and
design criteria in the appropriate sections of the technical specifications and USAR to
the licensee personnels evaluations to determine whether the components or systems
were operable. Where compensatory measures were required to maintain operability,
the inspectors determined whether the measures in place would function as intended
and were properly controlled. The inspectors determined, where appropriate,
compliance with bounding limitations associated with the evaluations. Additionally, the
inspectors also reviewed a sampling of corrective action documents to verify that the
licensee was identifying and correcting any deficiencies associated with operability
evaluations. Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the
attachment.
These activities constitute completion of six operability evaluation inspection samples as
defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.15-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R18 Plant Modifications (71111.18)
a. Inspection Scope
To verify that the safety functions of important safety systems were not degraded, the
inspectors reviewed the temporary modification for leak seal repair of steam generator
tube sheet drain valve BMV0037.
The inspectors reviewed the temporary modification and the associated safety-
evaluation screening against the system design bases documentation, including the
USAR and the technical specifications, and verified that the modification did not
adversely affect the system operability/availability. The inspectors also verified that the
installation and restoration were consistent with the modification documents and that
configuration control was adequate. Additionally, the inspectors verified that the
- 13 - Enclosure
temporary modification was identified on control room drawings, appropriate tags were
placed on the affected equipment, and licensee personnel evaluated the combined
effects on mitigating systems and the integrity of radiological barriers.
These activities constitute completion of one sample for temporary plant modifications as
defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.18-05.
b. Findings
Introduction. The inspectors identified a Green non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50,
Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for a work order that
did not accomplish a leak seal repair in accordance with its engineering evaluation.
Description. Valve BMV0037 is a 2-inch safety-related ASME Code Class 2 valve that
isolates the steam generator B tube sheet drain. This diaphragm type valve is not
required to change position but it is required to be a pressure boundary for the
secondary side of the steam generator. This safety-related quality valve is normally
closed and cannot be isolated from the steam generator.
On September 9, 2010, Wolf Creek experienced a leak at the body-to-bonnet joint for
valve BMV0037. Wolf Creek engineering utilized a previously approved a leak seal
repair using configuration change package 9385. Change package 13482 re-approved
change package 9385 for use. This change package approved drilling injection ports
into the valve body. On September 30, 2010, Wolf Creek and its contractor drilled two
injection ports 180 degrees apart on valve BMV0037 and injected leak sealant. From
September 30, 2010, to November 30, 2011, valve BMV0037 leaked and was injected
four times. On December 5, 2011, BMV0037 began leaking again and a third injection
port was installed.
The inspectors selected the inspection because the valve had leaked multiple times and
was not replaced. The inspectors made a containment entry on March 27, 2012, and
observed the sealant injection. The inspectors observed two injection ports drilled at
angles to the valve body in close proximity to one another and a third approximately 180
degrees on the other side of the valve body. Two of the injection ports were visually
estimated at three quarters of an inch apart and at a shallow angle to the valve body.
Valve BMV0037 was injected again on March 28, 2012, and May 8, 2012.
The inspectors reviewed work order 10-333183-002 that was used on September 30,
2010, to install the injection ports. The inspectors found no instructions in work
order 10-333183-002 for the orientation of the drilling for the injection ports, although
they were drilled 180 degrees apart. Step 1.7.5 of work order 10-333183-002 stated that
the activity was not to exceed three injection ports. The inspectors reviewed work
order 11-346576-006, which installed a third injection port on December 10, 2011,
adjacent to one of the existing injection ports. The inspectors noted that Step 1.8.4 of
work order 11-346576-006 allowed the location of the third injection port to be
determined by the vendor technician, and also noted that the third injection port was not
installed in accordance with change package 9385.
- 14 - Enclosure
The inspectors concluded that, despite repeated re-injections, Wolf Creek did not
exceed the evaluated limits for the amount of sealant allowed to be injected. However,
the inspectors noted that Wolf Creeks leak seal process did not require a valve with a
temporary leak seal repair to be replaced at the next outage, and it did not include a
caution that cooling down a hot system was likely to cause changes in the sealant
properties and result in another leak. The inspectors questioned why the valve was not
replaced during the previous refueling outage or the forced outage and were told that
Wolf Creek had had difficulty locating a replacement valve.
The inspectors reviewed configuration change packages 13482 and 9385. The
inspectors noted that configuration change package 9385 stated that three injection
ports shall be installed 120 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body.
The holes for those injection ports were said not to require reinforcement because ASME
Code Section III, NC-3332.1 does not require reinforcement since the injection ports are
less than 2-inch nominal pipe size. ASME Code Section III, article NC-3300 is for
pressure vessels. The inspectors, with assistance from the Office of Nuclear Reactor
Regulation, determined that the use of article NC-3300 was reasonable, but the
application of article NC-3332.1 was not appropriate for multiple openings in a valve
body. The inspectors questioned if the reinforcement requirements of article NC-3330
were met. Wolf Creek subsequently evaluated the article NC-3330 reinforcement criteria
using dimensions reasonably estimated from a photo and the manufacturers valve
drawing. The inspectors concluded that the evaluation did not include the angles of the
injection ports. Drilling the injection ports at an angle other than 90 degrees (to the valve
body) results in a deeper hole to reach the body-to-bonnet threaded joint (the area
where the sealant was injected). This required more surrounding re-enforcement
material. The inspectors again questioned the loss of material, this time due to the
additional material lost to the injection port angles. Wolf Creek subsequently took actual
measurements during a containment entry and re-performed the ASME Code evaluation.
The evaluation considered the angled injection ports to be oval shaped holes through
the wall of the valve body per article NC-3331(a). This increased the amount of material
required for reinforcement. The inspectors reviewed the calculation and concluded that
the reinforcement requirements were met.
Analysis. The failure to ensure that the configuration of a safety-related steam generator
blowdown valve was controlled in accordance with the approved engineering change
package during leak seal activities is a performance deficiency. This finding was more
than minor because it impacted the procedure quality attribute of the Initiating Events
Cornerstone, and it affected the objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset
plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power
operations. Using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, The Significance
Determination Process (SDP) for Findings At-Power, this finding was determined to be
of very low safety significance because an evaluation after the modification was able to
demonstrate structural integrity. Therefore, the finding does not contribute to both the
likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment will not be
available. The inspectors identified the cause of the finding had a in the human
performance crosscutting aspect in the area of resources. Specifically, the licensee did
not ensure that the work order instructions were sufficiently complete, accurate and
reflected up-to-date design documentation sufficient to control plant configuration in
accordance with design H.2.c.
- 15 - Enclosure
Enforcement. Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures,
and Drawings, requires, in part, that activities affecting quality shall be prescribed by
documented instructions, procedures, or drawings, of a type appropriate to the
circumstances and shall be accomplished in accordance with these instructions,
procedures, or drawings. Instructions, procedures, or drawings shall include acceptance
criteria for determining that activities have been satisfactorily accomplished. Wolf Creek
configuration change package 9385 allowed up to three injection ports 120 degrees
apart on the valve body. Contrary to the above, on September 30, 2010, the licensee
performed an activity affecting quality using documented instructions that were not
appropriate to the circumstances. Work order 10-333183-002 contained no instructions
for the modification of the safety-related valve BMV0037 by installing injection ports.
Specifically, there were no instructions or acceptance criteria for injection port positioning
or orientation, even though the position and orientation to the drilled holes affect the
structural integrity of the valve body. Because this issue was determined to be of very
low safety significance (Green) and was entered into the licensees corrective action
program as condition report 52992, this violation is being treated as a non-cited violation
in accordance with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy: NCV 05000482/2012003-02, Incorrect Leak Seal Injection Port Installation.
1R19 Post Maintenance Testing (71111.19)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following postmaintenance activities to verify that
procedures and test activities were adequate to ensure system operability and functional
capability:
- May 31, 2012, Vital switchgear cooler SGK05B after compressor replacement
- June 21, 2012, Containment spray room cooler after inspection
- June 18-25, 2012, Over-temperature delta-temperature circuit card replacements
The inspectors selected these activities based upon the structure, system, or
component's ability to affect risk. The inspectors evaluated these activities for the
following (as applicable):
- The effect of testing on the plant had been adequately addressed; testing was
adequate for the maintenance performed
- Acceptance criteria were clear and demonstrated operational readiness; test
instrumentation was appropriate
The inspectors evaluated the activities against the technical specifications, the USAR,
10 CFR Part 50 requirements, licensee procedures, and various NRC generic
communications to ensure that the test results adequately ensured that the equipment
met the licensing basis and design requirements. In addition, the inspectors reviewed
corrective action documents associated with postmaintenance tests to determine
whether the licensee was identifying problems and entering them in the corrective action
program and that the problems were being corrected commensurate with their
- 16 - Enclosure
importance to safety. Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in
the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of three postmaintenance testing inspection
samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.19-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R22 Surveillance Testing (71111.22)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the USAR, procedure requirements, and technical
specifications to ensure that the surveillance activities listed below demonstrated that the
systems, structures, and/or components tested were capable of performing their
intended safety functions. The inspectors either witnessed or reviewed test data to
verify that the significant surveillance test attributes were adequate to address the
following:
- Preconditioning
- Evaluation of testing impact on the plant
- Acceptance criteria
- Test equipment
- Procedures
- Jumper/lifted lead controls
- Test data
- Testing frequency and method demonstrated technical specification operability
- Test equipment removal
- Restoration of plant systems
- Fulfillment of ASME Code requirements
- Updating of performance indicator data
- Engineering evaluations, root causes, and bases for returning tested systems,
structures, and components not meeting the test acceptance criteria were correct
- 17 - Enclosure
- Reference setting data
- Annunciators and alarms setpoints
The inspectors also verified that licensee personnel identified and implemented any
needed corrective actions associated with the surveillance testing.
- June 10, 2012, Spent fuel pool pump B inservice testing
- March 19, 2012, Main steam isolation valve inservice testing
- June 20, 2012, STS BB-006, reactor coolant system leak rate calculation
- June 21, 2012, Containment spray pump B inservice testing
- June 27, 2012, Residual heat removal pump A inservice testing
- June 28, 2012, TMP 11-013, Reactor coolant system to emergency core cooling
system check valve leak test
Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of six surveillance testing inspection samples as
defined in Inspection Procedure 71111.22-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
2. RADIATION SAFETY
Cornerstone: Occupational and Public Radiation Safety
2RS05 Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation (71124.05)
a. Inspection Scope
This area was inspected to verify the licensee is assuring the accuracy and operability of
radiation monitoring instruments that are used to: (1) monitor areas, materials, and
workers to ensure a radiologically safe work environment and (2) detect and quantify
radioactive process streams and effluent releases. The inspectors used the
requirements in 10 CFR Part 20, the technical specifications, and the licensees
procedures required by technical specifications as criteria for determining compliance.
During the inspection, the inspectors interviewed licensee personnel, performed
walkdowns of various portions of the plant, and reviewed the following items:
- 18 - Enclosure
- Selected plant configurations and alignments of process, post-accident, and
effluent monitors with descriptions in the USAR and the offsite dose calculation
manual
- Select instrumentation, including effluent monitoring instrument, portable survey
instruments, area radiation monitors, continuous air monitors, personnel
contamination monitors, portal monitors, and small article monitors to examine
their configurations and source checks
- Calibration and testing of process and effluent monitors, laboratory
instrumentation, whole body counters, post-accident monitoring instrumentation,
portal monitors, personnel contamination monitors, small article monitors,
portable survey instruments, area radiation monitors, electronic dosimetry, air
samplers, continuous air monitors
- Audits, self-assessments, and corrective action documents related to radiation
monitoring instrumentation since the last inspection
Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of the one required sample as defined in
Inspection Procedure 71124.05-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
2RS06 Radioactive Gaseous and Liquid Effluent Treatment (71124.06)
a. Inspection Scope
This area was inspected to: (1) ensure the gaseous and liquid effluent processing
systems are maintained so radiological discharges are properly mitigated, monitored,
and evaluated with respect to public exposure; (2) ensure abnormal radioactive gaseous
or liquid discharges and conditions, when effluent radiation monitors are out-of-service,
are controlled in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements and licensee
procedures; (3) verify the licensee=s quality control program ensures the radioactive
effluent sampling and analysis requirements are satisfied so discharges of radioactive
materials are adequately quantified and evaluated; and (4) verify the adequacy of public
dose projections resulting from radioactive effluent discharges. The inspectors used the
requirements in 10 CFR Part 20; 10 CFR Part 50, Appendices A and I; 40 CFR Part 190;
the offsite dose calculation manual, and licensee procedures required by the technical
specifications as criteria for determining compliance. The inspectors interviewed
licensee personnel and reviewed and/or observed the following items:
- Radiological effluent release reports since the previous inspection and reports
related to the effluent program issued since the previous inspection, if any
- 19 - Enclosure
- Effluent program implementing procedures, including sampling, monitor setpoint
determinations and dose calculations
- Equipment configuration and flow paths of selected gaseous and liquid discharge
system components, filtered ventilation system material condition, and significant
changes to their effluent release points, if any, and associated 10 CFR 50.59
reviews
- Selected portions of the routine processing and discharge of radioactive gaseous
and liquid effluents (including sample collection and analysis)
- Controls used to ensure representative sampling and appropriate compensatory
sampling
- Results of the inter-laboratory comparison program
- Effluent stack flow rates
- Surveillance test results of technical specification-required ventilation effluent
discharge systems since the previous inspection
- Significant changes in reported dose values, if any
- A selection of radioactive liquid and gaseous waste discharge permits
- Part 61 analyses and methods used to determine which isotopes are included in
the source term
- Offsite dose calculation manual changes, if any
- Meteorological dispersion and deposition factors
- Latest land use census
- Records of abnormal gaseous or liquid tank discharges, if any
- Groundwater monitoring results
- Changes to the licensees written program for indentifying and controlling
contaminated spills/leaks to groundwater, if any
- Identified leakage or spill events and entries made into 10 CFR 50.75 (g)
records, if any, and associated evaluations of the extent of the contamination and
the radiological source term
- Offsite notifications, and reports of events associated with spills, leaks, or
groundwater monitoring results, if any
- 20 - Enclosure
- Audits, self-assessments, reports, and corrective action documents related to
radioactive gaseous and liquid effluent treatment since the last inspection
Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of the one required sample, as defined in
Inspection Procedure 71124.06-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
2RS07 Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (71124.07)
a. Inspection Scope
This area was inspected to: (1) ensure that the radiological environmental monitoring
program verifies the impact of radioactive effluent releases to the environment and
sufficiently validates the integrity of the radioactive gaseous and liquid effluent release
program; (2) verify that the radiological environmental monitoring program is
implemented consistent with the licensees technical specifications and/or offsite dose
calculation manual, and to validate that the radioactive effluent release program meets
the design objective contained in Appendix I to 10 CFR Part 50; and (3) ensure that the
radiological environmental monitoring program monitors non-effluent exposure
pathways, is based on sound principles and assumptions, and validates that doses to
members of the public are within the dose limits of 10 CFR Part 20 and
40 CFR Part 190, as applicable. The inspectors reviewed and/or observed the following
items:
- Annual environmental monitoring reports and offsite dose calculation manual
- Selected air sampling and thermoluminescence dosimeter monitoring stations
- Collection and preparation of environmental samples
- Operability, calibration, and maintenance of meteorological instruments
- Selected events documented in the annual environmental monitoring report
which involved a missed sample, inoperable sampler, lost thermoluminescence
dosimeter, or anomalous measurement
- Selected structures, systems, or components that may contain licensed material
and has a credible mechanism for licensed material to reach ground water
- Records required by 10 CFR 50.75(g)
- 21 - Enclosure
- Significant changes made by the licensee to the offsite dose calculation manual
as the result of changes to the land census or sampler station modifications since
the last inspection
- Calibration and maintenance records for selected air samplers, composite water
samplers, and environmental sample radiation measurement instrumentation
- Interlaboratory comparison program results
- Audits, self-assessments, reports, and corrective action documents related to the
radiological environmental monitoring program since the last inspection
Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of the one required sample as defined in
Inspection Procedure 71124.07-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
2RS08 Radioactive Solid Waste Processing, and Radioactive Material Handling, Storage,
and Transportation (71124.08)
a. Inspection Scope
This area was inspected to verify the effectiveness of the licensee=s programs for
processing, handling, storage, and transportation of radioactive material. The inspectors
used the requirements of 10 CFR Parts 20, 61, and 71 and Department of
Transportation regulations contained in 49 CFR Parts 171-180 for determining
compliance. The inspectors interviewed licensee personnel and reviewed the following
items:
- The solid radioactive waste system description, process control program, and the
scope of the licensee=s audit program
- Control of radioactive waste storage areas including container labeling/marking
and monitoring containers for deformation or signs of waste decomposition
- Changes to the liquid and solid waste processing system configuration including
a review of waste processing equipment that is not operational or abandoned in
place
- Radio-chemical sample analysis results for radioactive waste streams and use of
scaling factors and calculations to account for difficult-to-measure radionuclides
- Processes for waste classification including use of scaling factors and
10 CFR Part 61 analysis
- 22 - Enclosure
- Shipment packaging, surveying, labeling, marking, placarding, vehicle checking,
driver instructing, and preparation of the disposal manifest
- Audits, self-assessments, reports, and corrective action reports radioactive solid
waste processing, and radioactive material handling, storage, and transportation
performed since the last inspection
Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the attachment.
These activities constitute completion of the one required sample as defined in
Inspection Procedure 71124.08-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
4. OTHER ACTIVITIES
Cornerstones: Initiating Events, Mitigating Systems, Barrier Integrity, Emergency
Preparedness, Public Radiation Safety, Occupational Radiation Safety, and
4OA1 Performance Indicator Verification (71151)
.1 Data Submission Issue
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors performed a review of the performance indicator data submitted by the
licensee for the first Quarter 2012 performance indicators for any obvious
inconsistencies prior to its public release in accordance with Inspection Manual
Chapter 0608, Performance Indicator Program.
This review was performed as part of the inspectors normal plant status activities and,
as such, did not constitute a separate inspection sample.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Reactor Coolant System Specific Activity (BI01)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the reactor coolant system specific
activity performance indicator for the period from the second quarter 2012 through the
first quarter 2012. To determine the accuracy of the performance indicator data reported
during those periods, the inspectors used definitions and guidance contained in NEI
Document 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 6.
- 23 - Enclosure
The inspectors reviewed the licensees reactor coolant system chemistry samples,
technical specification requirements, issue reports, event reports, and NRC integrated
inspection reports for the period of April 1, 2011, through March 30, 2012, to validate the
accuracy of the submittals. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees issue report
database to determine if any problems had been identified with the performance
indicator data collected or transmitted for this indicator and none were identified.
These activities constitute completion of one reactor coolant system specific activity
sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.3 Reactor Coolant System Leakage (BI02)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the reactor coolant system leakage
performance indicator for the period from the second quarter 2011 through the first
quarter 2012. To determine the accuracy of the performance indicator data reported
during those periods, the inspectors used definitions and guidance contained in NEI
Document 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 6.
The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator logs; reactor coolant system leakage
tracking data, issue reports, event reports, and NRC integrated inspection reports for the
period of April 1, 2011, through March 31, 2012, to validate the accuracy of the
submittals. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees issue report database to
determine if any problems had been identified with the performance indicator data
collected or transmitted for this indicator and none were identified. Specific documents
reviewed are described in the attachment to this report.
These activities constitute completion of one reactor coolant system leakage sample as
defined in Inspection Procedure 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
4OA2 Problem Identification and Resolution (71152)
.1 Routine Review of Identification and Resolution of Problems
a. Inspection Scope
As part of the various baseline inspection procedures discussed in previous sections of
this report, the inspectors routinely reviewed issues during baseline inspection activities
and plant status reviews to verify that they were being entered into the licensees
corrective action program at an appropriate threshold, that adequate attention was being
given to timely corrective actions, and that adverse trends were identified and
addressed. The inspectors reviewed attributes that included the complete and accurate
- 24 - Enclosure
identification of the problem; the timely correction, commensurate with the safety
significance; the evaluation and disposition of performance issues, generic implications,
common causes, contributing factors, root causes, extent of condition reviews, and
previous occurrences reviews; and the classification, prioritization, focus, and timeliness
of corrective actions. Minor issues entered into the licensees corrective action program
because of the inspectors observations are included in the attached list of documents
reviewed.
These routine reviews for the identification and resolution of problems did not constitute
any additional inspection samples. Instead, by procedure, they were considered an
integral part of the inspections performed during the quarter and documented in
Section 1 of this report.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Daily Corrective Action Program Reviews
a. Inspection Scope
In order to assist with the identification of repetitive equipment failures and specific
human performance issues for follow-up, the inspectors performed a daily screening of
items entered into the licensees corrective action program. The inspectors
accomplished this through review of the stations daily corrective action documents.
The inspectors performed these daily reviews as part of their daily plant status
monitoring activities and, as such, did not constitute any separate inspection samples.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.3 Selected Issue Follow-up Inspection
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the causes and corrective actions for failure of containment
penetration assembly 274 electrical module A. This resulted in the loss of the
pressurizer backup group 1 heaters on March 18, 2012. The inspectors reviewed the
vendor hardware failure analysis report stating that a high resistance connection
developed in the butt splice inside the epoxy seal. The inspectors reviewed Wolf
Creeks apparent cause and extent of condition corrective actions and found that Wolf
Creek has visually inspected other similar penetrations. Wolf Creek also has corrective
actions perform thermography while penetrations are energized in order to detect failure
at an earlier stage. The inspectors compared Wolf Creeks evaluation with guidance
from the EPRI on containment building electrical penetration modules and did not find
any missing maintenance activities that may have prevented the loss of the pressurizer
backup group 1 heaters. Most degradation related to aging of the rubber seals in
- 25 - Enclosure
contact with the inner and outer surfaces of containment and not the electrical
conductors.
These activities constitute completion of one in-depth problem identification and
resolution sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71152-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
4OA3 Followup of Events and Notices of Enforcement Discretion (71153)
(Closed) Licensee Event Report 05000482/2012003-00, Train B ECCS Inoperable Due
to Damaged Watertight Containment Spray Pump Door Seal
On April 17, 2012, at 2:53 p.m., the watertight door seal for the train B containment spray
pump room was determined to be nonfunctional and the equipment supported by the
door was inoperable. The equipment supported by the door is the train B residual heat
removal pump and the train B containment spray pump. The door was repaired on
April 18, 2012, at 2:48 p.m. The watertight seal was replaced, welding was performed
on the knife-edge of the door and the door lugs were tightened. The apparent cause of
this condition was a less than adequate preventive maintenance to identify potentially
deficient door seals. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) as an
operation or condition prohibited by Technical Specifications 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.6.6, and
Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) 3.0.4. This condition is also reportable pursuant
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v) as an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment
of a safety function because the opposite train was out of service several times while the
seal was degraded.
At the time of this licensee event report issued on June 18, 2012, the inspectors had
already inspected this event under baseline inspection procedure 71111.06. The results
of that inspection can be found in section 1R06 of this report.
These activities constitute completion of one event follow-up sample as defined in
Inspection Procedure 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
4OA5 Other Activities
Assessment of Corrective Action to Address Substantive Crosscutting Issues P.1.a,
a. Inspection Scope
Wolf Creeks letter dated May 7, 2012, informed the NRC of its readiness for inspection
of substantive crosscutting issues P.1.a(problem identification), P.1.c(evaluation), and
- 26 - Enclosure
P.1.d(corrective action). From June 18 to 21, 2012, the inspectors gathered information
to inform managements decision in the mid-2012 performance assessment.
Consideration of possible closure of these substantive crosscutting issues will be an
NRC decision using information from this inspection, guidance in Inspection Manual
Chapter 0305, and the information discussed at a June 25, 2012, public meeting. The
inspectors reviewed whether the substantive crosscutting issues were entered into the
corrective action program (CAP), the causes identified, the corrective actions identified
to address those causes, the measures of effectiveness used by the licensee to monitor
improvement, and actual data for those effectiveness reviews.
This inspection activity constituted one sample of semi-annual trend review under
inspection procedure 1152-05.
b. Findings and Assessment
No findings were identified.
Wolf Creek addressed all P.1 substantive crosscutting issues in two main condition
reports. Condition report 23032 was a root cause evaluation completed for a second
time in September 2010. Condition report 23032 was written in response to the problem
identification and resolution and human performance substantive crosscutting issues
that led the site to Column III of the NRCs action matrix. Wolf Creek identified 63
corrective actions that were to correct the problem identification and resolution problems.
Condition report 34455 was also a root cause in response to the 2010 end of cycle
assessment letter from the NRC. Condition report 34455 identified 27 corrective actions.
The inspectors concluded that the licensee appropriately entered this issue into the
CAP.
P.1.a Causes
Root and apparent cause evaluations were self-critical and they found a lack of
management involvement and oversight in the corrective action program over the last
3 years. These were the same causes identified for White performance indicators that
the 95002 team examined under condition report 23032. Condition report 23032 had a
second root cause that the station was over-confident in using the work controls process
to manage critical equipment problems. Root cause 34455 had a similar root cause of
leadership not aligning station behaviors for timely problem identification and resolution.
Root cause 34455 had a contributing cause that the station had inadequate training on
the design and licensing basis which is inhibiting effective problem evaluation. Further,
the root cause found that there was no regular training for certain personnel on the
design basis or its controls. The inspectors concluded that the licensee effectively
identified the causes for this substantive crosscutting issue.
P.1.a Corrective actions
The inspectors sampled corrective actions. The previous large change in the corrective
action program was to create the single point of entry for all issues into the CAP. This
- 27 - Enclosure
eliminated the previous practice of writing a work order for a problem, and only allowed
writing a condition report for each problem. While either method would work, the new
method added working level and management level scrutiny to each condition report.
The number of condition reports written increased since this change, often with multiple
condition reports on the same problem. This was implemented in January 2011, and
was responsive to 23032 root cause number two.
The inspectors observed that an important programmatic change to the Wolf Creek
corrective action software was implemented on April 26, 2012. Although it does not
appear to be directly linked to root cause 23032, a new department was formed which
added more oversight to operability determinations and work control, which was
responsive the root causes. Changes were made to track and evaluate degraded or
nonconforming conditions with a new department named operations work control. The
inspectors observed that the more recent immediate operability evaluations more closely
tie the equipment requirements to the observed problems to confirm or refute operability
or functionality (P.1.c). Also, the new changes track each degraded condition, and
prevent equipment from being returned to full service without a review of all corrective
actions by a senior reactor operator. The inspectors concluded that the added problem
evaluation scrutiny was consistent with the identified causes. Although many methods
of finding, evaluating, and fixing problems can work across the power reactor industry,
Wolf Creek chose to make CAP changes while instituting new guidance on the
accountability of the CAP. Based on a sampling review, the inspectors concluded that
the corrective actions were appropriate to address the identified causes.
P.1.a Corrective Action Effectiveness Measures
Wolf Creek internal metrics consisted of monitoring and trending the condition report
initiation rate overall by the site and department. Identification of the issues by the NRC
or other organizations, rather than by licensee personnel, negatively impact the metric.
Condition report initiation rate metrics showed a steady increase with most departments
having a high self identification rates in Green with the exception of three in the Red due
to NRC and external organization identification. The inspectors concluded that the
licensee had developed reasonable effectiveness measures, and that those
effectiveness measures demonstrated an improving trend for the station, but that the red
indicators reflected a continuation of a long standing trend in those areas.
P.1.a Results
The inspectors observed a low threshold for problems and condition reports. Personnel
interviewed indicated no hesitation to initiate condition reports. The inspectors observed
several issues had two or more condition reports for the same problem. Some problems
were consolidated to one condition report while others were not. More than one person
or work group may write a condition report for the same problem. Condition report
problem statements for those condition reports were not always reconciled to ensure
that all aspects would be corrected. This was consistent with the observations of the
biennial problem identification and resolution inspection documented in Inspection
Report 2012007.
- 28 - Enclosure
Wolf Creek addressed all P.1 substantive crosscutting issues in two main condition
reports and one condition report from 2008. Condition report 23032 was a root cause
evaluation completed for a second time in September 2010. Condition report 23032 was
in response to the problem identification and resolution and human performance
substantive crosscutting issues that led the site to being placed in Column III of the
NRCs action matrix. Wolf Creek identified 63 corrective actions that were to correct the
problem identification and resolution problems. Condition report 34455 also
documented a root cause analysis in response to the 2010 end of cycle assessment
letter from the NRC. Condition report 34455 identified 27 corrective actions. In the past,
Wolf Creek also took action under condition report 2008-8810 for the P.1.csubstantive
crosscutting issue. The causes for 2008-8810 were nearly identical to the more recent
root causes. The inspectors concluded that the licensee appropriately entered this issue
into the CAP.
P.1.c Causes
Root and apparent causes have been self-critical and they found a lack of management
involvement and oversight in the corrective action program over the last 3 years. These
were the same causes identified for White performance indicators that the 95002 team
examined under condition report 23032. Root cause 34455 has a similar root cause of
leadership not aligning station behaviors for timely problem identification and resolution.
Root Cause 34455 was written in March 2011 in response to the NRCs 2010
Assessment Letter, with the cause evaluation not completed until June 30, 2011. Root
cause 34455 had a contributing cause of the station having poor training on the design
and licensing basis which is inhibiting effective problem evaluation. A contributing cause
was the over-reliance on the work control process to getting problems fixed. Wolf Creek
has repeatedly found that less than timely evaluations have contributed to delays in
corrective actions for substantive cross cutting issues. The inspectors concluded that
the licensee effectively identified the causes for this substantive crosscutting issue.
P.1.c Corrective Actions
The inspectors sampled corrective actions. The previous large change in the corrective
action program was to create the single point of entry for all issues into the CAP. This
eliminated the previous practice of writing a work order for a problem, and only allowed
writing a condition report for each problem. While either method would work, the new
method added working level and management level scrutiny to each condition report.
The licensee recently implemented an important programmatic change involving
changes to the corrective action program software. Although it does not appear to be
directly linked to root cause 23032, a new department was formed which adds more
oversight to operability determinations and work control, which is responsive the root
causes. Changes were made to track and evaluate degraded or non-conforming
conditions with a new department named operations work control. The inspectors
observed that the more recent immediate operability evaluations more closely tie the
equipment requirements to the observed problems to confirm or refute operability or
functionality (P.1.c). Also, the new changes track each degraded condition and
equipment cannot be returned to full service without review of all corrective actions by a
senior reactor operator (P.1.d). The inspectors found the added problem evaluation
- 29 - Enclosure
scrutiny is consistent with the causes. Although many methods of finding, evaluating,
and fixing problems can work across the power reactor industry, Wolf Creek chose to
make CAP changes while instituting new guidance on the accountability of the CAP.
Most other corrective actions centered on recurring training for cause evaluators and
procedure changes to corrective action procedures, both directed at increasing the
quality of condition report causal evaluations.
P.1.c Corrective Action Effectiveness Measures.
The licensee developed evaluation quality internal performance indications, including the
results from corrective action review board and other challenge boards. The results of
these metrics were trending in a positive direction. These quality metrics and oversight
boards have undergone many changes in the last two years. The inspectors observed
that the trends reflect the refueling and forced outages, which typically cause an
increase in the number of evaluations needed. The operability evaluation metric up to
May showed a declining trend in quality over the last 6 months, though inspectors noted
that Wolf Creek did not find any evaluations that failed to demonstrate operability. Root
and apparent cause evaluation completion timeliness goals showed an improving trend
since October 2011, but are still Red and do not show average completion times that are
close to procedural limits. The inspectors concluded that the licensee had developed
reasonable effectiveness measures, although those effectiveness measures failed to
demonstrate sustained improvement.
P.1.c Results
Creating a single point of entry into the CAP was a significant change. The changes to
improve tracking of degraded or non-conforming conditions added some priority to fixing
problems, but giving priority to these types of items is still not a formal process
requirement. Corrective actions are still largely prioritized in the work control process.
Most corrective actions have focused on improving condition report evaluation
timeliness, providing evaluation methodology training (why tree, hazard-barrier-target,
etc.), and improving coding and trending of causes.
The inspectors interviewed department corrective action coordinators and found that
they had an active role in trending recurring problems in each department. The
inspectors saw this as a positive change but not directly related to evaluation quality.
Training on the plant design bases was positive and provided information on the overall
regulatory framework, but did not include specific requirements for the trainees systems
or engineering discipline. The inspectors saw improvement in the rejection of the root
cause by the corrective action review board for the January 13, 2012, loss of offsite
power, although not all rejections were captured by the stations metric.
The inspectors reviewed Wolf Creeks comprehensive event safety-significance
evaluation which examined all the problems revealed during the January 13, 2012, loss
of offsite power. Problem evaluation was stated as a contributing cause in that
self-assessment. Corrective actions were deferred to an apparent cause evaluation
stemming from a quality assurance audit that found the corrective action program
marginally effective. Corrective actions to that quality assurance assessment continued
the trend of changes to cause method training and CAP procedure changes. With
- 30 - Enclosure
design basis training being a self-identified weakness, inspectors observed that the
number and high-level content of those training courses will challenge the adequacy of
equipment specific problems, such as the leak seal repair in this report. The inspectors
concluded that progress was being made toward implementing the corrective actions for
this substantive cross-cutting issue, but that sustained improvement in the quality and
timeliness of evaluations had not been demonstrated.
Wolf Creek addressed all P.1 substantive crosscutting issues in two main condition
reports. Condition report 23032 was a root cause evaluation completed for a second
time in September 2010. Condition report 23032 was in response to the problem
identification and resolution and human performance substantive crosscutting issues
that led the site to Column III of the NRCs action matrix. Wolf Creek identified 63
corrective actions that were to correct the problem identification and resolution problems.
Condition report 34455 was also a root cause in response to the 2010 end of cycle
assessment letter from the NRC. Condition report 34455 identified 27 corrective actions.
The inspectors concluded that the licensee appropriately entered this issue into the
CAP.
P.1.d Causes
Root and apparent cause evaluations for this substantive cross-cutting issue were self-
critical, and they documented a lack of management involvement and oversight in the
corrective action program over the last 3 years. These are the same causes the 95002
team examined under condition report 23032. Root cause 34455 had a similar root
cause of leadership not aligning station behaviors for timely problem identification and
resolution. Root cause 34455 had a contributing cause of the station having inadequate
training on the design and licensing basis which was inhibiting effective problem
evaluation. These causes are the same as those for the P.1.a and P.1.csubstantive
cross-cutting issues. The previous large change in the corrective action program was to
create the single point of entry for all issues into the CAP. This eliminated the previous
practice of writing a work order for a problem, and only allowed writing a condition report
for each problem. While either method would work, the new method added working
level and management level scrutiny to each condition report. The licensee recently
implemented an important programmatic change involving changes to the corrective
action program software. Although it does not appear to be directly linked to root cause
23032, a new department was formed which adds more oversight to operability
determinations and work control, which is responsive the root causes Changes were
made to track and evaluate degraded or non-conforming conditions with a new
department named operations work control. The inspectors observed that the more
recent immediate operability evaluations were more closely tied the equipment
requirements to the observed problems in order to be able to confirm or refute operability
or functionality. Also, the new changes track each degraded condition, and required that
equipment cannot be returned to full qualification without review of all corrective actions
by a senior reactor operator. The inspectors concluded that the increased problem
evaluation scrutiny was consistent with the causes. Although many methods of finding,
evaluating, and fixing problems can work across the power reactor industry, Wolf Creek
chose to make CAP changes while instituting new guidance on the accountability of the
- 31 - Enclosure
CAP. The inspectors concluded that the licensee effectively identified the causes for this
substantive crosscutting issue.
P.1.d Corrective Actions
The inspectors reviewed selected corrective actions that were most responsive to the
root causes. Condition report 23032, action 2-9, instituted on August 31, 2011, required
the corrective actions review board review each issue coded as being a corrective action
to prevent recurrence within 30 days of its closure. Separate from the root causes, the
inspectors found other condition reports responding to NRC violations on annunciator
power supplies, emergency diesel loading, operability evaluations, and maintenance rule
stating that there was a need for continuing engineering training on standards for each of
those issues. The inspectors reviewed training lesson plans for change package
continuing training [modifications], Regulatory, Current Licensing Basis, And Design
Basis, and operability evaluation training for engineers and licensed operators. The
inspectors observed that the training was conducted every 60 days. Wolf Creek has
instituted corrective action backlog measurement indicators as a corrective action. The
inspectors noted that the act of trending is not a corrective action. Those backlogs
remain high, but have made some progress since the forced outage earlier this year.
Engineering also had a significant backlog of over 5500 work orders in May 2012. The
corrective action backlog initiative plan required regular meetings for departments to
drive a reduction in their backlog, but no other specific actions were developed, such as
addressing actions by priorities. The inspectors also noted that there were a significant
number of open actions to correct NRC violations, especially for scoping of maintenance
rule functions. Based on a sampling review, the inspectors concluded that the
corrective actions to address this substantive cross-cutting aspect were partially
appropriate to address the identified causes, but specific actions to ensure that CAP
corrective actions were timely and effective were lacking.
P.1.d Corrective Action Effectiveness Measures
Wolf Creeks effectiveness review for root cause condition report 23032 concluded that
there was not sustained improvement in ensuring that corrective actions were timely and
effective due to not meeting internal station metrics set for maintenance backlogs,
repetitive maintenance rule functional failures, and two other failed effectiveness follow-
ups. The interim effectiveness follow-up for root cause condition report 34455 was met
with the exception of one internal performance indicator for too great a ratio of NRC
identified to licensee identified findings. The inspectors observed that the identification
credit is an NRC function and affects the indicator, which may not be insightful. The
conclusion of condition report 34455 interim effectiveness review stated that additional
time was needed to increase the internal self-identification metrics and that more time
was needed. This effectiveness review also gave credit for future expected
improvement in the equipment performance index, a licensee metric, and which was
Yellow at the time of the inspection. The final effectiveness follow-up was scheduled to
be completed by December 20, 2012. The non-cited violation closure effectiveness
performance indicator was Red in January, February, and March 2012. Wolf Creek has
written two condition reports on the non-cited violation effectiveness performance
indicator and the need to return it to Green and are due to have formulated corrective
actions by August 9, 2012. The inspectors concluded that the licensee had developed
- 32 - Enclosure
reasonable effectiveness measures, although those effectiveness measures failed to
demonstrate sustained improvement.
P.1.d Results
The inspectors sampled input data and observed that Wolf Creek had self-critical
internal performance measures because those measurement methods and inputs were
found to reflect NRC identified and licensee-identified issues. The internal metrics for
trends in closure of condition reports, corrective action age, and the maintenance
backlog show recent positive improvement. The condition report 23032 measures of
effectiveness stated that the root cause actions will be effective when the equipment
reliability index and performance index reflect sustained improvement. The inspectors
reviewed the equipment reliability index and found that it is a culmination of several sub
indicators, which was Red until April 2012 when it became Yellow. One important
indicator the inspectors reviewed was the critical equipment failure indicator. The
inspectors noted that this indicator went from White to Red to White over the last year.
The inspectors observed that there was not sustained improvement in these internal
metrics.
The inspectors found a significant challenge in the number of open corrective actions in
response to NRC violations and findings. The inspectors reviewed effectiveness
followup evaluations for findings and violations in NRC inspection reports, and found
these effectiveness follow-ups to be sufficiently untimely that they may not provide an
independent check prior to recurrence or prevent unnecessary corrective action delay.
With a large backlog and many long term actions, effectiveness follow-ups continue to
wait for final corrective action completion because the licensee had no process to
perform interim effectiveness reviews when long-term actions were assigned. For
example, the inspectors reviewed an open corrective action to install heat tracing for
boric acid piping. The modification was complete, but relief valves have not been
installed and Wolf Creek was having to rely on a control room annunciator to have
operators respond prior to over-pressurization of piping. No time limit was given to the
annunciator response. The inspectors calculated the operators time limit to respond by
using the heat trace kilowatt rating and the heat capacity of the piping and water. The
inspectors found that operators had a reasonable amount of time, but Wolf Creek
initiated condition report 54278 to add a time constraint. Despite this corrective action
being over 3 years old and having three effectiveness follow-up extensions, corrective
action was not complete at the time of the inspection because the relief valves had not
been procured.
The inspectors also reviewed two issues related to NRC-identified problems with
emergency diesel generator testing. The inspectors found that the issue occurred a
second time due to inadequate corrective actions from a previous finding. The issue
was work in progress and thus was considered to be a minor issue within the inspection
program. Also, open corrective actions were inappropriately categorized as
enhancements to fix the post-maintenance testing deficiency. Wolf Creek subsequently
wrote action 49551-02-01 to make the necessary changes. The inspectors concluded
that progress was being made toward implementing the corrective actions for this
substantive cross-cutting issue, but that sustained improvement in the quality and
timeliness of evaluations had not been demonstrated.
- 33 - Enclosure
Overall Observations and Conclusions
Wolf Creek showed improvement in all three substantive cross-cutting areas by its
internal effectiveness measures and by a reduced number of NRC findings with those
crosscutting attributes. Wolf Creek has instituted many internal performance measures
as corrective actions. Every station has a policy or overarching safety guidance
document. Wolf Creek has made changes to that policy and instituted new ones for a
healthy safety culture. In addition to the stations policy, each department has
developed its own policy. Wolf Creek made changes to its accountability of personnel
for problem identification and resolution and other aspects of safety culture. This
includes changes to Wolf Creeks enforcement of these policies. The inspectors
observed that previous efforts to reinforce theses practices and organizational values
have not been successful. The inspectors interviewed selected personnel about the
safety culture changes. All staff interviewed welcomed changes to fix problems
promptly, but their feedback was mixed as to the effectiveness of changes such as
procedures and training. Nearly all interviewees expressed concern about their work
load and stations ability to correct problems.
4OA6 Meetings, Including Exit
Exit Meeting Summary
On April 26, 2012, the inspectors presented the results of the radiation safety inspection to
Mr. M. Sunseri, President and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the licensee staff.
The licensee acknowledged the issues presented. The inspectors asked the licensee whether
any materials examined during the inspection should be considered proprietary. No proprietary
information was identified.
On July 18, 2012, the inspectors presented the inspection results to Mr. Richard Clemens, Vice
President of Strategic Projects, and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee
acknowledged the issues presented. The inspector asked the licensee whether any materials
examined during the inspection should be considered proprietary. All proprietary information
was returned or destroyed.
4OA7 Licensee-Identified Violations
The following violation of very low safety significance (Green) was identified by the licensee and
is a violation of NRC requirements which meets the criteria of the NRC Enforcement Policy for
being dispositioned as a non-cited violation.
.1 On January 31, 2012, Wolf Creek identified that inservice inspection for the second
10-year period were missed for two valves. Valves BB8379A and BB8379B are
chemical and volume control system alternate charging check valves to reactor coolant
system loop four. Both are ASME Code Class 1 valves. In 1987, valve BB8379B had a
leak at the body-to-bonnet joint and its studs were re-torqued. The valve continued to
leak a small amount. Subsequently, valves BB8379A and BB8379B each had a seal
cap, or leakage control device, installed on December 9, and 28, 1987, respectively.
- 34 - Enclosure
Title 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) requires licensees to follow the pressure test requirements of
the ASME Code Section XI. ASME Code,Section XI, IWA-5240, requires visual
examinations as part of system pressure tests. ASME Code Section XI, IWA-5242,
1998 Edition through 2000 addenda, requires pressure retaining bolted connections for
VT-2 visual examinations in borated water systems. Contrary to the above, from
September 3, 1995, to the present, Wolf Creek did not perform a visual inspection of the
valve body-to-bonnet studs. This finding was more than minor because it impacted the
Initiating Events Cornerstone and its attribute of equipment performance. Specifically, it
affected the objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and
challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Using
Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A ,The Significance Determination Process
(SDP) for Findings At-Power, this finding was determined to be of very low safety
significance because an evaluation was able to demonstrate structural integrity.
Specifically, stud stress was not sufficiently close to the yield stress to cause a loss of
integrity. Therefore, the finding does not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip
and the likelihood that mitigation equipment will not be available. The licensee has
entered this issue into their corrective action program as condition reports 48493 and
48494. Wolf Creek planned to remove the seal caps and perform the inspection in the
next refueling outage.
- 35 - Enclosure
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
KEY POINTS OF CONTACT
Licensee Personnel
T. Baban, Manager, Systems Engineering
P. Bedgood, Manager, Radiation Protection
J. Broschak, Vice President, Engineering
S. Carpenter, Technician, Instruments and Controls
R. Clemons, Vice President, Strategic Projects
D. Dees, Superintendant, Operations
T. East, Superintendent, Emergency Planning
R. Evenson, Requalification Program Supervisor
R. Flannigan, Manager, Nuclear Engineering
K. Fredrickson, Engineer, Licensing
D. Gibson, Technician, Radiation Protection
R. Hammond, Supervisor, Regulatory Support
J. Harris, System Engineer
S. Henry, Operations Manager
R. Hobby, Licensing Engineer
S. Hossain, Engineer, System Engineering
T. Jensen, Manager, Chemistry
T. Just, Senior Technician, Chemistry
J. Keim, Support Engineering Supervisor
S. Koenig, Manager, Corrective Actions
M. McMullen, Technician, Engineering
C. Medenciy, Supervisor, Radiation Protection
W. Muilenburg, Licensing Engineer
M. McMullen, Design Engineer, Engineering
K. Miller, Technician Level III, Instruments and Controls
R. Murray, Simulator Supervisor
E. Ray, Manager, Training
L. Ratzlaff, Manager, Maintenance
T. Rice, Manager, Environmental Management
L. Rockers, Licensing Engineer
R. Ruman, Manager, Quality
G. Sen, Regulatory Affairs Manager
D. Scrogum, Systems Engineer, Engineering
R. Smith, Plant Manager
L. Solorio, Senior Engineer
M. Sunseri, President and Chief Executive Officer
J. Truelove, Supervisor, Chemistry
J. Weeks, System Engineer
M. Westman, Assistant to Site Vice President
LIST OF ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
A-1 Attachment
Opened and Closed
05000482/2012003-01 NCV Unacceptable Leakage Through Safety Related Watertight Door
During Loss of Offsite Power (Section 1R06)05000482/2012003-02 NCV Incorrect Leak Seal Injection Port Installation.
(Section 1R18)
Closed
05000482/2012-03-00 LER Train B ECCS Inoperable Due to Damaged Watertight
Containment Spray Pump Door Seal (Section 4OA3)
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Section 1R01: Adverse Weather Protection
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
OFN SG-003 Natural Events 22
AI 14-006 Severe Weather 12
OFN AF-025 Unit Limitations 36
DRAWINGS
A-1320 Fuel Building Floor Plan 2047-6 and Roof 0
MISCELLANEOUS
OpESS 2012/01 Operating Experience Smart Sample High Wind Generated 0
Missile hazards
CONDITION REPORTS
51552 51562 46940
Section 1R04: Equipment Alignment
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
SYS GK-200 Inoperable Class IE A/C Unit 24
SYS EM-120 BIT Depressurization 2
A-2
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
M-12EM01 Piping & Instrumentation Diagram High Pressure Coolant 38
Injection System
M-12EM02 Piping & Instrumentation Diagram High Pressure Coolant 19
Injection System
CONDITION REPORTS
00053393 00053472 00053452 00053549 00053625
00053671 00053672 00053685 00053696 00053703
00053709 00053710 00053791 00053785 00053793
00053796 00053798 00048882
Section 1R05: Fire Protection
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
AP 10-106 Fire Preplans 12
AP 10-104 Breach Authorization 26
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
E-1F9905 Fire Hazard Analysis, Fire Area A-13 (Reference A-1803) 4
E-1F9905 Fire Hazard Analysis, Fire Area A-14 (Reference A-1804) 4
E-1F9905 Fire Hazard Analysis, Fire Area A-15 (Reference A-1804) 4
M-663-00017A Fire Protection Evaluations for Unique or Unbounded 3
Fire Barrier Configurations
Section 1R06: Flood Protection Measures
PROCEDURE
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
MPM XX-002 Water Tight Door Preventive Maintenance Activity 4
CONDITION REPORTS
A-3
51570 51622 52975 52794
Section 1R11: Licensed Operator Requalification Program
MISCELLANEOUS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
LR4607005 Requal Simulator Exam Scenario 2
AP 21-001 Conduct of Operations 57
Section 1R12: Maintenance Effectiveness
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
WCOP-24 Operations EMG/OFN Setpoints 8
STN AE-007 Startup Main Feedwater Pump Operational Test 2 and 3
AP 16E-002 Post Maintenance Testing Development 10 and 11
MDI 06-01 Guidelines for Work Order Peer Review 6
EDI 23M-050 Engineering Desktop Instruction Monitoring Performance to 8
Criteria and Goals
STS ML-001 Monthly Surveillance Log 45
SB-01 Reactor Protection systems
CONDITION REPORTS
51655 51706 41997 53417 35413
35426 35532 35533 35535 35537
35539 35540 35541 35542 35544
35545 35546 35547 35548 35549
35550 35551 35552 35553 35554
35555 35558 35560 35614 35615
35617 35619 35620 35621 35622
35623 35624 35625 35626 35627
35628 35629 35882 36012 35013
36014 36038 36039 36040 36041
36042 36043 36044 36045 36057
A-4
36058 36060 36061 36062 36064
36065 36078 36079 36080 36081
36082 3608336084 36117 36118 36119
36134 36135 38108 40687 40753
46341 48955 49672 49738
WORK ORDER
11-346146-003
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT REQUESTS
36518 36777 37048 37107 37439
37482 37615 38003 38023 38106
38162 38108 38369 38487 38488
38873 39349 39350 39351 39365
43639 49672 54110 54163 54164
45414
CALCULATIONS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
AN-11-007 Startup Feedwater Pump (PAE02) Flow Rate Required to 0
Remove Decay Heat Following Reactor Shutdown
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
M-12AE01 Piping & Instrumentation Diagram Feedwater System 38
Section 1R13: Maintenance Risk Assessment and Emergent Work Controls
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
NK-022 Load Test 2
STS-MT-020 125 Volt DC Battery Inspection/Charger Operational Test 25B
CONDITION REPORTS
A-5
51421 51565
WORK ORDERS
06-281938-000 04-259540-000 04-259542-000 12-353322-000 12-353322-001
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
E-051-00058 Three phase SCR Controller Battery Charger Schematic WO7
WIP-M-761- SNUPPS Process Control Block Diagram+ 00
00075-W08-A-1
MISCELLANEOUS
NUMBER TITLE DATE
N/A On-Line Nuclear safety and Generation Risk Assessment May 30, 2012
Section 1R15: Operability Evaluations
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
M-724-00276 Swing Check Valve W04
OE BB12-004 BB8397A/B CVCS Alternate Charging to Loop 4 Check 1
Valve
MGM MOOP-08 Torquing Guidelines for Bolted Connections 13
RR-87-060 ASME Section XI Repair/Replacement Plan 0
RR-87-060 ASME Section XI Repair/Replacement Plan 1
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
EPP 06-002 Technical Support Center Operations 30A
EPP 06-013 Exposure Control and Personnel Protection 6
EMG E-0 Reactor Trip or Safety Injection 27
CALCULATIONS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
AN 99-020 Control Room Habitability of a Postulated LOCA, based on a 2
Control Room Unfiltered Inleakage of 20.0 cfm
A-6
CALCULATIONS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
GK-M-001 Safety Related Control Room Building HVAC Capabilities 2
During Accident Conditions (SGK04A/B and SGK05A/B)
GK-E-001 Electrical Equipment Heat Loads in ESF SWGR, DC SWBD, 2
& Battery Rooms
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION /
DATE
ITLS Report 24045 Liquid Penetrant Inspection of Submitted Machined August 7, 1978
Parts
Jessop Steel Company - Ultrasonic Inspection Report June 28, 1978
Operability Evaluation OE BB-12-004 00
Case N-616 Cases of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code May 7, 1999
SAP-12-58 Westinghouse LTR-SEE-III-12-81 April 14, 2012
128136 Westinghouse Drawing Revision - Material Changes September 28,
1993
CA2412 1st & 2nd Off Check Valve PMs December 26,
2008
OE BB12-004 BB8397A/B CVCS Alternate Charging to Loop 4 Check 00
Valve
CA4790 Write PMC Work Request December 26,
2008
CA4791 Revise AP 23F-001 December 26,
2008
CA4792 Update BID-CV-1 December 26,
2008
M-622.1 (Q) Design Specifcation for Packaged Air Conditioning Units 9
WORK REQUESTS
03611-87 00122-87
CONDITION REPORTS
00048493 00048494 00051530 003419 0052822
A-7
WORK ORERS
07-295490-000 08-309436-000 10-324925-000 10-327516-000 10-327516-001
10-324925-000 10-331280-000 10-327516-000 11-339107-001 11-339107-002
11-339107-000 12-351057-000 00-223094-011
Section 1R18: Plant Modifications
NUMBER TITLE REVISION /
DATE
BMV0037 Furmanite Adapter Installation Evaluation 00
MPM LR-001 Leak Sealant Injection 7
WCN-00-001 Reedy Engineering, Inc. No 00-216961-000 0
ECW-119 Furmanite The Solutions Group 0
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION /
DATE
M-240-00072 Valve Assembly - 2 IN Diaphragm Y Type, Globe 1522 3
LB.C.S
1974 ASME Code, Article NC-3000
1986 ASME Code, NC-3229
1983 ASME Code, NC3232.2
Fig NC3329(g)-1 1986 Edition ASME Code
MPM LR-001 Leak Sealant Injection 7
Change Package Furnmanite Adapter Fitting and BMV0037 Furmanite Repair 00
013482
ECW-119 Pressure Seal Calculation Sheet 0
CONDITION REPORT
52992
WORK ORDERS
10-333183-002 10-333183-009 11-346576-002 11-346576-003 11-346576-006
11-346576-009 11-346576-010 11-346576-015 11-346576-017
A-8
Section 1R19: Postmaintenance Testing
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
MPE GK-003 Control Room and Class 1E A/C Units Preventive 3A
Maintenance Activity
MPE GK-004 GK Unit Preparation for Work 4
STS IC-500G Channel Calibration DT/TAVG Instrumentation Loop 4 22A
STS IC-204A Channel Operational Test of TAVG, dT and Pressurizer 17B
Pressure Protection Set Four
INC C-0026 7300 Lead/Lag Card (NLL0G01 Artwork Revisions 12) 2A
INC C-0016 7300 Summing AMP Card (NSA1 and NSA2) 10A
STS IC-502B Channel Calibration of 7300 Process Pressurizer Pressure 16
Instrumentation
STS IC-444 Channel Calibration NIS Power Range N-44 11B
WORK ORDERS
12-354805-003 11-348929-000 11-348929-002 11-348929-003 11-348929-004
11-348929-005 12-355385-001 12-355293-001 12-355293-004 12-355293-005
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
E-13GK13A Schematic Diagram Class IE Electrical Equipment A/C Unit 6
QCP-20-514 Eddy Current Examination Technique Sheet 5C
Eddy Current Calibration Summaries
WIP-M-761- Interconnecting wiring diagram cabinet 04 SNUPPS Nuclear 00
02102-004-A-1 Power Plant Controls
WIP-M-761- Interconnecting wiring diagram cabinet 04 SNUPPS Nuclear 00
02088-W08-A-1 Power Plant Controls
M-761-02084 Interconnecting wiring diagram cabinet 04 SNUPPS Nuclear W20
Power Plant Controls
A-9
Section 1R22: Surveillance Testing
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
ABHV0011 Solenoid Block Replacement
STS AB-205 Main Steam System Inservice Valve Test 29
6101-00007 CS Innovations LLC 2008 Confidential and Proprietary 2
J-105A-00013 MSFIS Information, Operation & Maintenance Manual W02
SY1503900 Standard Functional Description of System Medium W01
Operated Isolation Valves
Main and Reheat Steam System 18
STS EJ-100A RHR System Inservice Pump A Test 45
STS EN-100B Containment Spray Pump B Inservice Pump Test 26
TMP 11-013 ECCS Check Valve Leak Check 2
WCOP-02 Inservice Testing Program Third Ten-Year Interval 14
CALCULATIONS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
AN 06-017 Steamline Break Core Response Analysis to Support 0
MSIV/MFIV Replacement Project (DCP #09952)
AN 06-018 Feedwater Line Break Analysis to Support the MSIV/MFIV 0
Replacement Project (DCP #09952)
AN-06-019 0
SGTR Stuck Open ARV Analysis to Support the MSIV/MFIV
Replacement Project (DCP #09952)
AN-06-020 Steam Generator Tube Rupture Overfill Analysis to Support 0
the MSIV/MFIV Replacement Project (DCP #09952)
EJ-100A Pump: PEJ01A: Group A
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
M-628-00140 MSIV System Medium Actuator Schematic W01
M630-00124 Standard Functional Description of System Medium W01
Operated Isolation Valves
CONDITION REPORTS
A-10
51396 51995
Section 4OA1: Performance Indicator Verification
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
STS BB-006 Reactor Coolant System Inventory Balance Using NPIS 9
Computer
AP 26A-007 NRC Performance Indicators 8
STS CH-025 Reactor Coolant Dose Equivalent Iodine Determination 5
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
NEI 99-02 Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guidelines 6
Section 4OA2: Identification and Resolution of Problems
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION /
DATE
12-1119-L-01 Final Report on Laboratory Evaluation of Failed Containment May 8, 2012
50754 Electrical Penetration Assembly ZNE274 Module A; Purchase
Order No. 758996/0Pressurizer Heater Cables Found Burnt
WM 12-0013 Notification of Readiness for Inspection of Human May 7, 2012
Performance and Problem Identification and Resolution
Safety Culture Themes for the Wolf Creek Generating Station
Wolf Creek Station-Wide Fundamental Behaviors Mar 19, 2012
Corrective Action Recovering Monitoring Metrics May 2012
Corrective Action Recovering Monitoring Metrics September
2011
Letter No. SL- Transmittal of Summary of Results for RELAP ESW June 19,
WC-2012-003 Waterhammer Analysis 2012
IIT 12-001 Comprehensive Event Safety Significance Assessment
P.1(c) WCNOC Activities Associated with Resolutions of NRC June 6, 2012
Cross-Cutting Aspect P.1(c)
P.1(a) WCNOC Activities Associated with Resolution of NRC Cross- June 6, 2012
Cutting Aspect P.1(a)
A-11
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION /
DATE
P.1(d) WCNOC Activities Associated with Resolution of NRC Cross- June 6, 2012
Cutting Aspect P.1(d)
Corrective Action Backlog Reduction Initiative May 2012
AI 28A-006 Apparent Cause Evaluation 2
CONDITION REPORTS
15367 23032 26691 34455 51952
48182 48642 50807 50754 50809
51207 51290 51303 51408 51464
51429 51698 51952 53137 54278
Section 4OA5: Other Activities
PROCEDURES
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
AP 28A-100 Condition Reports 16
ALR 00-037E CVCS HT Trace 8
SYS BG-206 Boric Acid System Operation 40
AI-22A-001 Operator Work Arounds/Operator Burdens/Control Room 10A
Deficiencies
AE-04-51 Provide feedwater and controls to the steam generator
(startup feedpump)
DRAWINGS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
M-12BG05 Piping & Instrumentation Diagram Checmical & Volume 17
Control System
CALCULATION
NUMBER TITLE REVISION
BG-M-051 0
QUICK HIT DETAIL REPORT
A-12
1953
CONDITION REPORTS
20709 20717 21039 27909 29602
30995 31129 31746 32129 34730
34065 34455 36600 39846 39847
39848 39849 39850 39851 39852
40714 43454 45218 48234 49551
50052 52151-01 5222-01 52447-01 52613-01
52580 52851 53024 53793-01 53791-01
54238 54239 54240
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
NUMBER TITLE REVISION /
DATE
Page 15 0f 31 Apparent Cause Evaluation Time SCCI P.1/c
AL 28A-100 Cause Evaluations April 24, 2012
SEL 2010-189 RIS 2005-20 Alignment Benchmark November 8
and 22, 2010
Change Package 013130 15
WC-NRC Component Design Bases Inspection NRC January 11,
Inspection Report 05000482/2010007 2011
BLSE 578 SNUPPS Project Diesel Generator Building Ventilation March 27,
File 7854 System Description 1974
BLSE-435 SNUPPS Project Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
File 7850 Design Criteria
Maintenance Rule Expert Panel Meeting Minutes April 19, 2012
EDI 23M-250 Engineering Desktop Instruction Monitoring Performance to 3
Criteria and Goals
K15-002 Audit 12-04-CAP Corrective Action Program May 21, 2012
WORK ORDERS
10-332371-009 10-332371-022 10-332371-038
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT REQUESTS
A-13
49220 42496
A-14