ML15168B114
| ML15168B114 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 06/16/2015 |
| From: | NRC/Chairman |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML15168B114 (16) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Nita M. Lowey United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Lowey:
June 16, 2015 On behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), I am responding to your letter of May 13, 2015, concerning a transformer fire at the Indian Point Energy Center on May 9, 2015. Specifically, you asked for a thorough investigation of the cause of the fire and the safety risks it posed, an examination of the environmental health impacts, and a list and justification for all safety exemptions the NRC has granted at the Indian Point facility.
At 5:50 p.m. on May 9, 2015, with Unit 3 operating at 100 percent power, one of its two main transformers failed. The cause of the failure has not yet been identified. The failure resulted in an automatic shutdown of the reactor and an oil fire occurred in the vicinity of the main transformer. Plant operators declared an "Unusual Event"-the lowest of four levels of emergency classification for nuclear power plants used by the NRC-at 6:01 p.m. because of the explosion associated with the transformer failure. A fire suppression system for the transformer automatically doused the fire. In addition, the plant's onsite fire brigade, with assistance from the Montrose and Verplank fire departments, sprayed water and foam onto the transformer to help put out the fire. NRC resident inspectors responded to the site, observed Entergy's initial response to the fire event, and verified that the reactor was safely shutdown without complications. The Unusual Event was terminated at 9:03 p.m. after the fire was fully extinguished.
Main transformers are covered by the NRC's fire protection requirements, which establish a "defense-in-depth" approach to prevent, detect, control, and extinguish fires.
Specifically, fire protection systems must protect safe shutdown equipment from the impact of large transformer fires. Transformers typically are protected by automatic water spray systems, as is the case at Indian Point.
As part of its ongoing baseline inspection program, NRC Region I inspectors will review Entergy's evaluation of the cause of the transformer failure and the plant's response, including performance of the automatic shutdown systems, safety systems, and the activation of the fire brigade. Because there have been multiple transformer fires at Indian Point over the past several years, the inspectors also will evaluate possible common elements among these events, such as transformer monitoring and maintenance practices. These results will be published in future publicly available inspection reports.
Additionally, the NRC initiated a Special Inspection at Indian Point Unit 3 shortly after the transformer failure event to better understand the unexpected presence of water in an electrical equipment room during the event on May 9. This room contains electrical equipment that provides power to plant safety systems. Among other things, the NRC inspectors will be reviewing whether the efforts to extinguish the transformer fire caused the accumulation of the water observed in the electrical equipment room.
With regard to environmental health impacts of the transformer fire, (i.e., the impacts of an oil and/or chemical release to the river), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for examining those impacts.
As requested, enclosed with this letter is a listing of all exemptions, including fire protection-related exemptions, granted by the NRC to Indian Point Units 2 and 3. The list is publicly available in the NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System at Accession No. ML12172A370. The list also is on the nrc.gov website, Indian Point page (http://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactor/ip2.html). While the list was compiled on June 20, 2012, it remains current as no exemptions have been granted since the list was created. The justification for each exemption is contained in the documents (letter or Grant of Exemption) referenced with each listed exemption. The NRC staff has reviewed the Indian Point exemptions listed in the enclosure and has determined that none of those exemptions played a role in the transformer failure of May 9.
I have directed the NRC's Office of Congressional Affairs (OCA) to provide you with a copy of the referenced inspection reports when they become available. If you have any questions, please contact me or Eugene Dacus, Director of OCA, at (301) 415-1776.
Sincerely,
Enclosure:
As stated
List of Indian Point exemptions, 1968-present Updated 6/20/12 ADAMS Accession No. ML12172A370 Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML003778728 11/15/1968 Letter Reply to request dated 07/23/68, for an exemption pursuant to 10 CFR 50.12 which would permit pouring the concrete for base mat, installing bottom liner plates and transition knuckle plates, and installing reinforcing steel for Indian Point Unit 3.
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
Price H L 4
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML100250821 (was 8111140577) 12/12/1975 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, NRC TO UTILITY OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Grants util 751107 request for exemption from certain 10CFR50,App J requirements re performance of reduced pressure leak test.Exemption will not endanger life.property or common defense & security & serves public interest.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
RUSCHE BC 3
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003779347 (was 8205130498) 05/05/1982 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, NRC TO UTILITY OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Advises that exemption request re fire protection rule schedular requirements granted.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGAS A 5
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Enclosure Page 1 of 12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML003779284 (was 8402170506) 02/02/1984 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, NRC TO UTILITY OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Forwards exemption from requirements of 1 OCFR50, App R, Sections 111.G.2 & 3 re upper electrical penetration areas & cable tunnels & sump.pump & control rooms.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
EISENHUT D G 8
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003776267 (was 8410240494) 09/29/1984 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, NRC TO UTILITY, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Forwards one-time-only exemption approving request for schedular extension from annual emergency exercise requirements of 10CFR50,App E.Exercise now required by 841030.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGA SA 1
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003776266 (was 8410290219) 10/16/1984 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, NRC TO UTILITY, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Forwards exemption granting 15 requests for exemption from requirements of 10CFR50 App R,Sections 111.G.,lll.J & 111.0.
Request re HVAC exhaust fans & emergency lighting still under review.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
EISENHUT D G 2
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 2of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML003776119 (was 8509190267) 09/16/1985 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, NRC TO UTILITY, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Forwards SER re control room penetration seals.NRG decision to grant App R exemption request for control room penetration seals remains valid based on info in 850220 & 0523 ltrs.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGAS A 4
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003776459 (was 8511250496) 11/13/1985 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption granting 830713 request for exemption from 1 OCFR50, App R, Section 111.J requirements re 8 h battery-powered emergency lighting units in areas needed for operation of safe shutdown equipment.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
THOMPSON H L 3
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003779008 (was 8701140391) 01/07/1987 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 10CFR50, App R, Sections 111.G
& 111.J re fire protection program.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
NOVAKT M 6
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 3of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML003776449 (was 8703110139) 03/04/1987 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 10CFR50,App R,Section 111.G.2 for charging pump room, RHR pump room & auxiliary boiler feedwater pump room redundant HVAC exhaust fans to extent that HVAC circuits not separated & protected.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
NOVAK TM 5
No Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003777971 (was 8810120076) 10/04/1988 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Temporary exemption from schedular requirements of property insurance rule 10CFR50.54, effective 881004.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGA SA 4
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML100431432 (was 8812120228) 12102/1988 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, NRC TO UTILITY, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Approves 881104 request for exemption from licensed operator requalification program cycle.Understands that facility will commence 24 month requalification program cycle in Feb 1989.
NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I)
GALLO RM 2
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 4of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML003778258 (was 9104020366) 03/25/1991 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 10CFR55.45(b)(2)(iii) & (iv) for operating tests on plant simulators.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
GREENMAN E G 8
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML093420782 (was 9205200294) 5/6/1992 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Forwards exemption from 10CFR50.46(a)(1)(i), 10CFR50.44(a) &
app k to 10CFR50 re use of ZIRLO clad fuel at facility.
NRC/NRR Capra RA 2
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML093420786 5/6/1992 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREMENTS, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemptions from 10CFR50.46(a)(1)(i), 10CFR50.44(a) & app K to 10CFR50 re use of ZIRLO clad fuel at facility.
NRC/NRR Varga SA 10 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 5of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name ML003780054 (was 9302260324) 02/19/1993 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 1 OCFR50,App J,Paragraph 111.D.3 re interval to perform Type C local leak rate tests.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGAS A 8
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003777066 (was 9406280099) 06/20/1994 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 1 OCFR50, App J, Paragraph 111.D.3 re interval for Type C tests.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGA SA 7
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003780501 (was 9411160172) 11/04/1994 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 10CFR50, App J, paragraph 111.D.3.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
HEBDON F J 6
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003780510 (was 9501120132) 01/05/1995 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 10CFR50, App R, Section 111.G.2.
re protection of redundant equipment from fire damage at plant.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
BERKOW H N Page 6 of 12
Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity 9
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003778396 (was 9503160113) 03/08/1995 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 1 OCFR, App J, re delay of performance of type A until 1997 refueling outage.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGA SA 7
No Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003780509 (was 9504040095) 03/29/1995 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirement of 10CFR50, App R, Section 111.J, issued to util on 870117, remains in effect.Exemption re emergency lighting requirements for operation of safe shutdown equipment.
NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION (NRR)
VARGA SA 7
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003780547 (was 9510040200) 09/28/1995 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption granting util one time schedular exemption from requirement of 10CFR50.71(e)(4), to extent that current FSAR update submittal due date has been extended from 950722-1227.
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
VARGA SA 5
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 7of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML093520455 (was 9511160301) 11/1/1995 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Forwards exemption from certain requirements of 1 OCFR73.55 re issuance, storage & retrieval of combined picture badges/
keycards for certain non-employees granted unescorted access into protected areas of plant.
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
Williams F J 3
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML093520457 11/1/1995 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREMENTS, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 10CFR73.55 re individuals w/unescorted access to protected areas must keep picture badges/keycards in possession when departing plant.units 1 & 2.
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
Varga SA 6
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003780555(was 9702030211) 01/28/1997 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from extension to allow one-time extension of four &
half months to type C interval. TS & exsisting exemption allow licensee to operate w/24 month fuel cycle.
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
MIRAGLIA F J 6
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 8of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML003780885 (was 9704010452) 03/27/1997 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 1 OCFR70.24, "Criticality Accident Requirements." Util exempt from requirements of 10CFR70.24(a), 10CFR70.24(a)(1) & 10CFR70.24(a)(3) for plant, unit 3.
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
MIRAGLIA F J 6
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003778540 (was 9802240244) 01/27/1998 CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE Forwards exemption from requirements of 1 O CFR 50.60, "Acceptance Criteria for Fracture Prevention for Lightwater Nuclear Power Reactors for Normal Operation."
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
HAROLDJ F 4
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003780861 (was 9804170107) 04/10/1998 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements of 1 O CFR 50.60, "Acceptance Criteria for Fracture Prevention Measures for Lightwater Nuclear Power Reacators for Normal Operation," to allow use of Code Case N-514.
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
COLLINS SJ 5
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 9of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML003780860 4/10/1998 Exemption from NRC Requirements, Letter Exemption From The Requirements of 10 CFR 50.60 "Acceptance criteria for fracture prevention measures for lightwater nuclear power reactors for normal operation" NRC/NRR Wunder G F 10 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML003780770 (was 9812220165) 12/10/1998 GRANTS OF EXEMPTION FROM & EXTENSION TO NRC REQUIREME, LEGAL TRANSCRIPTS & ORDERS &
PLEADINGS Exemption from requirements 1 OCFR70.24 re criticality accident requirements, for plant, Unit 3.
NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
COLLINS SJ 4
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML020380067 2/15/2002 Exemption from NRC Requirements, Letter Indian Point Nuclear Generating, Unit No. 2 - Exemption from the Requirements of 10 CFR, Part 50, Section50.60(a) (Tac No.
MB2420).
NRC/NRR/DLPM/LPD1 Milano PD 14 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 10 of 12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML022550559 9/12/2002 Exemption from NRC Requirements, Letter Arkansas Nuclear One, Units 1 & 2; Grand Gulf, Indian Point, Units 1, 2 & 3; Fitzpatrick, Pilgrim, River Bend & Vermont Yankee, Exemption from Requirements of 10 CFR Part 20, Section 20.1003 Definition of Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE).
NRC/NRR/DLPM/LPD4 AlexionTW 23 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML030710372 41212003 Exemption from NRC Requirements, Federal Register Notice, Letter Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit 3, Exemption Request, Post Accident Containment Ventilation System.
NRC/NRR/DLPM/LPD1 Milano PD 10 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML033360889 12/2/2003 Exemption from NRC Requirements, Letter Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 3, Exemption from the Requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Section 50.60(a} (TAC No.
MB9132).
NRC/NRR/DLPM/LPD1 Milano PD 13 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML072410254 9/28/2007 Exemption from NRC Requirements, Letter Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 3 - Exemption from the Requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R (TAC MD2671).
NRC/NRR/ADRO/DORULPLl-1 Boska JP 18 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 11of12
Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity Accession Number Document Date Document Type Title Author Affiliation Author Name Pages Official Record?
Availability Sensitivity ML100539643 3/26/2010 Letter Indian Point Units 1-2-3, ME3257-ME3258-ME3259, Letter to Licensee - Transmittal of Exemption - FR Granting Exemption to Extend Implementation Date for 10 CFR Part 73 Final Rule for Physical Security Plans.
NRC/NRR/DORULPLl-1 Boska JP 8
Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML112140509 2/1/2012 Letter, Exemption from NRC Requirements Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 2 - Exemption From the Requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix R, Paragraph 111.G.2 (TAC No. ME0798).
NRC/NRR/DORL Evans, MG 98 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive ML112200442 2/1/2012 Letter, Exemption from NRC Requirements Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 3 - Exemption From the Requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix R, Paragraph 111.G.2 (TAC No. ME0799).
NRC/NRR/DORL Evans, MG 80 Yes Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Page 12of 12
COMMITIEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, RANKING MEMBER SUBCOMMITIEE ON STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS, RANKING MEMBER Stephen G. Burns Chairman jlita,iM. 1Lotuep
~ongress of tbe mlniteb ~tates l7tb tlllistrict, jl}ell.l !>orlt May 13, 2015 Nuclear Regulatory Commission 11555 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
Dear Chairman Burns,
lowoy.house.gov WASHINGTQ.N 2365 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 22~6506 FAX: (202) 225--0546 WfllCfilill!!
222 MAMARONECK AVENUE SUITE 312
\\'llllTE PLAINS. NY 10605 (914) 428 1707 FAX: (914) 328-1505
!!QCKLAND 67 NDRTtl MAIN STREET SUllE 101 NEVI CITY, NY 10956 (8451 639-3485 FAX: (845) 634-4079 As you may be aware, on May 9 a transformer caught fire at the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, NY, causing the shutdown of one of Indian Point's reactors. Entergy, the planf s operator, issued a Notification of an Unusual Event, which is the lowest emergency classification, to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This is merely the latest in a long history of safety lapses. Some of the most egregious examples include:
In 2000, a leak in a steam generator released radiation and officials forced Con Edison, the previous operator, to shut down the reactor and declare an alert. Con Edison had knowledge that the steam generator leaked radiation for several weeks but did not take corrective action.
In April 2003, a fire broke out in the main turbine of the non-nuclear area of the plant within hours of a power failure and caused the shutdown of both reactors.
In December 2003, the NRC reported that Indian Point had tlu ee times as many unplanned shutdowns in a 12-month period as any other plan in the nation. The report cited insufficient quality control and poor contractor oversight.
In April 2007, the NRC downgraded the safety assessment oflndian Point 3 after a transformer fire forced the second shutdown in a one week period and the fourth in a one year period.
In August 2007, new sirens repeatedly failed to sound during tests. The following year, a report by outside experts hired by Entergy stated that the "entire siren upgrade program was not conducted with the rigor demanded of a regulatory-driven major nuclear plant project."
In November 20 I 0, a transformer at Indian Point 2 exploded, causing a fire and automatic shutdown of the reactor.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Despite these problems, which now include three transformer fires, the NRC has provided Indian Point with exemptions for certain fire safety standards. I implore the NRC to work with its relevant partners to conduct a thorough investigation to study the factors that led to the May 9 fire and the safety risks the fire created, including environmental health impacts, as well as provide a detailed list and justification for all safety exemptions the NRC has provided Indian Point.
As the NRC considers relicensing both Indian Point reactors, it is vital that everything possible be done to ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
Sincerely, Nita M. Lowey Member of Congress