ML20138B701

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SALP Board Rept 50-305/86-01 for Jul 1984 - Dec 1985
ML20138B701
Person / Time
Site: Kewaunee Dominion icon.png
Issue date: 03/19/1986
From:
NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
To:
Shared Package
ML20138B687 List:
References
50-305-86-01, 50-305-86-1, NUDOCS 8603250135
Download: ML20138B701 (35)


See also: IR 05000305/1986001

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SALP 5

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SALP BOARD REPORT

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U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

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SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT OF LICENSEE PERFORMANCE

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50-305/86001 i' ~ .-

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Inspection Report No.

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Name of Licensee -

Kewaunee Nuclear _' Power Plant -

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Name of Facility '

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( July 1, 1984 - December ~31, 1985

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Assessment Period -

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I. INTRODUCTION

The Systematic Assessment of Licensee Performance (SALP) program is an

integrated NRC staff effort to collect available observations and data on

a periodic basis and to evaluate licensee performance based upon this

information. SALP is supplemental to normal regulatory processes used to

ensure compliance to NRC rules and regulations. SALP is intended to be

sufficiently diagnostic to provide a rational basis for allocating NRC

resources and to provide meaningful guidance to the licensee's management

to proi.:ote quality and safety of plant construction and operation.

A NRC SALP Board, composed of staff members listed below, met on

February 14, 1986, to review the collection of performance observations

and data to assess the licensee performance in accordance with the

guidance in NRC Manual Chapter 0516, " Systematic Assessment of Licensee

Performance." A summary of the guidance and evaluation criteria is

provided in Section II of this report.

This report is the SALP Board's assessment of the licensee's safety

performance at the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant for the period July 1,

1984, through December 31, 1985.

SALP Board for Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant:

NAME TITLE

J. A. Hind Director, Division of Reactor Safety and Safeguards

(DRSS)

C. J. Paperillo Director, Division of Reactor Safety (DRS)

G. E. Lear Project Director, Project Directorate No. 1, PWR A

L. A. Reyes Chief, Operations Branch (DRS) '

E. G. Greenman Deputy Director, Division of Reactor Projects (DRP)

M. B. Fairtile Project Manager, Kewaunee, NRR

L. R. Greger Chief, Facilities Radiation Protection Section (DRSS) I

M. P. Phillips Chief, Emergency Preparedness Section (DRSS) l

M. Schumacher Chief, Radiological Effluents & Chemistry Section

(DRSS)

R. L. Nelson Senior Resident Inspector, Kewaunee

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II. bRITERIA

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The licensee performance is assessed in selected functional areas depending

whether the facility is in a construction, pre-operational or operating

s phase. Ea.ch functional area normally represents areas significant to

nuclear safety and the environment, and are normal programmatic areas.

' ' ' Some functional areas may not be assessed because of little or no licensee

3 activ.ities or lack of meaningful observations. Special areas may be added

j to highlight significant observations. A

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One!or nore of the following evaluation criteria were used to assess each

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functional area.

A. Management involvement in assuring quality.

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B. Approach to resolution of technical issues from a safety standpoint.

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C.

ResponsivnessyoNRCinitiatives.

D. Enforcement history.

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E. Reporting and analysis of reportable events.

I F. Staffing (including management).

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G. Training effectiveness and qualification.

However, the SALP Board is not limited to these criteria and others may

have been used where appropriate.

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Based upon the SALP Board assessment each functional area evaluated is

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classified into one of three performance categories. The definition of

these performance categories is:

Category 1: Reduced NRC ' attention may be appropriate. . Licensee management

attention and involv.ement are aggressive and oriented toward nuclear

safety; licensee rsources are ample and' effectively used so that a high

level of'oerformance with respect to operational safety or construction is

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being achieved.

Category 2: NRC attention should be maintained at normal. levels. Licensee

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management attention ~and involvement are evident and are concerned with

nuclear safety; licensee resources are adequate and are reasonably

effective such that satisfactory performance with respect to operational

safety or construction is being achieved.

Category 3: 89th NRC and licensee at;tention should be increased. Licensee

management attention or involvement is acceptable and considers nuclear

safety, but weakaesses are evident; licensee resources appear to be

strained or not effectively used so that minimally satisfactory performance

with respect to operationdl' safety or construction is being achieved.

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! Trend: The SALP board has categorized the performance trend in each

, functional area rated over the course of the SALP assessment period.

The categorization describes the general or prevailing tendency (the

i~ performance gradient) during the SALP period. The performance trends

are defined as follows:

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Improved: Licensee performance has generally improved over the

course of the SALP assessment period.

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j Same: Licensee performance has remained essentially

constant over the course of the SALP assessment

period.

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j Declined: Licensee performance has generally declined over

the course of the SALP assessment period.

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III. SUNRY OF RESULTS

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Rating Last Rating This

Functional Area Period Period Trend

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A. Plant Operations 1 1 Same

B. Radiological Controls 1 1 Same

C. Maintenance 1 1 Same

D. Surveillance 1 2 Improved

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E. Fire Protection 1 1 Same

F. Emergency Preparedness 2 1 Improved

G. Security 2 2 Improved

H. Refueling 1 1 Same

I. Quality Programs and

Administrative Controls Not Rated 2 Same

J. Licensing Activities 2 1 Same

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IV. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

A. Plant Operations

1. Analysis

Evaluation of this functional area is based on the results of

routine inspections conducted by the resident inspector. The

inspections included direct observation of activities, review

of logs and records, verification of selected equipment lineup

and operability, followup of significant operating events, and

verification that facility operations were in conformance with

the Technical Specifications, administrative procedures, and

commitments. One violation was identified as follows:

Severity Level IV: Failure to properly perform the surveillance

procedure for testing of the Nuclear Flux Source Range High Flux

Trip bistables. (Inspection Report No. 50-305/85016(DRP))

The violation occurred when the plant was returned to power

without properly performing the surveillance procedure. Failure

to perform the trip test and not remaining in hot shutdown was

a violation of a limiting condition for operation. The

Operator-Trainee mistakenly used the value for High Flux at

Shutdown as the High Flux trip setpoint. This violation was

of minor safety significance, and appears to be an isolated

occurrence.

Eight reactor trips occurred during this assessment period.

Three of the trips occurred at hot shutdown conditions, and one

trip occurred while the plant was at approximately 5% power and

in the process of being taken off-line. In addition, three

automatic and one manual trip occurred while at greater than j

70% power level. The four trips at greater than 70% power

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level resulted from component failures; namely, momentary loss I

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of instrument bus voltage caused by a loose connection; rupture  !

of a two inch steam. vent line (the plant was manually tripped l

to facilitate isolation and repair); failure of a main feedwater

regulating valve; and failure of a constant voltage transformer {

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feeding an instrument bus. Two of the trips at hot shutdown and

the one trip at approximately 5% power were caused by personnel

error, the remaining trip at hot shutdown occurred during rod

drop tests while calibrating a nuclear power intermediate range

instrument. The post-trip investigation revealed that the

installed picoameter used for calibration of the intermediate

range instrument were at different ground potentials. The three

trips attributed to personnel error were caused by: prematurely

securing the main feedwater pump while the demand was greater

than that available from the auxiliary feedwater system; allowing

a steam generator water level to reach the low level setpoint

with an actuated steam flow /feedwater flow signal; and failure to

block the Source Range High Flux trip during plant startup.

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During this assessment period there were seven Licensee Event

Reports (LER) involving operator error, four involved licensed

operators and three involved non-licensed operators. The four

LERs involving licensed operators were associated with the

violation and reactor trips previously noted above. The three

LERs involving non-licensed operators resulted in: (1) the

refueling water storage tank being approximately 1.5% below the

Technical Specification (TS) limit for a period of approximately

six hours due to a valving misalignment, the misalignment was

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identified by an auxiliary operator while performing his routine

tours; (2) both fire pumps being inoperable for approximately two

minutes while performing a fire pump test, the event resulted

from performing the procedural steps out of sequence. The

control room operators were alerted to the condition by an alarm

and immediately initiated corrective actions; and (3) the

actuation of the auxiliary building special ventilation on high

temperature which occurred when an overpressure protection

rupture disk on the boric acid evaporator was ruptured, the

overpressure was caused by improper isolation of the steam

supply to the evaporator.

Individually, these events were of minor safety significance,

however, collectively these events indicate the need for improved

attention to detail by both licensed and non-licensed operators.

In each case the licensee's corrective actions were timely and

appropriate.

The overall performance of the Operations Group has continued

to be very good. The continuing excellent performance of the

Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), as evidenced by the

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approximately 99.5% unit availability for scheduled operations

during this eighteen-month assessment period can be attributed,

in part, to the conduct of plant operations by very good,

professional on-shift operating personnel. The general

improvements noted during the previous SALP period in independent

verification; operational control of systems and components,

that is, use of out-of-service stickers and informational type

, tagging; and professionalism in which control room activities

are conducted have been maintained during this assessment period.

The NR'
issued Inspection and Enforcement Circular No. 81-02

, and Inspection and Enforcement Information Notice No. 85-53,

regarding the performance of NRC licensed personnel while on

duty. The circular and notice provided guidance on conditions

, and practices which the NRC believes to be necessary for safe

reactor operations. The licensee's policy for conduct of

operating shift activities is in accordance with the NRC i

guidance. The policy has been established through the use of 1

Administrative Control Directives, Operations Group Orders, and I

direct communications between plant management and on-shift I

personnel. The resident inspector's observation of shift

activities has indicated that those activities were conducted

in accordance with the established policy.

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Operation of the KNPP has historically been very reliable. As

of December 31, 1985, the plant had an availability factor of

83.6% with a unit capacity factor of 79.5%, this is a 0.7% and

0.6% improvement, respectively, over the values at the end of

the previous SALP period. This operating record was attained

as a result of several contributing factors; namely, experienced

and dedicated personnel; involved plant and corporate management;

effective formulation and implementation of preventative and-

corrective programs; and low failure rates of equipment.

During this assessment period NRC examinations were administered

to eight applicants for senior reactor operator licenses. Also,

during this period WPSC requalification examinations were

administered to 11 reactor operators and 19 senior reactor

operators. All candidates for the NRC senior reactor operator

license passed the examination. This passing rate is

significantly above the national passing rate. Of the 30

licensed operators who were administered the requalification

examinations, one reactor operator failed the examination.

Following remedial training, the individual satisfactorily passed

a re-examination. Based on the 100% passing rate for the NRC

examinations and 97% passing rate for the licensee's

, examinations, the training program for licensed operators is

considered satisfactory.

In 1983, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) began work

with the University of Maryland-University College to define a

curriculum which would significantly upgrade the knowledge level

of nuclear power plant personnel in the areas of Nuclear Science /

Engineering, Reactor Operations and Diagnostics, Thermodynamics

and the supporting scientific disciplines. This curriculum began

at the nuclear plant site in July,1984. This training is

accomplished by' computer aided instruction, conventional

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classroom presentations and tutored self-study modules with

l examinations. Since its inception, approximately fifty personnel

have enrolled in the program, the completion of which yields a

bachelor of science degree in Nuclear Science with a minor in

Technology Management. Other activities underway in support

of the degree program include the utilization of teaching

laboratories at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, assignment

of WPSC Nuclear Training staff as course mentors / tutors, and the

evaluation of onsite, WPSC taught courseware by the American

Council on Education for academic credit recommendations. The

overall program demonstrates WPSC's commitment to further the

education of personnel responsible for the operation of the

Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant.

2. Conclusion

The licensee continues to be rated Category 1 in this area. No

discernible trend was identified.

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3. Board Recommendations

None.

B. Radiological Controls

1. Analysis

Evaluation of this functional area is based on four inspections

by Region III specialists and on routine assessments by the

resident inspector during implementation of the resident

inspection program. These inspections covered radiation

protection, radwaste management, disposal of low-level

radioactive waste, TMI Action Plan Items, environmental

protection, chemistry and radiochemistry, and confirmatory

measurements. Two violations were identified as follows:

a. Severity Level IV: Failure to complete Form NRC-4

before exceeding 1.25 rems quarterly whole body exposure

of a worker. (Inspection Report No. 50-305/85003)

b. Severity Level V: Failure to follow procedures requiring

a whole body count for an individual with facial

contamination. (Inspection Report No. 50-305/85003)

These violations are not repetitive and are not indicative of

programmatic or managerial breakdowns in radiological controls.

The circumstances surrounding these violations were thoroughly

investigated by station and corporate representatives and

corrective actions were promptly taken.

Strong management support for the radiation protection and the

chemistry programs remains a high licensee priority and strength;

corporate involvement with site activities continuas at a high

level. Evidence of prior management planning that emphasizes

the ALARA concept was noted, particularly for outage activities.

Audits are timely and thorough, with good licensee responsiveness

to findings. Corrective action systems promptly and consistently

address reportable and nonreportable concerns. Quality control

within the licensee's chemistry and radiochemistry program has

improved since the last rating period, attributable in part, to

enhanced supervision of the program. The program is currently

receiving satisfactory management attention and review. Quality

control, although implemented well, was controlled by draft

procedures. On December 30, 1985, eight procedures addressing

quality control within this area had been reviewed and approved

for implementation.

Licensee staffing remains very stable and is ample to meet i

programmatic needs. Promotions and transfcr:: within the I

department account for most personnel 1resses. Staff

qualifications exceed industry norms. High staff experience

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levels and the practice of maintaining separate radiation

protection and chemistry staff specialties have had a positive

impact on program implementation. Limited reliance on contracted

health physics technicians continued throughout this assessment

period; contractor support is used primarily during outages.

The licensee appears to do a good job of screening contractor

technicians. A high rate of contractor returnees was observed,

this practice promotes familiarity with plant operations. During

this assessment period there were two LERs involving personnel

error in this functional area. One LER pertained to violation

"a" (noted above); the second LER was for failure to maintain

appropriate cccess controls over a high radiation area

(1000mr/hr).

The licensee has a formal training program for radiation

protectit.n technicians, chemistry technicians, contract

techniciaqs, plant workers, and visitors. Currently the

entire radiation protection staff is involved in a well

defined three year radiation protection training program

provided by the training department; INP0 accreditation review

is anticipated in late 1986. A plant system overview training

course was provided for radiation protection technicians during

this assessment period in response to previous NRC concerns.

Approximately 80% of the health physics technicians have

completed the course. Chemistry technicians attend an ongoing

retraining program for eight hours every other week on selected

topics, including systems and their relation to the chemistry

program. These courses appear to have a positive contribution

to technician performance and increasing awareness of

radiological hazards.

The licensee's response to NRC initiatives has been adequate

during this assessment period as evidenced by several

implemented ALARA measures applied to radwaste operations where

personal exposure levels were greatest, the willingness to add

elements to the QC program to tighten control of analytical

measurements, and initiation of the reactor system review course

for radiation protection staff. Corrective actions taken in

response to violations identified in the previous SALP period

were prompt and effective.

Resolution of technical issues has generally been thorough,

exemplified by closure of several NUREG-0737 items. Radiological

effluents remain well below Technical Specifications and

10 CFR 20 limits. One minor unplanned gaseous release was

reported; the release, from the reactor coolant pump, was

similar to a 1984 release. Solid radwaste requirements of

waste classification, form, inspection / review of shipments,

manifest preparation, and shipment tracking found in 10 CFR 61

and 10 CFR 20.311 have been satisfied for all radwaste shipments

made since the new regulations went into effect. No problems l

were noted with the transportation program. l

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A design change was completed during early 1985 to allow

shipment of dewatered resins using 170 cu.ft. high integrity

containers (HIC) in place of the previous practice of cement

solidification in 55 gallon drums. This change should reduce-

the radwaste volume of spent resins by a factor of 3 to 4, and

decrease the dose to the radwaste operators by eliminating the

need to handle the individual 55 gallon drums, and to maintain

the cement solidification equipment.

Total personal exposures remain very low, (160 person-rem) for

1985 and a five year average of 140 person-rem. These exposures

which are well below the average for U.S. pressurized water

reactors (about 550 person-rems), are indicative of continued

excellent exposure controls. Contamination controls also are

among the best in the industry.

The licensee continues to perform well in confirmatory

measurements having achieved five agreements in five

comparisons. These further substantiate good quality control.

The Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program has been

satisfactorily implemented. Activity measured compared

favorably with measurements made by the State of Wisconsin.

2. Conclusion

The licensee is rated Category 1 in this area, as they were

during the last assessment period. This rating is based on

the overall high quality of the licensee's radiological control

program, including very low personnel exposures, extremely good

contamination controls, strong management involvement and staff

qualifications, and good confirmatory measurements and radioactive

waste management performance.

3. Board Recommendation

None.

C. Maintenance

1. Analysis

Evaluation of this area is based on routine inspections by the

resident, three inspections by Region III specialists, and the

findings of a maintenance survey conducted by NRR's Division of

Human Factors Safety. Areas examined during the inspections

and survey included: calibration; preventative, general, and

corrective maintenance; control of measuring and test equipment;

procedures; organization and administration; and facilities and

equipment. One violation was identified as follows:

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Severity Level IV: An unplanned release of waste gas.

(50-305/85001(DRP))

During the 1985 refueling outage, maintenance personnel dropped

a reactor coolant pump (RCP) shaft; that is, disconnected the

pump shaft from the drive motor shaft, not realizing that the

dropped shaft would open sealing surfaces and provide a path

4 for waste cover gas to vent into the containment. This anomaly

was identified and corrected by the auxiliary operator. To

prevent recurrence an annual refueling activity has been

designated for dropping the RCP shafts, which will refer to a

maintenance procedure that requires the isolation and tagging

of the gas supply.

During this assessment period there were three LERs involving

personnel error. These reports described the circumstances

which resulted in: (1) actuation of one train of the Auxiliary

Building Special Ventilation System. The actuation occurred

when an Instrument and Control Technician unplugged the control

and power cable from a radiation instrument drawer. The cable

removal generated a false high radiation signal which started

the ventilation system; (2) the actuation of safeguards

ventilation which occurred while performing an Instrument and

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Control Procedure. When a lead was lifted, per the procedure,

the result should only have been a control room alarm.

Investigation revealed that miswiring of a replacement relay

had resulted in the logic for starting of the ventilation being

1/2 instead of 2/3; (3) the inadvertent initiation of a safety

injection signal. During the 1985 refueling outage an

Instrument and Control Technician calibrated one channel of

pressurizer pressure while another channel had its bistables

tripped. The plant equipment lineup at shutdown prevented any

injection to the reactor coolant system.

All of the events were of minor safety significance and were

isolated occurrences.

i Four reactor trips occurred which were attributable to equipment

faults. The cause of trips were: (1) loss of instrument bus

voltage resulting from a loose connection on an inverter

circuit breaker, (2) failure of bolts attaching the actuator to

a main feedwater regulating valve causing a loss of feedwater

to a steam generator, (3) failure of a constant voltage

transformer causing a loss of voltage to the level controls for

a steam generator, and (4) a manual trip to isolate and repair

a ruptured two-inch steam line. Corrective actions to prevent

recurrence of the type faults associated with trips (1), (2),

and (4) appear to be timely and adequate. The fault resulting

in trip (3) appears to be a non predictive type occurrence and

no further action is planned.

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The licensee's preventative maintenance program shows consistent

evidence of prior planning and assignment of priorities; it is

well-defined, controlled, and has explicit procedures for

control of preventative maintenance activities which is evidenced

by the plant's high availability factor and small corrective

maintenance backlog. Records of maintenance activities are

well maintained and readily available. The success of their

maintenance program has been recognized by other utilities and

organizations. During this assessment period the plant was

visited by three utilities for the express purpose of reviewing

and observing maintenance activities.

The success of the program can be attributed, in part, to:

(1) an experienced work force. The everall plant staff turnover

rate is less than 2 percent per year and a significant percentage

of the supervisors and craftsman have been at the plant since

initial plant startup, (2) positive worker attitude and pride in

workmanship, (3) an extensive preventative maintenance program.

There are approximately 350 preventative maintenance procedures

and approximately 50 percent of craftsmen's time is spent on

preventative maintenance, and (4) extensive informal communica-

tions. The relatively small staff size and the absence of

! significant jurisdictional boundaries promote excellent

communications: craft-to-craft, foreman-to-foreman; and

supervisor-to-supervisor.

2. Conclusion

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The licensee continues to be rated Category 1 in this area.

No discernible trend was noted.

3. Board Recommendations

None.

D. Surveillance

1. Analysis

Evaluation of this functional area is based on routine

assessments by the resident inspector during implementation

of the resident inspection program, one special inspection by

the resident inspector, and four inspections by Region III

specialists. Five violations were identified as follows:

a. Severity Level IV: Failure to determine an as-found

containment integrated leakage rate. (Inspection Report

No. 50-305/84019(DRS))

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b. Severity Level V: Failure to request relief from certain

ASME Section XI Code requirements prior to implementing

testing that was at variance with the code (3 examples).

(Inspection Report No. 50-305/84021(DRS))

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c. Severity Level V: Failure to require the use of calibrated

tachometers or stopwatches in certain surveillance

procedures. (Inspection Report No. 50-305/84021(DRS))

d. Severity Level III: Disabling of the automatic feature for

shifting the suction supply for the safety injection pumps

from the boric acid storage tank to the refueling water

storage tank (Inspection Report No. 50-305/84023(DRP)).

e. Severity Level IV: Failure to have adequate procedures for

shift turnover and testing of boric acid tank level (BAST)

instruments (Inspection Report No. 50-305/84023(DRP)).

Region III specialist inspection of the April 1984, Containment

Integrated Leak Rate Test (CILRT) resulted in Violation a. In

addition to the violation, this inspection identified

discrepancies in the technical content of the CILRT procedure

which could yield non-conservative results; however, confirmatory

calculations performed by the NRC demonstrated that the Kewaunee

containment leakage was well within prescribed limits. While the

licensee was responsive to the issues identified during this

inspection, the violation and procedural discrepancies were

indicative of a weakness in their understanding of certain

aspects of 10 CFR 50 Appendix J.

An in-depth inspection of inservice testing of pumps and valves

by Region III specialists results in Violations b. and c.

Violation b. invrived in large measure minor interpretation

errors of code requirements. Violation c. involved a failure

to apply a portion of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, requirements to

inservice testing. It was found that the licensee had fully

implemented its pump and valve inservice testing program.

Testing was generally well defined with appropriate evaluations

of collected data being performed by the licensee's staff. The

inspectors noted that the licensee has implemented an aggressive

preventive maintenance program that complements and supports the

inservice testing program.

The resident inspector performed a special inspection concerning

the circumstances surrounding the licensee's discovery on

December 18, 1984, that the automatic transfer feature provided

to ensure adequate suction head for the safety injection pumps

during accident conditions, had been disabled. This inspection

identified Violations d. and e. Violation d. involved the

failure to correctly reposition a selector switch at the

conclusion of a surveillance test, which resulted in an

inoperable automatic interlock in the safety injection pump

system. Although civil penalties may be imposed for Severity

Level III violations, a civil penalty was not proposed in this

case. The NRC decision not to propose a civil penalty was

reached following a review of the licensee's immediate and

proposed long-term corrective actions, and prior good performance

in the area of operations and surveillance. The immediate

corrective actions involved placing the selector switch in the

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correct position, investigating the cause of the switch

misalignment, discussing the problem with plant department heads

the following day, reviewing the problem with plant maintenance

personnel, and having the Operations Superintendent speak with

all the operating crews concerning the event. The long-term

corrective actions involved a revision to the surveillance

procedure involved, a review and evaluation of the safety

injection system hardware, planned modification of the control

room safety injection status panel, and a review of all plant

surveillance procedures. Violation e. resulted from the use of

two inadequate procedures. The shift turnover procedure did not

specify an unambiguous indication to be used by determining which

boric acid storage tank was properly aligned for the safety

injection pump suction. Secondly, tre tank level test procedure

did not include specific steps which would ensure that the BAST

selector switch was at all times positioned to the BAST

physically aligned for safety injection pump suction. In

addition, procedural steps requiring operator action did not

require the operator to initial the step, thereby attesting that

the action had been completed.

The licensee's corrective actions in response to the violations

were timely and adequate.

Extensive corrective actions were implemented to prevent

recurrence of this type of violation. In addition to

correcting the inadequacies of the above procedures, the licensee

established a committee of 10 individuals to perform a review of

all, approximately 280, plant ~ Surveillance Procedures (SP). The

committee consisted of four Senior Reactor Operators (SRO), a

former SR0 with an engineering degree, and five Shift Technical

Advisors (STA) with degrees in various engineering fields. The

process of reviewing all SPs began with the assignment of an SP

to someone independent of the group responsible for performance

of the procedure. The initial reviewer performed a review which

included ensuring that the procedure addressed compliance with

plant technical specifications during test performance, that

adequate provisions for independent verification of safety-

related manipulations are included, and ensuring provisions for

operator sign-offs if operator manipulation of equipment are

required. The second review was performed by a reviewer with

an SRO license. Both reviews were documented and all

recommendations passed on to the review coordinator. The

review coordinator then ensured that all reviews and recommenda-

tions were consistent. Finally, the recommendations were

forwarded to the appropriate plant group supervisor for

resolution. Any conflicts between the reviewer's recommendations

and the appropriate plant group supervisor's implementation was

resolved by the Plant Operations Review Committee. In all, at

least four individuals were involved in the review process for

each SP. The resident inspector's review of procedures, with

15

l

'

_ _

-

.

r

revisions resulting from the licensee's review process,

indicates a major improvement in the requirements for

independent verification, clarification of prerequisites,

the requirements for sign-off of procedural steps, the

identification of applicable TS, and the use of clearly

'

defined acceptance criteria.

i

An inspection of the licerisee's program for reactor coolant

system (RC3) leak rate testing was performed by a Region III

specialist. While no violations were identified, it was

determined that the constant used in the manual calculations of

RCS leakage to account for changes in volume control tank level

changes was in error. The computer-based calculation method

was found acceptable.

i

!

'

An inspection of the licensee's implementation of the inservice

inspection program for piping systems was performed by a

Region III specialist. The inspection included a review of

l the ISI program and procedures, equipment certification and

calibration, personnel qualifications, and selected records

of nondestructive examination performed during the February to

April 1985, refueling outage. Also, eddy current examinations

<

of selected steam generator tubes and the ultrasonic examination

of a reactor vessel weld were observed during this outage. For

i

the areas examined the inspector determined that the management

control systems were effective in that activities had received

j prior planning and priorities had been assigned. Activities ,

.

were controlled through the use of well stated and defined

procedures. Records were found to be generally complete, well

'

maintained, and available. The records also indicate that

i equipment and material certifications were current and complete

) and that the personnel performing nondestructive examinations

were trained and certified. Observations indicate that personnel

j have an adequate understanding of work practices and that

l procedures were adhered to. No violation or deviations were

identified.

'

An inspection, limited in scope, was performed by a Region III

specialist to review activities associated with reactor core

physics. The areas of core power distribution limits, target

j axial flux difference, isothermal temperature coefficient,

'

control rod worth, and core thermal power was examined during -

the inspection. No violations were identified. Management

involvement in assuring quality, resolution of technical issues,

responsiveness to NRC' initiatives, analysis of reportable events,

and training effectiveness were all judged to be adequate based

on limited observation. Staffing in the area of core physics

was comparable to that of much larger utilities,

t

i

16

__ - _ - _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ - - _ - _ - _ - _ _ - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ - - _ _ - _ _ _ - _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ - - _ _ _ _ _ - _ - _ - - _ _ _ _ - _ -

-

.

Three events attributed to activities in this area required the

submittal of Licensee Event Reports (LER):

1. LER 84021 Mispositioned BAST Selector Switch

2. LER 85001 Inadvertent Actuation of Containment Spray

3. LER 85012 Inadvertent Reactor Trip During Calibration of

Intermediate Range Nuclear Instrumentations

Item 1. is discussed under Violations d. and e. of this section.

Item 2. was caused by crosstalk between bistables in duplex

bistable units while performing a surveillance test of the

Engineered Safeguards Logic. During the 1986 refueling outage,

varistors will be placed in parallel with the bistable ~ outputs

to prevent recurrence. Item 3. was caused by using an installed

picoameter which was at a different ground potential than the

nuclear instrumentation. The portable picoameter normally used

for this calibration was not available. This was an isolated

occurrence and no further action is required. Based on the

inspections performed in the areas of inservice testing of pumps

and valves; inservice inspection of nuclear plant components;

containment integrated leak rate testing; and reactor coolant

leak rate testing, it is concluded that the licensee has

conscientiously pursued a surveillance testing program to

demonstrate the operability of systems and components important

to safety. This prg ram is enhanced by the implementation of

an aggressive preventative maintenance program. A weakness

identified during these inspections was technical errors in

testing procedures. In no case did these errors contribute to

identified safety concerns; however, they do indicate that more

attention to detail is warranted.

2. Conclusions

The licensee is rated Category 2 for this assessment period.

The licensee was rated Category 1 in the past SALP period. The

decreased rat bg is based on the number and severity level of

the identified violations. The extensive effort and improvements 1

demonstrated by the licensee in correcting the causes of the

identified violations is recngnized by the NRC. The licensee's

decision to extend his efforts beyond that necessary for

attaining compliance has resulted in an overall significant

improvement to surveillance procedures and demonstrates an

aggressive and responsive attitude towards nuclear safety by

management. An improving trend of performance in this area has

been noted by the NRC.

3. Board Recommendations

None.

i

17

. .- . ._ __ ___ _- - _

.

E. Fire Protection and Housekeeping

1. Analysis

Evaluation of this functional area is based on routine

assessments by the resident inspector during implementation

of the resident inspection program and one inspection by a

> Region III specialist. Two violations were identified as

follows:

4

a. Severity Level IV: Failure to perform technical

specification required visual fire damper inspection.

(Inspection Report No. 50-305/84015(DRS))

b. Severity Level V: Failure to adequately identify a

deficient fire damper such that effective compensatory

measures could be implemented. (Inspection Report

No. 50-305/84015(DRS))

Violation a. resulted from a misinterpretation on the part

of the licensee over whether the fire dampers were active or

passive components of fire barriers. The licensee inspected

the subject dampers during the 1985 refueling outage, and the

dampers will continue to be inspected at the same interval as

required for fire barriers. Violation b. resulted when the

licensee failed to take timely action to either correct an

identified discrepancy for a particular fire damper or ensure

that personnel responsible for compensatory actions were aware

of the discrepancy. The damper was in a defined fire area which

had an established fire watch prior to, during, and following

the identification and correction of the discrepancy. The

j licensee corrected the disciepancy within approximately 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.

In addition to tm violations referenced above, a number of other

minor discrepancies were noted during the Region III specialist

inspection including an improperly connected fire hose in one

fire equipment house, minor surveillance and operating procedure

i discrepancies, and inconsistencies in the credit taken for fire

brigade training. These items are also viewed as isolated events.

The licensee's corrective actions were timely and adequate.

In general, the inspection concluded that the licensee is

effectively implementing their approved fire protection program

with adequate numbers of trained and qualified personnel as

evidenced by a favorable enforcement history and few reportable

, events. The licensee was very responsive to NRC questions and

initiatives and provided technically sound bases for positions

'

taken. As a result of the violations / discrepancies identified,

the licensee was requested to ensure that the responsibilities

assigned to the Plant Fire Marshal were not becoming excessive

to the point where a deterioration in performance might be

anticipated. ,.

> 18

_. .

-

.

With respect to implementation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix R

requirements, the licensee's technical exemption request

concerning cable combustibility is under review by NRR. It is

significant to note that this was the only exemption from the

technical requirements of Appendix R. An existing schedular

exemption requires the licensee to complete all modifications

prior to startup from the 1987 refueling outage.

Housekeeping continues to result in a high degree of cleanliness

in all areas. To further enhance the degree of cleanliness, the

licensee has sealed and painted the turbine hall lower level

floor. The continuing effort to maintain and improve the plant

appearance is reflective of the plant staff's pride in their

plant. The clean, well-ordered, appearance of the plant,

simulator, and training facilities has been noted by a visiting

NRC Commissioner, NRC headquarters and regional personnel. In

addition, two Region III Senior Resident Inspectors visited the

plant for the express purpose to observe a plant which is

considered to have an excellent state of housekeeping.

2. Conclusion

The licensee continues to be rated Category 1 in this area.

3. Board Recommendations

None.

F. Emerger.cy Preparedness

1. Analysis

Five inspections were conducted during the assessment period

to evaluate the licensee's performance with regard to emergency

preparedness. These included observation of two annual emergency

preparedness exercises, a special inspection of the licensee's

'

emergency response facilities, and two annual routine inspections i

of the following aspects of the emergency preparedness program:

emergency detection and classification, protective action

decisionmaking, notifications and communications, changes to the

emergency preparedness program, shift staffing and augmentation,

dose calculation and assessment, training and licensee audits.

i Two violations were identified.

a. Severity Level IV - Failure to conduct monthly

d

communication checks during June 1984 as required.

(Inspection Report No. 50-305/84007)

19

_ _ - - _ _ _- -

. . _ . . __ _ - _. . . -.

- - . . _ - _

l

-

.

b. Severity Level IV - Failure to evaluate and document

the adequacy of interfaces with the State and local

governments during the annual audit as required.

(Inspection Report No. 50-305/85009)

The above violations were the result of oversights on the part

of the licensee, and were not indicative of any major

programmatic problems or breakdowns. In each case the licensee

took prompt and adequate corrective actions to address NRC

concerns and avoid recurrence.

Management involvement and control in assuring quality in the

emergency preparedness program has been demonstrated through

decisionmaking that has consistently been at a level that

ensures adequate management review. Corporate management is

frequently involved in site activities and records are

'

generally complete, well maintained and available. The

licensee has provided timely and sound resolutions to NRC

concerns in almost all cases. This was evidenced by the

reduction of open items requiring resolution (from 29 at the

beginning of the SALP period to 5).

The licensee demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both

of the emergency preparedness exercises. Emergency response

i organization positions were identified, authorities and

i responsibilities defined, and personnel were capable of

implementing their assigned functions. Staffing to implement

day-to-day emergency response duties is well defined and

adequate. Past NRC concerns over training have been eliminated.

The training program is well defined and implemented with

dedicated resources, including a simulator which was used during

both of the exercises to enhance realism.

2. Conclusion

I The licensee is rated Category 1 in this area due to their

4

responsiveness to NRC concerns and the demonstrated proficiency

in their annual exercises. The licensee received a rating of

Category 2 in the last SALP period. The licensee's performance

during the assessment period has improved,

i 3. Board Recommendations

None.

G. Security

1. Analysis

Three routine safeguards inspections were completed by regional

based inspectors during the assessment period. In addition,

the resident inspector routinely conducted observations of

security activities. Two violations were identified as follows:

}

20

.

a. Severity Level V: Background screening was not adequately

completed for some unescorted personnel. (Inspection

Report No. 50-305/85004(SS))

b. Severity Level IV: Some alarm station barriers did not

offer the required penetration resistance. (Inspection

Report No. 50-305/85018(SS))

In addition to the above violations, two findings were identified

that could have resulted in degradation of certain specific areas

of the security program. These findings, which were identified

as items of concern, dealt with compensatory measures for

intrusion alarms and the personnel control program for vital area

access. Subsequent reviews during this assessment period

verified that the licensee has implemented action which should

answer our concerns. Although there was one less violation than

the previous assessment period, this did not represent a

significant trend.

4

The licensee's approach to taking corrective action to NRC

identified violations or self identified items were timely and

generally effective. However, on three occasions management

lacked thoroughness when reviewing self identified problems,

although corrective action was taken, the action was not

comprehensive. For example, this lack of comprehensive action

became evident when the licensee experienced similar failures

4

in their access control program. The licensee recognized the

potential significance of each individual event but did not

implement comprehensive and thorough action to correct the

problem until after the fourth event. This weakness in

evaluation and review is not a significant programmatic

deficiency but is indicative of the need for some fundamental

improvements. Management should more closely monitor identified '"

deficiencies in order to better evaluate the effectiveness of

both short-term and long-term action. Actions should be i

comprehensive and results-oriented. l

l

Site security management, has a good working knowledge of the

security plan. A periodic review of program fundamentals on an

individual or collective basis might provide an additional more

effective method of assisting managers in better assessing

problems and their corrective actions. Implementation of the

program is adequate. Corporate management exhibits adequate but

not aggressive oversight in site security activities. Corporate

involvement is limited to administrating security plan changes

and reviewing site responses to NRC inspection reports.

Licensee security management and the independent audit /

surveillance program are generally effective in identifying and

correcting specific security plan deficiencies. However, the

licensee does not take the same aggressive action to consider i

or review improvements to the security plan, which are not

regulatory requirements. For example, during the assessment

21

i

.

period, ten open items / observations (security program

improvements) were identified by the inspectors. The findings

dealt with the following areas: testing and maintenance; access

control; physical barriers; assessment aids; lighting and alarm

stations. Licensee action for most of the findings was to

evaluate and consider action. In most cases, the suggested

improvements were not implemented. The review of these

identified areas should receive the same close monitoring

recommended for the matters described earlier which were

identified by the licensee. Licensee management should analyze

system / program improvements equally, whether or not they are

, compliance issues.

Eight security-related events were reported under the provisions

of 10 CFR 73.71(c) during the assessment period. Each event was

reported, as required, in a timely manner and compensatory

measures at the time of the events appeared to be adequate.

Evaluation verified that four events involved security equipment

failure and the remaining events were errors in the access

program. Seven of the eight events happened in the first half

of the assessment period. This may be representative of an

,

improving trend if it continues. Licensee reporting, logging

'

and corrective action appeared to be generally effective.

The supervision and training of the contract security force is

satisfactory. Procedural guidance for the security force has

sufficient detail and the security force has adequately

implemented the security program described in the licensee's

commitment. The Training and Qualification Program, although

not extensive, is considered to be acceptable and is being

adequately implemented to meet program commitments. Security

personnel staffing levels appear to be adequate. The security

equipment utilized by the licensee is adequate to meet security

plan commitments. Inspection findings during this assessment

period verified that the licensee has updated some security-

related equipment and more updating of equipment is planned

within the next several years. Licensee progress in this area

appears to be adequate.

Inspection results during this assessment period showed that

licensee resources dedicated to the security program are

adequate and reasonably effective so that the security program

and plan are being satisfactorily implemented.

In summary, the licensee's performance during this period has  !

'

been adequate overall. The progress towards replacing licensee

identified marginally effective equipment is positive. Coupled

with a broader more thorough view and analysis of performance

by the licensee's management should result in a more efficient

and effective program.

l

22

1

_ __ . _

.

2. Conclusion l

The licensee is rated a Category 2 in this area. Licensee

performance has improved over the course of the assessment

4

period due to the improvements in equipment and adequate

continued program implementation.

4

3. Board Recommendations

None.

H. Refueling Activities ,

'

1. Analysis

Evaluation of this functional area is based on the results of

inspections conducted by the resident inspector. The inspection

j activities included: observation of fuel movements; verification

that surveillance for refueling activities had been performed;

~

,

that refueling containment integrity requirements were met; and

l observation of outage controls and activities. No violations or

j deviations were identified.

The inspector observed that core reload activities were performed

i by an experienced contractor under the direct supervision of

j licensee personnel. The licensee established cleanliness,

communication, and material accountability controls to support

,

core alternations which were conducted in a safe and expeditious

manner. It was noted that detailed refueling procedures were

strictly adhered to unless a deviation was necessary. Then, any

deviation was properly considered and well documented.

During the outages the inspector noted extensive involvement of

corporate office personnel in plant activities. This involvement,

particularly in the area of modifications and design changes, is

4 a significant factor in the continuing well controlled and

productive outages.

2. Conclusion

The licensee continues to be rated Category 1 in this area.

3. Board Recommendations

None.

I, Quality Programs and Administrative Controls

1. Analysis

Quality Assurance (QA) programs and leneral administrative

controls were routinely assessed during the period by the

resident inspector. One special inspection by the resident

'

23

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_ __ -_- _______

- - .. - . _

-

.

, inspector, one special inspection by Region specialists, and

_

three routine inspections by Region III specialists were i

conducted during this assessment period. Two violations were

identified as follows:

I s. Severity Level V: Failure to respond in writing to audit

report findings within 30 days. (Inspection Report

No. 50-305/84020(DRS))

b. Severity Level IV: 10 CFR 50.72 Violation, failure to

notify the NRC Operations Center via the Emergency

Notification System, within four hours, of a plant

condition as stated in 10 CFR 50.72 (2) (iii) (D).

(Inspection Report No. 50-305/84023(DRP))

i

The licensee's corrective actions in response to Violation a.

were reviewed during a subsequent inspection and found to be

adequate. In response to Violation b., the licensee's

.

Technical Support Staff prepared a presentation highlighting

j the reportability requirements and emphasizing conservatism in

<

reporting requirements. This presentation was provided to each

Shift Technical Advisor and individuals with an active Senior

Reactor Operator license on the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant.

Some weaknesses were identified in the area of the design

change request program. Specifically, the program lacked

essential administrative elements to ensure that procedure

revisions, drawing changes, and operator training were '

recomplished at the appropriate time. Additionally, elements '

for adequate design verification and design package content

also needed evaluation by the licensee. With the exception of

,

design verification, the licensee has completed the corrective

actions with regard to these issues. In general, the licensee

~

reviews in the quality programs area were timely and thorough.

,

Records were generally complete, well-maintained, and available.

! Procedures are adequate and adhered to. Decisions are usually

made at a level that ensures adequate management review. A

strength noted by the inspectors was that detailed installation

4 and test procedures were prepared, given proper review, and used

.

during design changes.

The results of the inspection of training for non-licensed

employees indicated that the licensee is providing and

1

developing training courses in the areas of auxiliary operators,

maintenance, instrument and control, health physics, chemistry

engineering, shift technical advisor, and supervision. The

licensee has greatly increased his training effort in these

areas during the past three years. l

l

During this assessment period there were three LERs involving )

personnel error. Those LERs described the circumstances which

resulted in: (1) a tube in the 1A steam generator requiring

.

plugging was found plugged in the hot leg only. An adjacent i

l l

24

,

'

.

tube, not requiring plugging, was found plugged in the cold leg

only; (2) the fire hose inspection required by the Technical

Specifications being performed beyond the plant required

18-month time interval. The surveillance was completed seven

days late; and (3) the target band determination required by

plant Technical Specifications was performed outside of the

required time interval of each effective full power month.

The surveillance was completed 4 1/2 days late.

No adverse effects resulted from the events. Review of the

licensee's actions to prevent recurrence were found to be

timely and appropriate.

Review of plant incident reports indicate that appropriate

investigation, review, and corrective actions were performed,

and proper NRC notifications were made.

During this assessment period the duties of: Manager-Nuclear

Power; Plant Manager-Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant; Plant

'

Operations Superintendent; Plant Technical and Services

Superintendent; Nuclear Licensing and Systems Superintendent;

and Plant Maintenance-Assistant Superintendent were performed,

in the most part, by personnel not having those responsibilities

during the previous SALP period. The transition of responsibili-

ties was accomplished in an orderly, professional manner. The

continuing excellent performance of the plant during this

transition of responsibilities can, in part, be attributed to

the professional long term, in-depth planning by the upper

levels of management in making their personnel selections.

Upon being notified on December 10, 1985, by the resident

inspector that the Commonwealth Edison Company had filed a

4

10 CFR 21 Report identifying non qualified internal wiring

in Limitorque valve actuators used at the Zion Nuclear Plant,

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation immediately initiated an

investigation into the matter. The investigation revealed

that, contrary to their belief, the internal wiring used in

the plant's actuators could not be directly linked to the

Limitorque test results. At the request of the licensee, a

meeting was held with NRC Region III management on December 20,

1985 to present the results of the investigation, and the

contents of their 10 CFR 21 report. The report described the

background; evaluation of affected components; field inspection

findings and engineering evaluation of those findings; schedule

for upgrading of actuator internal wiring; and an evaluation of

qualification of Limitorque actuator PVC control wiring.

A special safety inspection of the circumstances which resulted

'

in the above licensee finding was conducted by Region III

specialists. No violations or deviations were identified;

however, some unresolved and open items require further

evaluation by the NRC.

25

.

2. Conclusion

The licensee is rated Category 2 in this area. This area was

not rated in SALP IV.

3. Board Recommendations

None.

J. Licensing Activities

1. Analysis

The basis for this appraisal was the licensee's performance in

support of licensing actions that were either completed or had

a significant level of activity during the rating period.

There were a total of 56 active actions at the beginning of the

rating period. Twelve actions were added for a total of 68

actions by the end of the rating period. Forty-eight of those

68 actions were closed during the rating period. These actions

and a partial list of completions consisting of amendment

requests, exemption requests, responses to generic letters, TMI

items, and licensee initiated actions are:

32 Multi-Plant Actions (20 completed). Some of the completed

actions in this category are:

Masonry Wall Design (IE Bulletin 80-11; MPA-859)

Equipment Qualification of Safety Related Electrical

Equipment (MPA-860)

Safeguards Regulatory Effectiveness Review

  • 1st and 2nd 10 year ISI Programs (MPA A-14)

Control of Heavy Loads-Phases II (MPA C-15)

Appendix I (MPA A-02)

Many Salem ATWS Items

Definition of Operable (MPA 0-17)

Reactor Vessel Overpressure Protection (MPA B-04)

4

23 Plant-Specific Actions (21 completed). Some of the

completed actions in this category are:

  • Control Room Filters

Administrative Changes with Staff Reorganization

Appendix J Related Changes

  • Deletion of Autoclosure Feature
  • Increased Peaking Factor and Higher Burn-up Fuel

13 TMI (NUREG-0737) Actions (7 completed). Some of the

completed actions in this category are:

NUREG-0737 Technical Specifications (GL 82-16)(MPA B-72)

  • Detailed Control Room Design Review Program Plan

26

_ _ _ _

.

  • Completed Review of Emergency Response Facilities
  • Small Break LOCA Analysis Item II.K.3.30
  • Post-Accident Sampling System Item II.B.3

During the present rating period, the licensee's management

demonstrated active participation in licensing activities and

kept abreast of current and anticipated licensing actions. The

licensee's management actively participated with the Project

Manager to reduce the backlog of licensing actions with NRR.

The 48 actions completed attest to the licensee's management

involvement and represent 70 percent of the total number of

licensing actions in force during the period. The licensee's

'

management maintained effective communication with the staff.

The licensee has met schedules or informed the Project Manager

at an early date of schedular problems.

The interaction of the licensee, including visits and

i management discussions / meetings, with the NRC staff, have

resulted in a clear understanding of safety issues. Sound

technical approaches are taken by the licensee's technical

staff toward their resolution. Conservatism is being exhibited

in relation to significant safety issues on a routine basis.

Thoroughness in the approach to the technical issues has been

demonstrated by the number and complexity of the licensing

actions completed during this period.

Consistently sound technical justification is provided by

the licensee for deviations from staff guidance. The good

communications between the licensee and NRC staff have been

beneficial to both in the processing of licensing actions and

minimizing the need for additional information.

Some notable areas of sound approaches were the Inservice

Inspection Program - 2nd 10 year interval, implementation of

Appendix I and reactor vessel overpressure protection. The

NRC technical reviewers were able to complete their safety

evaluations on the basis of the original submittals with no

more than telephone questions. In the case of the Appendix I

review, the reviewers stated it was the best submittal in this

area received by NRC and the technical specifications were

approved without a single change in the licensee's submittal.

The licensee's findings of no significant hazards were thorough,

although some minor changes were discussed with the licensee.

The licensee has been responsive to NRC initiatives. In one

instance, however, regarding the Radioactive Effluent Technical

Specifications (RETS), the licensee was among the last plants

to implement the RETS due to late submittal; however, it was a

high quality submittal.

27

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-

.

NRR personnel had an opportunity to participate in an

Enforcement Conference with Region III and the licensee

regarding a personnel error in a boric acid tank mispositioned

switch setting. All NRC personnel at the conference were

impressed with the licensee's responsiveness, high quality

input to the conference and candor in the discussions.

1 The licensee has a licensing staff which appears to be

sufficient to provide adequate and timely responses. The staff

is knowledgeable about the issues discussed. The licensing

personnel are rotated in the plant for Shift Technical Advisor

duty and other special plant assignments.

Tha licensing staff all have engineering or physics degrees and

are provided extensive training as Shift Technical Advisors.

,

,

2. Conclusion

The licensee is rated Category 1 in this area. This is an

improvement from the Category 2 rating during the last SALP.

3. Board Recommendations

None.

.

!

l

2

2

,

l 28

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'

. .

4

'

V. SUPPORTING DATA AND SUMARIES

A. Licensee Activities

'

1. On July 3, 19'4,

8 the unit tripped on a steam flow /feedwater _

flow mismatch coincident with low steam generator water level

signal actuation, caused by an instrument bus inverter failure.

The unit was off-line for approximately eight hours'. -

1

l 2. On February 8, 1985, the unit was shutdown for the Cycle X-XI

i refueling outage.

!

3. On April 11, 1985, the unit was placed back on-line. Activities

during the outage included: retubing of main condenser;

t installation of additional space cooling capabilities for

safety-related area; 100 percent eddy current testing of steam

'

generator tubes; installation of a nitrogen backup suphly and

overpressure protection for the refueling cavity seal ring;

completed the first ten year inservice inspection program; and

10 CFR, Appendix "R" modifications. ,

4. On August 8, 1985, the unit was manually tripped to facilitate

isolation and repair of a ruptured two-inch steam line, The

unit was off-line approximately 15 hours1.736111e-4 days <br />0.00417 hours <br />2.480159e-5 weeks <br />5.7075e-6 months <br />. ,

5. On November 13, 1985, the unit tripped on a steam flow /feedwater

flow mismatch coincident with low steam generator water level

l signal actuation, caused by failure of a feedwated regulating

! valve. The unit was off-line for approximately 23 hours2.662037e-4 days <br />0.00639 hours <br />3.80291e-5 weeks <br />8.7515e-6 months <br />.

6. On December 12, 1985, the unit tripped on steam flow /feedwater

'

flow mismatch coincident with low steam generator water level

signal actuation, caused by the failure of a constant voltage

transformer which fed an instrument bus. The unit was off-line

approximately nine hours.

>

7. Improvements made to ftcilities and plant systems during this

,

assessment period included: completion of a 67,000 square foot

i

warehouse and office building; er.largement of the health physics

4 office and construction of new locker room facilities;

!- modification of the radioactive waste systern to allow use of high

'

integrity containers foi *hipment of waste resins; installation

i of rupture disks on the piping downstroas of the pressurint

safety valves; upgrading nf emergencyslighting for the access

route from the control room to the dedicated shutdown panel;

upgrading of the installed fire protection system'; and upgrading

of the plant perimeter detection system.

B. Inspection Activities ,

'

l .

1. One special safety inspection was conducted during'the period

of December 19, 1984 through January 15, 1985 by the resident

f

.;

I

_ - _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ - - - - _ _ _ _ - _ - _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ - - -__ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ . . . _ _

-

.

,

inspector. The inspection was conducted to determine the

circumstances which resulted in the inoperability of the

automatic feature for switching the safety injection pump

suction supply from the boric acid storage tank to the

refueling water storage tank.

2. As part of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC)

Maintenance and Surveillance Program's Survey and Evaluation of

Maintenance Effectiveness Project, a site survey was conducted

at the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant. The purpose of the visit

was to collect descriptive data about Kewaunee's maintenance

and surveillance program, and to evaluate the effectiveness of

a data gathering protocol in collecting that descr.iptive data.

The site survey was conducted the week of July 22, 1985, with a

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team of three NRC and three Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL)

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staff.

3. Commissioner L. W. Zech visited the plant and was given a plant

tour on May 7, 1985.

4. One special safety inspection was conducted during the period

of December 16-20, 1985 by Region III specialists. The

inspection was conducted to determine the circumstances which

resulted in the licensee submitting a 10 CFR, Part 21, report

regarding the environmental qualifications of Limitorque valve

actuators used in the plant.

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INSPECTION ACTIVITY AND ENFORCEMENT

KEWAtlNEE NDCLEAR POWER PLANT, DOCKET NO. 50-305

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I'nspection Reports: No'. S4007 through 84012

No. 84014 through 84023

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No. 85001 through 85006

No. 85008 through 85019

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FUNCTIONAL NO. OF VIOLATIONS IN EACH SEVERITY LEVEL

AREA I II III IV V DEV. l

Plant Operations s

1

Radiological Controls 1 1

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s

Maintenance 11

Surveillance 1 2 2

Fire Protection 1 1

Emergency Preparedness 2

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Security 1 1

Refueling -

Quality Programs and

Administrative Controls 1 1

Licensing Activities

Totals 0 0 1 10 6 0

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C. Investigations and Allegations Review

None were conducted.

D. Escalated Enforcement Actions

1. Civil Penalties

As a result of findings, detailed in Inspection Report

No. 305/84023, a notice of violation classified at Severity

Level III was issued. Although civil penalties are considered

for Severity Level III violations, a civil penalty was not

proposed in this case. This conclusion was reached when

consideration was given to the licensee's immediate and long

term corrective actions, and prior good performance in the

areas of operation and surveillance.

2. Orders

No orders were issued during this assessment period.

E. Management Conferences Held During Appraisal Period

1. On September 18, 1984, a management meeting was held at the

Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant to present the licensee with the

findings of the SALP IV report.

2. On January 7,1985, an Enforcement Conference was held in the

NRC Region III office regarding the failure to meet a technical

specification for post accident operability of the safety

injection system.

3. On January 7,1985, a management meeting was held, at the

licensee's request, to discuss the regulatory basis for

four potential violations identified in Inspection Report

No. 305/84015. Following the review of information presented

by the licensee at the meeting and in their written response,

the NRC withdrew two of the notices of violation.

4. On December 20, 1985, a management meeting was held, at the

licensee's request, to discuss their findings which resulted

in a submittal of a 10 CFR, Part 21 Report, regarding the

environmental qualifications of Limitorque valve operator

internal wiring.

F. Review of Licensee Event Report and 10 CFR 21 Reports

1. Licensee Event Reports (LERs)

On August 29, 1983, the NRC published an amendment clarifying

its regulations regarding Licensee Event Reports required by

10 CFR 50.73. Details of the new reporting system were published

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as NUREG-1022 " Licensee Event Report System". The effective

date of the amendment was January 1,1984. The amended

regulation deleted reporting requirements for several types

of licensee events which had been found, through experience,

to be of little value to the Commission.

In addition, the new rule incorporated changes in the proximate

cause codes and definitions of the proximate causes. Therefore,

a comparison of the number and proximate cause codes of LERs

submitted during this assessment period with the submittals

during previous periods would not provide meaningful comparative

information. The SALP board did review all LERs submitted during

this assessment period, and from this review determined which

events resulted from personnel error. Those LERs are discussed

in the appropriate functional area analysis section of this

report.

a. The LERs for this evaluation period includa 84-13 through

84-21 and 85-01 through 85-23.

PROXIMATE CAUSE* SALP V

Personnel Error 3 (0.17)**

Design, Manufacturing,

Construction / Installation 0

External 0

Defective Procedure 0

Management / Quality

Assurance Deficiency 2 (0.11)

Other 11 (0.61)

Non-Coded 16 (0.89)

TOTAL 32 (1.78)

  • Proximate Cause is the cause assigned by the licensee in

accordance with NUREG-1022, " Licensee Event Report System".

    • Numbers in parenthesis are the average number of events per

month.

b. Evaluation

Review of the LERs indicated that the information given

generally provided a clear and adequate description of each

event; the entries reviewed were correct and the codes

agreed with the information in the narrative. The licensee

submitted voluntarily a report (LER 85-04) that was not

required by the reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.73. The

report was provided because the event may be of generic

interest and exemplified a positive attitude of exceeding

the minimum reporting requirements. NUREG-1022,

Supplement 2, " Licensee Event Report System", published by

the Office for Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data

in September, 1985, describes an evaluation of an

industry-wide sample of LERs that was conducted to

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determine whether or not those LERs were prepared in

accordance with the requirements set forth in 10 CFR 50.73.

Kewaunee's LER No. 84-03/01 " Rod Cluster Control Assembly

Cladding Wear" was selected as an example of a well

written LER.

An evaluation of the content and quality of a representative

sample of LERs submitted during this assessment period was

performed by the NRC Office for Analysis and Evaluation of

Operational Data. The results of this evaluation indicate

that Kewaunee has an average LER score 7.6 of a possible 10

points, thus ranking it 13th out of the 35 units evaluated.

The principal weakness identified involves the personnel

error and safety consequence discussion.

The SALP Board's review determined that of the 32 LERs

submitted, 15 were a result of personnel error.

2. 10 CFR 21 Reports

The licensee submitted a report on December 20, 1985, which

indicated that the electrical qualification of Limitorque

valve actuators used at the Kewaunee plant were not completely

supported by the test reports referenced by Limitorque. The

item of concern is the internal wiring of the limit switch

compartment. Included in the report were the results of an

engineering study performed to identify those components

affected, their type, location, qualification requirements, and

a evaluation of their function. The study which concluded that

the affected components would perform as required is being

reviewed by NRR.

1 G. Licensing Actions

1. NRR/ Licensee Meetings

Fire Protection 08/15/84

Upper Plenum Injection-Evaluation Model 03/06/85  :

Inservice Test Program 03/12 & 03/13/85

Steam Generator Tube Sleeving 09/10/85

Upper Plenum Injection-Program Plan 10/16/85

2. NRR Site Visits / Meetings ,

SALP 4 Plant Meeting 09/17 - 09/19/84

Integrated Scheduling Meeting 07/31/85 i

Plant / Resident 08/01/85 l

Maintenance & Surveillance Task Force

! Exit Interview 08/02/85

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3. Commission Briefings

None .

4. Schedular Extensions Granted

Detailed Control Room Design Review Summary

Report 02/19/85

Reliefs Granted 1.97 Report 02/19/85

5. Reliefs Granted

ISI Hydrotest Relief 01/22/85

6. Exemptions Granted

None

7. License Amendments Issued

Amendment Title Date

55 ISI Program 07/03/84

56 Containment Fan Coils 11/14/84-

57 List of Snubbers Deleted 12/26/84

58 Reporting Requirements 01/04/85

59 NUREG-0737 Tech. Specs. 01/09/85

60 Administrative Changes 01/22/85

61 Main Steam Valve Testing 04/04/85

62 Peaking Factors 06/20/85

63 Definition of Operable 07/08/85

64 Radiological Effluent T.S. 07/29/85

65 Administrative Controls 08/05/85

66 Airlock Surveillance 10/15/85

8. Emergency Technical Specification Issued

None

9. Orders Issued

None

10. NRR/ Licensee Management Conferences

Division of Licensing, Division Director

Briefing 02/04/85

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