ML20154M557

Forwards Insp Rept 50-498/88-24 on 880405-0502.Violations Noted Will Be Discussed During Enforcement Conference.Nrc Particularly Concerned About Violations Occurring on 880424 Re Operation Outside Tech Specs Action Statement

ML20154M557
Person / Time
Site:	South Texas
Issue date:	05/24/1988
From:	Callan L NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
To:	Goldberg J HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER CO.
Shared Package
ML20154M561	List: ML20154M557 ML20154M564
References
NUDOCS 8806020004
Download: ML20154M557 (3)

See also: IR 05000498/1988024

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In Reply Refer To:

Docket: 50-498/88-24

MM 24 W

Houston Lighting & Power Company

ATTN: ' J. H. Goldberg, Group Vice

President, Nuclear

P.O. Box 1700

Houston, Texas 77001

Gentlemen:

This refers to the inspection conducted by Messrs. D. R. Carpenter, J. E. Dess,

D. M. Hunnicutt, J. P. Clausner, and other members of this office during the

period April 5 through May 2,1988, of activities authorize 6 by NRC Operating

License NPF-76, for the South Texas Project, Unit 1 and to the discussion of

our findings with Mr. W. H. Kinsey and other members of your staff at the

conclusion of the inspection.

Areas examined during the inspection included startup testing results review,

operability of steam generator power operated relief valves, No.13 standby

diesel generator oil spill, essential cooling water valve body and pipe fitting

leaks, monthly surveillance observations, security' observations, radiological

protection observations, operational safety verification, and engineered safety

feature system walkdown. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of

selective examination of procedures and representative records, interviews with

personnel, and observations by the NRC inspectors. The inspection findings are

documented in the enclosed inspection report.

During this inspection, it was found that certain of your activities appear to

be in violation of NRC requirements. As discussed in a telephone conversation

on May 18, 1988, we have scheduled an enforcement conference in the Region IV

office at 10 a.m. on May 26, 1988, to discuss your understanding of the

apparent violations, the reasons for occurrence, and your corrective actions.

Apparent violations identified in NRC Inspection Report 50-498/88-11 dated

April 28, 1988, will also be discussed at that enforcement conference. We will

also discuss the NRC Enforcement Policy regarding these matters, if appropiate.

The NRC is particularly concerned regarding the violations that occurred on

April 24, 1988, involving operation outside the Technical Specifications

action statement for the steam generator power operated relief valves.

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8806020004 880524

PDR ADOCK 05000498

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Houston Lighting & Power Company -2-

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Although this caused no immediate concern for the safety of the plant,

i it raises concerns regarding your understanding of the proper application of

, technical specification requirements to the operation of the South Texas

. Project. We are also concerned about the apparent inadequate review of test

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data related to the isothennal temperature coefficient of reactivity. The

circumstances of the two additional apparent violations identified in the

report may also be discussed during the enforcement conference, if needed.

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We have also examined actions you have taken with regard to previously

identified inspection findings. The status of these items is identified in

paragraph 2 of the enclosed report.

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The response requested by this letter is not subject to the clearance

procedures of the Office of Management and Budget as required by the Papemork ,

Reduction Act of 1980, PL 96-511.

Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, we will be pleased to

discuss them with you.

Sincerely,

OrismM Siped by

c L . 3* C -

L. J. Callan, Director

Division of Reactor Projects

Enclosure:

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Appendix - NRC Inspection Report

50-498/88-24

cc w/ enclosure:

l Houston Lighting & Power Company

ATTN: M. A. McBurnett, Manager

.]

j Operations Support Licensing

P.O. Box 289

Wadsworth, Texas 77483

Houston Lighting & Power Company

ATTN: Gerald E. Vaughn, Vice President

l Nuclear Operations

P.O. Box 1700

Houston, Texas 77001

Houston Lighting & Power Company

. ATTN: S. L. Rosen

j P.O. Box 289

j Wadsworth, Texas 77483 ,

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Houston Lighting & Power Company -3-

Central Power & Light Company

ATTN: R. L. Range /R. P. Verret

P.O. Box 2121

Corpus Christi, Texas 78403

City Public Service Board

ATTN: R. J. Costello/M. T. Hardt

P.O. Box 1771

San Antonio, Texas 78296

City of Austin Ele-tric Utility

ATTN: R. J. Miner, Chief Operating

Officer

721 Barton Springs Road '

Austin, Texas 78704

Texas Radiation Control Program Director

bec distrib. by RIV:

• DRP *RRI-0PS

R. D. Martin, RA *RPSB-DRSS

• Section Chief (DRP/0) *RIV File

• MIS System *RSTS Operator

Lisa Shea, RH/ALF *D. Hunnicutt

R. Bachmann, OGC *R. Hall

• G. Dick, NRR Project Manager G. Sanborn

• TSS *DRS

• w/766

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