ML20210N694
ML20210N694 | |
Person / Time | |
---|---|
Site: | Wolf Creek |
Issue date: | 08/21/1997 |
From: | NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
To: | |
Shared Package | |
ML20210N664 | List: |
References | |
50-482-97-11, NUDOCS 9708260090 | |
Download: ML20210N694 (22) | |
See also: IR 05000482/1997011
Text
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ENGLQELBEJ
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
REGION IV
Docket No.: 50 482
License No.: NPF 42
Report No.: 50-482/97 11
Licensee: Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation
Facility: Wolf Creek Generating Station
Location: 1550 Oxen Lane, NE
Burlington, Kansas
Dates: June 29 through August 9,1997
Inspector: J. F. Ringwald, Senior Resident ;nspector
Approved By: W. D. Johnson, Chief, Reactor Projects Branch B
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I ATTACHMENT: Supplemental Information
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9708260090
970021
G
ADOCK 05000482
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EKE _QUTIVE SUMMARY
Wolf Creek Generating Station
NRC Inspection Report 50 482/97 11
QDELS1LQDE
- The shif t supervisor effectively supervised the placement of a mobile drilling rig to
minimize the potential for impact on safety related equipment (Section 01.1).
- The inspector identified circumstances where the control room operators would not
be able to reliably contact the shift supervisor when the shif t supervisor was
outside the control room in high noise environments (Section 01.1).
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l * Operators displayed good control board awareness and responded appropriately to
the loss of an offsite power line (Section 04.1).
- Operators improved their communication during an annual requalification simulator
examination, and evaluators demonstrated even more challenging communication
standards by criticizing some examples of crew communications (Section 05.1).
- The conclusions contained in a self assessment report on emergency management
guideline setpoints were not consistent with the findings (Section 07.1).
Maintenance
- The licensee identified a procedure violation when an operator placed the wrong
pump in pull to-lock during the performance of a surveillance procedure
(Section M4.1).
- Instrumentation and control technicians unnecessarily extended the time operators
were in a Technical Specification Limiting Condition for Operation that required the
initiation of a plant shutdown within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />, by initiating a surveillance test with
outstanding concerns about the proper interpretation of a procedure action verb
(Section M4.2).
Ennineerinn
- An inadequate flush following the stroke test of an essential service water system
supply valve to the turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump resulted in lake water
contamination of Steam Generators A and C during a pump test (Section E1.1).
- The licensee discovered that the control room ventilation process radiation monitors
had never met the time response test requirements described in the Updated Safety
Analysis Report and that a 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation of this condition had not been
completed (Section E8.2).
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- The licensee identified an inappropriate Technical Specification clarification that
resulted in Technical Specification violations as reported in Licensee Event
Report 9010 (Section E8.4).
Plant Sunnort
- The licensee identified two examples where radiation workers failed to comply with
their radiation work permit requirements (Section R4.1).
- Licensee personnel f ailed to properly evaluate the impact of an offsite power loss on
the function of the offsite ernergency plan sirens, resulting in a violation of reporting
requirements (Section P1.1).
- The licensee engaged in the good practice of screening smears prior to formal
counting to improvo radiation surveys (Section R3.1).
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Honort Details
.Summarv of Plant Status
The plant operated at essentially 100 percent power throughout the inspection period, with
the exception of two periods, on June 29 and August 5,1997, when the licensee reduced
power in response to events described in Sections 04.1 and 01.2.
LOperations
01 Conduct of Operations
01.1 Shift Sunervisor Contact Outside the Control Room
a. Insoection Scope f 71707)
The inspector reviewed the ability of control room personnel to contact the shift
supervisor whenever the shif t supervisor lef t the control room,
b. Observations and Findinns
On July 9,1997, the inspector observed the shif t supervisor direct the placement of
a mobils drilling rig during the performance of Work Package 120317, Task 1. The
shift supervisor provided very good direction to the maintenance personnel
responsible for the drilling rig. The final placement resulted in a situation wherein, if
the rig fell over, it would only impact one and not both of tne safety related
engineered safety features transformers supplying the 4.10 kVAC safety related
busses.
After the drilling began, the inspector noted that the noise of the crane interfered
with the ability of personnel in the vicinity of the crane to hear the Gal Tronics plant
announcement system. The inspector determined from discussions that the shift
supervisor could not understand announcements from the Gal Tronics system. The
inspector asked what method the contro! room operators would use to contact the
shift supervisor. The shift supervisor acknowledged that it would be difficult and
promptly added a note to the sh3t turnover form reminding all shift supervisors to
take a pager with them any time they left the control room to enable reactor
operators to contact them even when they were in high noise areas.
The operations manager acknowledged that contact with the shift supervisor could
be improved. He planned to add this tcpic to the agenda for an upcoming shift
supervisor and supervising operator meeting so they could identify an appropriate 1
means for control room operators to reliably contact the shift supervisor,
c. Conclusions
The shift supervisor effectively supervised the placement of a mobile drilling rig to
minimize the potential for impact on safety related equipment. The inspector
identified circumstances in which the control room operators would not be able to
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reliably contact the shif t supervisor when the shift supervisor was outside the
control room in high noise environments.
01.2 Control Room Ventilation Boundarv
a. insocction Scone (71707)
The inspector reviewed the licensee response to the discovery of damage to the
seal for the primary control room entry door,
b. Qhli. tty.gtlons and Findinas
On August 6,1997, the licensee discovered damage to the flexible seal for the
primary control room doorway, Since this door was part of the control room
ventilation envelope boundary, the shift supervisor declared the door inoperable,
entered Technical Specification Limiting Condition for Operation 3.0.3/ and initiated
a power reduction. Approximately 30 minutes after discovering the damage,
maintenance personnel replaced the damaged seal. Engineering personnel
completed the testing approximately 3__1/2 hours af ter the damage was discovered.
The shift supervisor exited Technical Specification Limiting Condition for
Operation 3.0.3 and initiated a power increase to return the plant to 100 percent
power.
Subsequent to this repair, engineering personnel performed additional testing to
- demonstrate that the miseite door would provide an adequate seal should the
primary control room access door seal fail again. In addition, engineering personnel
-coordinated with operations personnel to remove the seal that was damaged in
order to test whether the control room ventilation envelope was inadequate in that
condition. Engineering personnel determined that the control room ventilation
envelope remained sufficiently intact to meet the surveillance requirements even
with the affectad seal completely removed.
_ c.' Conclusions
Based on the information available to the shift supervisor when the damage was
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_ discovered, the shift supervisor responded in an appropriately conservative manner.
04- Operator Knowledge and Performance
04.1' Loss of an Offsite Power line-
a.- Insoection Scoce (71707)
The inspector obse_rved operator response.to the loss of an offsite power line
resulting from a storm.
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b. Qbservations and Findinas
On June 29,1997, during shift turnover, operators experienced a loss of the Benton
offsite power line. Operators noticed the open breakers immediately and responded
appropriately. Since the offgoing supervising operator and reactor operators had
not yet been relieved, they responded to the event. Operators commenced a power
reduction as required by off normal procedures. The crew coordinated their
activities with the power grid system operator and restored the site switchyard to a
normal lineup a short time later when power was restored to the Benton line.
Operators stabilized reactor power at 83.5 percent when power was restored at
7:53 p.m. and began a power ramp which returned the plant to 100 percent power
approximately 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br /> later,
c. Cenclusions
Operators displayed good control board awareness in identifying the loss of the
offsite power line. Operator response to the_ power line loss was appropriate and
operators controlled the plant properly.
05 Operator Training and Qualification
( 05.1 Annual Ooorator Simulator ExaminatioD ,
a. lasoection Scono (71707)
The ins 1ector observed one of six crews respond to scenarios in the simulator as
pa.t ' their annual requalification examination,
b. Observ illnps and Findinas
On July ,0,1997, the inspector observed two simulator scenarios. While the
scenarios were adequately challenging to determine whether the crew met the
minimum stemdards, they were less challenging than evaluated training scenarios
observed previously. In particular, these scenarios did not contain the elements of
the complex scenario that training instituted approximately 15 months ago with
considerable success. The inspector asked the operations and training managers
why they did not use complex scenarios during annual examinations. The managers
responded by stating that they expected training mnarios to be more challenging
to operators than examination scenarios and that examination scenarios needed to
have the proper elements in order to adequately measure the adequacy of operator
performance.
The inspector noted that the crews generally responded appropriately to the
scenarios and successfully passed the examination. The evaluators observed every
operator performance deficiency identified by the inspector and dispositioned these
appropriately. The inspector noted considerably better crew communication during
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these scenarios than in previously observed scenarios, involving frequent usr. of
three way communication. Despite this improvement, the evaluators criticized the
crew's communication, demonstrating that operations management and training
personnel continued to raise the expected standard.
c. C.qnclusions
The observed simulator examination scenario accomplished the stated objectives
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and operators demonstrated adequate performance. Crew communication improved
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from that observed several months ago. Licensee evaluators criticized crew
l communication, demonstrating that communication expectations were still being
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07 Ouality Assurance in Operations
07.1 Emeroency Maneaement Guidelines Setoont Self Assessment
a. inspection Scone (71707) s
The inspector reviewed Self Assessment Report SEL 97 029, "EMG lEmergency
Management Guidelines) Sotpoint Verification."
b. Observations and Findinas -
On July 18,1997, the inspector reviewed the self assessment and noted that,
while the assessment found problems with 16 of the 37 setpoints reviewed, tho
report concluded that, "The accuracy of the EMG [ Emergency Management
Guidelines) setpoints in the database is considered good." While some of the
problems were very minor and only one problem was significant enough to warrant
a revision to the database, the fact that problems were found in nearly half of the
setpoints reviewed demonstrated the potential that more significant problems
existed.
After the inspector raised these q sestions, the operatiens manager initiated
Performance Improvement Request (PIR) 97 2212 to accress these concerns. The
initial corrective action will ba to review an additional 13 setpoints, then assess the
results of the reviews of 50 of the 269 setpoints. Further corrective actions will be
determined afMr these additional reviews are complete.
After the inspector discussed this issue with the operations manager, the
performance improvement and assessment manager raised similar questions with
the operations manager regarding this self assessment.
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c. Conclusions
The conclusions for Self Assessment Report SEL 97 029 were not consistent with
the findings. The questioning of this issue by the performance impiovemJnt and
assessment manager was appropriate.
-08 Miscellaneous Operations issues -
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08.1 (Closed) Violation 50 482/9624 01: Turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pump
operability. The inspector verified the corrective actions described in the licensee *a
L response letter, dated February 28,1997, to be reasonable and complete.- No
similar problems were identified.
08.2_ (Closed) Violation 50 482/9704-01: Operability of Valve EF HV0034. The I
inspector verified the corrective actions described in the licensee's response letters, )
dated April 23 and May 8,1997, to be reasonable and complete. No siruilar-
problems were identified.
08.3 (Closed) Unresolved item 50 482/9709-02: Containment Cleanliness. This item .
Involved the inspector's identification of fire hose covers on containment fire hose l
stations inside containment during power operation. Engineering personnel
addressed the open questions by repeating the experiment described in NRC
inspection Report 50 482/97 10, Section 08,4, with all hook and loop fasteners-
unfastened. The test results were similar. Engineere also described the calculated
maxirnum postaccident water levelin containment relative to the locations where
the covers were installed. The angineers demonstrated that, since none of the fire
hose stations in containment could be completely submerged,-they could not trap
air and float if they came off the hose stations, they would sink to the
containment floor. Engineers also demonstrated that calculated postaccident flow
-velocities would have insufficient force to transport the covers to the containment
sumps. The inspector concluded that these additional discussions answered all the
remaining open questions.
11. Maintenance
M1: Conduct of Maintenance
M1.1 General Comments on Maintenance Activities
a. Insoection Scone (62707)
The inspector observed all or portions of the following work activities.
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107034 Taskla NK system swing charger conduit installation
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117672 Task 3 BN HV8806B VOTES test
120317 Task 1 Cathodic protection modification installation
120406 Task 1 Appendix R emergency light quarterly
preventive maintenance
122466 Task 1 NK22 charger troubleshooting and repair
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found no concerns with the maintenance observed.
c. Conclusions
The inspector concluded that the maintenance activities were being performed as
required.
M1.2 General Comments on Surveillance Activities
a. Inspection Scope (61726)
The inspector observed all or portions of the following surveillance activities.
STS IC 211 A, Revision 23 Actuation Log;c Test Train A solid state
protection system
STS NB-005, Revision 13 Breaker alignment verification
STS SE 001, Revision 21 Power range adjustment to calorimetric
b. Observations and Findinas
Except as noted in Sections M4.1 and M4.2, the inspector had no concerns with
the surveillances observed,
c. Conclusions
Except as noted in Sections M4.1 and M4.2, the inspector concluded that the
surveillence activities were being performed as required.
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M4 Maintenance Staff Knowledge and Performance
M4.1 Pun.o Handswitch Miscositioned Durino Surveillance Test
a. Inspection Scone (61726)
- The inspector reviewed the circumstances surrounding the licensee's identification
of a pump handswitch mispositioning during a surveillance tert,
b.- Observations and Findinos -
On July 31,1997, during the performance of Surveillance Procedure STS IC 643A,
the proceduro directed the reactor operator to place Containment Spray Pump A in
pull to lock. The operator inadvertently placed Residual Heat Removal Pump A in:
pull to lock. Approximately 1 minute later, the operator identified the error and
restoied Residual Heat Removal Pump A to the proper standby configuration. The
L shift supervisor noted the brief entry into Technical _ Specification Limiting Condition
- for Operation 3.5.2 and the subsequent exit. The operator then placed Containment
._ Spray Pump A in pull to lock and completed the surveillance procedure without-
further problems.
The shift supervisor disciplined the operator involved and initiated PlR 97 2313 to--
s address this issue. -Prior to this occurrence, the licensee identified an' adverse trend
in mispositioning events on July 23,1997, and classified it at Severity Level 1. This-
prompted the_ formation of an incident investigation team to review these events
and formulate a roct cause with detailed corrective actions. The team conclusions
are due on August 22,1997. The team included PIR 97 2313 in the investigation
of these mispositioning events ( The failure of the operator to comply with the-
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surveillance _ procedure is a violation of Technical Specification 6.8.1. This
- nonrepetitive,; licensee identified and corrected violation is being treated as a
noncited violation, consistent with Section Vll B.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy
-(50-482/9711 01).
c. - Conclusigna
The licensee identified a procedural violation when a reactor operator inadvertently
_.placed a residual beat removal pump in pull to lock _when the surveillance procedure
directed the containment spray pump be placed in pull to-lock.
M4.2 Work Delav Due to Action Verb Definition Contusion
a,- Insoectiori Scooe (61726)
The inspector observed technicians perform a surveillance in the control room.
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b. Qhservations and Findinas
On July 24,1997, technicians performed Surveillance Procedure STS IC 211 A,
" Actuation Logic Test Train A Solid State Protection System," Revision 23. This
test required the technicians to close a reactor trip bypass breaker. This placed the
plant in Technical Specification Lirniting Condition for Operation 4.3.1.1,
Table 3.31, item 19, Action 9, which required the initiation of a plant shutdown
within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br /> if the reactor trip bypass breaker remained shut. Step 8.5.13 of i
Procedure STS IC 211 A read: " Verify that Blocking Function Test Switch is in R
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BLOCKS NOT INHIBITED Position." When the technicians performed Step 8.5.13,
! the blocking function test switch was in inhibit blocks position. Approximately.
l 3 weeks earlier, the technicians recalled that they had received training which
directed them te not reposition switches when the procedure step action verb was
" verify "~ Since the blocking function test switch was in the inhibit blocks position,
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and the technicians understood that they could not reposition the switch, the
technicians were unable to continue the test procedure.
The technicians contacted their supervisor anri asked for guidance. The supervisor
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initially directed the technicians to reposition the switch. After discussing the issue
with the inspector and the shift supervisor, the shift supervisor directed the
technicians to obtain an on the spot change to the rocedure to permit repositioning
the switch.
The technicians recognized the potential for this condition to occur prior to initiating
the test. As a result of inadequate communication between the technicians and the
supervisor, the situation did not get resolved prior to the start of the test. As a
result, the need for the on the spot change kept the plant in a condition where they -
would have to initiate a plant shutdown if the reactor trip bypass breaker remained
shut for more than 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />. This delay lasted 35 minutes while the technicians
-halted the testing and waited for the prucedure change before continuing the test.
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When the technicians finished the testin(, and opened the reactor trip bypass
breaker, only 5 minutes remained before the operators would have had to initiate a
plant shutdown. While waiting for the procedure change, the shift supervisor
reviewed the plant procedures and could not find procedural definitions of action
verbs, The shift supervisor later found the action verb list on the site local area
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network.- This list defined the action verb " verify" to mean that the technicians
could reposition the switch if necessary. Since the technicians were not certain
that this list was controlled, they waited for the procedure change before continuing
the tost.
After the testing, the instrumentation and controls supervisor questioned the
training personnel, who acknowledged that they had discussed the action verb--
during a training laboratory class.- Their lesson plans did not specifically address
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this point and thu training personnel'never intended to communicate a change in the
interpretation of the action verbs. Concerns identified during this test resulted in
the licensee initiating PIRs 97 2290 2291, and 2293.
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c. Conclusiorsti
The inspector concluded that the test was performed correctly and that the
technicians should not have begun the surveillance test without resolving their
question about the action verb. In addition, the instrutnentation and control
supervisor should not have permitted the technicians to begin the test without
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ensurin[, that all questions regarding this action verb were resolved.
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M8 Miscellaneous Maintenance issues
MB.1 IClosed) Violation 50 482/9624-02t Missing main steam safety valve spindle nut
cotter pin. The inspector verifled the corrective actions described in the licensee'6
response letter, dated February 28,.1997, to be reasonable and complete. No
similar problems were identified.
M8.2 (Closedl Violation 50-482/9704-02: Turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pump
retest. The inspector verified the corrective actions described in the licensee's
response letters, dated April 23 and May 8,1997, to be reasonable and complete.
No similar problems were identified.
M8.3 (Closed) Violation 50 482/9704 Oh Turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump test. -
The inspector verified the corrective actions described in the licensee's response
-letters, dated April 23 and May 8,1997, to be reasonable and complete,- No similar
problems were ident!!.c<i,
M8.4 (Closed) Violation 50 482/9704-04: On the spot change for pump testing. The
inspector verified the corrective actions described in the licensee's response letters,
dated April 23 and May 8,1997, to be reasonable and complete. No similar
problems were identified.
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E1- Conduct of Engineering
E1.1 Turbine Driven Auxiliarv Feedwater Pumo issues
a. Insoection Scope (37551)
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The inspector reviewed the licensee's response to two issues during a recent
surveillance test.
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b.- Obsurvations and Findinng
On July 22,1997, operators and other licensee personnel performed Surveillance-
ProcMure STS AL 103, "TDAFW ITurbine driven auxiliary feedwaterl Pump
Inservice Pump Test," Revision 28. During the test, operators encountered two
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As soon as the pump started, operators noted that Steam Generators A and C and
! the condensate storage tank immediately Indicated increasing levels.of sodium. j
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After running the pump, operators asked the chemistry technician to sample the
water from Valves AL V138, and V139, tell tale drains for essential service water
supply to the turbine driven auxiliary _feedwater pump. Conductivity indicatlona for
both samples indica'ed the presence of lake water. The licensen conducted a feed
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and_ bleed cleanup ot the condensate storage tank and maximlad cleanup of Steam
Generators A and C. During the subsequent investigation, engineering personnel
determined that, during a recent stroke test of Valve AL HV0033, Train B essential ;
service water supply to the turbine driven auxillary feedwater pump, leakage
through Valve AL V0014, manualisolation of Train B essential service water supply
, to the turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump, causbd lake water to flow through
I the pump, discharge piping,-and recirculation piping into the condensate storage
tank. This contaminated the condensate storage tank _and the licensee performed a
feed and bleed cleanup. Following the valve strokes, operators drained and flushed
the turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pump suction piping, but did not recognize the-
need to drain and flush the pump, discharge piping, and recirculation piping. The
licensee initiated PIR 97 2126 to address this concern. Corrective ' actions included
requiring routine sampling prior to starting the auxiliary feedwater pumps and
routine sampling and flushes following any stroke testing of the essential service
water supplies to the auxiliary feedwater pumps.
During this test, the proaedure required the pump to operate between 3850 and
3900 revolutions per minute. Using a hand held strobe tachometer, engineering
personnel observed a peak speed of 3780 revolutions per minute. Installed plant
equipment indicated that the pump operated at 3900120 revolutic.ns per minute.
During several meetings to evaluate the discrepancy, licensee personnel were not
. able to resolve the discrepancy. A check of the calibration of the installed plant
' equipment demonstrated satisfactory instiumentation performance. The licensee
1 subsequently repeated the test, declared the pump operable based on satisfactory
pump performance using the installed plant equipment, and documented a testing
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deficiency because the pump did not meet the requirements of Technical
Specification 4.0 5. The inspector will review the licensee's resolution of this issue
and will track this as an inspection followup item (50 482/971102).
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c. qqDGhiseta
Two equipment problems cornplieuted the completion of a surveillance test of the
1:arb*e driven auxiliary feedwWr pump. An inadequate flush following the stroke
test of hves Al HVOO32 and 33 resulted in lake water contamination of Steam
Generators A arW C. An inspectiN followup item will track the resolution of the
speed conuolist.w
E8 Miscellaneous Engineering inues
E8.1 (Closed) Violation SrhM2/9624-05: Review of Updated Safety Analysis Report
l commitments. The inspector verified the corrective actions described in the
licensee's response letter, dated February 28,1997, to be reasonable and complete.
No similar prob! ems were identified.
l EB.2 LClosed) Unresolved item 50 4Q2/9708 04: Response time discrepancy with
I control room ventilation radio tivity monitors. This issue involved the licensee's
discovery that they had never rnet the time response described in the Updated
Safety Analysis Report for Radiation Monitors GKRE04 and 05, the control room
ventilation process radioactivity monitors. These monitors isolate control room
ventilation from the outside environment in the event high levels of airborne
radioactivity are introduced into the control room heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning supply duct.
During startup testing, the liceneee tested the time response of these monitors and
found that they did not meet the 3 second specification. The only response time
test performed on the monitors was on February 8,1985, during preoperational
testing. The response time reported for Monitor GKRE04 was 5.167 seconds. The
response time reported for Monitor GKRE05 was 4.967 seconds. The licensee
-initiated action to resolve the discrepancy between the Updated Safety Analysis
Report and the preoperational test results.
The licensee could not identify a reason for the discrepancy and could not identify
any documentation that would indicate an effort to validate the 3 second response
time listed in the Updated Safety Analysis Report, Table 7.3-7.
Engineering personnel identified this issue during a review of the Updated Safety
Analysis Report described in the licensee's Letter ET 97-0010 of February 7,1997,
which committed them to review the Updated Safety Analysis Report in the letter,
the licensee stated that they will complete a formal review of the Updated Safety
Analysis Report by April 30,1997, to provide assurance that the Wolf Creek
Generating Station wou!J be operated according to the Updated Safety Analysis
Report.
The insp4ctor considered the acceptance of the as is condition of the response time
for Monitor <; GKRE04 and -05 to be a de f acto change to the f acility as described in
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the updated Safety Analysis Report. As such, the licensee was required by
10 CFR 50.59 to evaluate and dccument the acceptability of the change to ensure
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that an unreviewed safety question did not exist. The inspector considered the
acceptance of this de facto change to be a violation of 10 CFR 50.59. This
nonrepetitive, licensee identified and corrected violation is being treated as a
noncitcd violation in accordance with Section Vll.B.1 of the NRC Enforcement
Policy (50 482/971103).
The licenseo completed a preliminary investigation and did not identify any
operability issues. The licensee found that Updated Safety Analysis Report,
Section 15A.3, stated that only radiation dose to control room operators due to a
postulated loss of coolant accident was discussed in Updated Safety Analysis
Report, Chapter 15. This was because a study of the radiological consequences in
the control room due to various postulated accidents indicated that the
locs-of coolant accident was the limitirvj case. As such, the ventilation path
- containing Radiation Monitors GKRE04 and -05 would isolate on a safety injection
I signal before Radiation Monitors GKRE04 and -05 would detect sufficient activity to
l initiate the control room ventilation isolation signal. The inspector asked whether
there were any design basis accidents that would rely on Radiation
Monitors GKRE04 and 05 to limit the exposure to control room operators. The s
inspector also questioned whether Updated Safety Analysis Report, Change
Request USARCR 97 0081, which proposed deleting the time response requirement
from Table 7.3 7 of the Updated Safety Analysis Report, would involve an
unresolved safety question. Pending answers to these questions and a review of
the licensee actions to resolve the discrepancy in Updated Safety Analysis Report
Table 7.3 7, this is considered an inspcction followup item (50 482/971104).
E8,3 (Closed) Licenseo Event Reoorts 50-482/96-11:0;JJ . <12 00/01. -13-00/01.
14 00/01, and -15 00/01 and Escalated Enforcement ltro,50-482/96-21-02:
Corrective action failures associated with Technical Specification clarifications.
These items involved examples wherein the licensee violated Technical Specification
requirements by following guidance they issued in thts foim of Technical
Specification clarifications which were not consistent with Technical Specification
requirements. The inspector verified the completion of the immediate corrective
actions described in the licensee event reports. The inspector verified the corrective
actions described in the licensee's response letter, dated April 30,1997, to be
reasonable and complete. No similar problems were identified.
E8.4 [ Closed) Licensee Event Reports 50-482/9610-09LQ1: Failure to comply with
Technical Specification Requirement 3.4.9.1. This item is similar to the issues
described in Section E8.3 of this report.- The corrective actions for the similar issue
apply to this issue as well. The report desenbes a violation of Technical
Spet'ication 3.4.9.1. This issue was not specifically addressed in Escalated
Enforcement item 50 482/9621 02. This nonrepetitive, licensee-identified and
corrected violation is being treated as a noncited violation, consistent with
Section Vll.B.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy (50-482/9711-05).
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IV, Plant Suppm1
R3 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Procedures and Documentation
R3.1 Inanorontiate Survev instrument Use
a. Insection Scone (71750)
The inspector reviewed the circumstances surrounding a health physics technician's
use of a survey meter and probe without an operating procedure,
b. Observations and Findinas
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During the week of June 23,1997, a health physics technician used an ASP 1
l survey meter with an AC 3 detector to screen smears prior to formally counting
l them with a different instrument. Wh9e attempting to determine the efficiency of
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this instrument, the technician determined that, while licensee procedures contained
a calibration procedure for th:s instrument combination, there was no operating
procedure. The licensee initiated PIR 97 2003 to address this concern. Since the
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instrument was used for information or ly, and not for any formal surveys, the use
f of the instrument in this fashion was not governed by procedures or regulations.
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c. Conclusions ,
The inspector concluded that the use of the survey meter to screen smears prior to
counting them was a strength in that it had the potential for an improved survey,
yet the use of the instrument without an operating procedure was a programmatic
weakness.
R4 Staff Knowledge and Performance
R4.1 Radiation Work Permit Reauirements
a. inspection Scone (71750)
The inspector reviewed two examples where radiation workers failed to comp'y with
the requirements of radiation work permits,
b. Observations and Findinns
On June 26,1997, a radiation worker entered the radiologically controlled area
while logged onto Radiation Work Permit 970103. After entering the ;adiologically
controlled area, the technician recognized that the radiation work permit required,
but the worker f ailed to obtain, a neutron thermoluminescent dosimeter. After
recognizing this, the technician exited the radiologically controlled area, obtained the
required dosimetry, and reentered with the proper dorimetry. On July 17,1997,
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the licensee initiated PIR 97 2195 to address this issue. The f ailure of the
technician to obtain the dosimetry required by the radiation work permit is an
example of a violation of Technical Specification 6.11 (50 482/9711-06).
On July 7,1997, a radiation worker entercd the radiologically controlled area while
logged onto Radiation Work Permit 970003. After entering the radiologically
controlled area, the technician recognized that the radiation work permit required,
but the worker failed to obtain, an electronic dosimeter. Af ter recognizing this, the
technician exited the radiologically controlled area and reported this to the lead
health physics technician. The lead health physics technician directed the radiation
worker to speak with a health physics supervicor who restricted the radiation
worker from the radiologically controlled area until af ter the radiation worker
obtained remediation. The licensee also initiated PIR 97 2051. The failure of the
technician to obtain the dosimetry required by the radiation work permit is a second
example of a violation of Technical Specification 6.11 (50-482/9711 06),
in response to NRC Notice of Violation 50-482/9710-06, the licensee initiated
PIR 97 2389 to address a noted decline in the compliance of radiation workers to
the requirements of the radiation protection program. The licensee classified this
PIR as a Severity Level 11, requiring a thorough root cause analysis and full
development of corrective actions that would have to be approved by the corrective
action review board.
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c. Conclusions
The licensee identified two instances wherein radiatien workers entered the
radiologically controlled area without the dosimetry required by the radiation work
permit,
P1 Conduct of Emergency Preparedness Activities
P1.1 Offsite Siren Failures
a. Insoection Scooe (71750)
The inspector reviewed the circumstances surrounding a 1-hour 10 CFR 50.72
report of the loss of six emergency plan sirens that was submitted approximately
1 month late,
b. Observations and Findinns
On June 16,1997, at 1:03 a.m., a storm resulted in the loss of an offsite
substation that provided power to 6 of the 11 omergency plan notification sirens.
The initiallicensee assessment of the situation concluded that the loss of this
particular substation only resulted in the loss of two sirens and led the licensee to
conclude that this event was not reportable. Licensee Administrative
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Procedure AP 26A-001, ' Reportable Events - Evaluation and Documentation,"
Revision 3, Attachment A, defined a major loss of emergency communications
capability as a loss of 3 or more of the 11 emergency p!an sirens, a condition
reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(v). After making the initial determination that the
event was not reportable, operators initiated PIR 97 1792 to address the generic
implications associated with the difficulty encountered while assessing whether this
was reportable or not.
Preparation for assessing a situation of this type had been limited to the licensee
relying on the local orbanizations providing power to these sirens to notify the
, control room and local sheriff whenever they lost power supplying the sirens.
l Assessing the impact of the loss of the substation required a review of records on a
billing computer by an employee of the local organization who was unfamiliar with
the system. No determination had ever been documented to identify the power
sources for each of the sirens.
On July 16,1997, the subsequent evaluation concluded that the initial assessment
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had been in error. The licensee then made the 10 CFR 50.72 report,
On June 16,1997, the licensee accurately know which substation actually lost
power, but then inaccurately assessed the number of affected sirens. Since the
licensee had adequato information to have assessed the impact of the storm, and
failed to properly assess the impact due to inadequate assessment and assessment
preparation, the proper notification did not occur. The f ailure of the licensec to
report the major loss of emergency communication capability within 1 hour1.157407e-5 days <br />2.777778e-4 hours <br />1.653439e-6 weeks <br />3.805e-7 months <br /> of being
notified of a power source loss is a violation of 10 CFR 50.72(b)(v) (50-482/9711
07). Since the licensee experienced difficulties in assessing the impact of the
storm, the inspector con::luded that the subsequent assessment did not occur
within a reasonable time. Therefore, while this violation was licensee identified, it
did not meet the criteria in the NRC Enforcement Policy for enforcement discretion.
c. Conclusiorn
The licensee identified a situation wherein they failed to adequately assess
information regarding an offsite power loss which resulted in a major loss of
emergency communication without the required 1 hour1.157407e-5 days <br />2.777778e-4 hours <br />1.653439e-6 weeks <br />3.805e-7 months <br /> notification of the NRC. The
subsequent investigation was not completed in a reasonable time, resulting in the
notification being approximately 1 month late.
P8 Miscellaneous Emergency Preparedness issues
P8.1 (Closed) Violation 50-482/9704-OL Emergency procedures and documentation.
The inspector verified the corrective actions described in the licensee's response
letters, dated April 23 and May 8,1997, to be reasonab!e and complete. No similar
problems were identified.
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F8 Miscellaneous Fire Protection issues
F8.1 (Closod) Violation 50-482/9623 03: Diesel fire pumo test. The inspector verified
the corrective actions described in the licensee's response letter, dated January 10,
1997, to be reasonable and complete. No similar problems were identified.
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V. ManAnement Meetinan
X1 Exit Meeting Summary
The inspector presented the inspection results to members of licensee management at the
conclusion of the inspection on August 12,1997. The licensee acknowledged the findings
presented.
The inspectors asked the licensee whether any materials examined during the inspection
should be considered proprietary. No proprietary information was identified.
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ATTACHMENT
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIOE
PARTIA_LilST OF PERSONS COF TACTED
Licensee
C. W. Fowler, Manager, integrated Planning and Scheduling
O. L. Maynard, President and Chief Executive Officer
B. T. McKinney, Plant Manager
R. Muench, Vice President Engineering
W. B. Norton, Manager, Performance improvement and Assessment
P. L. Sims, Manager, System Engineering
C. C. Warren, Chief Operating Officer
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USEQ
! IP 37551 Onsite Engineering
IP 61726 Surveillance Observatioris
, IP 62707 Maintenance Observations
I IP 71707 Plant Operations ~
IP 71750 Plant Support Activities
IP 92700 Onsite Follow-Up of Written Reports of Nonroutine Events at Power
Reactor Facilities
IP 92901 Followup-Plant Operations
IP 92902 Followup-Maintenance
IP 92903 Followup-Engineering
IP 92904 Followup Plant Support
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Ooened
50-482/9711-01 NCV Pump handswitch mispositioned during surveillance test
(Section M4.1)
50-482/9711 02 IFl Turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump discrepancy
lSection E1.1)
50 482/9711-03 NCV USAR response time discrepancy (Section E8.2)
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50-482/9711-04 IFl Response time discrepancy with control room vent
radioactivity monitors (Section E8.2)
50 482/9711 05 NCV Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Requirement 3.4.9.1 (Section E8.4)
50-482/9711-06 VIO Radiation work permit requirements (Section R4.1)
50-482/9711 07 VIO Failure to report offsite siren failures (Section P1.1)
Closed
50-482/EA96 470- VIO Reactor coolant pump flywheelintegrity
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01023 (Section E8.3)
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50-492/9711-01 NCV Pump handswitch mispositioned during surveillance
l test (Section M4.1)
50-482/9711-03 NCV USAR responso time discrepancy (Section E8.2)
,
50 482/9711 05 NCV Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Requirement 3.4.9.1 (Section E8.4)
50-482/9623 03 VIO Diesel fire pump (Section F8.1)
50-482/9624-01 VIO Turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump operability
(Section 08.1)
50-482/9624-02 VIO Missing main steam safety valve spindle nut cotter
pin (Section M8,1)
50 482/9624-05 VIO Review of Updated Safety Analysis Report
commitments (Section E8.1)
50-482/9704 01 VIO Operability of Valve EF HB0034 (Section 08.2)
50-482/S700 02 VIO Turbine driven auxiliary foodwater pump retest
(Section M8.2)
50-482/9704 03 VIO Turbine driven auxiliary feedwater test (Section MB.3)
50-482/9704-04 VIO On-the spot change for pump testing (Section M8.4)
50 482/9704 07 VIO Emergency procedures and documentation
(Section P8.1)
50 482/9708-04 URI Response time discrepancy with control room
ventilation radioactivity monitors (Section E8.2)
50-482/9709-02 URI Containment cleanliness (Section 08.3)
50 482/96-011 00/01 LER Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Surveillance Requirement 4.5.3.2 (Section E8.3)
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50 482/90 012 00/01 LER Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Surveillance Requ'rement 4.5.1.1.a.1 (Section E8.3)
50 482/96-013-00/01 LER Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Surveillance Requirement 4.8.1.1.20 7 (Section E8.3)
50 482/90-014 00/01 LER Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Surveillance Requirement 4.5.2.c for visual inspection
of containment (Section E8.3)
50-482/96-015-00/01 LER Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Surveillance 3.6.1.1, " Containment integrity"
(Section E8.3)
l 50 482/96 016 00/01 LER Failure to comply with Technical Specification
Requirement 3.4.9.1 (Section E8.4)
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