ML20211A437
| ML20211A437 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Fort Calhoun  |
| Issue date: | 09/19/1997 |
| From: | Gwynn T NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | Gambhir S OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20211A441 | List: |
| References | |
| 50-285-97-17, EA-97-432, NUDOCS 9709240261 | |
| Download: ML20211A437 (5) | |
See also: IR 05000285/1997017
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SEP l 91997
EA 97 432
S. K. Gambhir, Division Manager
Engineering and Operations Support
Omaha Public Power District
Fort Calhoun Station FC-2 4 Adm.
P.O. Box 399
Hwy. 75 North of Fort Calhoun
Fort Calhoun, Nebraska 68023-0399
SUBJECT: NRC SPECIAL INSPECTION REPORT 50-285/97-17
Dear Mr. Gambhir:
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On August 29,1997, the NRC completed a specialinspection to follow up on the disabling
of the containment spray system on August 21,1997, at your Fort Calhoun Station reactor
facility. The enclosed report presents the scope and results of that inspection.
Based on the results of this inspection, four apparent violations were identified and are
being considered for escalated enforcement action in accordance with the " General
Statement of Policy and Procedure for NRC Enforcement Actions" (Enforcement Policy).
NUREG 1600. The first apparent violation involves the failure of a licensed operator to
follow a surveillance test procedure in that the operator placed the control switches for
both of the containment spray header isolation valves in override, contrary to the
procedure requirements. This action rendered the containment spray system inoperable.
The second apparent violation involves failure to shut down the unit as required by
Technical Specification 2.0.1. The third apparent violation involves failure by operators to
properly log both compliance with Technical Specification requirements and restoration of
safety-related components. The fourth apparent violation involves failure by operators to-
conduct a proper shift turnover which allowed the inoperable containment spray system to
remain unidentified. Since we have not made a final determination in this case, no Notice
of Violation is presently being issued for these inspection findings. In addition, please be
advised that the number and characterization of apparent violations described in the
enclosed inspection report may change as a result of further NRC review.
These apparent violations are of concern because they indicate potentially significant
deficiencies in the conduct of plant operations and supervisory oversight, Additionally,
they indicate a failure to adequately implement corrective actions based on disabling of the
low temperature overpressure protection function of the pressurizer power operated relief
valves that occurred on March 18,1996, and led to escalated enforcement action (EA
96-204). Soecifically, your root cause analysis for that event identified the following
contributing causes: (1) lack of operator crew recognition of rendering the system
inoperable; (2) inadequate supervisory oversight; (3) inadequate shift turnover; (4) lack of
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operator questioning attitude and attention to detail; and (5) deficient log keeping. Similar
deficiencies contributed to this event.
9709240261 970919
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Omaha Public Power District
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A predecisional enforcement conference to discuss these apparent violations has been
scheduled for October 7,1997, at 9 a.m. in the Region IV office. The decision to hold a
predecisional enforcement conference does not mean that the NRC has determined that a
violation has occurred or that enforcement action will be taken. This conference is being
held to obtain information to enable the NRC to make an enforcement decision, such as a
common understanding of the facts, root causes, missed opportunities to identify the
apparent violation sooner, corrective actions, significance of the issues and the need for
lasting and effective corrective action. In particular, we expect you to address the degree
of redundancy to the containment spray system which is provided by other systems in
performing its safety functions. You are also requested to address the performance of
licensed operators with respect to their safety responsibilities during the surveillance test,
as well as the adequacy of previous corrective actions for EA 96-204. In addition, this is
an opportunity for you to point out any errors in our inspection report and for you to
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provide any information concerning your perspectives on 1) the severity of the violations,
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2) the application of the factors that the NRC considers when it determines the amount of
a civil penalty that may be assessed in accordance with Section VI.B.2 of the Enforcement
Policy, and 3) any other application of the Enforcement Policy to this case, including the
exercise of discretion in accordance with Section Vll This conference will be open to
public observation in accordance with the Enforcement Policy.
You will be advised by separate correspondence of the results of our deliberations on this
matter. No response regarding these apparent violations is required at this time.
in accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the NRC's " Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter
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and its enclosure will be placed in the NRC Public Document Room (PDR).
Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, we will be pleased to discuss
them with you.
Sinc
y,
s'
omas P. Gwy n, Dir tor
Division of Rea or Pr ects.
Docket No.; 50 285
License No.: DPR-40
Enclosure:
NRC Inspection Report
50-285/97-17
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Omaha Public Power District
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cc w/ enclosure:
James W, Tills, Manager
Nuclear Licensing
Omaha Public Power District
Fort Calhoun Station FC 2-4 Adm.
P.O. Box 399
Hwy. 75 - North of Fort Calhoun
Fort Calhoun, Nebraska 68023 0399
James W. Chase, Manager
Fort Calhoun Station
P.O. Box 399
Fort Calhoun, Nebraska 68023
Perry D. Robinson, Esq.
Winston & Strawn
1400 L, Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005 3502
Chairman
Washington County Board of Supervisors
Blair, Nebraska 68008
Cheryl Rogers, LLRW Program Manager
Environmental Protection Section
Nebraska Department of Health
301 Centennial Mall, South
P.O. Box 95007
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509 5007
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SEP l 91997
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