ML20214P224

Forwards Safety Insp 50-461/86-65 on 861006-1107.Violations Noted.No Response to Violation 6 Required.Response to Remaining Items Required

ML20214P224
Person / Time
Site:	Clinton
Issue date:	11/26/1986
From:	Norelius C NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
To:	Gerstner W ILLINOIS POWER CO.
Shared Package
ML20214P226	List: ML20214P224 ML20214P268
References
NUDOCS 8612040120
Download: ML20214P224 (2)

See also: IR 05000461/1986065

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NOV 2 61986

Docket No. 50-461.

Illinois Power Company

ATTN: Mr. W. C. Gerstner

Executive Vice President i

500 South 27th Street

Decatur, IL 62525

Gentlemen:

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This refers to the routine safety inspection conducted by Messrs. T. P. Gwynn,

P. L. Hiland, and J. Holmes of this office on October 6 through November 7,

1986, of activities at Clinton Power Station authorized by NRC Operating

License No. NPF-55, and to the discussion of our findings with yourself and

others of your staff at the conclusion of the inspection.

The enclosed copy of our inspection report identifies areas examined during

the inspection. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of a selective

examination of procedures and representative records, observations, and

interviews with personnel.

During this inspection, certain of your activities appeared to be in violation

of NRC-requirements, as specified in the enclosed Notice. With respect to item

6, the inspection showed that action had been taken to correct the identified

violations and to prevent recurrence. Our understanding of your corrective

actions is described in paragraph 12 of the enclosed inspection report.

Consequently, no reply to the violation 6 is required and we have no further

questions regarding this matter at this time.

Regarding the remaining items, a written response is required.

Pursuant to NRC's Enforcement Policy, we have carefully evaluated the violations

identified to determine whether or not escalated enforcement action was warranted.

We have concluded that the safety significance of the violations was small, but

note that this was largely due to plant conditions at the time of each occurrence.

For this reason, escalated enforcement action is not being taken. Notwithstanding,

and as we have discussed with your representatives in a meeting held in the

Region III Office on October 22, 1986, we are concerned about plant performance

during the first weeks of licensed operation. In particular we are concerned

about the inadequate management control resulting in a high number of fuel

handling errors and the high number of personnel errors and reportable

events. If this trend continues, it may result in the need for additional

NRC enforcement action. We are particularly concerned that corrective actions

be well thought out and controlled to assure the identification of root causes,

the appropriateness of changes and modifications, and the timeliness of

corrective actions, including actions taken to preclude recurrence. Our

concerns also extend to the apparent direct involvement of management in either

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Illinois Power Company 2

directing or condoning performance of safety-related activities in violation

of your own requirements. These matters' warrant senior utility management

attention. Your response to the enclosed notice, which underscores

our concerns, should specifically address those management actions you have

taken or are taking to assure the quality of your corrective action program and

to assure the correct performance of operational activities at Clinton Power

Station. These matters will be discussed with you during a meeting at the

Clinton site on December 1, 1986.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the Commission's regulations, a copy of this

letter, the enclosures, and your response to this letter will be placed in the

NRC Public Document Room.

The responses directed by this letter and the accompanying Notice are not

subject to the clearance procedures cf the Office of Management and Budget as

required by the Paperwork Reduction A':t of 1980, PL 96-511.

We will gladly discuss any questions you have concerning this inspection.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Norelius, Director

Divisicn of Reactor Projects

Enclosures:

1. Notice of Violation

2. Inspection Report

No. 50-461/86065(DRP)

cc w/ enclosures:

DCS/RSB (RIDS)

Licensing Fee Management Branch

Resident Inspector, RIII

Richard Hubbard

Gary N. Wright, Manager

Nuclear Facility Safety

Mark Jason, Assistant

Attorney General,

Environmental Control Division

H. S. Taylor, Quality Assurance l

Division

David Rosenblatt, Governor's

Office of Consumer Services

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