ML20235F651

Issues Ltr of Reprimand Re Violations Noted in Insp Rept 50-341/87-27 Concerning 870626 Unplanned Mode Change.Level of Performance as Licensed Operator Unacceptable & Similar Conduct Could Result in Significant Enforcement Sanctions

ML20235F651
Person / Time
Site:	Fermi
Issue date:	09/24/1987
From:	Davis A NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
To:	Lisa Clark DETROIT EDISON CO.
Shared Package
ML20235F593	List: ML20235F591 ML20235F620 ML20235F651 ML20235F671 ML20235F693 ML20235F703
References
EA-87-136, NUDOCS 8709290262
Download: ML20235F651 (2)

See also: IR 05000341/1987027

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UNITED STATES

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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

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799 ROOSEVELT RO AD

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..... SEP 2 41987

Docket No. 55-30301

License No. 50P-30198-1

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EA 87-136

The Detroit Edison Company

ATTN: Lloyd J. Clark

6400 N. Dixie Highway

Newport, MI 48166

Dear Mr. Clark:

i SUBJECT: LETTER OF REPRIMAND

(NRC INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-341/87027(DRS))

This refers to the inspection conducted during the period July 1-10, 1987, of

activities at the Fermi Power Plant, Unit 2. The inspection focused on the

circumstances that led to an uncontrolled increase in reactor temperature and

an unplanned change from Mode 4 (cold shutdown) to Mode 3 (hot shutdown). As

a result of this inspection, the NRC staff has determined that you did not, in

all respects, comply with the requirements of your Senior Operator's License.

The details of the events that led to this problem are presented in the subject

inspection report which is enclosed with this letter. On July 31, 1987, we

held an enforcement conference in the NRC Region III office with you and others

of the Fermi Power Plant staff. During the conference, we discussed the event

and its root causes.

Tne inspection determined that, on June 26, 1987, while in the position of

Nuclear Shift Supervisor, you failed to remain cognizant of existing plant

conditions and did not take proper steps to ensure your subordinates properly

performed their assigned duties. During this time, there existed an uncontrolled

increase in reactor water temperature at the rate of 10 decrees Fahrenheit per

hour and the temperature exceeded the 200 degree Fahrenheit Mode 4 limit.

Your failure to be cognizant of all reactor water temperature traces clearly

indicating a steady heat-up and to adequately discharge your supervisory

responsibility contributed to the plant experiencing an unplanned change

to Mode 3 in violation of the facility's Technical Specifications.

Your Senior Operator's License requires that you observe the operating procedures

and other conditions specified in the facility license which autnorizes operation

of Fermi Power Plant, Unit 2. Fermi Technical Specification 6.8.1.a requires

that writt e procedures be established, implemented, and maintained covering

the applicable procedures recommended in Appendix A of Regulatory Guide 1.33,

Revision 2, February 1978. One of the procedures recommended in Appendix A

of Regulatory Guide 1.33 deals with Authorities and Responsibilities for Safe

Operation and Shutdown. Technical Specification 6.8.1.a is implemented by the

Detroit Edison Company Plant Operations Manual (POM). POM Procedure 12.000.57,

Nuclear Production Organization," Revision 3, Paragraph 5.2.3, requires that

the Nuclear Shift Supervisor (NSS) maintain the broadest perspective of

operational conditions affecting the safety of the plant as a matter of highest

priority. Paragraph 5.2.3 further requires the NSS to supervise the operation

of the plant and control room to ensure compliance with Technical Specifications.

8709290262 870924

DR ADOCKOSOOgi

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Lloyd Clark 2 SEP 2 41987

The NRC staff has con' c luded that your lack of attention to the reactor water

temperature,- one of the critical safety related parameters in cold shutdown

(Mode 4), and your failure to ensure that your subordinates properly performed

their assigned duties demonstrates a level of performance below that required

of a licensed senior operator to ensure the safe operation of the reactor and ,

to protect the health and safety of the public. 4

Accordingly, this " Letter of Reprimand" is issued to emphasize that your level .

of performance as a licensed operator on June 26, 1987 was unacceptable and

that similar conduct in the future could result in significant enforcement i

sanctions. These sanctions could include: a Notice of Violation, suspension, i

modification or revocation of your license and/or the issuance of a civil penalty. 1

In the future the NRC will, in accordance with its Enforcement Policy, take l

whatever steps are necessary to ensure that you carry out licensed activities  !

in a manner that is consistent with plant safety as well as the health and

safety of the public. A copy of-this Letter of Reprimand will be placed in l

your official file. Should future evaluation of your performance as a licensed )

operator be necessary, this letter may be considered as part of that evaluation.

Should you choose to, you may file a written response to this letter which will {

be included in your official file. However, based on the information you 4

provided at the enforcement conference, a written response to this letter {

is not required. ]

Enforcement action is also being taken against your employer, Detroit Edison

Compan.y, as well as three other licensed individuals who were directly involved

in the June 26, 1987 unplanned mode change event. In accordance with 1

Section 2.790 of the NRC's Rules of Practice, Part 2, Title 10, Code of

Federal Regulations, copies of all this correspondence will be placed in

the NRC Public Document Room. Copies are also enclosed for your information.

Sincerely,  !

W

A. Bert Davis

Regional Administrator

Enclosures:

1. Notice of Violation I

'and Proposed Imposition

of Civil Penalty

2. Inspection Report l

No. 50-341/87027(DRS) J '

3. Letters of Reprimand

a. Michael T. Koralewski

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b. Thomas M. Given

c. Robert M. Trimai.

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