ML20235F671

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

ML20235F671
Person / Time
Site:	Fermi
Issue date:	09/24/1987
From:	Davis A NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
To:	Trimai R DETROIT EDISON CO.
Shared Package
ML20235F593	List: ML20235F591 ML20235F620 ML20235F651 ML20235F671 ML20235F693 ML20235F703
References
EA-87-135, NUDOCS 8709290272
Download: ML20235F671 (2)

See also: IR 05000341/1987027

Text

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Docket No. 55-30757 i

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License No. SOP-30524

EA 87-135

The Detroit Edison Company

ATTN: Robert M. Trimai

6400 N. Dixie Highway

Newport, MI 48166

Dear Mr. Trimai:

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 the 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.

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

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

plant conditions and did not take proper steps to ensure your subordinates in

the control room properly performed their assigned duties. During this time,

there existed on uncontrolled increase in reactor water temperature at the

rate of 10 degrees 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 Technical Specifications.

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

and other conditions specified in the facility license which authorizes operation

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

that written 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 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). P0M Procedure 12.000.57, " Nuclear

Production Organization," Revision 3, Paragraph 5.2.4.5, requires that the

Nuclear Assistant Shift Supervisor (NASS) assist the Nuclear Shift Supervisor

(NSS) in the operation of the plant and control room under all conditions,

ensuring compliance with all applicable procedures and regulations.

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Robert Trimai 2

The NRC staff has concluded 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 tc, 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

protect the health and safety of the public.

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

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

' similar conduct in the future could result in significant enforcement sanctions.

l These sanctions could include: a Notice of Violation, suspension, modification

l or revocation of your license and/or the issuance of a civil penalty. In the

'

future the NRC will, in accordance with.its Enforcement Policy, take 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 your official

file. Should future evaluation of your performance as a licensed opert. tor

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 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

Company, as well as three other licensed individuals who were directly involved

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

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,

hhAbb M

A. Bert Davis

Regional Administrator

Enclosures:

1. Notice of Violation

and Proposed Imposition

of Civil Penalty

2. Inspection Report

No. 50-341/87027(DRS)

3. Letters of Reprimand

a. Michael T. Koralewski

b. Thomas M. Given

c. Lloyd J. Clark

__