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 Entered dateSiteRegionReactor typeEvent description
ENS 5738717 October 2024 11:55:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of a licensee event report (LER) submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 1342 EDT, on September 10, 2024, the reactor water cleanup (RWCU) inboard primary containment isolation valve (PCIV), and the reactor recirculation pump sample inboard PCIV, unexpectedly closed. At the time of this event, work was in progress replacing a control relay in the residual heat removal (RHR) shutdown cooling inboard isolation PCIV circuitry. This relay replacement required lifting the leads of several wires. The neutral side of the relay was electrically connected with the actuation logic for the inboard RWCU and reactor recirculation pump sample PCIVs; the lifting of this lead resulted in the unexpected closure of these PCIVs. The actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, nor an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. During this event the PCIVs functioned successfully, and the actuations were complete. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: Unit 2 was not affected.
ENS 5738416 October 2024 11:37:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email: A non-licensed contract supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access has been terminated. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5732216 September 2024 13:02:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

The following information was provided by the licensee via fax and phone: On September 16, 2024, at 1240 EDT, with Unit 1 in mode 1 at 100 percent power and Unit 2 in mode 1 at 100 percent power, an Unusual Event was declared due to roads in the area leading to the plant being flooded and having the potential to prohibit plant staff from accessing the site via personal vehicles (Emergency Action Level HU3.4). Current onsite plant staff is sufficient for plant operation. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i) due to the declaration of an emergency classification as specified in the approved Emergency Plan. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The NRC decided to remain in the Normal mode of operation at 1320 EDT. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, CISA Central Watch Officer, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 9/17/2024 AT 1411 EDT FROM DAVID MACDONALD TO ROBERT THOMPSON * * *

The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: At approximately 1400 EDT on September 17, 2024, the Unusual Event at Brunswick was terminated due to the flood waters receding and roads to the plant becoming passable. The NRC resident inspector has been notified. Notified R2DO (Suber), NRR EO (Felts), IR MOC (Crouch), DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, CISA Central Watch Officer, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email).

ENS 5698822 February 2024 08:55:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of a Licensee Event Report (LER) submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 0815 EST on December 28, 2023, an invalid actuation of the four emergency diesel generators (EDGs) occurred. It was determined that this condition was likely caused by spurious operation of the undervoltage relay for the startup auxiliary transformer feeder breaker to the `1D' balance of plant bus which was being fed by the unit auxiliary transformer at the time, per the normal lineup. This non-safety related EDG actuation logic was disabled, and additional investigation is planned during the upcoming refueling outage. The actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. During this event, the four EDGs functioned successfully, and the actuations were complete. All emergency buses remained energized from offsite power and, therefore, the EDGs did not tie to their respective buses. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector had been notified.
ENS 5698722 February 2024 08:55:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of a Licensee Event Report (LER) submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 2333 EST on January 1, 2024, an invalid actuation of group 6 primary containment isolation valves (PCIVs) (i.e., containment atmospheric control/monitoring (CAC/CAM) and post-accident sampling system (PASS) isolation valves) occurred. Reactor building ventilation isolated and standby gas treatment started per design. No manipulations associated with the isolation or reset logic were ongoing at the time. Troubleshooting determined that the group 6 isolation signal resulted from spurious relay contact actuation in the main stack radiation high-high isolation logic due to relay contact oxidation. The main stack radiation monitor is a shared component that sends isolation signals to Unit 1 and Unit 2. There were no Unit 1 actuations. Only the relay contacts associated with Unit 2 actuated. The relay has been replaced. The actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions. It was not an intentional manual initiation and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. During this event the PCIVs functioned successfully, and the actuations were complete. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector had been notified.
ENS 5697719 February 2024 03:34:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: At approximately 2325 EST on February 18, 2024, with Unit 1 in Mode 5 at 0 percent power and Unit 2 in Mode 1 at 100 percent power, emergency diesel generator 2 automatically started due to the unexpected loss of AC power to emergency bus E2 during a planned transfer of E2 DC control power from normal to alternate for the 1B-1 battery. In addition, the unexpected loss of AC power to E2 resulted in Unit 1 primary containment isolation system (PCIS) partial Group 2 (i.e., drywell equipment and floor drain, residual heat removal (RHR), discharge to radioactive waste, and RHR process sample), Group 6 (i.e., containment atmosphere control/dilution, containment atmosphere monitoring, and post accident sampling systems), and partial Group 10 (i.e., air isolation to the drywell) isolations. Emergency diesel generator 2 automatically started and re-energized the E2 bus as designed when the loss of E2 signal was received. The PCIS actuations were as expected for the outage plant line up on Unit 1 at the time. The cause of the loss of electrical power to emergency bus E2 is under investigation at this time. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in a valid actuation of emergency diesel generator 2 and PCIS. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: This event will be entered into the plant's corrective action program.
ENS 5697417 February 2024 14:07:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email and phone call: At 0837 EST, on 02/17/2024, during a refueling outage at 0 percent power while performing local leak rate testing (LLRT) on the reactor core isolation cooling (RCIC) isolation valves, which is part of the containment boundary, it was determined that the Unit 1 primary containment leakage rate did not meet 10 CFR 50 Appendix J requirements specified in Technical Specification 5.5.12. This event is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5685816 November 2023 12:12:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: At 0906 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 16, 2023, it was determined that a non-licensed employee supervisor failed a test specified by the Fitness for Duty (FFD) testing program. The individual's authorization for site access has been removed. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5679715 October 2023 23:30:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

The following information was provided by the licensee: At 2256 EDT on October 15, 2023, Brunswick declared a Notification of Unusual Event due to a fire not extinguished within 15 minutes. The licensee received fire alarms and indication of a halon discharge in the basement of the emergency diesel generator building. Due to the delay in the entry into the area, the licensee was not able to verify that the fire was out within 15 minutes. Upon entry into the room, the licensee noted an acrid odor near a transformer, but there was not a fire in the room. The fire was declared out at 2310 EDT. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, CISA Central, FEMA NWC (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email), DHS NRCC THD Desk (email), and DHS Nuclear SSA (email).

  • * * UPDATE AT 0047 EDT ON 10/16/2023 FROM JOSEPH STRNAD TO BILL GOTT * * *

The following information was provided by the licensee via email: Termination of Unusual Event due to verification of no fire in the basement of the emergency diesel generator building." The licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 0045 on 10/16/23. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Miller), IR-MOC (Grant), NRR-EO (Felts), DHS-SWO, FEMA Ops Center, CISA Central, FEMA NWC (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email), DHS NRCC THD Desk (email), and DHS Nuclear SSA (email).

ENS 5647820 April 2023 05:24:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: At 0148 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 20, 2023, with Unit 1 in Mode 1 at 100% power, the reactor automatically tripped due to a turbine trip. Turbine Bypass valves did not open on the trip due to Turbine Protection system power supply failure; the Safety Relief Valves (SRVs) opened automatically to control reactor pressure. Reactor Pressure reached approximately 1095 psig on the trip; exceeding the 1060 psig RPS trip setpoint. Operations responded and stabilized the plant. Operations was able to transition from SRVs to main steam line drains to the condenser. Reactor water level is being maintained via the Condensate / Feedwater system. Decay heat is being removed by discharging steam to the main condenser using the main steam line drains. Due to the Reactor Protection System (RPS) actuation while critical, this event is being reported as a four-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B). Reactor water level reached low level 1 (LL1) following the reactor trip. The LL1 signal causes Group 2 (i.e., floor and equipment drain isolation valves), Group 6 (i.e., monitoring and sampling isolation valves), and Group 8 (i.e., shutdown cooling isolation valves) isolations. The LL1 isolations occurred as designed; the Group 8 valves were closed at the time of the event. Due to the valid Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) actuation and RPS actuation from the reactor pressure signal, this event is also being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). Unit 2 is not affected by this event. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5628728 December 2022 09:18:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email: This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER (Licensee Event Report) submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 0906 Eastern Time (EST) on November 9, 2022, an invalid actuation of Group 6 Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs) (i.e., Containment Atmospheric Control/Monitoring and Post Accident Sampling isolation valves) occurred. In addition, per design, Reactor Building Ventilation isolated and Standby Gas Treatment started. It was determined that this condition was caused by faulty test equipment that was being used during preparation for the Main Stack Radiation Monitor High Radiation Response Time test. This test requires connecting a recording device to monitor for the test start signal on a Unit 2 relay associated with the Main Stack High Radiation signal. The recorder faulted which caused the associated fuse to blow and resulted in Unit 2 receiving a Main Stack High Radiation signal and Group 6 PCIV actuation. It was verified that the radiation monitor was not in trip electrically (i.e., there was no high radiation condition). The actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. During this event the PCIVs functioned successfully, and the actuations were complete. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified.
ENS 5628119 December 2022 13:12:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 0735 EST on December 19, 2022, it was determined that a non-licensed employee supervisor failed a test specified by the Fitness-for-Duty (FFD) testing program. The individual's authorization for site access has been terminated. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 561384 October 2022 10:27:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email: This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for invalid actuations of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 0628 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on August 6, 2022, an invalid actuation of group 6 Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs) (i.e., containment atmospheric control/monitoring and post accident sampling isolation valves) occurred. The group 6 isolation signal resulted from the reactor building ventilation radiation monitor `A' channel exceeding the setpoint value. This condition recurred at approximately 1305 EDT on August 12, 2022. In both instances, the `B' channel, located in the same plenum, remained steady and below the setpoint value through the entire event. This, along with readings made by radiation protection technicians, confirmed that there were no actual high radiation conditions in the reactor building exhaust in either instance. Following each invalid actuation, upon returning unit 2 reactor building ventilation to service, the `A' channel readings returned to be consistent with the `B' channel. It was determined that these invalid actuations likely resulted from degradation of circuit components associated with the radiation monitor. The `A' channel radiation monitor was replaced on September 22, 2022. During these two events, the PCIVs functioned successfully and the actuations were complete. The actuations were not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, they were not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, these events have been determined to be invalid actuations. These events did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public.
ENS 5601625 July 2022 13:30:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 1058 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on July 25, 2022, it was determined that a non-licensed supervisor failed a test specified by the FFD testing program for the substance alcohol. The individual's authorization for site access has been terminated. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5599715 July 2022 23:41:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 2020 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on July 15, 2022, the HPCI System was declared inoperable. Therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) System and Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) were operable during this time. HPCI availability was restored at 2023. Additional investigation is in-progress. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. Unit 2 is not affected by this event. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: HPCI is considered inoperable but available at this time, resulting in a 14-day Shutdown LCO (Limiting Condition for Operation), due to the HPCI inoperability.
ENS 5585926 April 2022 13:13:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via fax or email: This 60-day telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER submittal per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for invalid actuations of systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 0040 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 7, 2022, Unit 1 received inadvertent High-Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) and Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) initiation signals. Subsequently, at approximately 0148 EST on March 7, 2022, Unit 1 received inadvertent Low-Pressure Coolant Injection (LPCI) and Core Spray initiation signals. In addition, all four Emergency Diesel Generators auto started, Group 10 (Instrument Air) Primary Containment Isolation System actuations occurred, and the Residual Heat Removal (RHR) Service Water Booster pumps tripped resulting in a brief interruption (approximately 9 minutes) to the Shutdown Cooling (SDC) heatsink. Jumpers, installed per planned refueling outage activities, prevented discharge of Emergency Core Cooling Systems into the reactor. HPCI, RCIC, and RHR Loop `A' were removed from service and under clearance. RHR SDC remained operable via RHR Loop `B' and forced circulation was maintained in the reactor. At the time of these events, Unit 1 was shutdown for refueling and the `A' and `C' reactor water level transmitters had been isolated in preparation for planned replacement. Leak-by of the instrument isolation valves occurred on both transmitters. Leak-by on the `C' instrument occurred at a faster rate with the `A' instrument providing the confirmatory signals resulting in Low Level 2 (LL2) and Low Level 3 (LL3) indication at approximately 0040 EST and 0148 EST, respectively. All actuations occurred as designed for LL2 and LL3 signals. During these events, reactor water level remained stable at the Reactor Vessel Head Flange and the `B' and `D' reactor water level transmitters remained off-scale-high, as expected under these conditions. Therefore, the actuations were not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system (i.e., there was no low reactor water level condition). Considering the above, these actuations were invalid. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel.
ENS 557809 March 2022 23:20:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

The following information was provided by the licensee: At 2013 EST on March 9, 2022, the HPCI System was declared inoperable following evaluation of routine HPCI surveillance testing data indicating that the required response time for reaching rated conditions was not met. Therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) System and Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) are operable. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. Investigation is in-progress to determine the cause. Unit 1 is not affected by this event. Unit 1 is in a refueling outage. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 05/04/22 AT 1135 EDT FROM CHARLIE BROOKSHIRE TO DAN LIVERMORE * * *

The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 20:13 EST on March 9, 2022, the HPCI System was declared inoperable following evaluation of routine HPCI surveillance testing data indicating that the required response time for reaching rated flow and pressure was not met. Subsequent to this, it was determined that the required response time was overly conservative for assuring the safety function of the system could be fulfilled. The required response time was revised. The operability determination for this event has been updated indicating that system operability was never lost for this event. There was not a condition that could have prevented the system from fulfilling the safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified R2DO (Miller).

ENS 5575624 February 2022 14:35:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4The following information was provided by the licensee via email: This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER (Licensee Event Report) submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 1316 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 4, 2022, during performance of isolation logic periodic testing associated with Primary Containment Isolation System Groups 2 and 6, an invalid actuation of Group 6 Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs) (i.e., Containment Atmospheric Control/Monitoring (CAC/CAM) and Post Accident Sampling (PASS) isolation valves) occurred. This resulted in a Division I CAC isolation signal, a full CAM isolation, and a full PASS isolation. Reactor Building Ventilation isolated and Standby Gas Treatment started per design. No manipulations associated with the isolation or reset logic were ongoing at the time. Troubleshooting determined that the Group 6 isolation signal resulted from a high resistance contact on a relay associated with the main stack radiation high-high isolation logic. This condition interrupted electrical continuity and prevented the Group 6 logic from resetting. Following cleaning of the relay contacts, the isolation logic remained in the reset state. The main stack radiation monitor is a shared component that sends isolation signals to Unit 1 and Unit 2. It was verified that the radiation monitor was not in trip electrically and there were no Unit 2 actuations. Therefore, the actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. As a result, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified.
ENS 556276 December 2021 18:14:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

On December 6, 2021, at 1125 hours Eastern Standard Time (EST), during planned maintenance activities, electrical power was lost to the 4160V emergency bus E-3. The power loss to emergency bus E-3 affected both Unit 1 and 2. Emergency Diesel Generator #3 received an automatic start signal but was under clearance for planned maintenance. Emergency bus E-3 was re-energized at 1315 EST hours via offsite power. The loss of power to E3 resulted in Unit 2 Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) Group 2 (i.e., Drywell Equipment and Floor Drain, Residual Heat Removal (RHR) Discharge to Radwaste, and RHR Process Sample), Group 3 (i.e., Reactor Water Cleanup), Group 6 (i.e., Containment Atmosphere Control/Dilution, Containment Atmosphere Monitoring, and Post Accident Sampling Systems), and Group 10 (i.e., air isolation to the drywell) isolations. The actuations of PCIVs were completed and the affected equipment responded as designed. Per design, no Unit 1 safety system group isolations or actuations occurred. Other Unit 2 actuations included the Reactor Building Ventilation System isolation (i.e., Secondary Containment isolation), and the automatic start signal to the Standby Gas Treatment (SGT) System trains A and B and the Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREV). Systems functioned as designed. Safety systems functioned as designed following the de-energization of bus E-3. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that resulted in a valid actuation of PCIS on Unit 2 and an automatic start signal to Emergency Diesel Generator #3. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Except for the Emergency Diesel Generator, which is out of service for planned maintenance, all equipment has been returned to its normal alignment.

  • * * UPDATE FROM JJ STRNAD TO THOMAS KENDZIA AT 2028 EST ON DECEMBER 6, 2021 * * *

The loss of power to E3 resulted in Unit 1 Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) Group 6 (i.e., Containment Atmosphere Control/Dilution, Containment Atmosphere Monitoring, and Post Accident Sampling Systems). Other Unit 1 actuations included the Reactor Building Ventilation System isolation (i.e., Secondary Containment isolation), and the automatic start signal to the Standby Gas Treatment (SGT) System trains A and B and the Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREV). Systems functioned as designed. Safety systems functioned as designed following the de-energization of bus E-3. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that resulted in a valid actuation of PCIS on Unit 1. All Unit 1 equipment was returned to its normal alignment. The NRC Resident will be notified. Notified R2DO (Miller).

ENS 5519114 April 2021 13:00:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 1507 EDT on February 17, 2021, during performance of isolation logic periodic testing associated with Primary Containment Isolation System Groups 2 and 6, an invalid actuation of Group 6 Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs) (i.e., Containment Atmospheric Control/Monitoring and Post Accident Sampling isolation valves) occurred. The Group 6 isolation signal resulted from the reactor building ventilation radiation monitor `B' Channel exceeding the setpoint value. This condition likely resulted from the radiation monitor electronics being impacted by humidity levels, which exceeded the instrument design requirements that developed in the area over time as a result of the Unit 2 reactor building ventilation being secured per the test procedure. The `A' Channel, located in the same plenum, remained steady and below the setpoint value through the entire event. This, along with readings made by a Radiation Protection Technician, confirmed that there was no actual high radiation condition in the reactor building exhaust. Upon returning Unit 2 reactor building ventilation to service, the `B' Channel readings returned to be consistent with the `A' Channel. The PCIVs functioned successfully and the actuation was complete. The actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified.
ENS 548123 August 2020 23:31:00BrunswickNRC Region 2

At 2312 EDT, on August 3, 2020, Brunswick Unit 1 declared an Unusual Event due to a loss of offsite power. The unit was at approximately 20 percent power and was not synced to the grid when the unit automatically scrammed. All control rods fully inserted. Emergency Diesel Generators started and began powering the safety buses. Safety systems actuated as expected. The Unit also experienced a loss of Fuel Pool Cooling and Cleanup System, but one pump was returned to service. Unit 2 remains at 100 percent power and is unaffected. The licensee notified State and local governments, as well as the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, CISA IOCC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).

  • * * UPDATE FROM MARK TURKAL TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0120 EDT ON 8/4/2020 * * *

At approximately 2302 EDT, a loss of offsite power occurred on Unit 1. This resulted in a Reactor Protection System (RPS) actuation. Per design, emergency diesel generators 1 and 2 properly started and loaded to their respective emergency buses. The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system was manually started and is being used to control reactor water level. The High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system was manually started and is being used for pressure control. As previously reported, an Unusual Event was declared at 2312 EDT due to the loss of offsite power. At the time of the event, Unit 1 was in the process of shutting down for maintenance associated with a ground on the main generator. Due to the RPS actuation while critical, this event is being reported as a four-hour, nonemergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B). As a result of the reactor trip, reactor water level reached low level 1 (LL1). The LL1 signal causes a Group 2 (i.e., floor and equipment drain isolation valves), Group 6 (i.e., monitoring and sample isolation valves) and Group 8 (i.e., shutdown cooling isolation valves) isolations. The LL1 isolations occurred as designed; the Group 8 valves were closed at the time of the event. Per design, the loss of offsite power also caused a Group 1 (i.e., main steam isolation valve) isolations. Due to the Emergency Diesel Generator and Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) actuations, this event is also being reported as an eight-hour, nonemergency notification in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). Unit 2 was not affected. There was no impact to the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The safety significance of the event is minimal. All safety related systems operated as designed. Investigation of the cause of the loss of offsite power is in progress. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Inverso).

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/4/2020 AT 1534 EDT FROM JOSEPH ELKINS TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

At 1454 EDT on August 4, 2020, the Unusual Event was exited when offsite power was restored to Unit 1. Per design, when the loss of offsite power to Unit 1 occurred, all four emergency diesel generators (EDGs) started and EDGs 1 and 2 properly suppled emergency buses 1 and 2. Since Unit 2 was not affected by the loss of power, EDGs 3 and 4 ran unloaded. With restoration of offsite power to Unit 1, EDG 2 has been secured. EDGs 1, 3, and 4 are being secured as required by plant operating procedure. Notified R2DO (Inverso), NRR EO (Miller), IRD MOC (Grant), DHS SWO, FEMA OC, DHS NICC WO, CISA IOCC (email), DHS SWO (email), FEMA NWC (email), FEMA Ops Center (email), FEMA-NRCC-sasc (email), NRCC THD Desk (email), NuclearSSA (email). ********************************************************************************************************************************

ENS 5477210 July 2020 08:28:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 0900 EDT hours on 7/10/2020 Duke Energy will undertake planned maintenance activities on the common Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) for Brunswick, Catawba, Harris, McGuire, Oconee, and Robinson nuclear sites. The work includes performance of upgrades to the emergency AC power system and requires the removal of both normal and emergency power to the facility. The work duration is approximately ten (10) days. If a declared emergency were to occur at Brunswick, the Alternate EOF would be set up in the Catawba Alternate Technical Support Center (TSC) location as described in implementing procedures. The Emergency Response Organization has been notified that the primary EOF will be unavailable during the upgrade project and to report to the alternate location, if activated. This is an eight-hour, non-emergency notification for a loss of emergency assessment capability. This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) because the work activity affects the functionality of an emergency response facility. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 547332 June 2020 19:41:00BrunswickNRC Region 2On June 2, 2020, at 1905 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Brunswick Steam Electric Plant (BSEP) made a report to the Department of Transportation (DOT) concerning the identification during receipt inspection of removable contamination in excess of 49 CFR 173.443(a) limits on an empty Type 'A' transportation shipping cask received at BSEP. All smears taken on the cask rain cover, trailer bed, and tires were less than minimum detectable activity for removable contamination. This notification is being made as a four-hour, non-emergency notification for a Notification of Other Government Agency. This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5467522 April 2020 10:43:00BrunswickNRC Region 2This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER (licensee event report) submittal as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 1025 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 5, 2020, with Unit 1 shutdown in Mode 5 for refueling, an invalid actuation of Group 6 Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs) (i.e., Containment Atmospheric Control/Monitoring and Post Accident Sampling isolation valves) occurred. The invalid actuation occurred when power was lost as a result of the Inboard Isolation Logic Fuse being removed per a planned clearance hang to support maintenance. The PCIVs functioned successfully and the actuation was complete. The actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 5460324 March 2020 16:02:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 1205 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 24, 2020, a Technical Specification-required shutdown was initiated on Unit 1 due to indication of a leak in the drywell. Technical Specification Action 3.4.4.A, Unidentified Reactor Coolant System (RCS) leakage increase not within limit, requires RCS leakage to be reduced to within limits within 8 hours. It was expected that the leakage would not have been reduced to within limits within the required Technical Specification completion time; therefore, this event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i). Reactor water level reached low level 1 (LL1) following the reactor shutdown. The LL1 signal causes Group 2 (i.e., floor and equipment drain isolation valves), Group 6 (i.e., monitoring and sampling isolation valves), and Group 8 (i.e., shutdown cooling isolation valves) isolations. The LL1 isolations occurred as designed; the Group 8 valves were closed at the time of the event. Due to the valid Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) actuation, this event is also being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). Unit 2 is not affected by this event. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5459722 March 2020 16:39:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 1255 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 22, 2020, with Unit 1 in Mode 2, stabilized at 2 percent power, coming out of a refueling outage, all 4 main turbine Bypass Valves (BPVs) opened unexpectedly. As a result, the main control room inserted a manual reactor scram. All control rods inserted as expected during the scram. In accordance with plant procedures, the main control room closed all Main Steam Line Isolation Valves (MSIVs) to arrest the cooldown resulting from BPVs remaining open. The condensate system remained aligned for injection and pressure control was initially via main steam line drains. RHR (residual heat removal) shutdown cooling was placed in operation for decay heat removal and pressure control once the MSIVs were closed. All systems responded as designed, with the exception of the BPVs. Due to the Reactor Protection System actuation while critical, this event is being reported as a four-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. There was no impact to Unit 2.
ENS 5432210 October 2019 12:14:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 1122 EDT, on October 10, 2019, Duke Energy initiated voluntary notification of North Carolina State and local officials per the guidance in Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 07-07, 'Industry Groundwater Protection Initiative - Final Guidance Document,' due to release of tritiated water in excess of 100 gallons. On October 8, 2019, at approximately 1300 EDT, Brunswick plant personnel drilling as part of an ongoing site project, damaged a storm drain discharge line. The resulting leak was isolated and water around the impacted area was sampled for gamma emitters and tritium. No gamma emitters were detected. The tritium concentration was below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water limit of 20,000 pCi/L. The leak has been stopped and excavation and repair efforts are in progress. This notification is being made solely as a four-hour, non-emergency notification for a notification of other government agency. This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 541443 July 2019 12:42:00BrunswickNRC Region 2This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER submittal, as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). At approximately 2000 EDT on May 9, 2019, an invalid actuation of emergency diesel generator (EDG) 1 occurred. At the time, EDG 1 was removed from service for planned maintenance. The invalid actuation occurred when the starting air clearance was being lifted while simultaneously performing a Post Maintenance Test (PMT) where an external DC power source was applied to a relay that provided continuity directly to the starting air solenoids. As a result, the air start solenoids were energized causing EDG 1 to start. EDG 1 started and functioned successfully. The actuation was complete; EDG 1 successfully started and ran unloaded. The actuation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 5411613 June 2019 03:59:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 2127 EDT on June 12, 2019, during routine testing, the HPCI turbine experienced an overspeed trip and then subsequently restarted and ramped to the required speed. As a result, the response time of the system exceeded the 60-second acceptance criteria, thereby rendering the system inoperable. This condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) System and Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) are operable. The safety significance of this event is minimal. Troubleshooting activities are in progress. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 540526 May 2019 22:49:00BrunswickNRC Region 2

At 2204 EDT on 5/6/19, a Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) was declared due to a fire lasting greater than 15 minutes. The fire occurred in the '2B' Heater Drain Pump motor located in the turbine building. The fire was extinguished following initial Emergency Declaration. There were no releases to the environment. Unit 1 was unaffected by the event and remains in Mode 1 at 100 percent power. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 5/7/19 AT 0002 EDT FROM MICHAEL BRADEN TO BETHANY CECERE * * *

The NOUE was terminated as of 2359 EDT on 5/6/19. No off-site resources were required to extinguish the fire. The turbine building is now free of smoke. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector, State of North Carolina, Brunswick County, New Hanover County, and the Coast Guard. Notified R2DO (Heisserer), NRR EO (Miller), and IRD (Gott). Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).

ENS 5401622 April 2019 01:51:00BrunswickNRC Region 2

At 2307 EDT on April 21, 2019, in Mode 1 at approximately 100 percent reactor power, Unit 1 automatically tripped due to a Main Turbine Trip. The Main Turbine Trip was a result of two out of three level instruments sensing a false high reactor water level. All control rods inserted as expected during the scram. Safety Relief Valves G and K lifted per design. The same level instruments that failed also tripped both Reactor Feed Pumps. As a result, reactor water level dropped below the Low Level 1 and 2 actuation setpoints. Per design, the Low Level 1 signal resulted in Group 2 (i.e., floor and equipment drain isolation valves), Group 6 (i.e., monitoring and sampling isolation valves) and Group 8 (i.e., shutdown cooling isolation valves) isolations. The Low Level 2 signals resulted in Group 3 (i.e. Reactor Water Cleanup) isolation, a secondary containment isolation signal, and an auto start of Standby Gas Treatment and Control Room Emergency Ventilation. Also, the Low Level 2 resulted in (high pressure coolant injection) HPCI and (reactor core isolation cooling system) RCIC automatically starting and injecting into the vessel. All systems responded as designed. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) for RPS actuation and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in valid actuations of the Primary Containment Isolation System. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Decay heat is currently being removed via the turbine bypass valves. Condensate and feed water are maintaining water level. The reactor is still at saturation temperature and 475 psi, lowering slowly. The reactor is still in a normal electrical lineup. There was no impact to Unit 2 as a result of this event.

  • * * UPDATE ON 04/22/19 AT 0220 EDT FROM ALAN SCHULTZ TO JEFFREY WHITED * * *

The licensee updated the event report to include a 4-Hr Non-Emergency Notification in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A) for Emergency Core Cooling System, HPCI, Discharge to the Reactor Coolant System. Notified R2DO (Dickson), NRR EO (Miller) and IR MOC (Gott).

ENS 5396630 March 2019 21:06:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 17:47 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 30, 2019, with Unit 2 in Mode 1 at approximately 23 percent reactor power and main turbine startup in progress coming out of a refuel outage, a high temperature was sensed at main turbine bearing #9. As a result of and to arrest the high temperature condition, the main control room inserted a manual reactor scram. All control rods inserted as expected during the scram. When the scram was inserted, reactor water level dropped below the Low Level 1 actuation setpoint. Per design, the Low Level 1 signal resulted in Group 2 (i.e., floor and equipment drain isolation valves), Group 6 (i.e., monitoring and sampling isolation valves) and Group 8 (i.e., shutdown cooling isolation valves) isolations. The main control room manually closed all Main Steam Isolation Valves (MSIVs), in anticipation of a low vacuum prior to the Group 1 automatic closure signal being received. High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) was aligned for pressure control and Reactor Coolant Isolation System (RCIC) was aligned for level control. The Reactor Coolant Sample Line Isolation valves closed as expected on low main condenser vacuum. All systems responded as designed. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) for RPS actuation and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in valid actuations of the Primary Containment Isolation System. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. At the time of notification, decay heat was being removed by the condenser through one open MSIV and a feedwater pump running.
ENS 5396228 March 2019 20:55:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 1654 EDT on March 28, 2019, with Unit 1 in Mode 3 at 0 percent power, an actuation of the Primary Containment Isolation System occurred, closing the outboard Main Steam Isolation Valves (MSIVs) due to a low condenser vacuum signal. The MSIVs had been manually closed, per procedure, during the shutdown evolution to address drywell leakage. The inboard MSIVs had not been reopened when the isolation occurred. Subsequently, at 1658 EDT a Reactor Protection System (RPS) actuation occurred due to reactor water level dropping below the actuation setpoint. All control rods were inserted at the time of the actuation. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in valid actuations of the Primary Containment Isolation System and the Reactor Protection System. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The safety function of both the MSIVs and the RPS had already been completed at the time of the event. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5396128 March 2019 15:07:00BrunswickNRC Region 2

At 1450 EDT on March 28, 2019, the licensee observed that the Unit 1 unidentified Reactor Coolant System (RCS) leakage was greater than 10 gallons per minute (gpm) for greater than or equal to 15 minutes. The licensee declared an Unusual Event in accordance with their EAL SU 5.1. The licensee initiated a unit shutdown in accordance with their procedures and the unit was approximately 58 percent reactor power at 1507 EDT, with unit shutdown in progress. The licensee also received an alarm due to increasing Drywell Pressure at 1.7 pounds drywell pressure. At 1600 EDT the licensee called with an update. Unit 1 was still in an Unusual Event with the unit at 37 percent power with the shutdown continuing. Drywell Pressure had decreased to 0.8 pounds. At 1603 the licensee scrammed Unit 1. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 3/28/2019 AT 1808 EDT FROM MARK TURKAL TO THOMAS KENDZIA * * *

At 1437 EDT on March 28, 2019, with Unit 1 in Mode 1 at approximately 100 percent power, a Technical Specification-required shutdown was initiated due to indication of a leak in the drywell. Technical Specification Action 3.4.4.A, Unidentified Reactor Coolant System (RCS) leakage increase not within limit, requires RCS leakage to be reduced to within limits within 8 hours. It is expected that the leakage would not have been reduced to within limits within the required Technical Specification completion time; therefore, this event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * UPDATE ON 03/29/19 AT 0302 EDT FROM TOM FIENO TO BETHANY CECERE * * *

At 0259 EDT on March 29, 2019, the Unusual Event was terminated because RCS leakage was reduced to less than 10 gallons per minute. The most recent leakage rate measured at 0225 EDT was 3.9 gpm. The source of the leak will be identified when plant conditions allow containment entry. No elevated radiation levels were observed during this event. Drywell pressure is currently 0.0 psig. Unit 1 is in Mode 4. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Bonser), NRR EO (Miller), IRD MOC (Grant), DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).

ENS 5395525 March 2019 11:14:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 0402 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 25, 2019, an actuation of the four Emergency Diesel Generators (EDGs) occurred. At the time of the event, Unit 1 was in Mode 1 at approximately 100% power and Unit 2 was in Mode 4 at 0% power. Unit 2 was in the process of aligning the electrical distribution system to power the emergency buses via the Unit Auxiliary Transformer (UAT) in accordance with plant procedures. It was determined that a fault occurred on the power path between the 230 KV switchyard and the UAT. This caused a main generator differential lockout relay to actuate; thereby starting the EDGs. All emergency buses remained energized from offsite power via the Startup Auxiliary Transformer and, therefore, the EDGs did not tie to their respective buses. The EDGs responded per design to this event. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in valid actuation of the EDGs. Due to the shared configuration of the Brunswick electrical system, both Unit 1 and Unit 2 are affected. The Unit 2 main generator lockout was reset and the EDGs have been restored to standby condition. Troubleshooting activities to determine the cause of the fault are in progress. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 539115 March 2019 12:46:00BrunswickNRC Region 2At 05:35 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 5, 2019, with Unit 2 in Mode 5 at 0% power, an actuation of the Primary Containment Isolation System occurred during hydrolazing of the reactor water level variable leg instrumentation line nozzle N011B in the reactor cavity. The hydrolazing activity caused low reactor water level to be sensed on Division II of the shutdown range level instrumentation. Per design, the low level 1 signal resulted in Group 2 (i.e., floor and equipment drain isolation valves), Group 6 (i.e., monitoring and sampling isolation valves) and Group 8 (i.e., shutdown cooling isolation valves) isolations. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in a valid actuation of the Primary Containment Isolation System. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The Group 8 was reset and shutdown cooling was restored at approximately 05:45 EST. The safety significance of this event was minimal. Although there was a brief interruption of the shutdown cooling, the Residual Heat Removal (RHR) shutdown cooling system operation was restored in approximately 10 minutes without extensive troubleshooting or maintenance, and remained operable. The RHR shutdown cooling system is not credited in any Updated Final Safety Analysis Report Chapter 6 or 15 accidents or transients. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5360915 September 2018 15:45:00BrunswickNRC Region 2

EN Revision Text: UNUSUAL EVENT DUE TO SITE CONDITIONS PREVENTING PLANT ACCESS A hazardous event has resulted in on site conditions sufficient to prohibit the plant staff from accessing the site via personal vehicles due to flooding of local roads by Tropical Storm Florence. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA OPS, and DHS NICC. Notified FEMA NWC, NuclearSSA, and FEMA NRCC via email.

  • * * UPDATE FROM BRUCE HARTSCOK TO VINCE KLCO ON 9/28/2018 AT 1414 EDT * * *

On 9/18/2018 at 1400 EDT, the Unusual Event at Brunswick was terminated due to the ability to transport personnel to the site. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspectors. Notified the R2DO (Guthrie), NRR EO (Miller) and the IRD MOC (Grant). Notified DHS SWO, FEMA OPS, and DHS NICC. Notified FEMA NWC, NuclearSSA, and FEMA NRCC via email.

ENS 5341321 May 2018 10:41:00BrunswickNRC Region 2On May 21, 2018, at approximately 0840 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Duke Energy confirmed that one emergency notification siren (i.e., B13) located in Brunswick County was malfunctioning. The siren was making an abnormal sound, alternating between low and high pitch. The siren was deactivated upon confirmation of the siren malfunction. There are a total of 38 sirens located in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. No other sirens were affected. Duke Energy notified the State of North Carolina, Brunswick County, New Hanover County and Coast Guard of the issue. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5340617 May 2018 14:26:00BrunswickNRC Region 2On May 17, 2018, at approximately 1045 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Duke Energy confirmed that one emergency notification siren (i.e., B03) located in Brunswick County was malfunctioning. The siren was making an abnormal sound, alternating between low and high pitch. At approximately 1103 EDT, the siren was deactivated. There are a total of 38 sirens located in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. No other siren was affected. Duke Energy notified the State of North Carolina, Brunswick County, and New Hanover County of the issue. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 533197 April 2018 12:10:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

On April 7, 2018, at 0836 EDT, with Unit 1 in Mode 1 at approximately 100 percent power, the reactor automatically tripped during testing of the stator cooling system. The trip was uncomplicated with all systems responding normally. No safety-related equipment was inoperable at the time of the event. Due to the Reactor Protection System (RPS) actuation while critical, this event is being reported as a four-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B).

Operations responded using Emergency Operating Procedures and stabilized the plant in Mode 3. Reactor water level being maintained via normal feedwater system. Decay heat is being removed through the bypass valves.

Reactor water level reached low level 1 (LL1) as a result of the reactor trip. The LL1 signal causes a Group 2 (i.e., floor and equipment drain isolation valves), Group 6 (i.e., monitoring and sampling isolation valves) and Group 8 (i.e., shutdown cooling isolation valves) isolations. The LL1 isolations occurred as designed; the Group 8 valves were closed at the time of the event. Due to the Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) actuation, this event is also being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in a valid actuation of the PCIS. Unit 2 was not affected. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The safety significance of this event is minimal. The automatic reactor trip was not complicated and all safety-related systems operated as designed. Investigation of the cause of the Reactor Protection System actuation is in progress. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

ENS 5312317 December 2017 05:48:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

On December 17, 2017 at 0316 EST, the Unit 2 HPCI system was isolated and declared inoperable due to a packing failure of the HPCI Turbine Steam Supply Valve (i.e., 2-E41-F001). Isolation of the HPCI system due to the packing failure prevents the HPCI system from performing its design safety function. As such, this event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of a system that is needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Unit 2 HPCI system has been isolated and depressurized. The HPCI system will remain inoperable until the valve can be repaired. The safety significance of this condition is minimal. All other Emergency Core Cooling Systems (ECCS) and the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system remain operable. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 1/29/18 AT 1514 EST FROM MARK TURKAL TO DONG PARK * * *

Based upon further evaluation, Duke Energy is retracting Event Notification 53123. Engineering has determined that the packing failure of the HPCI Turbine Steam Supply Valve did not prevent the HPCI system from performing its safety function. Environmental conditions resulting from the steam leak would not have caused automatic HPCI isolation or otherwise have degraded HPCI operation. Additionally, the amount of steam diverted through the packing leak was negligible with respect to total steam flow and did not affect HPCI system performance. HPCI would have remained operable throughout its entire mission time. Therefore, this condition does not represent an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident and is not reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO (Heisserer).

ENS 5297417 September 2017 16:49:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4On September 17, 2017, during planned surveillance activities involving Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) 4, unexpected voltage and frequency indications were noted when EDG 4 was synchronized to Emergency Bus E4. With EDG 4 in manual mode, the Operator responded by lowering load to reopen the EDG 4 output breaker. Opening of the EDG 4 output breaker with the breakers from Balance of Plant (BOP) Bus 2C, which normally feeds the Emergency Bus E4, opened; resulted in de-energizing Emergency Bus E4. The EDG 4 voltage regulator and governor automatically reverted to auto control, and EDG 4 reconnected to Emergency Bus E4. Normal frequency and voltage were restored with EDG 4 in auto control. The momentary power interruption to Emergency Bus E4 resulted in Unit 2 Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) Group 2 (i.e., Drywell Equipment and Floor Drain, Residual Heat Removal (RHR) Discharge to Radwaste, and RHR Process Sample), Group 6 (i.e., Containment Atmosphere Control/Dilution, Containment Atmosphere Monitoring, and Post Accident Sampling Systems), and Group 10 (i.e., air isolation to the drywell) isolations. The actuations of Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVS) were completed and the affected equipment responded as designed. Per design, no Unit 1 safety system group isolations or actuations occurred. These actuations are being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). Additional Unit 2 actuations included PCIS Group 3 (i.e., Reactor Water Cleanup), Reactor Building Ventilation System isolation (i.e., Secondary Containment isolation), and the automatic start of Standby Gas Treatment (SGT) System subsystems A and B. These systems functioned as designed. This event did not impact public health and safety. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The safety significance of this event is minimal. Safety systems functioned as designed following the power perturbation on E4. Plant systems responded as designed. The cause of the event is under investigation.
ENS 528884 August 2017 17:25:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

On August 4, 2017, at 1511 EDT, Unit 1 Secondary Containment was declared inoperable due to a small (i.e., approximately 0.75 inch diameter) hole in Service Water system piping which was found during ultrasonic testing activities. The affected portion of piping penetrates Secondary Containment and flow in the piping creates a vacuum condition; thus bypassing Secondary Containment. The identified hole is being evaluated with respect to its impact on operability of the Service Water system. This condition is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), as an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function needed to control the release of radioactive material. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. Initial Safety Significance Evaluation: The initial safety significance of this event is minimal. At the time of discovery, Unit 1 was at 100% steady state conditions. Reactor Building Ventilation was in service in a normal alignment. No abnormal radioactivity conditions existed within Secondary Containment. Corrective Actions: Temporary repair of the affected Unit 1 Service Water piping has been completed. This repair was evaluated by Engineering and it has been determined that the repair meets the requirements to maintain Secondary Containment operable. Unit 1 Secondary Containment operability was restored at 1704 EDT on August 4, 2017. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM MIKE BRADEN TO RICHARD SMITH AT 1447 EDT ON 9/27/17 * * *

Based upon further evaluation, Duke Energy is retracting Event Notification 52888. The safety objective of Secondary Containment is to limit the release of radioactivity to the environment after an accident so that the resulting exposures are kept to a practical minimum and are within regulatory limits. A bounding engineering evaluation was performed which demonstrates that potential releases from Secondary Containment could not have resulted in offsite or control room doses exceeding regulatory limits. Furthermore, the condition did not impact Technical Specification operability of Secondary Containment in that the ability of Secondary Containment to maintain the required vacuum was not impacted. Therefore, this condition does not represent an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function needed to control the release of radioactive material and is not reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), and the event notification is being retracted. The NRC Senior Resident was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO (A. Masters).

ENS 5284510 July 2017 19:26:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4At approximately 14:10 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the Control Room was notified of a contract employee experiencing a non-work related medical emergency within the protected area in the service building. First responders were immediately dispatched. Off-site assistance was requested. The individual was transported to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center. No radioactive material or contamination was involved. At 16:02 EDT, hospital officials notified plant personnel that the patient was declared deceased. This notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for a situation related to the health of on-site personnel for which a notification to other government agencies is planned. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be notified. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 527885 June 2017 19:40:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4At 1352 hours Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on June 5, 2017, during control building damper inspection activities, a control building instrument air line was disconnected. This resulted in the inoperability of the three Control Room Air Conditioning subsystems required by Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.4, 'Control Room Air Conditioning (AC) System', and the two Control Room Emergency Ventilation (CREV) subsystems required by TS 3.7.3, 'Control Room Emergency Ventilation (CREV) System. As a result, this condition could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function for these systems. Control Room AC and CREV system operability was restored at 1407 hours with restoration of control building instrument air. Because Brunswick has a shared control room, this report applies to both Units 1 and 2 and is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), as a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented fulfillment of the safety function of systems that are needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. This event did not impact public health and safety. INITIAL SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE EVALUATION: The safety significance of this event is considered minimal. The condition existed for approximately 15 minutes. Plant staff took immediate actions to return the equipment to service. For the brief time the Control Room AC and CREV systems were inoperable, performance of plant personnel and equipment in the Control Room was not adversely affected. The maximum Control Room back panel temperature during this event was approximately 70 degrees F. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: Control Room AC and CREV system operability was restored at 1407 hours with restoration of control building instrument air. During subsequent investigation of the event, it was determined that at approximately 0930 hours on June 5, 2017, both subsystems of CREV were similarity rendered inoperable due to isolation of control building instrument air. Control Room AC was not affected. Operability of CREV was restored at approximately 1009 hours. This loss of the CREV system was not apparent to Operations personnel at the time of the event. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 5277831 May 2017 07:50:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER submittal, as allowed by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). On April 6, 2017, at 1212 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), an invalid actuation of emergency diesel generators (EDGs) 1, 2. 3. and 4 occurred. In support of maintenance associated with the onsite electrical distribution system, activities were in progress to power the 2C balance-of-plant (BOP) bus from the startup auxiliary transformer (SAT) followed by de-energization of the 2D BOP bus. However, flexible links between the SAT and the 2D BOP bus had not been installed. As a result, under voltage sensing relay (27SX) was not energized and an invalid SAT secondary side under voltage EDG auto start signal was generated. There was no actual under voltage on the SAT, no loss of power, and all emergency buses continued to be powered by the unit auxiliary transformer (UAT). The EDGs responded properly to the auto-start signal. The actuation was complete, in that the EDGs successfully started and ran unloaded. The EDGs were returned to standby status by 1415 EDT. Since no actual under voltage condition existed which required the EDGs to start, and the start was not in response to actual plant conditions satisfying the requirements for initiation, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 5268317 April 2017 07:40:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4On April 17, 2017, at 0004 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), an automatic actuation of the four Emergency Diesel Generators (EDGs) was received. At the time of the event, Unit 2 was in the process of starting the main turbine following a refueling outage. Operations personnel tripped the main turbine due to elevated bearing vibrations. When the main turbine was tripped, Power Circuit Breakers (PCBs) 29A and 29B failed to open. This caused a main generator primary lockout due to generator reverse power and the subsequent automatic actuation of all four EDGs. All emergency buses remained energized from offsite power and therefore, the EDGs did not tie to their respective buses. The protective relaying and EDGs responded per design to this event. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in a valid actuation of the EDGs. Due to the shared configuration of the Brunswick electrical system, both Unit 1 and Unit 2 are affected. This event did not impact public health and safety. The NRC Resident lnspector has been notified.
ENS 5267914 April 2017 07:37:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4On April 14, 2017, at approximately 0015 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), during a control board walk-down, it was discovered that the drywell and the suppression chamber were simultaneously aligned for venting. This alignment created a flow path from the drywell to the suppression chamber, which would have bypassed the pressure suppression function of the suppression chamber water volume during a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA). This condition existed tor approximately 43 minutes, from 2347 EDT on April 13, 2017, when Unit 2 transitioned from Mode 4 to Mode 2, until 0030 on April 14, 2017, when the proper alignment was restored. This condition is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Additionally, the change from Mode 4 to Mode 2 with primary containment inoperable constitutes operation prohibited by Technical Specifications (i.e., reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B)). The condition did not impact public health and safety. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Unit 2 entered Technical Specification 3.6.1.1, Primary Containment, Condition A, which requires Primary Containment to be restored to operable within 2 hours. Unit 2 exited Condition A within 43 minutes when the proper alignment was restored.
ENS 5208212 July 2016 21:08:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4

At approximately 2039 EDT, there was smoke in the Service Water Building with the trip of the 2C service water pump. In accordance with plant procedures, unit-2 was ramped down to 70 percent power and the "Alert" was declared. EAL (emergency action level) SA8.1 was entered for damage with degraded performance including visible damage to the service water pump. Service water pressure was eventually restored by running both the 2A and 2B service water pumps. At 2118 EDT, the site exited the "Alert" because service water pressure had been restored. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, USDA Ops Center, HHS Ops Center, DOE Ops Center, DHS NICC Watch Officer, EPA EOC, FEMA National Watch Center (email), FDA EOC (email), Nuclear SSA (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 7/14/16 AT 1456 EDT FROM LEE GRZECK TO DONG PARK * * *

The initial notification should read: At approximately 2035 EDT, there was smoke in the Service Water Building with the trip of the 2C conventional service water pump. In accordance with plant procedures, unit-2 was ramped down to 70 percent power and the 'Alert' was declared at 2039 EDT. EAL (emergency action level) SA8.1 was entered for fire/smoke damage with degraded performance including visible damage to the service water pump. Service water pressure was eventually restored and the plant was stabilized. At 2118 EDT, the site exited the 'Alert' when service water pressure had been restored, and the fire was confirmed out (i.e., no reflash within 30 minutes). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Rich).

ENS 5208011 July 2016 19:53:00BrunswickNRC Region 2GE-4At approximately 1614 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the Main Control Room was notified of a contracted employee experiencing a non-work related medical issue near the Discharge Weir. First Responders were immediately dispatched and present at the scene in minutes. Off-site assistance was requested and arrived on-site at approximately 1641. Dosher Memorial Hospital officials notified the plant at approximately 1745 that the patient was declared deceased at 1710. The individual was outside of the protected area (within the owner controlled area), and no radioactive material or contamination was involved. The cause of death has not yet been determined. This notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for situation related to the health of on-site personnel for which a notification to other government agencies is planned. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be notified. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The licensee completed their notification to OSHA at 1835 hours.