Semantic search
| Start date | Reporting criterion | Title | Event description | System | LER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 56786 | 10 October 2023 20:53:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification - Spurious Alarm Actuation | The following information was provided by the licensee via fax: On October 10, 2023, at 1553 CDT, Cooper Nuclear Station (CNS) was notified of a spurious actuation of a single alert notification system siren in Nemaha, Nebraska. The CNS Emergency Alert System (EAS) was not activated. The actuation occurred during siren testing conducted at approximately 1545 CDT. No emergency conditions are present at Cooper Nuclear Station. A press release from Nebraska Public Power District is not planned at this time. This condition is reportable under 10CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for any event or situation for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made which is related to heightened public or government concern. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: Offsite notification was to local Nemaha County Emergency Management. | ||
| ENS 55703 | 13 January 2022 14:06:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Due to Spurious Siren Actuation | The following information was provided by the licensee via fax: On 1/13/2022 at 0806 CST, Nebraska Public Power District was notified by Atchison County Missouri of a spurious actuation of (Cooper Nuclear Station) (CNS) Emergency Siren 2113 near Rockport, Missouri from approximately 0800 to 0805 CST. Nebraska Public Power District will issue a press release for this event. The CNS Emergency Alert System (EAS) was not activated. This condition is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for any event or situation for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made which is related to heightened public or government concern. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been informed. | ||
| ENS 54099 | 4 June 2019 13:15:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Issuance of Press Release Due to Spurious Actuation of Emergency Sirens | On 06/04/2019, Nebraska Public Power District will issue a press release concerning the spurious actuation of emergency sirens near Cooper Nuclear Station and Indian Cave State Park. This is a four hour report per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for any event or situation for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made which is related to heightened public or government concern. The cause of the siren actuation is still under investigation. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
During this event, State & local government agencies (Nemaha County, Atchison County, Richardson County, and Indian Cave State Park) were contacted regarding the spurious actuation of emergency sirens. This is an update to the original Event Notification # 54099. Notified R4DO (Kellar). | ||
| ENS 53934 | 15 March 2019 10:46:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | En Revision Imported Date 3/25/2019 | EN Revision Text: UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO HIGH RIVER LEVEL At 0546 CDT, Cooper Nuclear Station declared an Unusual Event due to the Missouri River level reaching 899.05 feet above mean sea level (MSL), which is above the Emergency Action Level (EAL) HU 1.5 elevation of 899 feet above MSL. The river is expected to crest above 901 feet above MSL within the next day, and remain above 899 feet above MSL for the next several days. Declaration of an Unusual Event is a 1 hour report, and is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72.a.1.1. Actions are in progress in accordance with site flooding procedure, including strategic placement of barriers at building entrances and important facilities. There is no major plant equipment out of service at this time. Personnel access to the site is not presently impeded and emergency evacuation routes remain available. A press release is planned for this event, which is a four hour report, reportable under 10 CFR 50.72.b.2.11. If the Missouri River were to reach 901.5 feet above MSL, Cooper would initiate a unit shutdown in accordance with their procedures. If the Missouri River were to rise greater than 902 feet above MSL, Cooper will declare an Alert. 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).
The licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 1601 CDT due to lowering Missouri River water levels. River water level is currently at 896.0 feet MSL and lowering. A press release will be issued to inform the public of Cooper Nuclear Station's exit from the Notification of Unusual Event regarding high Missouri River level. The initial entry into the Notification of Unusual Event occurred on 03/15/2019 and was exited on 03/24/2019 at 1601 CDT. The press release is reportable per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (O'Keefe), NRR EO (Miller), IRD MOC (Gott), DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email). | ||
| ENS 53809 | 29 December 2018 06:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Notice of Unusual Event Due to Toxic Gas and Fire | At 0904 CST, on December 29, 2018, Cooper declared a Notice of Unusual Event under emergency action level HU 3.1. The emergency declaration was due to a toxic gas asphyxiant as a result of a fire. The fire is contained and the fire brigade continues to extinguishing the fire. Offsite support has not been requested. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Additionally, State and Local government agencies were also notified. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).
At 1544 CST, on December 29, 2018, Cooper terminated the Notice of Unusual Event under emergency action level HU 3.1. The fire was verified to be extinguished and the flammable material was removed. The plant remained at 100% power for the duration of the event. The licensee issued a press release regarding the event at 1202 CST, on December 29, 2018. The license notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Taylor), NRR EO (Groom), IRD MOC (Gott), DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email). | ||
| ENS 53416 | 22 May 2018 14:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Unplanned Public Notification During a Drill | On 05/22/2018, Cooper Nuclear Station (CNS) was conducting an Emergency Response Organization (ERO) drill which included state and local involvement. At approximately 09:00 CST Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) inadvertently broadcasted CNS' declaration of a Notice of Unusual Event for the drill over the public scanner. This resulted in various members of the public or news media inquiring about the perceived event or posting erroneous information via Twitter, television news outlets, newspapers, and radio stations. These news outlets have been informed that CNS was conducting a drill and do not intend to release any stories regarding this event. There is no evidence of a formal news release at this time. However, due to the uncontrolled source of the information, the determination was made to make this report. This unplanned media event is a 4 hour report, in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi). This event is not significant with respect to the health and safety of the public. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | ||
| ENS 53074 | 16 November 2017 02:07:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii), Loss of Emergency Preparedness | Loss of Public Prompt Notification System Capability | At 0008 CST on 11/16/2017, Cooper Nuclear Station (CNS) was notified by Omaha Weather that the NOAA broadcast and the Shubert radio tower for this area is off. This affects the tone alert radios used to notify the public in event of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the Public Prompt Notification System capability, and is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii). The transmission outage actually began at 2007 (CST), 11/15/2017, but CNS was not notified until 0008 (CST), 11/16/2017. Backup notification methods remained available throughout the period. At time 0447 CST on 11/16/2017, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified that the NOAA broadcast and Shubert radio transmission tower was returned to service. Nemaha County, NE, Richardson County, NE, and Atchison County, MO authorities within the 10 mile EPZ were notified by Cooper Nuclear Station of the condition and the effect on the tone alert radios at 0642 (CST), 11/16/2017. This is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) as a 4 hour report. The NRC Senior Resident has been informed. | ||
| ENS 53069 | 14 November 2017 17:18:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event Declared Due to Hydrogen Line Leak | At 1118 CST on 11/14/17, Cooper Nuclear Generating Station declared an Unusual Event due to a hydrogen leak on a main generator purge line. The leak was reported to be caused by Maintenance cutting into a one inch line. The total size of the leak is unknown, however, it is estimated to be depressurizing in the main generator at approximately 1lb per hour. The current pressure is 52 to 53 lbs. pressure and is stable. The operations staff have entered their abnormal procedure and are taking actions to isolate the leak. Operators have isolated the source of hydrogen and have opened the exterior roll up doors to increase the airflow and minimize the concentration of hydrogen in the area. The area has been evacuated and hot work has been stopped. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified DHS, FEMA, NICC and NNSA (via email).
On 11/14/2017, Nebraska Public Power District will issue a press release concerning the declaration of a Notification of Unusual Event (EN#53069) declared today at 1118 (CST) for a small hydrogen leak in the turbine building. This is a four hour report per 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) for any event or situation for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made which is related to heightened public or government concern. Notified the R4DO (Kozal).
At 1744 CST the licensee exited from the Unusual Event. The leak was patched under a temporary repair. The patch was tested to verify the leak has stopped. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified. Notified the R4DO (Kozal), IRDMOC (Gott), NRR EO (Miller), DHS, FEMA, NICC and NNSA (via email). | ||
| ENS 52765 | 19 May 2017 13:05:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii), Loss of Emergency Preparedness | Nonfunctional Radio Transmission Tower Affects Tone Alert Radios | At approximately 0805 CDT on 05/19/2017, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was not functioning. This affects the tone alert radios used to notify the public in event of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the Public Prompt Notification System capability, and is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii). Nemaha County, NE, Richardson County, NE, and Atchison County, MO authorities within the 10 mile EPZ (Emergency Planning Zone) were notified by Cooper Nuclear Station of the condition and the affect on the tone alert radios. The first county was notified at 0834 CDT and the last was notified at 0836 CDT. Backup notification method will be utilized. Notification of other government agencies makes this condition reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi). At time 1007 CDT on 5/19/2017, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was returned to service. The NRC Senior Resident (Inspector) has been informed. | ||
| ENS 52279 | 4 October 2016 20:30:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii), Loss of Emergency Preparedness | Cooper Nuclear Station Loss of Tone Alert Radios | At 1530 CDT on I0/4/20l6, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was not functioning. This affects the tone alert radios used to notify the public in the event of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the Public Prompt Notification System capability, and is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii). Nemaha County, NE, Richardson County, NE, and Atchison County, MO authorities within the 10 mile EPZ (Emergency Planning Zone) were notified by Cooper Nuclear Station of the condition and the effect on the tone alert radios. The first county was notified at 1540 CDT and the last was notified at 1550 CDT. A backup notification method will be utilized. Notification of other government agencies makes this condition reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi). Estimated return to service time is unknown. The cause of failure is unknown. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been informed. | ||
| ENS 52262 | 25 September 2016 14:15:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii), Loss of Emergency Preparedness | Cooper Nuclear Station Loss of Tone Alert Radios | At 0915 CDT on 9/25/2016, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was not functioning. This affects the tone alert radios used to notify the public in the event of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the public prompt notification system capability and is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii). Nemaha, NE, Richardson, NE, and Atchison, MO county authorities within the 10 mile EPZ were notified by Cooper Nuclear Station of the condition and the effect on the tone alert radios and will utilize the backup notification method making this condition reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for notification of other government agencies. Estimated return to service time is unknown. The cause of the failure is unknown. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this condition. | ||
| ENS 52221 | 3 September 2016 12:10:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event Declared Due to Seismic Event Alarm | At 0710 CDT, Cooper Nuclear Station declared a Notification of Unusual Event under EAL HU1.1 due to the station seismic event alarm registering a response to an earthquake (epicenter near Pawnee, OK). The reactor was not affected by the earthquake and remains at 93 percent power. The licensee is performing walkdowns of structures and equipment to verify that the site is unaffected. Notified the DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, DHS NICC, FEMA National Watch Center (E-mail) and Nuclear SSA (E-mail).
At 1547 CDT, Cooper Nuclear Station terminated the Notice of Unusual Event. All inspections and walkdowns of the plant have been completed. No damage or injuries were reported. The seismic event caused no impact to the plant. The Licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R1DO (Warnick), NRR EO (Miller), IRDMOC (Stapleton), DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, DHS NICC, FEMA National Watch Center (E-mail) and Nuclear SSA (E-mail). | ||
| ENS 51887 | 27 April 2016 13:23:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii), Loss of Emergency Preparedness | Loss of Tone Alert Radio System Tower | At 0823 CDT on 4/27/2016, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was not functioning. This affects the tone alert radios used to notify the public in the event of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the public prompt notification system capability and is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii). Nemaha, Richardson and Atchison county authorities within the 10 mile EPZ (Emergency Planning Zone) were notified of the condition and the effect on the tone alert radios and will utilize local route notification (backup notification method) making this condition reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) for notification of other government agencies. Estimated return to service time is unknown. The cause of the failure is a loss of communication with the tower. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this condition. | ||
| ENS 51617 | 22 December 2015 01:55:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii), Loss of Emergency Preparedness | Loss of Tone Alert Radio System Tower | At 1955 CST on 12/21/2015, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was not functioning. This affects the tone alert radios used to notify the public in the event of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the public prompt notification system capability and is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii). At 2017 CST, Nemaha, Richardson and Atchison county authorities within the 10 mile EPZ were notified of the condition and the effect on the tone alert radios and will utilize local route notification (backup notification method) making this condition reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) for notification of other government agencies. Estimated return to service time is unknown. The cause of the failure is a loss of communication with the tower. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this condition. | ||
| ENS 51347 | 26 August 2015 13:50:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Regarding Material Being Released and Recovered | On 8/26/2015, it was determined that a report to the NRC under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) may have been missed. The station is making this report due to the station making a courtesy call to a State agency regarding release of radioactive waste from the site as non-radioactive material. The original event involved a release of 14 bags of debris from the Administration Building roof prior to survey results being obtained. The bags were recovered from the local landfill and a determination was made that the amount of material temporarily removed from the Protected Area was below NRC reporting limits per 10 CFR 20.2201 'Reports of theft or loss of licensed material.' On 5/29/13 a courtesy phone call was made to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (Radiation Control Program) informing the authority of the event. There were no state notification requirements based on the low level of licensed material released (and then recovered) from the site. This is a four hour report made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) as 'Any event or situation, related to the health and safety of the public or on-site personnel, or protection of environment, for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made.' There was no overexposure to a member of the public. The NRC Resident and State of Nebraska have been informed. | ||
| ENS 50924 | 25 March 2015 22:19:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Due to Effluent Below National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Ph Limits | At time 1719 CDT it was determined that notification of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) was required based on the results of a quarterly sample drawn at 1632 CDT on 3/25/2015 from the headwall effluent flow 002C sample point identifying a Ph of 4.4 which is below the allowable levels of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements for Ph of 6.5-9.0. Notification of NDEQ will be made within 24 hours in-accordance with the requirements of NPDES Permit NE0001244. The notification to the NDEQ will be made during normal business hours 3/26/15. This sample point is supplied by floor drains in Auxiliary Steam Boiler room, Turbine Building HVAC Fan room and DG (Diesel Generator) Building sumps. Discharge from this line is approximately 76 gallons per day. All flow from this sample point was isolated at 2008 CDT. Investigation of the cause of the low Ph levels is on-going. No indications of environmental impact were reported by the licensee. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | HVAC | |
| ENS 50530 | 13 October 2014 18:27:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification - Dropped Control Rod During Refueling Operations | At 1530 CDT on 10/13/14, Cooper Nuclear Station will make a press release to the local media. This press release is with regards to the control rod blade which was dropped over the core during refueling operations when the control rod blade fell from the lifting tool and came to rest on the reactor vessel top guide in a section that contained no fuel. This press release was authorized at 1327 CDT. The control rod was dropped on 10/11/2014. There was no damage to the reactor fuel. The control rod is being replaced and is in the spent fuel pool. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | Control Rod | |
| ENS 50338 | 3 August 2014 20:49:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Due to Inadvertent Pager Notification System Message | This event is being reported per 50.72(b)(2)(xi), 'Any event or situation, related to the health and safety of the public or on-site personnel, or protection of the environment, for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made.' At 1549 CDT, August 3, 2014, the National Weather Service inadvertently issued a Civil Emergency Message over their pager notification system during preparations for an upcoming (Cooper Nuclear Station) Emergency Drill. A follow up message was issued by the National Weather Service at 1601 CDT stating that the Civil Emergency Message was a test message and should be disregarded. A media/press release is planned. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector, State, and local authorities. | ||
| ENS 50305 | 24 July 2014 17:13:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Due to Inadvertent Message Transmitted Via Emergency Response Siren | This event is being reported per 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi), 'Any event or situation, related to the health and safety of the public or on-site personnel, or protection of the environment, for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made.' During troubleshooting activities, a pre-recorded message was inadvertently transmitted from one of eight speakers associated with an emergency response siren. At 1213 CDT, Nemaha County Officials were informed that the message transmission was a spurious actuation. A media/press release is planned. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | ||
| ENS 49791 | 4 February 2014 13:38:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Due to Fatality on Site | At 0738 CST on 2/4/2014, the control room received a report that a supplemental radiological technician was found unresponsive on the refueling floor in the Reactor Building. The individual was located in a contaminated area and was dressed out when he was found. At 0745 CST, the individual was reported to be deceased by the EMT's. The Nemaha County Sheriff Department was contacted and responded to the site. OSHA is also being contacted. A news release is planned. No release has been made at this time. The fatality does not appear to be work related at this time however an investigation is in progress. The individual was found to be not contaminated and was transferred off site. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
Correction: The report that the individual was deceased was made to the Control Room by an RP Technician not an EMT. The Nemaha County Sheriff made the official declaration of death. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Drake). | ||
| ENS 47760 | 22 March 2012 15:34:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Notice of Unusual Event - Potentially Hazardous Atmosphere Due to Freon Leak | At 1034 CDT on 3/22/12, Cooper Nuclear Station declared a Notice of Unusual Event due to a freon leak from a glycol compressor in the sub-basement of their Augmented Radwaste Building. This created a potentially unsafe localized atmosphere in that area per Emergency Action Level HU 3.1. The licensee made a public address system announcement to avoid the area and sent personnel to guard the area to prevent entry. The licensee is monitoring the area for any deterioration. Oxygen levels are currently normal. Cooper Nuclear Station personnel plan to isolate the freon leak and ventilate the area to ensure a habitable atmosphere. There are no safety related systems or components in the affected area. Plant operation is unaffected. As of 1045 CDT, the licensee has notified appropriate state and local governmental agencies. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified DHS SWO, DHS NICC, FEMA and Nuclear SSA via email. * * * UPDATE AT 1320 EDT ON 3/22/12 FROM ROBERT LECHNER TO PETE SNYDER * * * Cooper Nuclear Station personnel monitored the atmosphere in the affected area for safe entry then entered and isolated the freon leak. They did further extensive monitoring for any pockets of trapped freon gas and further ventilated the area to restore the area to a habitable condition. At 1142 CDT Cooper Nuclear Station exited their Unusual Event condition. Offisite notifications were made per 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(2)(xi). A press release is planned to inform the public of this onsite event. Notified DHS SWO, DHS NICC, FEMA and Nuclear SSA via email | ||
| ENS 46970 | 20 June 2011 00:40:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Release of Oil to the Missouri River | Notification is being made to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality regarding the release of oil to the Missouri River from the Cooper Live Fire Training Facility. Currently, levees separating the Training Facility and the Missouri River are being over topped due to flooding of the Missouri River. This condition has resulted in flooding of the burn pits in the fire training facility, with the subsequent release of the residue which includes unburned fuel oil. Any release of this water containing oil to the Missouri River is uncontrolled at this time. Then is no radiological contamination in this area. Current river level is approximately 900.5 ft. MSL, approximately 3.0 feet below plant grade elevation. The fire training area is lower than plant grade. A press release is not planned at this time. River level is currently projected to be 899 ft. by Wednesday 6/22. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | ||
| ENS 46969 | 19 June 2011 09:02:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event Declared Due to Missouri River Flooding | At 0402 CDT on 6/19/2011 a Notification of Unusual Event was declared due to the elevation of the Missouri River reaching 899.1 feet above mean sea level. This is above the Emergency Action Level HU1.5 elevation of 899 feet. The Missouri River is expected to crest at 899.5 feet within the next couple of days. It is expected that the elevation of the Missouri River will remain above 899 feet for most of the summer. Actions are in progress in accordance with the site flooding procedure, including strategic placement of sand bags at building entrances and important facilities. There is no major plant equipment out of service at this time. Personnel access to the site is not presently impeded. Emergency evacuation routes remain available. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. The licensee notified the State of Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the State of Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, the Nemaha County Emergency Operations Center, the Richardson County Emergency Operations Center and the Atchison County Emergency Operations Center.
On 6/19/2011 at 0447 CDT, Nebraska Public Power District issued a press release concerning the declaration of a Notification of Unusual Event declared today at 0402 for the Missouri River elevation above 899 feet above sea level. This is a four hour report per 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) for any event or situation for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made which is related to heightened public or government concern. State and local agencies were notified of the expected news release during the NOUE notification. At 0402 CDT, Missouri River elevation was at 899.1 feet. No updated river projections are available at this time. Level is expected to remain at least below plant grade elevation. No deficiencies with the nearby protective levees have been identified surrounding the plant. Actions are in progress in accordance with the site flooding procedure, including strategic placement of sandbags at building entrances and important facilities. Personnel access to the site is not presently impeded, and required emergency evacuation routes remain available. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Werner).
Cooper Nuclear Station exited the Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) at 0947 CDT on 7/12/11. River level is currently at 895.8 feet MSL which is below the NOUE threshold of 899 feet MSL. River level is forecast to continue going down. The licensee is expecting to issue a press release today. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, State of Missouri, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nemaha County Sheriff, Richardson County Sheriff, Missouri FEMA, and the Atchison County 911 center. Notified the R4DO (Cain), IRD (Morris), NRR (Thorpe), DHS (Strangfeld), and FEMA (Hollis).
A press release has been issued to inform the public of Cooper Nuclear Station's exit from the Notification of Unusual Event, regarding high Missouri River level. The initial entry into the Notification of Unusual Event occurred on 06/19/2011 and was exited on 07/12/2011. The highest river level observed at (Cooper) was 900'-8". Plant grade is at 903'-6". The press release reports the current Missouri river level as 895.8' and forecasted to continue to lower. Notified the R4DO(Cain). | ||
| ENS 46941 | 9 June 2011 14:20:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Concerning Inability to Meet Sludge Pond Discharge Permit Due to River Levels | Notification was made to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality regarding the inability to conform to the NPDES permit, since the discharges from the sludge pond to the Missouri River are uncontrolled at this time. As a result of high Missouri River levels, the sludge pond was overtopped. The discharges into this pond are subject to NPDES requirements. The inputs into the sludge pond are described in the NPDES permit as low volume wastewater. There are three outfalls which discharge into the pond. Outfall 002B is described as Clearwell Discharge plus Outfall 004 Emergency Overflow. Outfall 002C is described as Floor Drains. Outfall 004 is described as Reverse Osmosis Reject and Boiler Blowdown Waste streams. There is no radiological contamination in the pond. Additionally, the current and projected flooding conditions of the Missouri River high river levels have resulted in some media inquiries regarding potential changes in plant operation. Public information personnel and Management have responded to these inquiries with information on the impact of river level and preparations for additional actions should conditions warrant additional protective actions. Current river level is approximately 896 ft. MSL, three feet below the elevation which requires declaration of a NOUE, and approximately 4.8 feet below the crest of the 1993 flood, which was the highest flood recorded at the site. Current river elevation is 7 feet below grade elevation. A press release is not planned at this time. River level is currently projected to be 897.5 ft by Tuesday 6/14. Current river level is characterized as Moderate Flooding by the National Weather Service. There are currently no operational problems due to river conditions. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | ||
| ENS 46756 | 14 April 2011 21:25:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification to Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality | On 4/14/11 at 1625 CDT, NPPD/CNS notified the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) of a violation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements during March 2011. The NPDES conditions for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) for reverse osmosis (RO) Reject and Boiler Blowdown Waste streams (Outfall 004 - sludge pond), for the month of March exceeded the maximum daily value of 100 mg/L and 30-day average of 30 mg/L. The value of the TSS for the month of March was 190 mg/L. This exceeds the NPDES conditions for TSS during the month of March. The April TSS for NPDES Outfall 004 was verified to be within limits at 6.4 mg/L. This outfall discharges to the Missouri River. This is a 4 hour report per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for any event or situation related to the protection of the environment, for which notification to another government agency has been made. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | ||
| ENS 46033 | 22 June 2010 07:06:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | River Water Level Above 899 Feet | River water level exceeded 899 feet above sea level resulting in the licensee declaring a Notice of Unusual Event at 0206 CDT. The plant continues to operate at 100 percent power. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. * * * UPDATE FROM BARTON CROW TO JOE O'HARA AT 1042 ON 6/22/10 * * * On 6/22/10 at 0557 Cooper Nuclear Station made a news release concerning the 'Notification of Unusual Event' declared today at 0206 for Missouri River level at 899 feet above sea level. This is a 4 hour report per 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) for any event or situation for which a news release has been made that causes heightened public or government concern. State and local agencies were notified by the 'Notification of Unusual Event' declaration. At 0900 CDT Missouri River level was at 899.35 feet above sea level. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
The Unusual Event was terminated at 1513 CDT. The Missouri River level was at 897.3 feet above sea level and receding. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, the State, local, and other government agencies. Notified the R1DO (Pick), NRR EO (Cunningham), IRD (Morris), DHS (An), and FEMA (Barden). | ||
| ENS 46017 | 16 June 2010 17:33:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality | Notification was made to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality regarding the inability to conform to the NPDES permit, since the discharges from the sludge pond to the Missouri River are uncontrolled at this time. As a result of high Missouri River levels, the sludge pond was overtopped. The discharges into this pond are subject to NPDES Requirements. The inputs into the sludge pond are described in the NPDES permit as low volume wastewater. There are three outfalls which discharge into the pond. Outfall 002B is described as Clearwell Discharge plus Outfall 004 Emergency Overflow. Outfall 002C is described as Floor Drains. Outfall 004 is described as Reverse Osmosis Reject and Boiler Blowdown Waste streams. Additionally, the high river levels have resulted in media inquiries regarding potential changes in plant operation. Public information personnel and management have responded to these inquiries with information on the impact of river level and preparations for additional actions should conditions warrant additional protective actions. The responses to these inquiries have been referenced in some publications. At the present time, the river appears to be at its crest, with no additional rise forecast. The current level is approximately 3.8 feet below the crest of the 1993 flood, which was the highest flood recorded at the site, and 5 feet below grade elevation. A press release is not planned at this time. The sludge pond does not contain any contaminated material. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. | ||
| ENS 45428 | 12 October 2009 21:03:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Notification of Unusual Event Due to Small Fire Lasting Greater than 10 Minutes | At 1551, (the control room) received a 911 notification of a fire in the Condenser area. Entered abnormal procedure 5.1 Incident (and the) fire brigade was dispatched. Follow-up reports indicated that the fire was in the Heater Bay area in the vicinity of B2/B3 heaters. 'At 1556, the Control Room received a report via the Work Control Center from a qualified fire watch on the scene that the fire had been extinguished. At 1603 the Emergency Director declared a NOUE, on EAL 5.1.1, due to a fire in the Protected Area that takes longer than 10 minutes to extinguish. At the time of the declaration, a six sided search had not yet been conducted in accordance with procedural requirements. At 1613, the Fire Brigade Leader reported a six sided search of the Heater Bay area was complete, and the fire was declared OUT. At 1619 the 'all clear' alarm sounded. At 1638, the Emergency Director terminated the NOUE. The actual location of the fire was in a pipe chase between B-4 and B-3 Heaters and was caused by hot ceramic pellets from a heating blanket that was above the area of the location of the fire. The heating blankets were being used to pre-heat the piping in preparation for welding. A pigtail that feeds the blanket failed and some of the hot ceramic pellets from inside the blanket dropped down on to the plastic protecting the area below from foreign materials. The hot ceramic pellets on the plastic caused a small (approx. 3 inch diameter) fire. The active fire only lasted for approximately five minutes. All required notification were completed in a timely manner. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | ||
| ENS 42985 | 11 November 2006 11:30:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event Declared Due to an Electrical Fire Involving Heat Trace | At 0530 CST, CNS declared an Unusual Event per EAL 5.1.1 "Any fire within the Protected Area which takes longer than 10 minutes to extinguish," due to a fire involving the Standby Liquid Control (SLC) heat tracing. Operators in the control room received a report from the Refueling Floor that heat trace installed on piping of the SLC System in Reactor Building 976 East was "arcing & sparking." Responders on-scene extinguished the fire after de-energizing the heat trace by opening the associated electrical feeder breaker. All personnel are accounted for and there are no reported injuries. The licensee will conduct a comprehensive review to determine the extent of damage. The SLC System is a TS required safety system but is not required for current plant conditions. No other safety-related equipment was affected. The licensee is not augmenting staff in response to this event and no offsite assistance was requested. The licensee informed State and local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector who is enroute to the site.
The licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 0558 CST on 11/11/06 based on the judgment of Station Management since the extent of condition is well understood, the affected electrical circuit is isolated and that no reflash watch is necessary. The licensee informed State and local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Clark), EO (Bateman), IRD (Wilson), DHS (Gomez) and FEMA (Sweetser).
The licensee will be issuing a press release regarding this incident and has informed the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Clark). | Standby Liquid Control | |
| ENS 42728 | 25 July 2006 20:41:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event Declared Due to Fire Alarm | Cooper Nuclear Station control room received a fire alarm at 1529 CST indicating a fire in the service water pump room. The licensee responded by dispatching a fire brigade to the service water pump room to investigate. At 1541 CST, the licensee declared an unusual event in accordance with their emergency procedures due to their inability to confirm the validity of the fire alarm within a 10 minute period. The licensee exited the unusual event at 1559 CST after determining that the alarm was a false alarm caused by welding inside the service water pump room. The licensee issued a press release. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, Missouri Highway Patrol, and the Atchison County 911 Center. | Service water | |
| ENS 42466 | 2 April 2006 19:04:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event Declared Due to Adverse Weather Conditions | An Unusual Event was declared per EAL 7.1.4 at 1404 CDT due to strong winds exceeding 74 mph onsite for 5 minutes between 1355-1400 CDT (peak windspeed measured at 83 mph). The Unit remained at 100% power during the incident. Current plant conditions are stable with windspeed approximately 30 mph. Offsite power is stable with a surveillance of the #1 EDG in progress. After completion of walkdowns the licensee will assess exiting the Unusual Event. A preliminary damage report indicated loose guy wire(s) on the met tower. The licensee informed state/local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector who is onsite.
The licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 1500 CDT based on current sustained windspeeds less than 74 mph and passage of the storm front. The licensee is continuing their damage assessment walkdowns. The licensee informed state/local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Powers), EO (Gillespie), IRD (Wilson), DHS (Mitchell), and FEMA (Mick Roland). | ||
| ENS 42431 | 20 March 2006 13:56:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event Declared Due to Small Fire Inside Protected Area | Fire inside the Protected Area lasting greater than 10 minutes in an electrical conduit between the Ionic trailer and the Water Treatment Building. Power to the electrical feed through the conduit to the Ionic trailer has been secured. No offsite assistance has been requested. The licensee is verifying the status of the fire after securing the power. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and the State and Local authorities.
Fire was declared out at 0842 CST. Fire was in the EE transformer supplying the Ionic trailer. Fire was extinguished by opening Breaker 48D. The licensee corporate office will be issuing a press release later today. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Licensee terminated the Unusual Event due to the fire being out and plant returned to normal operation with the exception of the Ionic trailer power. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Clark), NRR EO (Benner), IRD Manager (McGinty), DHS (Everette) and FEMA (Liggett) | ||
| ENS 41828 | 8 July 2005 14:15:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Related to Improperly Packaged Radioactive Waste Material Shipment | At 09:15 CDT Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by Chem Nuclear Limited Liability Company (LLC) of Barnwell South Carolina waste disposal site, of a condition discovered during the off loading of the first Trans Nuclear Radioactive Material (TN RAM) shipping cask (#05-10). This shipping cask was utilized for the shipment of the first TN RAM liner from the current fuel pool cleanup project. Per conversation with the Chem Nuclear LLC representative a small 1/4" by 1/4" piece of metal debris was discovered between the outer wall of the inner TN RAM liner and the interior wall of the TN RAM cask. This was discovered after the inner liner was off loaded into the disposal trench. The radiation level of this debris was 70 R/hr contact. The debris was removed from the TN RAM cask interior and placed in a 30 gal drum for temporary storage. Barnwell has requested a decision from NPPD on the disposal of this item. There were no violations of the DOT limits specified for the external dose rates of the TN RAM cask during the CNS Shipment. Cooper Nuclear Station representatives are being sent to Barnwell, South Carolina to assist in the determination of the cause and appropriate corrective actions. This is a potential violation of the Department of Health and Environmental Controls (DHEC) of the State of South Carolina acceptance criteria for unpackaged material outside of a disposal liner. This was also a potential violation of the Certificate of Compliance for the NRC Certified Type B TN RAM Cask. This is being reported per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) since Chem Nuclear LLC has notified DHEC of the State of South Carolina. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | ||
| ENS 40262 | 20 October 2003 20:26:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification to Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality | At 1526 on 10/20/2003 the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality was contacted due to exceeding oil and grease release rates to the Missouri River from the Floor Drain System at the Headwall discharge point. A routine sample taken on 10/16/2003 of the Floor Drain System Headwall discharge point indicated 19.2mg/liter, this is above the maximum daily limit of 10 mg/liter. A follow up sample taken on 10/20/2003 indicated 18.3 mg/liter. Investigation of the source is ongoing, and the discharge lines have been flushed. The licensee believes this is a deminimus release of little or no significance. NRC SRI has been informed. | ||
| ENS 40254 | 16 October 2003 17:30:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration | Unusual Event at Cooper Due to Small Fire at a Turbine Bearing | The licensee declared an Unusual Event at 12:30 CDT pertaining to a small fire, located at the high pressure turbine number 1 bearing, which was burning greater than 10 minutes. There were no injuries and the turbine continues to operate at full power while the fire brigade attempts to extinguish the fire. Subsequently, the licensee extinguished the fire; however, several minutes later, the fire restarted. The licensee decided to lower power to approximately 65% power to lower general area radiation levels for the fire brigade personnel. The fire was extinguished and reflashed a few times. The fire brigade used water, dry chemicals and foam when fighting the fire. The source of the fire at the bearing is under investigation by the licensee.
The licensee reports that the fire is out and the investigation determined that the most likely source of the fire was oil pooled under the bearing pedestal. No current oil leakage was found. The licensee planned on contacting the turbine vendor prior to returning the plant to full power. The Unusual Event was terminated at 1541 CDT. Notified R4DO (G. Sanborn), DIRO (D. Weaver), NRR EO (T. Reis), DHS (J. Clardy) and FEMA (J. Dunker). | ||
| ENS 40214 | 2 October 2003 14:10:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission | The following information was received from the licensee via facsimile: At 0910 (CDT) on 10/02/2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission were contacted to inform them of an injured Raptor (owl). The owl is caught in the razor wire located along the top of the fence surrounding the Elevated Release Point. Current plan is to remove the owl and turn it over to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The Licensee has informed the NRC Resident Inspector. |