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ENS 500998 May 2014 15:24:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)High Pressure Fire Water Sprinkler System B-6 Declared Inoperable

At 1024 CDT, on 05-08-2014, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-333 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) Sprinkler System B-6 had been inspected by Fire Services and 5 sprinkler heads had visible corrosion or paint on them, including 2 heads adjacent to each other. The system configuration was evaluated using EN-C-822-99-047 (Engineering Notice), 'Effects of Impaired Sprinkler Heads on System Operability' and determined that with these heads potentially impaired, a portion of the building would not have sufficient sprinkler coverage. The HPFW system is required to be operable according to TSR LCO (Technical Safety Requirement Limiting Condition for Operation) 2.4.4.5. HPFW Sprinkler System B-6 was declared inoperable and TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Required Action B was implemented for the area without sprinkler coverage. Based on past testing results, there is a possibility that the heads would have been able to perform their specified safety function. Once the heads are removed from the system, testing will be performed to determine the actual effect on operability. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed. The NRC Region II (Marvin Sykes) has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-14-0444; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2014-05; NRC Worksheet No. 50099; Responsible Division: Operations.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM DEREK WARFORD TO VINCE KLCO AT 1932 EDT ON 5/16/2014 * * *

Subsequent to the event, the corroded sprinkler heads were replaced with new heads and the removed heads were tested in the laboratory. Based on the test results, one of the adjacent heads that was potentially impaired was determined to be fully functional and in accordance with EN-C-822-99-047, HPFW Sprinkler System B-6 was capable of performing its intended safety function. Since this event does not meet the criteria for a reportable event under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed, the event notification is being retracted. The NRC Region II (Marvin Sykes) has been notified of this retraction. Notified the R2DO (Desai) and NMSS EO (Csontos).

ENS 4995324 March 2014 01:50:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Safety Equipment Potential Failure - High Pressure Fire Water Sprinkler System

At 2050 CDT, on 03-23-2014, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-333 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) Sprinkler System A-16 had been inspected by Fire Services and 11 sprinkler heads had visible corrosion on them, including 4 heads adjacent to each other. The system configuration was evaluated using EN-C-822-99-047, 'Effects of Impaired Sprinkler Heads on System Operability' and determined that with these heads potentially impaired, a portion of the building would not have sufficient sprinkler coverage. The HPFW system is required to be operable according to (Technical Safety Review) TSR LCO 2.4.4.5. HPFW system A-16 was declared inoperable and TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Required Action B was implemented for the area without sprinkler coverage. Based on past testing results, there is a possibility that the heads would have been able to perform their specified safety function. Once the heads are removed from the system, testing will be performed to determine the actual affect on operability. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed. The NRC Region II (Marvin Sykes) has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-14-0324; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2014-03; NRC Worksheet No. 49953 Responsible Division: Operations TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Action B requires an hourly fire patrol in the affected area.

  • * *RETRACTION ON 3/28/14 AT 1959 EDT FROM JOE BARLETTO TO DONG PARK * * *

Subsequent to the event, the corroded sprinkler heads were replaced with new heads and the removed heads were tested In the laboratory. Based on the test results and the operability criteria defined in EN-C-822-99-047, A-16 was capable of performing its intended safety function. The clustered heads were on a single branch line in a ceiling beam pocket. The middle head failed testing, however overlapping coverage was provided by the adjacent heads on both sides. Notified R2DO (Sykes).

ENS 4991814 March 2014 18:30:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)High Pressure Fire Water Systems Declared InoperableOn 3/14/2014 at 1330 hours, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified by Fire Services that adequate pressure could not be verified during post maintenance testing of an inoperable High Pressure Fire Water System for the C-335 building. During investigation into the issue, it was discovered that eleven operable High Pressure Fire Water Systems were also impacted. The facility is in TSR mode three as all cells have been sampled UF6 negative and the cell motors are not energized. In this mode, the High Pressure Fire Water Systems are still required to be operable per TSR 2.4.4.6; however, due to inadequate pressure, the eleven systems may not have been able to perform the intended safety function. The eleven operable High Pressure Fire Water Systems were declared inoperable and hourly fire patrols were initiated according to TSR LCO 2.4.4.5.9.1 at 1520 hours on 3/14/2014. On 2/26/2014 at 1212 hours, three High Pressure Fire Water System Sectional Valves were isolated and declared inoperable in order to isolate a section of header which contained a small leak. Isolating these valves resulted in a single supply to twelve High Pressure Fire Water Systems in C-335. Upon investigation of the lack of pressure, it was determined that the sectional supply valve in the remaining supply loop was not operating as designed and is suspected to be the cause of the restricted water flow. Sectional supply valves that had been used for isolation of the small leak have been opened to provide unrestricted flow to the affected sprinkler systems. Following the confirmation of adequate flow, the sprinkler systems were declared operable and the hourly fire patrols were discontinued at 1739 hours on 3/14/2014. The small leak will be monitored until repairs can be initiated or the leak becomes unmanageable. At that point TSR LCO actions will be entered as necessary. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Region II (Marvin Sykes) has been notified of this event via voice mail.
ENS 4954417 November 2013 20:17:00Other Unspec Reqmnt
10 CFR 76.120(a)(4)
Alert Due to Storm Damage on Site

On 11/17/13, at 1417 CST, an alert was declared at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant due to an apparent tornado strike/severe weather event. Multiple facilities were damaged with no injuries and no hazardous material released. No damage to the security fence was observed and the protected area remained secured during the event. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(a)(4) where an emergency condition has been declared an Alert. NRC Branch Chief has been notified. PGDP has no NRC Resident Inspector. PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2013-08. Notified DHS, FEMA, USDA, HHS, DOE, NICC, EPA, and Nuclear SSA via email.

  • * * UPDATE FROM DAVID PETTY TO CHARLES TEAL AT 1746 EST ON 11/17/13 * * *

On 11 /17/13, at 1638 CST, the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant decided to issue press releases describing the Alert issued by the plant that afternoon. The Alert was declared due to an apparent tornado strike/severe weather event on 11/17/13 at 1417 CST. This event is reportable under Criteria P in Appendix D of USEC procedure CP2-RA-RE 1 030 as 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. NRC Branch Chief has been notified. PGDP has no resident inspector. PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2013-08. Notified RA (McCree), NMSS EO (Damon), R2DO (Desai), IRD (Gott), NMSS (Haney), DHS, FEMA, USDA, HHS, DOE, NICC, EPA, and Nuclear SSA via email.

  • * * UPDATE FROM DAVID PETTY TO CHARLES TEAL AT 1910 EST ON 11/17/13 * * *

The Alert was terminated at 1806 CST on 11/17/13 after a complete security check of the site perimeter and a compilation of the damages sustained by the site. There were no personnel injuries and no releases (HAZMAT or radiological). Notified RA (McCree), NMSS EO (Damon), R2DO (Desai), IRD (Gott), NMSS (Haney), DHS, FEMA, USDA, HHS, DOE, NICC, EPA, and Nuclear SSA via email.

ENS 492332 August 2013 14:32:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(1)Contamination Found in Process BuildingWhile Health Physics (HP) technicians were checking radiological control wrapping in the Uncomplicated Handling (UH) waste storage area on the ground floor of the C-337 Process Building, contamination was discovered on the floor around some valve subassemblies. A Contamination Area (CA) was set up to establish contamination boundaries. Due to the contamination spread, access requirements for the area will be increased for more than 24 hours. Decontamination efforts are underway but will not be completed within 24 hours from the time that radiological controls were increased. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10 CFR 76.120(c)(1)(i) 'An unplanned contamination event that: requires access to the contaminated area, by workers or the public, to be restricted for more than 24 hours by imposing additional radiological controls or by prohibiting entry into the area'. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-13-1667: PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2013-06.
ENS 4916528 June 2013 19:09:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(1)Unplanned Contamination Event That Restricted Access for Greater than 24 Hours

At 1409 hours (CDT) on 6/28/2013, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified of an unplanned contamination event that occurred in the C-710 Laboratory building. The controller program for the sample cylinder wash system in room #21 failed, causing supply water to flow out of the system. The water leaked through the floor into room B-23, which is located in the basement, and spread contamination onto the floor and a table. The area of the known water leak was immediately posted as a contamination area. Chemical Operations decontaminated the area that was initially contaminated by the water leak at 1730 hours on 6/28/2013. During follow-up investigative surveys conducted by Health Physics, additional contamination was discovered in other areas of the room causing the entire room to be posted as a contamination area (CA). It was initially thought that the additional contamination which was found was legacy contamination unrelated to the water leak; however, based on further investigation and HP survey results (on 7/1/13), it appears that contamination found elsewhere in the room also came from the water leak event. All contamination related to this event was not cleaned up within 24 hours and the room remains restricted at this time. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10 CFR 76.120(c)(1)(i), 'An unplanned contamination event that: Requires access to the contaminated area, by workers or the public, to be restricted for more than 24 hours by imposing additional radiological controls or by prohibiting entry into the area'. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. Room B-23 remained locked over the weekend and was not accessed by plant personnel so the possibility of spreading contamination was minimized. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-13-1468: PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2013-05.

  • * * RETRACTION AT 1522 EDT ON 7/14/13 FROM DEREK WARFORD TO BILL HUFFMAN * * *

Calculations were performed by the Health Physics group of the estimated quantity of material in the release. The estimate was based on: (1) An isotopic analysis of the contamination revealed three predominant isotopes, all Uranium daughters, Pa-234, Thorium-231, and Thorium-234; (2) the estimated water volume 'released' of 8.0 liters; and (3) that the isotopic concentration in the 8.0 liters of water was homogeneous. Based on the calculations, the summation of the mixture of isotopes was 4.52E2 microcuries and is approximately 30 percent of 5 ALI (annual limit on intake) for the most restrictive isotope, Th-234 (1.5E3 microcuries). Therefore part (ii) of 10 CFR 76.120(c)(1) was not met and reporting is not required. Based on the above information the subject notification should be retracted. This retraction has been discussed with the NRC Senior Resident Inspector. R2DO (Nease) and NMSS EO (Benner) notified.

ENS 4899030 April 2013 18:20:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(1)Area Access Restricted for More than 24 Hours Due to Increased Radiological ControlsOn 04/30/13, while changing the feed from Position 3 East to Position 3 West autoclaves, Operators noticed a pressure spike on the 3 East cylinder to approximately 47 psia. After disconnecting the cylinder in Position 3 East with Health Physics (HP) assistance, HP found a contamination spread on the cylinder, on the grating within the autoclave, and on the autoclave locking ring. Due to the contamination spread, access requirements to the area will be increased for more than 24 hours. Decontamination efforts are underway but will not be completed within 24 hours from the time that radiological controls were increased. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10 CFR 76.120(c)(1)(i) 'An unplanned contamination event that: Requires access to the contaminated area, by workers or the public, to be restricted for more than 24 hours by imposing additional radiological controls or by prohibiting entry into the area.' The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4868023 December 2012 05:20:00Other Unspec ReqmntMinor Incidental Uranium Hexafluoride ReleaseNote this is a late report (1/17/2013). During December 2012, the C-360 Toll Transfer and Sample building experienced three incidents where the Laboratory Process Gas Leak Detection (PGLD) system was actuated. No visible smoke was ever seen. Subsequent bioassay samples of personnel in the area confirmed that minor exposures did occur, although no work restrictions were required. The exposures confirm that the PGLD actuations were due to actual minor incidental uranium hexafluoride releases. Investigation and testing found that the first two incidents were caused by a small pinhole leak in instrument tubing and the third incident was caused by slight leakage around the stem of a small instrument valve. These three events were evaluated for reportability at the time they occurred, but it was determined they did not meet our reporting criteria. However, after further evaluation and discussion with NRC staff, USEC is conservatively reporting the incidents. The actuations occurred on December 22, 23, and 29, 2012. Upon each actuation, the system automatically closed the appropriate valves as designed. Response to each leak consisted of atmospheric sampling for HF and radiological swipes per procedure along with precautionary bioassay samples. The atmospheric sampling and radiological swipes on the first release were negative and the system was returned to service. The second incident the next day was similar to the first and again the immediate samples were negative. Bioassay results were then obtained from the previous night and showed a detectable exposure. With confirmation of a small leak, helium leak detection was utilized to find the small pinhole leak. The third incident was due to slight leakage around a valve stem that was discovered by soap testing the valve and evidence of some visible oxides on the valve stem. These types of releases are incidental and do not have the potential for impact on the health and safety of personnel or the public. These incidents are being conservatively reported as a 24-hour event based on SAR 6.9 Table 1, J.2 as an Unplanned Actuation of a Q Safety System." An automatic or manual actuation of a Q safety system that results from an event or condition that has the potential for significant impact on the health or safety of personnel. Events having the potential for significant Impact are those events where actual plant conditions existed that the system was designed to protect against. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4852219 November 2012 22:25:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Uninterruptible Power Supply Safety Equipment FailureAt 1625 CST on 11-19-12, Electrical Maintenance and Power Operations were in the process of changing a circuit breaker in the C-409 facility which supplies power to the C-409 Criticality Accident Alarm System (CAAS) Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). This UPS supplies power to the C-409 CAAS horns. Procedure CP2-CO-ON3031 was being utilized and the CAAS Horn Power UPS was being monitored continuously to maintain the CAAS operable. As soon as the breaker was opened it was identified that the UPS failed to throw over to battery power. At that point the breaker was re-closed and AC power restored to the CAAS horns. The time that AC power was off the CAAS horns was approximately 3-5 seconds. There were no fissile material operations in progress in the C-409 facility. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR (Technical Safety Requirements) to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4839810 October 2012 18:05:00ResponseDouble Contingency Control for Empty Cylinders Not MaintainedAt 1305 CDT, on 10-10-12 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that during reviews of paperwork for a customer, it was discovered that four clean, empty cylinders used for transfer did not have a hydrocarbon test performed prior to filling, in violation of NCSA 360-005. NCSA 360-005 requires a test for never used non-USEC owned cylinders prior to filling to detect the presence of hydrocarbons. The presence of moderator in the cylinders could lead to either an 'explosion' that ruptures the cylinder and releases UF6 or criticality from moderation of greater than a safe mass of uranium. The controls ensure that double contingency exits to prevent filling a cylinder containing enough moderator to support criticality. Cylinders affected are GE0195, GE0191, JM0226, and GE0407 and were filled on 9/16/12 and 9/22/12. Since one leg of double contingency was lost, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01 Supplement 1. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-12-2554; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2012-06. Responsible Division: Production Support & Product Scheduling SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS: A control relied upon for double contingency was violated. A cold pressure check and cylinder weight check performed prior to initial transfer of UF6 did not indicate the presence of moderator, and customer compliance with ANSI N14.1 also ensures that cylinders received at PGDP would not contain moderator. There was no indication of an adverse reaction noted during the filling of the cylinders. A cold pressure check performed after filling and cooldown did not indicate that an adverse reaction associated with UF6 and moderator had occurred. The introduction of UF6 eliminates the possibility of any residual moderator remaining in the cylinder; therefore, the cylinders are now in compliance with double contingency. POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS INVOLVED: In order for criticality to be possible, sufficient undetected moderator would have to be present in the cylinder prior to the initial transfer of UF6. Although a control was violated, the cold pressure check ensured the moderation parameter was not exceeded. CONTROLLED PARAMETERS: Double contingency for this scenario is provided by two controls on moderation. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF LICENSED MATERIAL: 20,000 lbs. of UF6 at approximately 4.0% U235 enrichment. Plant limit is 5.5 wt.% U235 enrichment NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL(S) OR CONTROL SYSTEM(S) AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES: The first leg of double contingency is based on cylinder compliance with ANSI N14.1 and the performance of a cold pressure check prior to initial transfer of UF6. ANSI N14.1 compliance ensures that the cylinders are clean and free of moderator. The cold pressure check provides a positive indication that no moderator is present inside the cylinder. The cold pressure check was adequately performed prior to initial UF6; therefore, this control was not violated. The second leg of double contingency is based on performing a hydrocarbon test on the internal valve opening of the UF6 cylinder prior to initial transfer of UF6. The presence of hydrocarbon material in a UF6 cylinder could result in a cylinder rupture or criticality prior to initial transfer of UF6. The hydrocarbon test will give telltale signs that the inside of the cylinder may contain oil or other potential moderators. The hydrocarbon test was not performed; therefore, this control was violated. This leg of double contingency is considered to have been lost. Since double contingency for this scenario is based on two controls on one parameter and a control was violated, double contingency was not maintained. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: None are needed.
ENS 4802212 June 2012 20:45:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Safety Equipment Failure - Criticality Air Horns Not Tested for Audibility

While reviewing Maintenance Work Package 'Performance of the C-335 Annual CMS Surveillance' from April 28, 2012 an error was identified. Procedure 'C-335 CMS Maintenance And Testing' requires an audibility check if the as-found values for the regulator air pressure drift feeding the Criticality Accident Alarm System (CMS) air horns is >?12 psig. However, an audibility check was not performed as required at six locations all on the cell floor of the process building that were discovered to be out-of-tolerance. All air pressure regulators were adjusted to within acceptable-as-left tolerances prior to the system being made operable on April 28. Without the audibility testing being performed, the audibility of the C-335 CMS was questionable prior to the April testing. On June 13, 2012, a work package was developed to recreate the pressures encountered on April 28 and to test the audibility of the CMS. Subsequent testing has shown that three of the CMS horns fed by out-of-tolerance pressure regulators may not have provided the required sound levels necessary for audibility in those areas. This is failure of safety equipment required by TSR 2.4.4.2. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2), 'An event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: (i) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; (ii) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand; and (iii) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function.' The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATRC-12-1496; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2012-03; Responsible Division: Operations

  • * * RETRACTION FROM BILLY WALLACE TO JOHN SHOEMAKER AT 1641 EDT ON 07/16/2012 * * *

Subsequently, the C-335 CAAS air horns have been tested in the as-found conditions from April 28, 2012. Using the original design audibility criteria in the most limiting condition, the CAAS horn audibility was found to be acceptable. Therefore, the system would have been able to perform its intended safety function in the April 28, 2012, as-found condition. Based on the testing and an engineering evaluation, the event notification is being retracted. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Calle) and NMSS (Silva).

ENS 479118 May 2012 21:16:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)
Response
Autoclave High Pressure Isolation System Failure

At 1616 CDT, on 05-08-12 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-360 (Toll Transfer & Sampling Building) Autoclave #2 had a failure in the Autoclave High Pressure Isolation System (AHPIS). (AHPIS) is designed to: 1) prevent a cylinder failure inside the autoclave as a result of overheating; and 2) mitigate releases to the atmosphere from releases inside the autoclave. Autoclave containment is required to be operable per TSR 2.1.3.1 while the autoclave is in TSR modes 3 (containment), 4 (autoclave closed), and 5 (autoclave heating). On 5/08/12 at 1610 CDT an operator noticed water flowing from the autoclave head to shell sealing surface on the #2 autoclave in C-360 while a cylinder was being heated (TSR mode 5 - autoclave heating). The PSS was notified of the loss of containment at 1616 CDT and the (AHPIS) was declared inoperable. The steam cycle was interrupted and the autoclave was placed in a non-applicable TSR mode at 1657 CDT. No release of UF6 occurred due to the failure of the (AHPIS). This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand; and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATRC-12-1195; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2012-02; Responsible Division: Operations

  • * * UPDATE FROM BILLY WALLACE TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1640 EDT ON 5/9/2012 * * *

After further review the licensee determined that additional reportability criteria were met as described below: At 1616 on 05/08/2012, the PSS was notified that C-360 Autoclave #2 had water flowing from the autoclave head to shell sealing surface indicating a potential failure in the Autoclave High Pressure Isolation System (AHPIS) containment, which is relied on as an engineered control in NCSE 042 (SRI 5.5.3). The AHPIS is designed to minimize leaks to atmosphere from the autoclave under maximum pressures resulting from a UF6 release from the cylinder, valve or pigtail in the autoclave. The maximum acceptable leak rate for the autoclaves is 12 SCFM at a minimum test pressure of 90 psig or a 10 psi pressure drop in 1 hour. In order to determine if the AHPIS would have met its safety function, a pressure decay test will be performed. However, the pressure decay test will not be performed within 24 hours of discovery. Therefore, it is conservatively assumed that the leak discovered is greater than 12 SCFM or greater than 10 psi pressure drop in 1 hour; resulting in a 24 hour NCS reportable event. When the leak was noticed, the heat cycle was interrupted and the autoclave placed in a safe configuration. No release of UF6 had occurred in the autoclave when the leak out the autoclave was found. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 24-Hr. NRC BL 91-01 Supp. 1. This is a criticality safety event in which violations involving operations that comply with the double contingency principle and do not meet the criteria for a 4-hr report, but still result in a violation of the double contingency principle, such as, events where the double contingency principle is violated but control is immediately reestablished. Safety Significance of Events: --While an NCSA control was not maintained resulting in the potential autoclave leak rate being exceeded, a release of fissile material from a cylinder in the autoclave did not occur and therefore a criticality was not possible. Potential Criticality Pathways Involved: --In order for a criticality to be possible, a cylinder, valve, or pigtail of a fissile cylinder would have to fail and release greater than a safe mass of fissile material into the autoclave and the autoclave containment would have to fail allowing a large release to atmosphere of uranium and settle out in an unfavorable geometry with sufficient moderator present. Controlled Parameters: --The first leg of double contingency is based on mass. --The first leg of double contingency is based on administrative and design controls to ensure that it is unlikely to have a large release of UF6 from the cylinder, valve or pigtail in the autoclave while healing the cylinder. --The second leg of double contingency is based on geometry moderation. Estimated Amount, Enrichment, Form of Licensed Material: --No leakage of UF6 occurred. Nuclear Criticality Safety Control(s) or Control System(s) and Description of the Failures or Deficiencies: --The first leg of double contingency is based on mass. --The first leg of double contingency is based on administrative and design controls to ensure that it is unlikely to have a large release of UF6 from the cylinder, valve or pigtail in the autoclave while heating the cylinder. This control was maintained. --The second leg of double contingency is based on geometry / moderation. --Small leaks out of the autoclave to atmosphere are considered normal case and the Autoclave High Pressure Isolation System ensures containment to minimize a significant release to atmosphere if a release occurs in the autoclave during heating. The AHPIS ensures that the maximum leak rate from the autoclave will not exceed 12 SCFM or a maximum acceptable pressure drop of 10 psi in 1 hour. If the containment leak rate is maintained, only a small amount of uranium could leak to atmosphere and the uranium would form in thin layers on surfaces in a geometrically safe configuration. Also there would be insufficient uranium to leak outside of the building; therefore there would not be a sufficient source of moderation. Since this control is assumed to have failed, uranium could leak out of the autoclave to atmosphere if a large release of UF6 occurred in the autoclave and potentially deposit in geometrically unfavorable configurations in areas where sufficient moderators exist. Since the leak rate cannot be confirmed within 24 hours, it is conservatively assumed that the geometry moderation parameter was lost and double contingency was not maintained. Corrective Actions To Restore Safety Systems and When Each Was Implemented: --Perform a pressure decay test on Autoclave #2 according to procedures and if the leak rate is determined to be greater than 12 SCFM or 10 psi in one hour, repair AHPIS prior to heating another cylinder containing uranium. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATRC-12-1195; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2012-03; Responsible Division: Operations. Notified R2DO (Freeman) and NMSS EO (Campbell).

  • * * RETRACTION FROM DAVID PETTY TO DONG PARK AT 1403 EDT ON 5/15/2012 * * *

Subsequent to the above notifications on May 10, 2012, autoclave no. 2 was subjected to a pressure decay test in the as-found condition. The test indicated that the High Pressure Isolation Safety System would have been capable of performing its intended safety function if called upon on May 8, 2012, during the heat cycle subject of the event reports. Thus, the event was not required to be reported under 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i) and the notifications may be retracted. Subsequent to the above notifications on May 10, 2012, autoclave no. 2 was subjected to a pressure decay test in the as-found condition. The test indicated that the High Pressure Isolation Safety System would have been capable of performing its intended safety function if called upon on May 8, 2012, during the heat cycle subject of the event reports. The pressure drop from the as-found test was less than the maximum allowable pressure drop for the system required for criticality safety. Thus, the event did not meet the criteria to be reported under 24-Hr. NRC BL 91-01 Supp. 1. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. Notified R2DO (Shaeffer) and NMSS EO (Guttmann).

ENS 4753117 December 2011 06:01:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Possible Degradation in High Pressure Fire Water Sprinkler HeadsAt 0001 CST, on 12-17-2011, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-310 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) Sprinkler System #2 had been inspected by Fire Services and thirty-two (32) sprinkler heads had visible corrosion on them. The system configuration was evaluated using EN-C-822-99-047, 'Effects of Impaired Sprinkler Heads on System Operability' and determined that with these heads potentially impaired, a portion of the building would not have sufficient sprinkler coverage. The HPFW system is required to be operable according to TSR LCO 2.4.4.5. C-310 HPFW system #2 was declared inoperable and TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Required Action B was implemented for the area without sprinkler coverage. Based on past testing results, there is a possibility that the heads would have been able to perform their specified safety function. Once the heads are removed from the system, testing will be performed to determine the actual affect on operability. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed." The site instituted compensatory measures included performing a fire patrol walkdown of the area within the first two hours after discovery of the potential degradation and hourly fire patrols thereafter. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4748328 November 2011 15:30:00Response24-Hour Report Concerning a Localized Loss of a Geometry Criticality Control Contingency

At 0930 CST on 11-28-11, during annual inspection of the C-400/C-409 floor drains and sumps according to procedure CP4-CU-CH6021, a chemical operator identified that an eye wash drain was no longer properly sealed around the concrete base and would not prevent solutions from entering the drain if challenged. NCSA (Nuclear Criticality Safety Assessment) CHM-001 requires specific drains to be sealed to prevent the accumulation of fissile material in the unsafe geometry drain system. In violation of NCSA CHM-001, the poured concrete base surrounding the eye wash drain #147 in C-400 was discovered to be broken loose from the floor so that it could no longer provide a seal against spilled uranium solution getting into the drain system. SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS Although the concrete block has broken loose from the floor, only a small crack exists at the base of the concrete block which would present a torturous solution path to the drain. Therefore, a large release will be prevented from transporting a significant amount of solution to the drain system. While the Safety Related Item failed, no fissile material was released onto the C-400 building floor and no fissile material entered the drain system through this drain. POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS INVOLVED In order for a criticality to occur a release of greater than a safe mass of uranium onto the floor of C-400 would have to occur. A solution containing greater than a safe mass would then have to migrate to the drain, leak into the drain system, and accumulate in an unfavorable geometry. CONTROLLED PARAMETERS The two process conditions relied upon for double contingency for this scenario are mass and geometry. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF LICENSED MATERIAL Process is designed to handle uranium contaminated solutions with a maximum assay of 5.5 wt.% U235. NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES The first leg of double contingency is based on the mass of uranium in solution form that leaks out of the system. The analysis credits both the integrity of the system and the fact that the tanks and piping are inspected for leakage. Small leaks will be identified and fixed before they have leaked enough uranium mass in solution to be a concern. Since no leakage has occurred, this control was not violated. The second leg of double contingency relies on the integrity of the floor drain seals to prevent uranium solution from getting into the unsafe geometry drain system. Since a pathway from the floor to the drain system exists, this control was violated and the parameter was not maintained. Because the parameter was not maintained double contingency was not maintained. Double contingency was not maintained because the geometry parameter was not maintained. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS 1. Stop fissile solution operations in the vicinity of the eyewash drain. This was completed at 1000 CST on

    11-28-11.
 2. Restore the seal to this drain. Pending
 3. Upon successful restoration of the seal for the eyewash drain #147, fissile solution operations may be 
     resumed. Pending

Since one leg of double contingency was lost, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01 Supplement 1. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-11-3171 and PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2011-20.

ENS 4737626 October 2011 18:20:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)24 Hour Report Due to Detection of Linear Defect in Surge Volume AccumulatorAt 1320 CDT, on 10-26-11 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that the C-310 Side Accumulator had a linear defect in the vessel shell that caused a UF6 release on 10-21-2011. The UF6 liquid accumulators serve the product withdrawal system. The side accumulator is a monel tank used in the product withdrawal system to provide a surge volume. The safety function of the side accumulator is to provide UF6 primary system integrity for the withdrawal process that contains a gaseous and liquid UF6. TSR 2.3.5.6 is a design feature that requires the withdrawal area UF6 condensers and accumulator vessels to have a minimum required metal thickness in accordance with ASME requirements to prevent UF6 releases. There are no LCO actions associated with this TSR but there is a 5 year surveillance requirement to perform a visual inspection including thickness measurements. The side accumulator was in service when a small UF6 release occurred on 10-21-2011. The release was contained to the immediate area and the side accumulator was taken out of service for investigation and subsequent repairs. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Senior Resident has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-11-2856; PDGP Event Report No. PAD-2011-19.
ENS 4731030 September 2011 13:54:00Response24-Hour Nrc Bulletin 91-01 Report Involving a Loss of One Leg of Double ContingencyDescription: At 0854 CDT on 09-30-11, the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that water was observed in the #5 withdrawal position scale pit during the completion of the monthly test of the C-310 scale pit water detection system alarm module. The alarm module was being tested per procedure, when the module was found with the visual alarm (a red light) on at the local panel in the #5 withdrawal position room. In response to the alarm, the scale pit hatch was opened and the water detection sensor cable was observed to be at least partially submerged. Immediate investigation found the sump pump breaker to be tripped; when the breaker was reset the pump actuated and water was immediately removed. At the time of the occurrence, product withdrawal was in progress in the #3 and #4 withdrawal position room, and no cylinder was present in the #5 withdrawal position room. The source of the water was found to be a leaking steam condensate valve above the #5 withdrawal room ceiling. The water had drained to the concrete pad outside the building and then along the scale cart rails, eventually finding its way into the #5 scale cart pit where it gradually accumulated. Because the C-310 Scale Pit Water Detection Alarm did not function as credited, it is in violation of NCSE 032 (NCSA 310-004). Since one leg of double contingency was lost, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01 Supplement 1. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-11-2610; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2011-17 SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS: The safety significance of this event is low, even though the event made it possible for the level of pre-existing water to exceed the safe geometry limit. Although it is normal case for overall PGDP operations to have assay up to 5.5 wt.% 235U, the actual assay of product withdrawal operations during the period in question remained no higher than 2.0 wt. % 235U. At that actual assay, the depth of water necessary to support a criticality would have been more than 7.21 inches, which might have been credible but in itself would have remained a very unlikely possibility due to the slow ingress rate and high probability of detection and mitigation by personnel performing routine activities in that area. POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS INVOLVED (BRIEF SCENARIO(S) OF HOW CRITICALITY COULD OCCUR): In order for a criticality to happen, a significant breach in the process system integrity would have to occur. After the breach, fissile UF6 and its reaction products would have to react with pre-existing water to form fissile solution. There would have to be a sufficient depth of water in the pit to support a criticality (e.g. more than 3.68 inches of water at 5.5 wt. % 235U). CONTROLLED PARAMETERS (MASS, MODERATION, GEOMETRY, CONCENTRATION, ETC.): The two process conditions relied upon for double contingency are mass and geometry. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF LICENSED MATERIAL (INCLUDE PROCESS LIMIT AND % WORST CASE CRITICAL MASS): Product withdrawal assay at the time of the event was no higher than 2.0 wt% U235. However, no UF6 release occurred. NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL(S) OR CONTROL SYSTEM(S) AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES: Geometry is controlled in the second leg of double contingency by limiting the level of pre-existing water that might be present in the scale pit. Water accumulation is considered normal case in the NCSE by acute or by chronic sources. The NCSE credits the Scale Pit Water Detection Alarm to provide detection of chronic water accumulation in the scale pit. The alarm is set to actuate before the water level exceeds 2.5 inches in the pit. The geometry parameter limit is 3.68 inches assuming the worst-case possible enrichment of 5.5 wt.% 235U. The alarm is credited to provide early indication, and result in prompt mitigation, of water ingress to the pit before the NCS parameter limit is exceeded. Since the alarm was not functional, and the ingress rate was sufficiently slow that ingress was not easily detectable, there was no reliable means in place to detect and mitigate the ingress of water into the pit. The sensor and local panel light performed their intended function; however, it is the ACR audible and visible alarms that are controlled as AQ-NCS equipment and not the local panel light and buzzer. With the alarm out of service, continued ingress of water to the pit could have resulted in exceeding the geometry parameter limit for water depth before detection and mitigation. NCS entered the scale pit for inspection shortly after notification of the discovery and after the water had been drained. NCS observed that the water level at the lowest point in the pit may have reached 2.5 inches. Based on those inspections, it is likely that the water level remained below the 3.68-inch level, but there was no definitive way to prove the maximum height that might have occurred throughout the period of time when the alarm was not functional. Therefore, for conservatism it is assumed credible that the geometry parameter limit was violated during the lime the alarm was not functional. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO RESTORE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND WHEN EACH WAS IMPLEMENTED: The sump pump was immediately activated by resetting its breaker, which restored the water level in the pit below the 2.5 inch administrative limit, thus removing the hazard of this incident. The #5 withdrawal position scale pit will be checked twice per shift beginning on 9-30-11 in accordance with procedure due to the ACR alarm being out-of-service.
ENS 4730730 September 2011 13:10:00Other Unspec ReqmntHydraulic Leak Contained on Site- State Officials Notified
ENS 4717619 August 2011 13:15:00Response24-Hr Loss of Criticality Control Report Required Under Bulletin 91-01, Supplement 1At 0815 CDT on 08-19-11, a Chemical Operations First Line Manager discovered that during disassembly of a single Seal Exhaust/Wet Air (SX/WA) pump, pump housing subcomponents (i.e. two piston slides and a cam) were placed within 2 feet of the internal oil separators. Nuclear Criticality Safety Approval (NCSA) GEN-011 requires a minimum 2-foot edge-to-edge spacing between pump housing subcomponents and internal oil separators. The purpose of this control is to ensure interaction between grossly contaminated fissile items is minimized during movement and storage. The Plant Shift Superintendent and the NCS group were notified and access to the area was controlled. Since one leg of double contingency was lost, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01, Supplement 1. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-11-2161 PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2011-13 POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS INVOLVED: In order for a criticality to be possible, the components would have to be grossly contaminated and brought together in a geometry capable of supporting a criticality and an additional spacing violation would have to occur before a criticality is possible. CONTROLLED PARAMETERS: Double contingency is maintained by implementing controls on geometry and interaction. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF LICENSED MATERIAL : Uranium contaminated oil. Product withdrawal assay at the time of the event was less than 4.95 wt% U235. The pump components were not grossly contaminated. NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL(S) OR CONTROL SYSTEM(S) AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES: The first leg of double contingency relies on the geometry of the seal exhaust/wet air pump components. The pump components are controlled as safety related items. This control was not violated. Therefore, this leg of double contingency was maintained. The second leg of double contingency relies on minimizing interaction between internal oil separators and pump housing subcomponents. Interaction is controlled by maintaining a minimum 2-foot edge-to-edge spacing between pump internal oil separators and pump housing subcomponents. The pump housing subcomponents were placed within 2 feet of the internal oil separators in violation of this control. The interaction parameter was not maintained; therefore this leg of double contingency was not maintained. Double contingency was not maintained because the interaction parameter was not maintained. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO RESTORE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND WHEN EACH WAS IMPLEMENTED: 1. Control Access to the area. This was completed at 0845 CDT on 08/19/11. 2. Move one item at a time such that the spacing between the pump housing subcomponents and the internal oil separators is always increasing until a minimum 2-foot edge-to-edge spacing has been established. This was completed at 1445 CDT on 08/19/11. 3. Upon establishing the proper spacing between the pump housing subcomponents and the internal oil separators, the exclusion zone may be removed. This was accomplished at 1450 CDT on 08/19/11.
ENS 4711131 July 2011 15:30:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(1)Unplanned Contamination Area
ENS 4709927 July 2011 09:15:00Other Unspec Reqmnt
10 CFR 76.120(a)(4)
Alert Declared Due to Onsite Release of Fluorine/Chlorinated Fluorine Gas Mixture

At 0415 CDT while changing out a cylinder of Fluorine/CL3 gas mixture in the C350 building, apparently a gasket failure occurred and an uncontrolled release of the gas mixture began. The licensee estimates that at the time the release began, there was approximately 160 lbs. of material in the cylinder. The release continues at this time. The C350 building was evacuated. There were no personnel injuries as a result of this event. No offsite assistance is being requested by the licensee. The local emergency squad is responding. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE FROM MIKE BOREN AND GREG BARNA TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0631 EDT ON 7/27/2011 * * *

The licensee believes, but has not verified at this time, that the gas leak has been stopped. A 'shelter in place' order has been issued for the following buildings: C337, C337a, C360, C335, C635 and C631. Samples exterior to building C350 are negative. Samples interior to building C350 still show residue and fog in the building. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE FROM MIKE BOREN TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0714 EDT ON 7/27/2011 * * *

The licensee has verified that the leak has been stopped.

  • * * UPDATE FROM GREG BARNA TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0726 EDT ON 7/27/2011 * * *

At 0615 CDT, an employee that was involved with the cylinder change-out and response to the event was transported to the onsite medical facility. He was complaining of a burning sensation to his right arm. At 0625 CDT, samples obtained both inside and outside of building C350 were negative. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE FROM GREG BARNA TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0736 EDT ON 7/27/2011 * * *

At 0631 CDT, the licensee has terminated the Alert. The licensee is controlling access to building C350 for investigation. The licensee has setup a recovery team. As a precautionary measure, a second individual that was involved in the cylinder change-out was also transported to the onsite medical facility. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Blamey), NMSS EO (Habighorst), IRD MOC (Marshall), DHS (Arnold), FEMA (Hollis), DOE (Connally), EPA (Brett), USDA, and HHS (Jones).

  • * * UPDATE FROM DEREK WARFORD TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 0916 EDT ON 7/27/2011 * * *

On 7/27/11 at 0710 (CDT), the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant decided to issue a press release describing the Alert issued by the plant earlier in the morning. The Alert issued on a chlorine trifluoride (CIF3) release in the C-350 facility was declared on 07/27/11 at 0415 (CDT) and terminated on 07/27/11 at 0631 (CDT). . This event is reportable under Criteria P in Appendix D of USEC procedure UE2-RA-RE1030 as 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. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. Notified R2DO (Blamey), NMSS EO (Habighorst) and PAO (Harrington).

ENS 4699628 June 2011 05:05:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Failure of #2 Fire Water Pump to Realign

At 0005 CDT, on 06-28-2011, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-631 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) pumps #2 and #3 automatically started in response to low HPFW header pressure created by a line leak and rendered inoperable. Following isolation of the water leak the #2 and #3 pumps were shut down and were being configured for automatic start. The RCW operator observed the 'Auto Start' Indicator for the #2 pump was not illuminated. The pump was declared inoperable and power was removed from the #2 pump for troubleshooting and repair by electrical maintenance (EM). When power was removed from the pump the HPFWS could not perform its intended safety function of providing 4875 gpm. Two HPFW system pumps are required to be operable according to TSR LCO 2.4.4.8. EM reset a disconnect interlock switch which reenergized the 'Auto Start' controls and the pump was declared operable and returned to service. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.

* * * UPDATE FROM KEVIN BEASLEY TO PETE SNYDER AT 1613 EDT 6/29/11 * * * 

Due to the uncertain nature of the leak on the 16 inch underground High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) distribution main, it is not known at this time if the two operable HPFW pumps would have been able to satisfy the maximum sprinkler system demand of 4875 gpm. Upon completion of excavating the area of the leak, Engineering will evaluate the failure mode to determine if system requirements were maintained. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (M. Franke) and NMSS (R. Johnson).

* * * RETRACTION FROM CALVIN PITTMAN TO KARL DIEDERICH AT 1423 EDT 07/14/11 * * * 

Upon further evaluation it was determined that the (High Pressure Fire Water System) HPFWS was capable of fulfilling its intended safety function at all times during the incident. The safety function of the High Pressure Fire Water System established in SAR 3.15.7.2 is to provide sufficient fire suppression capability for the cascade process buildings to minimize the likelihood of a large fire. Fire scenarios were evaluated to establish the system design basis. A lube oil spill fire on the operating floor resulted in the highest sprinkler flow rate demand of 3200 gpm. A 500 gpm hose stream demand is added to the sprinkler system flow rate to obtain a maximum fire water flow rate of 3700 gpm for the evaluation basis fire event. As stated in the TSR 2.4.4.8 Basis Statement, the requirements for HPFWS operability established in TSR 2.4.4.8 are conservative with respect to the system evaluation presented in SAR 3.15.7.2. TSR SR 2.4.4.8-4 requires an annual flow rate verification of each HPFW pump. The most recent flow rate tests performed in Nov. 2010 demonstrate the capacity of each pump exceeds the evaluation basis flow demands. During the short time where only HPFW pump #3 was operable, this pump could have supplied more than the 3700 gpm required to satisfy the evaluation basis flow demand. The HPFWS remained capable of fulfilling its intended safety function. In addition, when HPFW pumps #2 and #3 were running in response to the leak on the underground distribution system, system pressure was approximately 134 psig. Using the pump curves established by the annual TSR surveillance test discussed above, this equates to a flow rate of approximately 5900 gpm. Any sprinkler system activation on the HPFWS would drop the system pressure to around 125 psig, slightly lowering the flow rate through the leak. During the time frame the leak was active, the HPFWS remained capable of fulfilling its intended safety function. The combined pump capacity of pumps #2 and #3 (10,600 gpm) demonstrated by the annual surveillance test exceeds the combined demand from the leak (5900 gpm) and the evaluation basis flow requirements (3700 gpm). Therefore, the HPFWS remained operable throughout the incident of the underground piping leak and the following time period of only one pump operable. Thus, reporting per 10 CRF 76.120 was not required and the subject notification can be retracted. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this retraction by the licensee. Notified R2DO (Freeman) and NMSS (Rahimi).

ENS 4685315 May 2011 17:54:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Portion of High Pressure Fire Water System Declared Inoperable

At 1254 CDT, on 05/15/2011, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-333 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) Sprinkler System C-14 had been inspected by Fire Services and eleven sprinkler heads had visible corrosion on them. The system configuration was evaluated using EN-C-822-99-047, 'Effects of Impaired Sprinkler Heads on System Operability' and determined that with these heads potentially impaired, a portion of the building would not have sufficient sprinkler coverage. The HPFW system is required to be operable according to TSR LCO 2.4.4.5. HPFW system C-14 was declared inoperable and TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Required Action B was implemented for the area without sprinkler coverage. Based on past testing results, there is a possibility that the heads would have been able to perform their specified safety function. Once the heads are removed from the system, testing will be performed to determine the actual affect on operability. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP (Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant) Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-11-1192; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2011-08; Responsible Division: Operations An hourly fire patrol is being conducted in the affected area. (Licensee) estimated correction date: 5/20/2011.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM BILLY WALLACE TO JOE O'HARA AT 1145 EDT ON 5/20/11 * * *

Subsequent to the event, the corroded sprinkler heads were replaced with new heads and the removed heads were tested in the laboratory. Testing by the laboratory has shown that six of the 10 removed sprinkler heads would have performed their safety function, five of the heads would not have performed their safety function, but these heads would not affect the system operability. The conclusion of the tests is that the C-333 sprinkler system C-14 would have performed its intended safety function if called upon. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO(Shaeffer) and NMSS EO(Damon)

ENS 465923 February 2011 15:30:00Response24 Hour Notification Under Bulletin 91-01 Concerning Leakage of Moderating LiquidAt 0930 CST on 02-03-11, the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that a steam condensate line broke above the C-310 withdrawal room and water leaked through the ceiling into the withdrawal room on the ground floor. Water accumulated greater than 0.5 inch in depth in the diked area above the withdrawal room in violation of NCSA (Nuclear Criticality Safety Approval) 310-004. NCSA 310-004 requires that open containers with volumes greater than 5.5 gallons shall not contain pre-existing moderator greater than 0.5 inches in depth. During the walk down, it was discovered that the sprinkler heads currently installed above the withdrawal room are rated at 160F in violation of the NCS (Nuclear Criticality Safety) limit. NCSE (Nuclear Criticality Safety Evaluation) 032 requires the minimum activation temperature to be no lower than 200F. The sprinkler system was taken out of service and drained at 2131 CST on 02-03-11 and the level of water accumulated in the diked area was verified to be less than 0.5 inches at 0426 CST on 02-04-11. Since one leg of double contingency was lost, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01 Supplement 1. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS The first leg of double contingency is based on preventing a release of fissile material greater than the safe mass of uranium. This event did not release fissile material greater than the safe mass of uranium. POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS (BRIEF SCENARIO(S) OF HOW CRITICALITY COULD OCCUR) In order for a criticality to be possible, a large UF6 release containing greater than a critical mass of uranium would have to occur and accumulate greater than the critical configuration. CONTROLLED PARAMETERS (MASS, MODERATION, GEOMETRY, CONCENTRATION, ETC.) The two process conditions relied upon for double contingency are mass and geometry. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF MATERIAL (INCLUDE PROCESS LIMIT AND % WORST CASE CRITICAL MASS) Product withdrawal assay at the time of the event was less than 4.95 wt% U235. However, no UF6 release occurred. NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL(S) OR CONTROL SYSTEM(S) AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES The first leg of double contingency is based on preventing a release of fissile material greater than the safe mass of uranium. Since a UF6 release containing greater than the safe mass has not occurred, the mass parameter has maintained. The second leg of double contingency limiting moderating liquids in open containers to less than 0.5 inches and requiring the sprinkler head activation temperature to greater than 200F. Since the diked area above the withdrawal room did accumulate water level greater than 0.5 inches, the control was violated. Additionally, since the installed sprinkler heads activation temperature is less than 200F, a design feature of NCSE 032 was violated. Therefore, double contingency was not maintained. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO RESTORE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND WHEN EACH WAS IMPLEMENTED Shiftly checks of the diked area above the withdrawal have been initiated to ensure water level is not accumulating. The condensate leak above the withdrawal room was repaired and solution level verified to be less than 0.5 inches (0426 (CST) on 2/4/11). The sprinkler systems associated with the sprinkler heads above the withdrawal room have been isolated until the sprinkler heads can be replaced with heads that comply with NCSE 032 (Systems isolated at 2131 (CST) on 2/3/11).
ENS 4648717 December 2010 15:37:00Other Unspec ReqmntDiesel Fuel Oil Spill Contained on Site - Federal and State Officials NotifiedAt 0937 CST, 12/17/2010, the Kentucky Emergency Response Team (Report Number 2321984), the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, and the National Response Center (Report Number 962502) were notified of the following issue: a diesel fuel oil leak occurred from a pressure indicating line from storage tank located at (Bldg) C-600. The amount of diesel fuel that leaked from the storage tank is greater than the reportable quantity of 75 gallons. The secondary containment drain valve leaked which allowed the diesel fuel to reach the oil containment underflow dam at outfall 008. The diesel fuel is currently contained in the oil containment underflow dam. The effluent from outfall 008 has been tested and does not contain any detectable diesel fuel. Additionally, no visible sheen was observed from the effluent from outfall 008. Cleanup of the diesel fuel is in progress. This event is reportable as 'USEC shall notify NRC of 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. Such an event may include an on-site fatality or inadvertent release of radioactively contaminated materials.' The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2010-13.Secondary containment
ENS 463126 October 2010 16:06:00Response24 Hour Notification Under Bulletin 91-01 Concerning Cooldown Verification of Uf6 CylindersAt 1106 CDT, on 10/06/2010 the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the independent verification of cylinder cool down time had not been completed on the following Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) Cylinders: PP5436, PP5453, PP5389, PP5435, PP5388, PP5424, PP5459, and PP5443 in accordance with NCSA GEN-003. NCSA GEN-003 requires that prior to movement of a cylinder from a liquid UF6 cylinder handling area it shall be determined, independently verified, and documented that the required cooling time has passed. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure the cylinder does not contain liquid UF6 before it is moved from a liquid handling area. Upon discovery of the violation, it was determined that the cylinders had, in fact, met the required cool down period prior to movement; however, the independent verification had not been completed. Since this independent verification was not completed, double contingency was not maintained. Therefore, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01 Supplement 1. SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS Although an NCSA control was violated, cylinder integrity was maintained. POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS (BRIEF SCENARIO(S) OF HOW CRITICALITY COULD OCCUR) A solid UF6 cylinder would have to have been breached and sufficient moderator entered the cylinder in order to support a criticality. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF MATERIAL (INCLUDE PROCESS LIMIT AND % WORST CASE CRITICAL MASS) The assay of any material involved is less than or equal to 5.5 wt. % U235. The cylinders involved were 10 ton cylinders. NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL(S) OR CONTROL SYSTEM(S) AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES Double contingency is maintained by implementing two independent controls on one parameter (moderation). The first leg of double contingency relies on it being unlikely that industrial grade cranes, forklifts, and cylinder haulers would drop an ANSI N14.1 designed cylinder in such a way that it would be breached. This moderation control was maintained. The second leg of double contingency relies on independent verification that the required cool down time has passed, prior to moving a cylinder from a liquid cylinder handling area. This control helps ensure that the cylinder does not contain liquid UF6 prior to movement. The independent verification was not performed or documented. Therefore, this moderation control was violated. Upon discovery of the violation, it was determined that the cylinders had, in fact, met the required cool down period prior to movement. Double contingency relies on two independent controls on the same parameter. Since one of the two independent controls on moderation was violated, double contingency was not maintained; however, the moderation parameter was maintained. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO RESTORE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND WHEN EACH WAS IMPLEMENTED The cool down times for the identified cylinders have been independently verified thus bringing them back into compliance with double contingency. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4610517 July 2010 19:07:00Response24 Hour 91-01 Bulletin Report on Loss of One of Two Criticality Control ContingenciesAt 1407 CDT, on 07/17/2010 the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that cracks had been discovered in the C-400 Spray Booth containment pan by Quality Control Inspectors. The floor pan for the spray booth storage tanks, near the hand tables, was found to be inadequate and would allow solution to leak directly onto the concrete floor, in violation of NCSE (Nuclear Criticality Safety Evaluation) 015. The floor pan is a Safety Related Item that is intended to prevent solution from leaking to the concrete floor beneath the floor pan and accumulating in or creating an unsafe geometry/volume. Since one leg of double contingency was lost, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC Bulletin 91-01 Supplement 1. The process conditions relied upon for double contingency for this scenario are mass and geometry. The first leg of double contingency is based on the mass of uranium in solution form that leaks out of the system. The analysis credits both the integrity of the Spray Booth system and the fact that the tanks and piping are inspected for leakage. Small leaks will be identified and fixed before they have leaked enough uranium mass, in solution form, to be a concern. This control was not violated. The second leg of double contingency relies on the integrity of the floor pan to prevent accumulated liquids from leaking to the underlying concrete floor and accumulating in unfavorable geometries that may be present or created under the containment pan. Because a portion of the floor pan was discovered to have a hole, the Safety Related Item was violated; therefore, this control was violated. Pressure was placed on the Spray Booth floor pan in the area around the crack. Based on this inspection, there are no indication of unsafe geometry voids being present or having been created under the floor pan. Because the integrity of the floor pan was not maintained, this leg of double contingency is conservatively being considered as having been lost. Double contingency is conservatively considered to have been lost since the integrity of the spray booth storage tank floor pan was lost. In order for a criticality to be possible, greater than a safe mass of fissile material, in solution form, would have to leak out of the system undetected, leak under the floor pan, dissolve the concrete floor, and accumulate in an unsafe geometry. While the intended safety function of the Safety Related Item was violated, there was no significant uranium solution leak from the Spray Booth system. Additionally, there are no indications of unsafe geometry voids under the floor pan. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. The crack was characterized as through-wall and approximately 9 inches long. Since the pan is flush to the concrete floor it is mounted on, the licensee does not believe that any material has accumulated under the pan. A preliminary inspection of the pan did not reveal any indication of voiding under the pan. The licensee still has not determined if the pan will be lifted to inspect underneath. The crack was found during an annual inspection of the pan. The cause of the cracking is still under investigation.
ENS 4589030 April 2010 15:15:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Tar Found on Overpressure Rupture Discs Potentially Changing the Relief Set Point

On 04/30/10 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that while performing maintenance on C-337 Unit 2 Cell 4 Odd R-114 rupture disc replacement, roofing tar was discovered in the upper rupture disc. C-337 U/2 C/4 Odd system was not in a mode of applicability according to TSR (Technical Safety Requirement) 2.4.3.4. The presence of the roofing tar on an operable R-114 coolant overpressure control system rupture disc would not allow the rupture disc to perform its intended safety function as required by TSR 2.4.3.4. The R-114 rupture disc is the primary component of the R-114 coolant overpressure control system. The R-114 coolant overpressure control system prevents excess coolant pressure from rupturing the coolant system and releasing coolant into the UF6 primary system that could result in the subsequent release of UF6 due to over pressurization of the UF6 system. TSR 2.4.3.4 and 2.3.3.2 require that the R-114 coolant overpressure control system be operable. An extent of condition inspection of in use R-114 rupture discs is in progress. Roofing tar was discovered on R-114 coolant overpressure control system rupture discs in the following locations: C-337 cells U/3 C/2 Odd, U/1 C/5 Odd, U/1 C/6 Odd, U/6 C/4 Odd, U/2 C/5 Even, U/5 C/4 Odd, U/5 C/6 Even, U/5 C/8 Odd, U/4 C/7 Even (Not in an applicable mode), U/2 C/4 Odd (Not in an applicable mode). U/6 C/7 Odd (Not in an applicable mode). C-331 U/1 C/4 (Not in an applicable mode). Buildings C-310 and C-335 R-114 coolant overpressure control system rupture discs were inspected and were free of any foreign material. Systems that are in an applicable mode according to TSR 2.4.3.4 and were discovered to have roofing tar on the rupture discs were declared inoperable and an operator was stationed to continuously monitor the R-114 pressure in order to take action according to TSR 2.4.3.4. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATRC-l0-1131; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2010-6

  • * * UPDATE FROM JOE BARLETTO TO HOWIE CROUCH @ 2254 EDT ON 5/1/10 * * *

On 05-01-2010 at 2225 hours, extent of condition walk downs have been completed. Additional R-114 rupture disc locations were discovered with either roofing tar and/or shipping caps in the upper rupture disc. The presence of either would not allow the R-114 rupture disc to perform its intended safety function as required by TSR 2.4.3.4. Systems that are in an applicable mode according to TSR 2.4.3.4 and were discovered to have roofing tar and/or shipping caps on the upper rupture discs were declared inoperable and an operator was stationed to continuously monitor the R-114 pressure in order to take action according to TSR 2.4.3.4." The licensee provided a list of 28 cells that had shipping caps installed and 13 cells with roofing tar on the discs. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.

  • * * UPDATE FROM ROD COOK TO JOHN KNOKE @ 1737 EDT ON 5/2/10 * * *

On 5/02/2010 at 0636 hours during a review of the extent of condition inspection notes, engineering identified that C-333 U/4 C/9 Even R-114 Over-pressurization system had been omitted from the report due to oversight. Engineering had identified a shipping cover with tar on it was present on the rupture disc. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATRC-10-1141; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2010-6. Responsible Division: Operations Notified R2 DO (Randy Musser) and NMSS EO (Tim McCartin)

ENS 4580029 March 2010 13:08:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Safety Equipment Failure - Process Gas Detection System Found InoperableAt 0808 CDT on 03-29-10, the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-333 Unit 5 Cell 6 Process Gas Detection System (PGLD) was found with the READY light not illuminated when Operations were performing the manual test firing required by TSR surveillance requirement SR 2.4.4.1-1. This PGLD System contains detectors that cover Unit 5 cell 6 cell housing and Section 3 of the cell bypass piping. At the time the READY light was discovered not illuminated, these areas were operating above atmospheric pressure. The PGLD System was declared inoperable, TSR LCO 2.4.4.1.A.1 and 2.4.4.1.C.1 were entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. The power supply module was replaced and the system was satisfactorily tested. The system was declared operable at 1030 CDT on 03-29-10. TSR 2.4.4.1 requires that at least the minimum number of detector heads in the cell housing and in each defined section of the cell bypass are operable during steady state operations above atmospheric pressure. With the Unit 5 Cell 6 PGLD system inoperable, none of the required cell housing heads were operable. A PGLD head was manually actuated ('smoke tested') and the system would not alarm. Engineering has determined that the system would not have been able to perform its intended safety function. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR76.120(c)(2)(i). The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4562913 January 2010 14:50:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Process Gas Leak Detection System InoperableAt 0850 CST, on 1-13-10 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that the C-333 B-Booster UF6 Release Detection (PGLD) system was inoperable due to loss of power to the system. The purpose of the PGLD System is to detect a UF6 release and alert operators in the ACR by sounding an alarm. At the time this was discovered, some areas covered by this PGLD system were operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.4.4.1 requires that at least the minimum number of detector heads in the areas covered by this PGLD system are operable during steady state operations above atmospheric pressure. With the B-Booster PGLD system inoperable, none of the required heads were operable. This PGLD System was declared inoperable, TSR LCO 2.4.4.1.D.1 and 2.4.4.1.E.1 were entered, and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. An investigation was initiated and it was determined that power was interrupted during planned maintenance activities and there was a failure to identify that the power supply to this PGLD system would be impacted prior to performing the maintenance. Power was restored and the system was tested and declared operable at 1542 hours. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4552729 November 2009 00:50:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Safety Equipment Disabled Due to a Ground in the Area Control Room AlarmAt 1850 CST, on 11/28/09 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that the C-333 Unit 6 Cell 5 UF6 Release Detection (PGLD) System was inoperable due to loss of power to the Area Control Room (ACR) alarm for this system. The purpose of the PGLD System is to detect a UF6 release and alert operators in the ACR by sounding an alarm. At the time this was discovered, G-333 Unit 6 Cell 5 was operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.4.4.1 requires that at least the minimum number of detector heads in the cell are operable during steady state operations above atmospheric pressure. With the Unit 6 Cell 5 PGLD system inoperable, none of the required heads were operable. This PGLD System was declared inoperable, TSR LCO 2.4.4.1.B.1 was entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. Troubleshooting was initiated, a ground was discovered on the alarm circuit, the ground was isolated, and the system was tested and declared operable at 2305 (CST). This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4549212 November 2009 17:15:00ResponseViolation of a Nuclear Criticality Safety ControlAt 1115 CST on 11/12/09, abandoned cell piping was reported in C-331 and C-335 cell housings. The 16-inch abandoned piping is from the cell recycle line that was replaced in the mid 1970s. NCS (Nuclear Criticality Safety) controls require that equipment openings with unknown uranium deposits shall be covered with water-proof covers that are fire resistant. Since the piping contains an unknown uranium mass, and was discovered without water-proof covers, the NCS control was violated. Since moderation is the primary criticality control, and where double contingency cannot be re-established within 4 hours, this is being reported to the NRC as a 4-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01 Supplement 1. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-09-2781; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2009-19. Safety significance of events: Although the NCS control to cover the pipe openings was violated, it was not exposed to a liquid moderator. The geometry of the pipe is safe for a maximum enrichment that may be in the pipe. During the plant modifications that replaced the cell recycle lines, the maximum plant enrichment was 2.0 wt. % U235. There are no indications, based on quarterly NDA scans, that the piping contains greater than a safe mass of uranium. Therefore, the safety significance of the event is low. Potential criticality pathways involved: The maximum plant enrichment at the time the piping was in operation was a maximum 2.0 wt. % U235. The piping is contained in housing without fire suppression. The single parameter pipe diameter for that enrichment is greater than 16 inches. In order for a criticality to be possible, the pipe would have to contain greater than a critical mass. A large amount of moderator would have to enter the horizontal pipe opening. Greater than a critical mass would then have to be washed from the pipe due to the unlikely moderator release at the pipe opening. The washed material would then have to accumulate in an unsafe geometry. Controlled parameters: Moderation. Estimated amount, enrichment, form of licensed material: The assay of any material is less than or equal to 2.00 wt. % U235. Nuclear Criticality safety control(s) or control systems(s) and description of the failures or deficiencies: The first leg of double contingency relies on control of moderation. Moderator intrusion associated with sprinkler activation is controlled by limiting fire sprinkler head activation temperatures at the ceiling and bypass heights. The analysis also determined that significant moderator intrusion into open fissile piping due to inadvertent spills, RCW/oil line leaks, or other mechanism is unlikely. These controls were not violated and an unlikely moderator release event has not occurred at the pipe opening. The second leg of double contingency is also based on moderation. Piping exceeding 10.25 inches that contains an unknown or greater than safe mass deposit is required to have openings covered with fire resistant waterproof covers. Since the piping is nominal 16 inches in diameter, contains an unknown uranium mass, the NCS control was violated. Since the openings are not covered resulting in a loss of NCS control and there are two controls on one parameter, the process condition was not maintained. Corrective actions to restore safety systems and when each was implemented: Control access to the area. Exempt the pipe from NCS controls based on enrichment determination, cover the pipe openings, or quantify the uranium mass in the pipe.
ENS 454134 October 2009 20:00:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(1)Unplanned Contamination During Startup

On 10/04/2009 at 1500 C-331 unit 2 cell 2 was being charged and placed on stream and had just gone above atmospheric pressure when a Maintenance Mechanic observed smoke coming from the cell instrument cubicle and determined it to be UF6 outleakage from cell process instrumentation. To stop the release the cell was immediately taken back below atmospheric pressure. Investigation revealed that a UF6 release had occurred inside the instrument cubicle. The amount of material released has not yet been determined. Decontamination is underway but has not been completed inside the cabinet. The area outside the cabinet has been decontaminated. No injuries or personnel exposure occurred as a result of this event. This is being reported based on 10 CFR 76.120(c)(1)(i) (unplanned contamination event). PGDP Problem Report Nos. ATRC-09-2435; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2009-016. Responsible Division: Operations PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-09-2435; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2009-16; Worksheet No. Responsible Division: Operations The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. Decontamination is expected to be completed on 10/6/2009.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM CALVIN PITTMAN TO VINCE KLCO ON 12/03/09 AT 1551 EST* * *

After further review, it was determined that the amount of contamination was significantly less than five times the lowest annual limit on intake specified in Appendix B to Section 20.1001-20.2402 of 10CFR20 for the material. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R2DO (Guthrie) and NMSS (Whaley).

ENS 4536519 September 2009 18:23:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)High Voltage Process Gas Leak Detector Rendered Inoperable

At 1323 CST, on 09-19-09 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-315 (Tails Withdrawal facility) High Voltage Process Gas Leak Detector (PGLD) YE-10-2-6 was rendered inoperable during asbestos abatement activities. This PGLD system contains detectors that cover the C-315 UF6 condensers, accumulators, and piping heated housing. At the time of this failure, these areas were operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.3.4.4 requires that all detector heads in this system be operable during operations above atmospheric pressure. This PGLD System was declared operable and returned to service at 1359 hours, which is within the one hour required by TSR LCO 2.3.4.4.A.1 to enter a continuous smoke watch. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. Once the reason for the failure was identified, the detector was repaired, the C-315 High Voltage PGLD system was tested and declared operable. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-09-2284 PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2009-15

  • * * RETRACTION FROM DERRICK WARFORD TO DONG PARK ON 9/23/2009 AT 1553 EDT * * *

After review, it was determined that a redundant operable PGLD detector was available to perform the intended safety function. Therefore according to 10CFR76.120, this event is not reportable. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this retraction. Notified the R2DO (Rudisail) and NMSS (Waters).

ENS 4530226 August 2009 02:40:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Autoclave Pressure Relief System InoperableOn 08-25-09, the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-360 (Toll Transfer & Sampling Building) Autoclave #4 had a failure in the autoclave pressure relief system. The autoclave pressure relief system utilizes a rupture disc in series with a relief valve. A pressure indicator is located between the rupture disc and the relief valve to verify that the pressure between the two devices is less than 5 psig per TSR 2.1.3.2 Condition A. This pressure is limited to prevent any significant bias to the actuation pressure of the rupture disc. TSR 2.1.3.2 requires that the actuation pressure of the autoclave pressure relief system shall not exceed 157.5 psig. On 08-25-09 at 2140 CDT, an operator was preparing to place the #4 autoclave into service, per the proper operating procedure, when the pressure between the rupture disc and the relief valve was found to be 5.5 psig, a pressure which indicated a failure in this required safety system. The autoclave was in a mode where this TSR system is required to be operable. There is low safety significance to this failure as the TSR does allow the current operating cycle to be completed under this condition. Since the operating cycle was just started and steam had not been applied to the autoclave, the operating evolution was abandoned and the autoclave was declared inoperable and taken out of service. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATRC-09-2084; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2009-12; Worksheet No. Responsible Division: Operations
ENS 450424 May 2009 10:07:00Response24 Hour 91-01 Bulletin Report on Loss of One of Two Criticality Control ContingenciesAt 0507 CDT, on 05/04/09 the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that a fissile sample buggy in C-331 Process Building was in violation of the 2-foot spacing requirement from a fissile HEPA vacuum. The buggy was pushed up against the HEPA vacuum spacing pan which resulted in approximately 21-inches of separation between the fissile material items. The situation has been remediated according to Nuclear Criticality Safety guidelines. Since one leg of double contingency was lost, this is being reported to the NRC as a 24-hour Event Report in accordance with NRC BL 91-01 Supplement 1. SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS: There were approximately 21-inches of separation between fissile material items, therefore, although the minimum 24-inch (2-feet) spacing was violated, there was significant spacing provided. POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS INVOLVED: Even if the items had been configured with no spacing, an additional upset would be necessary in order for a criticality to be possible. CONTROLLED PARAMETERS: Geometry, interaction. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF LICENSED MATERIAL: The assay of any material is less than or equal to 5.5 wt. % U235. NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES: The first leg of double contingency relies on maintaining a minimum of 2 feet edge to edge between the HEPA vacuum and other fissile material; this control was violated. The second leg of double contingency, which was not violated, relies on the geometry of the HEPA vacuum cleaner and demonstrates that a single spacing violation is subcritical. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO RESTORE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND WHEN EACH WAS IMPLEMENTED: Control access to the area. Move the sample buggy in a direction away from the HEPA vacuum such that the spacing is always increasing until the minimum 2-feet edge to edge spacing has been re-established. Double contingency was re-established by 1300 hours on 5/4/09. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4482031 January 2009 07:50:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Loss of Power to Criticality Accident Alarm System HornAt 0150 CST, on 01-31-09 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that a Criticality Accident Alarm System (CAAS) trouble alarm had actuated for the C-409 (Stabilization Building). The PSS dispatched personnel to investigate and discovered that a circuit breaker had tripped causing a loss of power to the CAAS horn uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Further investigation revealed that the output of the UPS was off. This caused loss of CAAS audibility for C-409 and TSR LCO 2.6.4.1b was immediately entered. There were no fissile material operations in progress and all personnel in the affected area had a radio in constant communication with the Central Communications Facility satisfying the required actions of TSR 2.6.4.1 b. The circuit breaker that tripped was closed, the UPS was turned back on, and TSR 2.6.4.1b was exited at 0317 hours. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-09-0203; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2009-02
ENS 4481930 January 2009 18:17:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)24 Hour Report of Process Gas Leak Detection System InoperabilityAt 1217 CST, on 01-30-09 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-310 (product withdrawal facility) had lost power due to an electrical fault. As a result of the power loss, the C-310 High Voltage Process Gas Leak Detection (PGLD) System was rendered inoperable. This PGLD System contains detectors that cover the C-310 UF6 condensers, accumulators, and piping heated housing. At the time of this loss of power, these areas were operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.3.4.4 requires that all of detector heads in this system be operable during operations above atmospheric pressure. Power was restored to this PGLD System at 1240 hours, which is within the one hour required by TSR LCO 2.3.4.4.A.1 to enter a continuous smoke watch. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. Once the source of the fault was identified, power was restored to the C-310 the High Voltage PGLD System and the system was tested. Power was restored at 1240 hours and the system was tested at 1258 hours. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4477615 January 2009 02:39:00Other Unspec ReqmntOngoing Recirculating Cooling Water Leak at C337A Facility

The site staffed their Emergency Operations Center to troubleshoot an ongoing recirculating cooling water leak under the concrete floor of the C337A autoclave facility. The process in that facility automatically shutdown and is in a stable condition. Overall impact to the plant is minimal and processes continue to operate in the cascade facility. Offsite assistance has been requested. DOE, Massac County, Illinois and McCracken and Ballard Counties in Kentucky have been notified. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE AT 0220 ON 1/15/2009 FROM MIKE BOREN TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *

The event was terminated at 0220. The leak is not isolated but has been localized. Notified the R2DO (Rudisail) and NMSS (Davis).

ENS 4474428 December 2008 10:45:00Other Unspec Reqmnt24 Hour Report - Actuation of Leak Detection System Due to Minor Process Gas Leak

On 12/28/2008 at 0445 the C-337 unit 5 cell 3 PGLD (process gas leak detection) head located on stage 8 actuated. Operators responded to the alarm and performed sampling in the area. The sample result indicated 3 ppm of HF at the stage 8 compressor. To stop the release the cell was taken off-stream and the pressure was reduced to below atmosphere. Investigation indicated that a UF6 release had occurred. The amount of material released has not been determined. The actuated PGLD head is Q safety system component. At the time of the incident the cell was operating in a mode which required the system to be operable. This is being reported based on SAR 6.9 Table 1, J.2 as an Unplanned Actuation of a Q Safety System. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. The licensee states that a compressor seal appears to have failed. The amount of material released is characterized as on the order of a few grams. Material release was only in the vicinity of the compressor. There was nothing unusual or not understood and all systems functioned as required. There was no offsite release or personnel contamination resulted from this event.

  • * * RETRACTION PROVIDED ON 02/06/09 AT 1427 FROM BEASLEY TO KLCO * * *

A subsequent review by USEC Regulatory Affairs concluded that the UF6 Release Detection System detectors installed 'above the `B' seals on the axial flow compressors' (SAR 3.3.5.9.5), and the detectors for the instrument cubicles do not 'prevent or mitigate the consequences of postulated accidents that could result in a member of the general public located offsite being exposed to EG (Evaluation Guidelines)-1 or EG-2 guideline values' (SAR 4.2.2). Therefore, they do not meet the criteria to be classified as 'Q' (SAR 4.2.2). The safety equipment actuation reporting criteria (SAR 6.9-1 J.2) requires NRC to be notified of actuations of "Q" systems resulting from events that have the potential for significant impact on the health and safety of personnel, which are defined in the criteria as those events where actual plant conditions existed that the system was designed to protect against. Since the referenced UF6 Release Detection System detectors do not meet the criteria to be classified as "Q" and do not protect against a postulated accident that could result in a member of the general public being exposed to EG-1 or EG-2 guideline values, the actuations would not be reportable under this criteria. Summary: - the B-end seal PGLD (Process Head Leak Detector) head is not required to be 'Q' - the postulated release from the B-end seal cavity does not have significant impact on personnel. - A release from the B-end seal cavity is not a condition that the PGLD system is designed to protect against. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event retraction. Notified R2DO (Rudisail) and NMSS (Kotzalas).

ENS 4474227 December 2008 02:43:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Process Gas Leak Detection System Inoperable

At 2043 CST, on 12-26-08 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-337 Unit 6 Cell 9 was above atmospheric pressure and the UF6 Release Detection (PGLD) System was inoperable. The cell had been running below atmosphere earlier in the day but a new gradient was put in and load movement caused pressure to go above atmosphere. The PGLD System for Unit 6 Cell 9 had been inoperable for an extended period of time due to wiring problems. TSR 2.4.4.1 requires that at least the minimum number of detector heads in the cell are operable during steady state operations above atmospheric pressure. Even though the increase in cell pressure was due to load movement which is transient in nature, it was determined that the pressure had been above atmosphere for about four and a half hours, which is longer than the typical transient. With the Unit 6 Cell 9 PGLD system inoperable, none of the required cell heads were operable. TSR LCO 2.4.4.1.B.1 was entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 12/31/2008 AT 1716 FROM TONY HUDSON TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *

A subsequent review of the cell pressure proved that the cell pressures were below atmosphere at all times with the exception of one pressure spike of approximately 20 minutes. Since the cell was not operated above atmosphere and the TSR does not require PGLD systems to be operable during short term pressure transients, reporting under 10CFR76.120 is not required. Notified the R2DO (Lesser) and NMSS (Lorson).

ENS 447058 December 2008 08:19:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Process Gas Leak Detection System InoperableAt 0219 CST, on 12-08-08 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that the C-333 Unit 6 Cell 5 UF6 Release Detection (PGLD) System would not test fire during routine testing. Operators found that the READY, MANUAL, and POWER lights for this system were properly illuminated. This PGLD System contains detectors that cover only C-333 Unit 6 Cell 5 which was operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.4.4.1 requires that at least the minimum number of detector heads in the cell are operable during steady state operations above atmospheric pressure. With the Unit 6 Cell 5 PGLD system inoperable, none of the required cell heads were operable. This PGLD System was declared inoperable, TSR LCO 2.4.4.1.B.1 was entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. Engineering has determined, by analyzing the failed component, that the system would not have been able to perform its intended safety function when this condition was discovered. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. As of the time of the report, the problem has been corrected and the system returned to service.
ENS 4466418 November 2008 09:08:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Fire Water Sprinkler System Out of Service

At 0308 CST, on 11/18/2008, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-337 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) Sprinkler System D-9 had been inspected by Fire Services and six sprinkler heads had visible corrosion on them. The system configuration was evaluated using EN-C-822-99-047, 'Effects of Impaired Sprinkler Heads on System Operability' and determined that with these heads impaired, a portion of the building would not have sufficient sprinkler coverage. The HPFW system is required to be operable according to TSR LCO 2.4.4.5. HPFW system D-9 was declared inoperable and TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Required Action B was implemented for the area without sprinkler coverage. Based on past testing results, there is a possibility that the heads would have been able to perform their specified safety function. Once the heads are removed from the system, testing will be performed to determine the true affect on operability. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. The site has implemented hourly fire patrols while this impairment is in affect.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM TONY HUDSON TO HOWIE CROUCH @1536 EST ON 11/21/08 * * *

The affected sprinkler heads were removed and subjected to testing in the plant laboratory. A total of nine heads (three of these heads were previously identified with corrosion) were removed and tested with five of the nine actuating as designed. Using these results, the plant's fire protection engineer concluded that adequate sprinkler coverage existed prior to the discovery and the system would have performed as designed to a fire demand. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Guthrie) and NMSS EO (Smith).

ENS 446211 November 2008 13:37:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Process Gas Leak Detection System Not Functioning Correctly

At 0837 CDT, on 11-01-08 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that the Process Gas Leak Detection (PGLD) system for C-333 Unit 5 Cell 3 was not functioning as required. An operator was preparing to test fire the system as required by TSR SR 2.4.4.1-1 when it was discovered that the Ready light was not illuminated. This PGLD system contains detectors that cover C-333 Unit 5 Cell 3 and Section 1 and 2 of the cell bypass piping. At the time of this failure, Unit 5 Cell 3 and some areas of Sections 1 and 2 of the cell bypass were operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.4.4.1 requires that at least the minimum number of detector heads in the cell and in each defined section of the cell bypass are operable during steady state operations above atmospheric pressure. With the Unit 5 Cell 3 PGLD system inoperable, none of the required cell heads and only 2 of the required 3 heads in Sections 1 and 2 of the cell bypass were operable. This PGLD System was declared inoperable, TSR LCO 2.4.4.1.B.1 and 2.4.4.1.C.1 were entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. Engineering has determined that the system would not have been able to perform its intended safely function with the Ready light not illuminated. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and

c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR.08-3142; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2008.034;

ENS 4460828 October 2008 13:49:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Process Gas Leak Detection System InoperableAt 0849 CDST, on 10-28-08 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that an alarm was received for the C-337 Unit 1 Cell 2 UF6 Release Detection (PGLD) System. Operators responded and found that the READY and MANUAL lights for this system were not illuminated. This PGLD System contains detectors that cover C-337 Unit 1 Cell 2 and Section 1 of the cell bypass piping. At the time of this alarm, Unit 1 Cell 2 and some areas of Sections 1 of the cell bypass were operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.4.4.1 requires that at least the minimum number of detector heads in the cell and in each defined section of the cell bypass are operable during steady state operations above atmospheric pressure. With the Unit 1 Cell 2 PGLD system inoperable, none of the required cell heads and only 2 of the required 3 heads in Sections 1 of the cell bypass were operable. This PGLD System was declared inoperable. TSR LCO 2.4.4.1.A.1 and 2.4.4.1.C.1 were entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. Engineering has determined that the system would not have been able to perform its intended safety function when this alarm came in. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2008-033. The NRC Resident lnspector has been notified of this event.
ENS 4460427 October 2008 07:39:00Other Unspec ReqmntConcurrent Notification to Nrc of Pcb SpillAt 1400, on 10/27/2008 CDT, the Plant Shift Superintendent was informed that EPA Region IV and the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection had been notified of a PCB spill which occurred within the C-333 process building. This event is reportable as 'USEC shall notify NRC of 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. Such an event may include an on-site fatality or inadvertent release of radioactively contaminated materials.' The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC�08�3077: PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2008-032
ENS 445589 October 2008 20:37:00Response24-Hours Bulletin 91-01 Report Involving Failure to Visually Inspect Storage Cylinders

The following information is provided without quotation for readability: DESCRIPTION: On 10/09/08 at 1537 hours it was determined that procedure CP4-CU-CH6430, "In Storage Fissile Cylinder Inspection", does not fully meet the periodic inspection requirements of NCSA GEN-003. GEN-003 requires inspection every four years of all thick wall cylinders that contained fissile material since they were last washed on the inside of the cylinder. Only cylinders that were filled with fissile material on their last fill have been identified for inspection. Cylinders filled with fissile material, emptied and subsequently filled with non-fissile material and emptied, have not been inspected as required. Approximately 73 Cylinders that have contained fissile material since their last washing have not been inspected in violation of the requirement of NCSA GEN-003, these cylinders could contain residual nonvolatile material referred to as heel. Potentially the residual heel could contain fissile material. Double contingency is maintained by implementing two independent controls on one parameter (moderation). The first leg of double contingency relies on the design of the cylinder to ensure moderation control. Cylinders are designed to the requirements of ANSI N14.1 and ensure that it is unlikely for the cylinder wall to breach and allow water intrusion. This control on moderation was not violated. The second leg of double contingency relied on inspections every 4 years of the cylinder wall, valve, and plug for abnormal corrosion. This control ensures that in the event of a cylinder breach, it is unlikely that sufficient moderation to cause a criticality will enter the cylinder before it is identified and mitigated. Since the cylinders were not inspected within the 4 year time frame as required, this control on moderation was violated. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Problem Report No. ATRC-08-2918; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2008-31; NRC Worksheet No. 44558. SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS: Although a control requiring inspection of the cylinders every 4 years was violated, no cylinder breaches occurred. Later inspections identified no cylinder integrity issues, moderation control was lost and double contingency was not maintained. POTENTIAL CRITICALITY PATHWAYS INVOLVED (BRIEF SCENARIO(S) OF HOW CRITICALITY COULD OCCUR): In order for a criticality to be possible, more than 10kgs of water would have to enter a breach in a cylinder which contains more than a critical mass of material enriched to greater than 1.0 wt% 235U. CONTROLLED PARAMETERS (MASS, MODERATION, GEOMETRY, CONCENTRATION, ETC.): Moderation. ESTIMATED AMOUNT, ENRICHMENT, FORM OF LICENSED MATERIAL (INCLUDE PROCESS LIMIT AND % WORST CASE CRITICAL MASS) : There were 73 cylinders which were not inspected as required. These cylinders had at one time held fissile material. The cylinders were emptied except for a small residual heel and then filled with non-fissile material. The non-fissile material was then emptied leaving only the residual heel in the cylinder. Cylinder heels are typically less than 50 pounds. Assay is always less than 5.5% enrichment. NUCLEAR CRITICALITY SAFETY CONTROL(S) OR CONTROL SYSTEM(S) AND DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURES OR DEFICIENCIES: NCSA GEN-003 requires cylinders containing material enriched to greater than or equal to 1.0 wt % 235U to be inspected every 4 years to identify significant signs of degraded cylinder wall, valve and plug. These cylinders were filled with fissile material, emptied and then subsequently filled with non-fissile material and then emptied again, but were not inspected within the four year requirement. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO RESTORE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND WHEN EACH WAS IMPLEMENTED : Cylinders have been inspected per the CP4-CU-CH6430 and the identified cylinders were found to comply with NCSA GEN-003.

  • * * UPDATE AT 1750 EDT ON 10/10/08 FROM BILLY WALLACE TO STEVE SANDIN VIA FAX * * *

On 10/10/08 at 1500 CDT, an additional 8 cylinders were discovered which had not been properly inspected. The additional cylinders were of a different size than the initial cylinders found, but fall under the same requirement. The additional cylinders have been inspected and all met the NCSA requirements. Notified R2DO (Shaeffer) and NMSS (McCartin).

ENS 4451523 September 2008 14:37:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Safety Equipment Failure Due to Loss of PowerAt 0937 CDST, on 09/23/08 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-315 (tails withdrawal facility) had lost power due to a fault on a 14 KV feeder. As a result of the power loss, the C-315 High Voltage Process Gas Leak Detection (PGLD) System was rendered inoperable. This PGLD System contains detectors that cover the C-315 UF6 condensers, accumulators, and piping heated housing. At the time of this loss of power, these areas were operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.3.4.4 requires that all of detector heads in this system be operable during operations above atmospheric pressure. This PGLD System was declared inoperable. TSR LCO 2.3.4.4.A.1 was entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120(c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand; and, c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. Once the source of the fault was identified, power was restored to the C-315 facility. The High Voltage PGLD system was tested, and the system was declared operable. Power was restored at 1039 hours and the High Voltage PGLD System was declared operable at 1118 hours. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. PGDP Assessment and Tracking Report No. ATR-08-2371; PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2008-29; Responsible Division: Operations.
ENS 4448614 September 2008 15:24:00Information OnlyCourtesy Notification Due to Severe Weather Damage and Emergency Operation Center Activation

Site experienced high winds and sustained weather related damage to mobile offices and isolated site power outages. Plant wide assessment in progress. Plant systems are still operational and have not been impacted by the wind damage. No chemical hazards have been identified at this time. AC power was lost to the offsite Public Warning System sirens, but battery power available for 72 hours. Licensee has requested expedited action from the electric utility company to return AC power to the siren system. The site EOC was activated to assist the on shift personnel with weather damage assessment and the licensee was in an Unclassified Emergency. The licensee notified the McCracken County Sheriff's Dispatch office, Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, and the DOE Oak Ridge Operations Center.

  • * * UPDATE PROVIDED AT 1339 EDT ON 09/14/08 FROM STEVE WAGNER TO JEFF ROTTON * * *

Licensee provided a courtesy notification that they had terminated their unclassified emergency at 1232 CDT and deactivated their EOC. All damage to the site was minor and they have established recovery teams. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified IRDMOC (McMurtray), R2DO (Payne) and NMSS EO (Brach)

ENS 4444828 August 2008 16:43:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)
Other Unspec Reqmnt
Leak in High Pressure Fire Water System

At 1143, on 8/28/08, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified of a large water leak on High Pressure Fire Water system (HPFW) A-12 in building C-333 due to a piping rupture. The HPFW system provides water for fire suppression to the plant's process buildings. A-12 is 1 of 66 HPFW systems in this process building. Leak analysis indicates the HPFW system A-12 would not have been able to perform its intended safety function while the leak was occurring. The leak was determined to be between the process building and the post indicating valve (PIV). The PIV for this system was closed which isolated the leak. Required TSR LCO actions have been and are being performed. This is being reported as an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and no redundant equipment is available. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.

  • * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY ROD COOK TO JASON KOZAL ON 8/29/08 AT 1611 * * *

On 8/29/08, the Kentucky Department of Water (KDOW) was notified that approximately 30,000 gallons of recirculating water (RCW) from the HPFW system containing 4 ppm phosphorus residual was discharged through Outfall 9. RCW discharge to Outfall 9 is reportable to KDOW as a bypass of a treatment system that causes an exceedance of a permit limit per 401 KAR 5:065 Section 1(12)(f). The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. Notified R2DO (Nease) and NMSS EO (Mamish).

ENS 4435620 July 2008 17:20:0010 CFR 76.120(c)(2)Failure of Process Gas Leak Detection SystemAt 1230 CDST, on 07-20-08 the Plant Shift Superintendent (PSS) was notified that C-315 had received an audible alarm with no visual indications. Moments later an alarm was received in C-331 for the C-315 High Voltage Process Gas Leak Detection System. Operators responded by contacting C-315 to inquire about the alarm. C-315 operators checked the system and found that the READY light for this system was not illuminated. This PGLD System contains detectors that cover the C-315 UF6 condensers, accumulators, and piping heated housing. At the time of this alarm, the areas were operating above atmospheric pressure. TSR 2.3.4.4 requires that all of detector heads in this system be operable during operations above atmospheric pressure. Operators responding to the system tried to test fire the system heads however the system would not respond and then they discovered the READY light to be off. This PGLD System was declared inoperable, TSR LCO 2.3.4.4.A.1 was entered and a continuous smoke watch was put in place within one hour. Engineering has determined that the system would not have been able to perform its intended safety function when this alarm came in. This event is reportable as a 24 hour event in accordance with 10CFR 76.120 (c)(2)(i). This is an event in which equipment is disabled or fails to function as designed when: a.) the equipment is required by a TSR to prevent releases, prevent exposures to radiation and radioactive materials exceeding specified limits, mitigate the consequences of an accident, or restore this facility to a pre-established safe condition after an accident; b.) the equipment is required by a TSR to be available and operable and either should have been operating or should have operated on demand, and c.) no redundant equipment is available and operable to perform the required safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.