IR 05000346/2009002: Difference between revisions
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| issue date = 04/23/2009 | | issue date = 04/23/2009 | ||
| title = IR 05000346-09-002, on 1/1/09 - 3/31/09, Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Maintenance Effectiveness, Identification and Resolution of Problems | | title = IR 05000346-09-002, on 1/1/09 - 3/31/09, Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Maintenance Effectiveness, Identification and Resolution of Problems | ||
| author name = Cameron J | | author name = Cameron J | ||
| author affiliation = NRC/RGN-III/DRP/B6 | | author affiliation = NRC/RGN-III/DRP/B6 | ||
| addressee name = Allen B | | addressee name = Allen B | ||
Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
=Text= | =Text= | ||
{{#Wiki_filter: | {{#Wiki_filter:ril 23, 2009 | ||
==SUBJECT:== | |||
DAVIS-BESSE NUCLEAR POWER STATION INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 05000346/2009-002 AND CONFIRMATORY ORDER EA-07-199 | |||
==Dear Mr. Allen:== | |||
On March 31, 2009, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an integrated inspection at your Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The enclosed inspection report documents the inspection findings that were discussed on April 15, 2009, with you and other members of your staff. | |||
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license. | |||
The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel. | |||
Based on the results of this inspection, two NRC-identified findings and one self-revealed finding of very low safety significance were identified. Two of the findings involved a violation of NRC requirements. However, because of their very low safety significance, and because the issues were entered into your corrective action program, the NRC is treating the issues as non-cited violations (NCVs) in accordance with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. | |||
If you contest the subject or severity of a Non-Cited Violation, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001, with a copy to the Regional Administrator, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Region III, 2443 Warrenville Road, Suite 210, Lisle, IL 60532-4352; the Director, Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; and the Resident Inspector Office at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. In addition, if you disagree with the cross-cutting aspect of any finding in this report, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your disagreement, to the Regional Administrator, Region III, and the NRC Resident Inspector. The information you provide will be considered in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0305. In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRCs document system (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). | |||
Inspection | |||
Sincerely, | |||
Supplemental Information cc w/encl: The Honorable Dennis Kucinich J. Hagan, President and Chief Nuclear Officer - FENOC J. Lash, Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer - FENOC Manager - Site Regulatory Compliance - FENOC D. Pace, Senior Vice President of Fleet Engineering - FENOC K. Fili, Vice President, Fleet Oversight - FENOC P. Harden, Vice President, Nuclear Support D. Jenkins, Attorney, FirstEnergy Corp. | /RA/ | ||
Jamnes L. Cameron, Chief Branch 6 Division of Reactor Projects Docket No. 50-346 License No. NPF-3 Enclosure: Inspection Report 05000346/2009-002 w/Attachment: Supplemental Information cc w/encl: The Honorable Dennis Kucinich J. Hagan, President and Chief Nuclear Officer - FENOC J. Lash, Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer - FENOC Manager - Site Regulatory Compliance - FENOC D. Pace, Senior Vice President of Fleet Engineering - FENOC K. Fili, Vice President, Fleet Oversight - FENOC P. Harden, Vice President, Nuclear Support D. Jenkins, Attorney, FirstEnergy Corp. | |||
Director, Fleet Regulatory Affairs - FENOC Manager - Fleet Licensing - FENOC C. OClaire, State Liaison Officer, Ohio Emergency Management Agency R. Owen, Administrator, Ohio Department of Health Public Utilities Commission of Ohio President, Lucas County Board of Commissioners President, Ottawa County Board of Commissioners | |||
=SUMMARY OF FINDINGS= | =SUMMARY OF FINDINGS= | ||
IR 05000346/2009-002; 1/1/09 - 3/31/09; Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station; Maintenance | IR 05000346/2009-002; 1/1/09 - 3/31/09; Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station; Maintenance | ||
=== | Effectiveness, Identification and Resolution of Problems This report covers a 3-month period of inspection by resident inspectors and announced baseline inspections by regional inspectors. Three Green findings, two of which were considered as Non-Cited Violations (NCVs) were identified. The significance of most findings isindicated by their color (Green, White, Yellow, Red) using Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609, Significance Determination Process (SDP). Findings for which the SDP does not apply may be Green or be assigned a severity level after NRC management review. The NRCs program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 4, dated December 2006. | ||
===NRC-Identified=== | |||
and Self-Revealed Findings | and Self-Revealed Findings | ||
===Cornerstone: Initiating Events=== | ===Cornerstone: Initiating Events=== | ||
: '''Green.''' | : '''Green.''' | ||
The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1), | The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1), | ||
Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, because the licensee did not establish appropriate corrective actions to address the potential for a transformer deluge initiation due to water hammer, and provide reasonable assurance that the system was capable of fulfilling its intended function and could return to monitoring under 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2). This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program. | |||
The finding is more than minor. In accordance with IMC 0612, Appendix E, Examples of Minor Issues, Section 7, Maintenance Rule a(1) and a(2) violations are not minor because they involve structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that have demonstrated some degraded performance or condition. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it does not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. (Section 1R12) | |||
: '''Green.''' | : '''Green.''' | ||
A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed when improper installation of insulation surrounding the main turbine bearing number two oil deflector caused the main turbine to be taken off-line due to smoking insulation. An insulation blanket was blocking normal air flow used for cooling the oil deflector, causing oil to carbonize and clog the oil deflector screen. This issue was caused by the lack of procedural guidance for the installation and removal of insulation from the turbine. A corrective action was initiated to create a procedure which incorporates specific guidance for removing and installing the insulation. This finding was more than minor because the issue is associated with the design control attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of events that upset plant stability. The finding was not a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) initiator and did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. The finding was not considered an external event initiator. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance. (Section 4OA2) | A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed when improper installation of insulation surrounding the main turbine bearing number two oil deflector caused the main turbine to be taken off-line due to smoking insulation. An insulation blanket was blocking normal air flow used for cooling the oil deflector, causing oil to carbonize and clog the oil deflector screen. This issue was caused by the lack of procedural guidance for the installation and removal of insulation from the turbine. A corrective action was initiated to create a procedure which incorporates specific guidance for removing and installing the insulation. | ||
This finding was more than minor because the issue is associated with the design control attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of events that upset plant stability. The finding was not a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) initiator and did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. The finding was not considered an external event initiator. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance. (Section 4OA2) | |||
===Other Findings=== | ===Other Findings=== | ||
: '''Green.''' | : '''Green.''' | ||
The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, | The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, | ||
Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, in that the licensee failed to have appropriate qualitative or quantitative measures to ensure that corrective actions specified in department directives and requirements of business practices were actually being accomplished. This contributed to further issues in the Chemistry Department with adherence to procedure requirements. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program. | |||
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern and was a factor in subsequent procedure compliance and component mispositioning issues within the Chemistry department. The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the failure to adhere to specified requirements or to have methods to determine adherence did not directly result in degraded or inoperable equipment. This finding was reviewed by Regional Management and determined to be of very low safety significance. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Work Practices, because the licensee did not ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of work activities of the technicians in the field and of personnel providing activities to upgrade procedures and standing orders. (H.4.c) (Section 4OA2) | |||
=== | ===Licensee-Identified Violations=== | ||
No violations of significance were identified. | No violations of significance were identified. | ||
=REPORT DETAILS= | =REPORT DETAILS= | ||
Summary of Plant Status The plant remained at 100 percent power during the inspection period, except for a brief period to support routine testing and to exercise control rod drives. | |||
===Summary of Plant Status=== | |||
The plant remained at 100 percent power during the inspection period, except for a brief period to support routine testing and to exercise control rod drives. | |||
==REACTOR SAFETY== | ==REACTOR SAFETY== | ||
CORNERSTONE: | CORNERSTONE: INITIATING EVENTS, MITIGATING SYSTEMS, AND BARRIER INTEGRITY | ||
{{a|1R01}} | |||
==1R01 Adverse Weather Protection - Readiness For Impending Adverse Weather Condition -== | |||
High Wind Conditions (71111.01) | High Wind Conditions (71111.01) | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
Since high winds with potential thunderstorms, associated with a cold front that had spawned tornadoes, were forecast in the vicinity of the facility for February 11 and 12, 2009, the inspectors reviewed the | Since high winds with potential thunderstorms, associated with a cold front that had spawned tornadoes, were forecast in the vicinity of the facility for February 11 and 12, 2009, the inspectors reviewed the licensees overall preparations/protection for the expected weather conditions. On February 11, 2009, the inspectors walked down the areas around the switchyard and under the high voltage lines from the plant to the switchyard, in addition to the licensees emergency alternating current (AC) power systems, because their safety-related functions could be affected or required as a result of high winds or tornado-generated missiles or the loss of offsite power. The inspectors evaluated the licensee staffs preparations against the sites procedures and determined that the staffs actions were adequate. During the inspection, the inspectors focused on plant specific design features and the licensees procedures used to respond to specified adverse weather conditions. The inspectors tours included looking for any loose debris that could become missiles during a tornado or high winds. The inspectors evaluated operator staffing and accessibility of controls and indications for those systems required to control the plant. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR) and performance requirements for systems selected for inspection, and verified that operator actions were appropriate as specified by plant specific procedures. The inspectors also reviewed a sample of corrective action program items (CAP) to verify that the licensee identified adverse weather issues at an appropriate threshold and dispositioned them through the CAP in accordance with station corrective action procedures. Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the Attachment. | ||
This inspection constituted one readiness for impending adverse weather condition sample as defined in IP 71111.01-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R04}} | ||
{{a|1R04}} | |||
==1R04 Equipment Alignment - Quarterly Partial System Walkdowns== | ==1R04 Equipment Alignment - Quarterly Partial System Walkdowns== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.04}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.04}} | ||
Line 82: | Line 99: | ||
* High Pressure Injection train 2 during maintenance outage on train 1 on February 17, 2009; | * High Pressure Injection train 2 during maintenance outage on train 1 on February 17, 2009; | ||
* Motor Driven Feedwater Pump during AFW train 1 surveillance on March 18, 2009; and | * Motor Driven Feedwater Pump during AFW train 1 surveillance on March 18, 2009; and | ||
* Decay Heat train 1 during planned maintenance on train 2 on March 31, 2009. The inspectors selected these systems based on their risk significance relative to the reactor safety cornerstones at the time they were inspected. The inspectors attempted to identify any discrepancies that could impact the function of the system, and therefore, potentially increase risk. The inspectors reviewed applicable operating procedures, system diagrams, UFSAR, Technical Specification (TS) requirements, outstanding work orders, condition reports, and the impact of ongoing work activities on redundant trains of equipment in order to identify conditions that could have rendered the systems incapable of performing their intended functions. The inspectors also walked down accessible portions of the systems to verify system components and support equipment were aligned correctly and operable. The inspectors examined the material condition of the components and observed operating parameters of equipment to verify that there were no obvious deficiencies. The inspectors also verified that the licensee had properly identified and resolved equipment alignment problems that could cause initiating events or impact the capability of mitigating systems or barriers and entered them into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization. Documents reviewed are listed in the | * Decay Heat train 1 during planned maintenance on train 2 on March 31, 2009. | ||
The inspectors selected these systems based on their risk significance relative to the reactor safety cornerstones at the time they were inspected. The inspectors attempted to identify any discrepancies that could impact the function of the system, and therefore, potentially increase risk. The inspectors reviewed applicable operating procedures, system diagrams, UFSAR, Technical Specification (TS) requirements, outstanding work orders, condition reports, and the impact of ongoing work activities on redundant trains of equipment in order to identify conditions that could have rendered the systems incapable of performing their intended functions. The inspectors also walked down accessible portions of the systems to verify system components and support equipment were aligned correctly and operable. The inspectors examined the material condition of the components and observed operating parameters of equipment to verify that there were no obvious deficiencies. The inspectors also verified that the licensee had properly identified and resolved equipment alignment problems that could cause initiating events or impact the capability of mitigating systems or barriers and entered them into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization. Documents reviewed are listed in the | |||
. | |||
These activities constituted four partial system walkdown samples as defined in IP 71111.04-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R05}} | ||
{{a|1R05}} | |||
==1R05 Fire Protection - Routine Resident Inspector Tours== | ==1R05 Fire Protection - Routine Resident Inspector Tours== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.05}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.05}} | ||
Line 98: | Line 118: | ||
* Main Feed Pump Room (Room 252, Fire Area II); | * Main Feed Pump Room (Room 252, Fire Area II); | ||
* Mechanical Penetration Room No. 4 (Room 314, Fire Area A); and | * Mechanical Penetration Room No. 4 (Room 314, Fire Area A); and | ||
* No. 2 Electrical Penetration Room (Room 427, Fire Area DF). The inspectors reviewed areas to assess whether the licensee implemented a fire protection program that adequately controlled combustibles and ignition sources within the plant, effectively maintained fire detection and suppression capability, maintained passive fire protection features in good material condition, and had implemented adequate compensatory measures for out-of-service, degraded or inoperable fire protection equipment, systems, or features in accordance with the | * No. 2 Electrical Penetration Room (Room 427, Fire Area DF). | ||
The inspectors reviewed areas to assess whether the licensee implemented a fire protection program that adequately controlled combustibles and ignition sources within the plant, effectively maintained fire detection and suppression capability, maintained passive fire protection features in good material condition, and had implemented adequate compensatory measures for out-of-service, degraded or inoperable fire protection equipment, systems, or features in accordance with the licensees fire plan. | |||
The inspectors selected fire areas based on their overall contribution to internal fire risk as documented in the plants Individual Plant Examination of External Events (IPEEE)with later additional insights, their potential to impact equipment which could initiate or mitigate a plant transient, or their impact on the plants ability to respond to a security event. Using the documents listed in the Attachment, the inspectors verified that fire hoses and extinguishers were in their designated locations and available for immediate use; that fire detectors and sprinklers were unobstructed; that transient material loading was within the analyzed limits; and fire doors, dampers, and penetration seals appeared to be in satisfactory condition. The inspectors also verified that minor issues identified during the inspection were entered into the licensees CAP. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. | |||
These activities constituted seven quarterly fire protection inspection samples as defined in IP 71111.05-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R11}} | ||
{{a|1R11}} | |||
==1R11 Licensed Operator Requalification Program - Resident Inspector Quarterly Review== | ==1R11 Licensed Operator Requalification Program - Resident Inspector Quarterly Review== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.11Q}} | |||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
On January 27, 2009, the inspectors observed a crew of licensed operators in the | On January 27, 2009, the inspectors observed a crew of licensed operators in the plants simulator during licensed operator requalification examinations to verify that operator performance was adequate, evaluators were identifying and documenting crew performance problems, and training was being conducted in accordance with licensee procedures. The inspectors evaluated the following areas: | ||
* licensed operator performance; | * licensed operator performance; | ||
* | * crews clarity and formality of communications; | ||
* ability to take timely actions in the conservative direction; | * ability to take timely actions in the conservative direction; | ||
* prioritization, interpretation, and verification of annunciator alarms; | * prioritization, interpretation, and verification of annunciator alarms; | ||
Line 116: | Line 140: | ||
* control board manipulations; | * control board manipulations; | ||
* oversight and direction from supervisors; and | * oversight and direction from supervisors; and | ||
* ability to identify and implement appropriate TS actions and Emergency Plan actions and notifications. The | * ability to identify and implement appropriate TS actions and Emergency Plan actions and notifications. | ||
The crews performance in these areas was compared to pre-established operator action expectations and successful critical task completion requirements. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. | |||
This inspection constituted one quarterly licensed operator requalification program sample as defined in IP 71111.11. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R12}} | ||
{{a|1R12}} | |||
==1R12 Maintenance Effectiveness - Routine Quarterly Evaluations== | ==1R12 Maintenance Effectiveness - Routine Quarterly Evaluations== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.12Q}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.12Q}} | ||
Line 128: | Line 155: | ||
* Safety Feature Actuation System; | * Safety Feature Actuation System; | ||
* Switchyard and Transformers; and | * Switchyard and Transformers; and | ||
* Control Room Emergency Ventilation System. The inspectors reviewed events such as where ineffective equipment maintenance had resulted in equipment or operability issues and independently verified the licensee's actions to address system performance or condition problems in terms of the following: | * Control Room Emergency Ventilation System. | ||
The inspectors reviewed events such as where ineffective equipment maintenance had resulted in equipment or operability issues and independently verified the licensee's actions to address system performance or condition problems in terms of the following: | |||
* implementing appropriate work practices; | * implementing appropriate work practices; | ||
* identifying and addressing common cause failures; | * identifying and addressing common cause failures; | ||
Line 136: | Line 165: | ||
* trending key parameters for condition monitoring; | * trending key parameters for condition monitoring; | ||
* ensuring 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) or (a)(2) classification or re-classification; and | * ensuring 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) or (a)(2) classification or re-classification; and | ||
* verifying appropriate performance criteria for structures, systems, and components (SSCs)/functions classified as (a)(2) or appropriate and adequate goals and corrective actions for systems classified as (a)(1). The inspectors assessed performance issues with respect to the reliability, availability, and condition monitoring of the system. In addition, the inspectors verified maintenance effectiveness issues were entered into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report | * verifying appropriate performance criteria for structures, systems, and components (SSCs)/functions classified as (a)(2) or appropriate and adequate goals and corrective actions for systems classified as (a)(1). | ||
The inspectors assessed performance issues with respect to the reliability, availability, and condition monitoring of the system. In addition, the inspectors verified maintenance effectiveness issues were entered into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. | |||
This inspection constituted three quarterly maintenance effectiveness samples as defined in IP 71111.12-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
=====Introduction:===== | =====Introduction:===== | ||
The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50.65 (a)(1), | The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50.65 (a)(1), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, because the licensee did not establish appropriate corrective actions for the switchyard/transformers system in a manner sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the system was capable of fulfilling its intended function and could return to monitoring under 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2). | ||
=====Description:===== | =====Description:===== | ||
The Davis-Besse Maintenance Rule Program Manual defines a functional failure for the switchyard/transformers system as a spurious actuation of the fire suppression deluge system for all 345 KV transformers. The reliability performance criteria of the switchyard/transformers allow one functional failure of the fire suppression system every five cycles. Consequences from an inadvertent deluge actuation include the possibility of the system to initiate a plant trip. A functional failure occurred on April 6, 2003, when a short circuit actuated the solenoid coil for the hydrogen seal oil room deluge. The main transformer deluge is located on the same firewater feeder as the seal oil deluge system, and was mechanically agitated upon seal oil room initiation due to water hammer in the piping. Vibration was sufficient to break the latch engagement on main transformer deluge valve and initiate a main transformer deluge. This functional failure, coupled with a spurious fire suppression deluge actuation in 1997, caused the switchyard/transformers system to be classified maintenance rule (a)(1) due to exceeding the reliability performance criteria. The maintenance rule (a)(1) action plan stated that the 345 KV transformer deluge valve assemblies should be replaced in order to ensure continued high levels of reliability. | The Davis-Besse Maintenance Rule Program Manual defines a functional failure for the switchyard/transformers system as a spurious actuation of the fire suppression deluge system for all 345 KV transformers. The reliability performance criteria of the switchyard/transformers allow one functional failure of the fire suppression system every five cycles. Consequences from an inadvertent deluge actuation include the possibility of the system to initiate a plant trip. | ||
A functional failure occurred on April 6, 2003, when a short circuit actuated the solenoid coil for the hydrogen seal oil room deluge. The main transformer deluge is located on the same firewater feeder as the seal oil deluge system, and was mechanically agitated upon seal oil room initiation due to water hammer in the piping. Vibration was sufficient to break the latch engagement on main transformer deluge valve and initiate a main transformer deluge. This functional failure, coupled with a spurious fire suppression deluge actuation in 1997, caused the switchyard/transformers system to be classified maintenance rule (a)(1) due to exceeding the reliability performance criteria. | |||
The maintenance rule (a)(1) action plan stated that the 345 KV transformer deluge valve assemblies should be replaced in order to ensure continued high levels of reliability. | |||
Specifically, the main and auxiliary 11 transformer deluge valves should be replaced during 14RFO (2006), and the startup 01 and startup 02 transformer deluge valves should be replaced during 15RFO (2008). However, the corrective actions in the (a)(1)action plan only listed the development of periodic maintenance for periodic replacement of the transformer deluge valve assemblies. The corrective actions did not address the susceptibility of the valve assemblies to inadvertently actuate the deluge system when mechanically agitated, as a result of a marginal design application. The switchyard/transformers system was returned to maintenance rule (a)(2) status in December 2006 without replacing the deluge valve assemblies. The design of the valves still left the station vulnerable to a deluge system inadvertent actuation. | |||
A subsequent functional failure occurred on November 4, 2008, during deluge system testing of the startup 01 transformer. Upon initiation of the startup 01 transformer deluge test, plant staff observed violent shaking of the deluge system due to water hammer in the piping. The vibration was sufficient to inadvertently initiate the main transformer deluge system. The deluge system was immediately isolated and the main transformer was examined from a safe distance with no abnormal conditions noted. | |||
=====Analysis:===== | =====Analysis:===== | ||
The inspectors determined that returning the switchyard/transformers system to 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2) status without completing appropriate corrective actions was a performance deficiency. The finding is more than minor. In accordance with IMC 0612, Appendix E, | The inspectors determined that returning the switchyard/transformers system to 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2) status without completing appropriate corrective actions was a performance deficiency. The finding is more than minor. In accordance with IMC 0612, Appendix E, Examples of Minor Issues, Section 7, Maintenance Rule a(1) and a(2)violations are not minor because they involve SSCs that have demonstrated some degraded performance or condition. The finding was evaluated by IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Appendix A, using Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 | ||
- Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events cornerstone. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green)because it did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because the concern was not indicative of current plant performance. | |||
=====Enforcement:===== | =====Enforcement:===== | ||
10 CFR 50.65(a)(1), requires, in part, that the holders of an operating license monitor the performance or condition of SSCs within the scope of the rule as defined by 10 CFR 50.65(b), against licensee established goals, in a manner sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that such SSCs, are capable of fulfilling their intended functions. Such goals shall be established commensurate with safety. When the performance or condition of an SSC does not meet established goals, appropriate corrective action shall be taken. Contrary to the above, the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions to address the potential of a transformer deluge initiation due to water hammer before returning the switchyard/transformers system to (a)(2) status. Specifically, the | 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1), requires, in part, that the holders of an operating license monitor the performance or condition of SSCs within the scope of the rule as defined by 10 CFR 50.65(b), against licensee established goals, in a manner sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that such SSCs, are capable of fulfilling their intended functions. Such goals shall be established commensurate with safety. When the performance or condition of an SSC does not meet established goals, appropriate corrective action shall be taken. | ||
Contrary to the above, the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions to address the potential of a transformer deluge initiation due to water hammer before returning the switchyard/transformers system to (a)(2) status. Specifically, the licensees failure to take appropriate corrective action caused a repeat system functional failure on November 4, 2008. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as CR 08-48956. Short-term corrective actions included inspection of the deluge valve for degraded hardware and revision of periodic deluge test procedures to ensure isolation of the deluge valves that are not being tested. A long-term corrective action is in place to obtain funding and implement a design change to replace the transformer deluge valves. Because this issue is of very low safety significance and is entered into the licensees corrective action program, this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. | |||
(NCV 05000346/2009002-01) | |||
{{a|1R13}} | {{a|1R13}} | ||
==1R13 Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control== | ==1R13 Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control== | ||
Line 162: | Line 204: | ||
The inspectors reviewed the licensee's evaluation and management of plant risk for the maintenance and emergent work activities affecting risk-significant and safety-related equipment listed below to verify that the appropriate risk assessments were performed prior to removing equipment for work: | The inspectors reviewed the licensee's evaluation and management of plant risk for the maintenance and emergent work activities affecting risk-significant and safety-related equipment listed below to verify that the appropriate risk assessments were performed prior to removing equipment for work: | ||
* Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of January 12, 2009, and January 19, 2009, which involved an operations evolution order to remove a gas void detected in the makeup flow test line piping; | * Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of January 12, 2009, and January 19, 2009, which involved an operations evolution order to remove a gas void detected in the makeup flow test line piping; | ||
* Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of February 2, 2009, | * Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of February 2, 2009, which involved multiple yellow risk scheduled surveillance activities and included the need for decisions on control room ventilation system damper inspections and potential impacts due to problems with the refrigeration compressor in control room emergency ventilation system train 2; | ||
* Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of February 9, 2009, | * Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of February 9, 2009, which involved scheduled yellow risk surveillance activities and continued troubleshooting of the refrigeration compressor in Control Room Emergency Ventilation system train 2, which caused entry into yellow risk to generation due to exceeding 50 percent of the TSs allowable inoperability time; and | ||
* Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of March 16, 2009, which involved scheduled high green risk activities and one yellow risk activity and also involved maintenance activities for unexpected issues with Reactor Protection channel two, with level control for Feedwater Heater 1-6, with measurement of flow from the Dilution Water Pump, and with feedwater flow measurement by the leading edge flowmeter system. These activities were selected based on their potential risk significance relative to the reactor safety cornerstones. As applicable for each activity, the inspectors verified that risk assessments were performed as required by 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) and were accurate and complete. When emergent work was performed, the inspectors verified that the plant risk was promptly reassessed and managed. The inspectors reviewed the scope of maintenance work, discussed the results of the assessment with the licensee's probabilistic risk analyst or shift technical advisor, and verified plant conditions were consistent with the risk assessment. The inspectors also reviewed TS requirements and walked down portions of redundant safety systems, when applicable, to verify risk analysis assumptions were valid and applicable requirements were met. These maintenance risk assessments and emergent work control activities constituted four samples as defined in IP 71111.13-05. | * Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of March 16, 2009, which involved scheduled high green risk activities and one yellow risk activity and also involved maintenance activities for unexpected issues with Reactor Protection channel two, with level control for Feedwater Heater 1-6, with measurement of flow from the Dilution Water Pump, and with feedwater flow measurement by the leading edge flowmeter system. | ||
These activities were selected based on their potential risk significance relative to the reactor safety cornerstones. As applicable for each activity, the inspectors verified that risk assessments were performed as required by 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) and were accurate and complete. When emergent work was performed, the inspectors verified that the plant risk was promptly reassessed and managed. The inspectors reviewed the scope of maintenance work, discussed the results of the assessment with the licensee's probabilistic risk analyst or shift technical advisor, and verified plant conditions were consistent with the risk assessment. The inspectors also reviewed TS requirements and walked down portions of redundant safety systems, when applicable, to verify risk analysis assumptions were valid and applicable requirements were met. | |||
These maintenance risk assessments and emergent work control activities constituted four samples as defined in IP 71111.13-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R15}} | ||
{{a|1R15}} | |||
==1R15 Operability Evaluations== | ==1R15 Operability Evaluations== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.15}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.15}} | ||
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* CR 09-52766 which documented and discussed causes for a reactor core actual axial offset more negative than predicted in fuel design documents; | * CR 09-52766 which documented and discussed causes for a reactor core actual axial offset more negative than predicted in fuel design documents; | ||
* CR 09-54171 which documented relay chatter during a seismic event on motor starter fused disconnects, which could affect various service water valves; and | * CR 09-54171 which documented relay chatter during a seismic event on motor starter fused disconnects, which could affect various service water valves; and | ||
* CR 09-53245 which addressed the unreviewed impact of a newly constructed building on the operability of temperature and wind direction instruments used in Emergency Plan assessments of offsite releases. The inspectors selected these potential operability issues based on the risk-significance of the associated components and systems. The inspectors evaluated the technical | * CR 09-53245 which addressed the unreviewed impact of a newly constructed building on the operability of temperature and wind direction instruments used in Emergency Plan assessments of offsite releases. | ||
The inspectors selected these potential operability issues based on the risk-significance of the associated components and systems. The inspectors evaluated the technical adequacy of the evaluations to ensure that TS operability was properly justified and the subject component or system remained available such that no unrecognized increase in risk occurred. The inspectors compared the operability and design criteria in the appropriate sections of the TS and Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) to the licensees evaluations, to determine whether the components or systems were operable. | |||
Where compensatory measures were required to maintain operability, the inspectors determined whether the measures in place would function as intended and were properly controlled. The inspectors determined, where appropriate, compliance with bounding limitations associated with the evaluations. Additionally, the inspectors also reviewed a sampling of corrective action documents to verify that the licensee was identifying and correcting any deficiencies associated with operability evaluations. | |||
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. | |||
This operability inspection constituted six samples as defined in IP 71111.15-05 | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R18}} | ||
{{a|1R18}} | |||
==1R18 Plant Modifications - Temporary Plant Modifications== | ==1R18 Plant Modifications - Temporary Plant Modifications== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.18}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.18}} | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed the following temporary modification: | The inspectors reviewed the following temporary modification: | ||
* Temporary Modification 09-0114, | * Temporary Modification 09-0114, Temporary Removal of Breaker BE2146 to Support Energization of Motor Control Center E21A. | ||
The inspectors compared the temporary configuration changes and associated 10 CFR 50.59 screening and evaluation information against the design basis, the UFSAR, and the TS, as applicable, to verify that the modification did not affect the operability or availability of the affected systems. The inspectors also compared the | The inspectors compared the temporary configuration changes and associated 10 CFR 50.59 screening and evaluation information against the design basis, the UFSAR, and the TS, as applicable, to verify that the modification did not affect the operability or availability of the affected systems. The inspectors also compared the licensees information to operating experience information to ensure that lessons learned from other utilities had been incorporated into the licensees decision to implement the temporary modification. The inspectors, as applicable, performed field verifications to ensure that the modifications were installed as directed; the modifications operated as expected; modification testing adequately demonstrated continued system operability, availability, and reliability; and that operation of the modifications did not impact the operability of any interfacing systems. Lastly, the inspectors discussed the temporary modification with operations and reviewed the drawing and procedure changes made to address the temporary modification. | ||
This inspection constituted one temporary modification sample as defined in IP 71111.18-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R19}} | ||
{{a|1R19}} | |||
==1R19 Post-Maintenance Testing== | ==1R19 Post-Maintenance Testing== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.19}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.19}} | ||
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* Service Water Pump 2 testing on January 30, 2009, after motor mechanical and electrical preventive maintenance activities; | * Service Water Pump 2 testing on January 30, 2009, after motor mechanical and electrical preventive maintenance activities; | ||
* Control Room Emergency Ventilation System train 2 monthly test on February 5, 2009, which was a failed post maintenance test for the refrigeration compressor portion of the system; | * Control Room Emergency Ventilation System train 2 monthly test on February 5, 2009, which was a failed post maintenance test for the refrigeration compressor portion of the system; | ||
* Hydrogen Analyzer 2 discharge containment isolation valve, CV5010E, stroke and operability test on February 27, 2009, after preventive maintenance on the | * Hydrogen Analyzer 2 discharge containment isolation valve, CV5010E, stroke and operability test on February 27, 2009, after preventive maintenance on the valves motor operator; | ||
* Emergency Diesel Generator 2 monthly surveillance test on March 5, 2009, after adjustments made to the hydraulic governor; and | * Emergency Diesel Generator 2 monthly surveillance test on March 5, 2009, after adjustments made to the hydraulic governor; and | ||
* Service Water Pump 1 quarterly test on March 12, 2009, after preventive maintenance associated with the pump motor and strainer | * Service Water Pump 1 quarterly test on March 12, 2009, after preventive maintenance associated with the pump motor and strainer. | ||
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. This inspection constituted seven post-maintenance testing samples as defined in IP 71111.19-05. | These activities were selected based upon the SSCs ability to impact risk. The inspectors evaluated these activities for the following (as applicable): the effect of testing on the plant had been adequately addressed; testing was adequate for the maintenance performed; acceptance criteria were clear and demonstrated operational readiness; test instrumentation was appropriate; tests were performed as written in accordance with properly reviewed and approved procedures; equipment was returned to its operational status following testing (temporary modifications or jumpers required for test performance were properly removed after test completion), and test documentation was properly evaluated. The inspectors evaluated the activities against TS, the UFSAR, 10 CFR Part 50 requirements, licensee procedures, and various NRC generic communications to ensure that the test results adequately ensured that the equipment met the licensing basis and design requirements. In addition, the inspectors reviewed corrective action documents associated with post-maintenance tests to determine whether the licensee was identifying problems and entering them in the CAP and that the problems were being corrected commensurate with their importance to safety. | ||
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. | |||
This inspection constituted seven post-maintenance testing samples as defined in IP 71111.19-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|1R22}} | ||
{{a|1R22}} | |||
==1R22 Surveillance Testing== | ==1R22 Surveillance Testing== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.22}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71111.22}} | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed the test results for the following activities to determine whether risk-significant systems and equipment were capable of performing their intended safety function and to verify testing was conducted in accordance with applicable procedural and TS requirements: | The inspectors reviewed the test results for the following activities to determine whether risk-significant systems and equipment were capable of performing their intended safety function and to verify testing was conducted in accordance with applicable procedural and TS requirements: | ||
* DB-SP-4150, | * DB-SP-4150, AFP 1 Monthly Test (Routine); | ||
* DB-MI-3245, | * DB-MI-3245, Channel Functional Test and Device Calibration of SFRCS Steam Generator Level Inputs 83C-ISLSP9A6, A7, B8, and B9 to Actuation Channel 1 (Routine); | ||
* DB-PF-3017; | * DB-PF-3017; Service Water Pump 1 Testing (Inservice Testing); | ||
* DB-SC-4271; | * DB-SC-4271; Station Blackout Diesel Generator Monthly Test (Routine); | ||
* DB-SS-4150, -4151, and -4152; Main Turbine Generator stop valves, control valves, and intercept valves testing (Routine) | * DB-SS-4150, -4151, and -4152; Main Turbine Generator stop valves, control valves, and intercept valves testing (Routine) | ||
* DB-SP-3376, | * DB-SP-3376, Quarterly Makeup Pump 2 Inservice Test and Inspection (Inservice Testing); and | ||
* DB-SP-3136; | * DB-SP-3136; Decay Heat Train 1 Pump and Valve Test (Inservice Testing). | ||
The inspectors observed in-plant activities and reviewed procedures and associated records to determine the following: | |||
* did preconditioning occur; | * did preconditioning occur; | ||
* were the effects of the testing adequately addressed by control room personnel or engineers prior to the commencement of the testing; | * were the effects of the testing adequately addressed by control room personnel or engineers prior to the commencement of the testing; | ||
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No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
CORNERSTONE: | CORNERSTONE: Emergency Preparedness {{a|1EP6}} | ||
{{a|1EP6}} | |||
==1EP6 Drill Evaluation - Emergency Preparedness Drill Observation== | ==1EP6 Drill Evaluation - Emergency Preparedness Drill Observation== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71114.06}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71114.06}} | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors evaluated the conduct of a routine licensee emergency drill on March 19, 2009 , to identify any weaknesses and deficiencies in classification, notification, and protective action recommendation development activities. The inspectors observed emergency response operations in the Control Room Simulator, Technical Support Center, and Emergency Operations Facility to determine whether the event classification, notifications, and protective action recommendations were performed in accordance with procedures. The inspectors also attended the licensee drill critique to compare any inspector-observed weakness with those identified by the licensee staff in order to evaluate the critique and to verify whether the licensee staff was properly identifying weaknesses and entering them into the corrective action program. As part of the inspection, the inspectors reviewed the drill package and other documents listed in the Attachment to this report. This emergency preparedness drill inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71114.06-05. | The inspectors evaluated the conduct of a routine licensee emergency drill on March 19, 2009, to identify any weaknesses and deficiencies in classification, notification, and protective action recommendation development activities. The inspectors observed emergency response operations in the Control Room Simulator, Technical Support Center, and Emergency Operations Facility to determine whether the event classification, notifications, and protective action recommendations were performed in accordance with procedures. The inspectors also attended the licensee drill critique to compare any inspector-observed weakness with those identified by the licensee staff in order to evaluate the critique and to verify whether the licensee staff was properly identifying weaknesses and entering them into the corrective action program. As part of the inspection, the inspectors reviewed the drill package and other documents listed in the Attachment to this report. | ||
This emergency preparedness drill inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71114.06-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
==RADIATION SAFETY== | |||
== | ===Cornerstone: Public Radiation Safety=== | ||
2PS2 Radioactive Material Processing and Transportation (71122.02) | |||
===.1 Radioactive Waste System=== | ===.1 Radioactive Waste System=== | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed the liquid and solid radioactive waste system description in the UFSAR for information on the types and amounts of radioactive waste (radwaste) generated and disposed. The inspectors reviewed the scope of the | The inspectors reviewed the liquid and solid radioactive waste system description in the UFSAR for information on the types and amounts of radioactive waste (radwaste)generated and disposed. The inspectors reviewed the scope of the licensees audit program with regard to radioactive material processing and transportation programs to verify that it met the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1101(c). | ||
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in Inspection Procedure (IP) 71122.02-5. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors performed walkdowns of the liquid and solid radwaste processing systems to verify that the systems agreed with the descriptions in the UFSAR and the Process Control Program and to assess the material condition and operability of the systems. The inspectors reviewed the status of radwaste processing equipment that was not operational and/or was abandoned in place. The inspectors reviewed the | The inspectors performed walkdowns of the liquid and solid radwaste processing systems to verify that the systems agreed with the descriptions in the UFSAR and the Process Control Program and to assess the material condition and operability of the systems. The inspectors reviewed the status of radwaste processing equipment that was not operational and/or was abandoned in place. The inspectors reviewed the licensees administrative and physical controls to ensure that the equipment would not contribute to an unmonitored release path or be a source of unnecessary personnel exposure. | ||
The inspectors reviewed changes to the waste processing system to verify that the changes were reviewed and documented in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 and to assess the impact of the changes on radiation dose to members of the public. The inspectors reviewed the current processes for transferring waste resin into shipping containers to determine if appropriate waste stream mixing and/or sampling procedures were utilized. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees methods for waste concentration averaging to determine if representative samples of the waste product were provided for the purposes of waste classification, as required by 10 CFR 61.55. | |||
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71122.02-5. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
===.3 Waste Characterization and Classification=== | ===.3 Waste Characterization and Classification=== | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed the | The inspectors reviewed the licensees radiochemical sample analysis results for each of the licensees waste streams, including dry active waste (DAW), spent resins, and filters. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees use of scaling factors to quantify difficult-to-measure radionuclides (e.g., pure alpha or beta emitting radionuclides). | ||
The reviews were conducted to verify that the licensees program assured compliance with 10 CFR 61.55 and 10 CFR 61.56, as required by Appendix G of 10 CFR Part 20. | |||
The inspectors also reviewed the licensees waste characterization and classification program to ensure that the waste stream composition data accounted for changing operational parameters and thus remained valid between the annual sample analysis updates. | |||
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71122.02-5. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed the documentation of shipment packaging, radiation surveys, package labeling and marking, vehicle inspections and placarding, emergency instructions, determination of waste classification/isotopic identification, and licensee verification of shipment readiness for 12 non-excepted material and radwaste shipments made in 2008. | The inspectors reviewed the documentation of shipment packaging, radiation surveys, package labeling and marking, vehicle inspections and placarding, emergency instructions, determination of waste classification/isotopic identification, and licensee verification of shipment readiness for 12 non-excepted material and radwaste shipments made in 2008. In 2008, the licensee made 85 shipments, and none of these shipments were Type-B. The shipment documentation reviewed consisted of: | ||
In 2008, the licensee made 85 shipments, and none of these shipments were Type-B. The shipment documentation reviewed consisted of: | |||
* Eight Low Specific Activity (LSA-II) and Three Surface Contaminated Object (SCO-II) Shipments to Waste Processors; and | * Eight Low Specific Activity (LSA-II) and Three Surface Contaminated Object (SCO-II) Shipments to Waste Processors; and | ||
* One Type-A Package to Areva, Lynchburg, VA. | * One Type-A Package to Areva, Lynchburg, VA. | ||
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For each shipment, the inspectors determined if the requirements of 10 CFR Parts 20 and 61 and those of the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 49 CFR Parts 170-189 were met. Specifically, records were reviewed and staff involved in shipment activities was interviewed to determine if packages were labeled and marked properly, if package and transport vehicle surveys were performed with appropriate instrumentation, if radiation survey results satisfied DOT requirements, and if the quantity and type of radionuclides in each shipment were determined accurately. The inspectors also determined whether shipment manifests were completed in accordance with DOT and NRC requirements, if they included the required emergency response information, if the recipient was authorized to receive the shipment, and if shipments were tracked as required by 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix G. | For each shipment, the inspectors determined if the requirements of 10 CFR Parts 20 and 61 and those of the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 49 CFR Parts 170-189 were met. Specifically, records were reviewed and staff involved in shipment activities was interviewed to determine if packages were labeled and marked properly, if package and transport vehicle surveys were performed with appropriate instrumentation, if radiation survey results satisfied DOT requirements, and if the quantity and type of radionuclides in each shipment were determined accurately. The inspectors also determined whether shipment manifests were completed in accordance with DOT and NRC requirements, if they included the required emergency response information, if the recipient was authorized to receive the shipment, and if shipments were tracked as required by 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix G. | ||
This inspection constitutes one sample as defined by Inspection Procedure 71122.02-5. | |||
and 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H. The | |||
Selected staff involved in shipment activities were observed and interviewed by the inspectors to determine if they had adequate skills to accomplish shipment related tasks and to determine if the shippers were knowledgeable of the applicable regulations to satisfy package preparation requirements for public transport with respect to NRC Bulletin 79-19, Packaging of Low-Level Radioactive Waste for Transport and Burial, and 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H. The shippers training conducted by WMG Inc., and related certificates were reviewed for compliance with the hazardous material training requirements of 49 CFR 172.704. Additional hazmat training requirements for radiation protection staff were also reviewed by the inspectors for adequacy. | |||
This inspection constitutes one sample as defined by IP 71122.02-5. | This inspection constitutes one sample as defined by IP 71122.02-5. | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed condition reports, audits and self assessments that addressed radioactive waste and radioactive materials shipping program deficiencies since the last inspection to verify that the licensee had effectively implemented the corrective action program and that problems were identified, characterized, prioritized and corrected. The inspectors also verified that the licensee's self-assessment program was capable of identifying repetitive deficiencies or significant individual deficiencies in problem identification and resolution. The inspectors reviewed corrective action reports from the radioactive material and shipping programs since the previous inspection, interviewed staff and reviewed documents to determine if the following activities were being conducted in an effective and timely manner commensurate with their importance to safety and risk: | The inspectors reviewed condition reports, audits and self assessments that addressed radioactive waste and radioactive materials shipping program deficiencies since the last inspection to verify that the licensee had effectively implemented the corrective action program and that problems were identified, characterized, prioritized and corrected. The inspectors also verified that the licensee's self-assessment program was capable of identifying repetitive deficiencies or significant individual deficiencies in problem identification and resolution. | ||
The inspectors reviewed corrective action reports from the radioactive material and shipping programs since the previous inspection, interviewed staff and reviewed documents to determine if the following activities were being conducted in an effective and timely manner commensurate with their importance to safety and risk: | |||
* Initial problem identification, characterization, and tracking; | * Initial problem identification, characterization, and tracking; | ||
* Disposition of operability/reportability issues; | * Disposition of operability/reportability issues; | ||
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* Identification and implementation of effective corrective actions; | * Identification and implementation of effective corrective actions; | ||
* Resolution of NCVs tracked in the corrective action system; and | * Resolution of NCVs tracked in the corrective action system; and | ||
* Implementation/consideration of risk significant operational experience feedback. This inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71122.02-5. | * Implementation/consideration of risk significant operational experience feedback. | ||
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71122.02-5. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
==OTHER ACTIVITIES== | ==OTHER ACTIVITIES== | ||
Cornerstones: | Cornerstones: Initiating Events, Mitigating Systems, Barrier Integrity, Emergency Preparedness, Public Radiation Safety, Occupational Radiation Safety, and Physical Protection | ||
{{a|4OA1}} | {{a|4OA1}} | ||
==4OA1 Performance Indicator Verification== | ==4OA1 Performance Indicator Verification== | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the Unplanned Scrams per 7000 Critical Hours performance indicator (PI) for the period from the first quarter 2008 through the fourth quarter of 2008. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Document 99-02, | The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the Unplanned Scrams per 7000 Critical Hours performance indicator (PI) for the period from the first quarter 2008 through the fourth quarter of 2008. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Document 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 5, were used. The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator narrative logs, issue reports, event reports and NRC Inspection Reports for the period of first quarter through the fourth quarter of 2008 to validate the accuracy of the submittals. | ||
The inspectors also reviewed the licensees issue report database to determine if any problems had been identified with the PI data collected or transmitted for this indicator, and none were identified. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. | |||
This inspection constituted one unplanned scrams per 7000 critical hours sample as defined in IP 71151-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the RCS Leakage performance indicator for the period from the first quarter of 2008 through the fourth quarter of 2008. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Document 99-02, | The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the RCS Leakage performance indicator for the period from the first quarter of 2008 through the fourth quarter of 2008. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Document 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 5, were used. The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator logs, RCS leakage tracking data, issue reports, event reports and NRC Integrated Inspection Reports for the period of the first through fourth quarters of 2008 to validate the accuracy of the submittals. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees issue report database to determine if any problems had been identified with the PI data collected or transmitted for this indicator, and none were identified. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. | ||
This inspection constituted one reactor coolant system leakage sample as defined in IP 71151-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. {{a|4OA2}} | ||
{{a|4OA2}} | |||
==4OA2 Identification and Resolution of Problems== | ==4OA2 Identification and Resolution of Problems== | ||
{{IP sample|IP=IP 71152}} | {{IP sample|IP=IP 71152}} | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
As part of the various baseline inspection procedures discussed in previous sections of this report, the inspectors routinely reviewed issues during baseline inspection activities and plant status reviews to verify that they were being entered into the | As part of the various baseline inspection procedures discussed in previous sections of this report, the inspectors routinely reviewed issues during baseline inspection activities and plant status reviews to verify that they were being entered into the licensees CAP at an appropriate threshold, that adequate attention was being given to timely corrective actions, and that adverse trends were identified and addressed. Attributes reviewed included: the complete and accurate identification of the problem; that timeliness was commensurate with the safety significance; that evaluation and disposition of performance issues, generic implications, common causes, contributing factors, root causes, extent of condition reviews, and previous occurrences reviews were proper and adequate; and that the classification, prioritization, focus, and timeliness of corrective actions were commensurate with safety and sufficient to prevent recurrence of the issue. | ||
Minor issues entered into the licensees CAP as a result of the inspectors observations are included in the attached List of Documents Reviewed. | |||
These routine reviews for the identification and resolution of problems did not constitute any additional inspection samples. Instead, by procedure they were considered an integral part of the inspections performed during the quarter and documented in Section 1 of this report. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
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====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
In order to assist with the identification of repetitive equipment failures and specific human performance issues for follow-up, the inspectors performed a daily screening of items entered into the | In order to assist with the identification of repetitive equipment failures and specific human performance issues for follow-up, the inspectors performed a daily screening of items entered into the licensees CAP. This review was accomplished through inspection of the stations daily condition report packages. | ||
These daily reviews were performed by procedure as part of the inspectors daily plant status monitoring activities and, as such, did not constitute any separate inspection samples. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
===.3 Selected Issue Follow-Up Inspection: Root Cause Analysis of the Turbine Bearing=== | |||
Number 2 Oil Deflector Failure | |||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
During a review of items entered in the | During a review of items entered in the licensees CAP, the inspectors recognized a corrective action item documenting the as-found condition of the turbine bearing # 2 oil deflector after smoking insulation caused the licensee to reduce unit power and take the main turbine off-line on December 24, 2008 (CR 08-51322). On December 25, 2008, black debris was found in the high pressure turbine end of the # 2 bearing oil deflector for the main turbine which restricted flow through the oil drain passages. The screen between the deflector inner and outer sections was also nearly clogged with the debris. | ||
The inspectors reviewed the root cause analysis and the developed corrective actions for appropriateness. The inspectors determined that the cause analysis and corrective actions were adequate; however, the inspectors identified a performance deficiency in the analysis involving improper installation of insulation surrounding the oil deflector. | |||
This review constituted one in-depth problem identification and resolution sample as defined in IP 71152-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
Line 398: | Line 472: | ||
In 14 RFO (2006), the clearances for the mid-standard oil deflectors were checked due to other turbine work that was performed. The insulation blankets on the high pressure turbine, adjacent to the # 2 turbine end oil deflector, had to be moved to perform this check. A review of this work found that no documentation existed for removing or installing the insulation. There were no drawings or procedures to direct the removal and installation of the insulation. This activity was performed using skill of the craft. | In 14 RFO (2006), the clearances for the mid-standard oil deflectors were checked due to other turbine work that was performed. The insulation blankets on the high pressure turbine, adjacent to the # 2 turbine end oil deflector, had to be moved to perform this check. A review of this work found that no documentation existed for removing or installing the insulation. There were no drawings or procedures to direct the removal and installation of the insulation. This activity was performed using skill of the craft. | ||
The insulation blanket that was reinstalled during 14RFO was placed over the air gap between the # 2 turbine end oil deflector and the high pressure turbine packing gland. This blocked the normal air flow path past the # 2 oil deflector and out the top of the high pressure turbine housing. Natural circulation of air normally helps cool the turbine end oil deflector. Due to the loss of a cooling mechanism, the temperatures of the oil | The insulation blanket that was reinstalled during 14RFO was placed over the air gap between the # 2 turbine end oil deflector and the high pressure turbine packing gland. | ||
This blocked the normal air flow path past the # 2 oil deflector and out the top of the high pressure turbine housing. Natural circulation of air normally helps cool the turbine end oil deflector. Due to the loss of a cooling mechanism, the temperatures of the oil deflector and the oil itself increased to the point where oil began to carbonize. The carbonized oil built up and trapped debris which coated the oil deflector screen. The clogged screen caused the oil to escape from the oil deflector by traveling along the turbine shaft. The oil then proceeded to soak the insulation located below the oil deflector. | |||
=====Analysis:===== | =====Analysis:===== | ||
The inspectors determined that the failure to adequately install insulation surrounding the # 2 bearing turbine end oil deflector was a performance deficiency. This issue was caused by the lack of procedural guidance for the installation and removal of insulation from the turbine. This finding was more than minor because the issue is associated with the design control attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of events that upset plant stability. | The inspectors determined that the failure to adequately install insulation surrounding the # 2 bearing turbine end oil deflector was a performance deficiency. This issue was caused by the lack of procedural guidance for the installation and removal of insulation from the turbine. This finding was more than minor because the issue is associated with the design control attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of events that upset plant stability. | ||
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, | The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Appendix A, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events cornerstone. The finding was not a LOCA initiator and does not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigating equipment or functions will not be available. Because the fire was very small and did not damage or affect plant equipment, the finding is not considered an external event initiator. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because the concern was not indicative of current plant performance. | ||
=====Enforcement:===== | =====Enforcement:===== | ||
No violation of NRC regulatory requirements occurred. The licensee included this finding in their corrective action program as CR 08-51322. A corrective action was initiated to create a procedure that incorporates specific guidance for removing and installing insulation on the main turbine, the auxiliary feed pump turbines, and the main feed pump turbines, to ensure a similar event does not happen again. (FIN 05000346/2009002-02) | No violation of NRC regulatory requirements occurred. The licensee included this finding in their corrective action program as CR 08-51322. A corrective action was initiated to create a procedure that incorporates specific guidance for removing and installing insulation on the main turbine, the auxiliary feed pump turbines, and the main feed pump turbines, to ensure a similar event does not happen again. | ||
(FIN 05000346/2009002-02) | |||
===.4 Selected Issue Follow-Up Inspection: | ===.4 Selected Issue Follow-Up Inspection: Review of Apparent Cause Analysis and=== | ||
Review of Apparent Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Development for a Mispositioned Valve | |||
Corrective Action Development for a Mispositioned Valve | |||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
During a review of items entered in the | During a review of items entered in the licensees CAP, the inspectors recognized a corrective action item (CR 09-51887) documenting licensees apparent cause evaluation of an event where a service water sample valve was left open even though the sampling procedure directed the chemistry technician to close the valve. The inspectors reviewed the cause evaluation for thoroughness and the developed corrective actions for appropriateness. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed condition reports discussed in the apparent cause that addressed a previously identified negative trend in procedure compliance (CR 08-44017) and a recently identified negative trend in procedure compliance (CR09-52485). The inspectors also reviewed licensees completion of corrective actions to determine if the status of those actions was adequately represented in the more recent condition report documentation. | ||
This review constituted one in-depth problem identification and resolution sample as defined in IP 71152-05. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
=====Introduction:===== | =====Introduction:===== | ||
The inspectors identified a Green non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, | The inspectors identified a Green non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, in that the licensee failed to have appropriate qualitative or quantitative measures to ensure that corrective actions specified in department directives and requirements of business practices were actually being accomplished. This contributed to further issues in the Chemistry Department with adherence to procedure requirements. | ||
=====Description:===== | =====Description:===== | ||
CR 09-51887 reviewed and analyzed, using full apparent cause techniques, the failure of a chemistry technician to close valve SW4691B in accordance with procedure after taking a sample of service water on January 12, 2009. The mispositioned valve was later discovered by an operator during daily rounds because the mispositioning caused indicated service water pump discharge pressure to read much lower than expected and actual values. | CR 09-51887 reviewed and analyzed, using full apparent cause techniques, the failure of a chemistry technician to close valve SW4691B in accordance with procedure after taking a sample of service water on January 12, 2009. The mispositioned valve was later discovered by an operator during daily rounds because the mispositioning caused indicated service water pump discharge pressure to read much lower than expected and actual values. | ||
The apparent cause evaluation concluded that the cause of the failure involved many items including improper procedure | The apparent cause evaluation concluded that the cause of the failure involved many items including improper procedure placekeeping and less than adequate self-checking. Placekeeping techniques were required by NOP-LP-2601, Procedure Use and Adherence. Self checking requirements were specified in and required by NOBP-LP-2603, Event-Free Tools and Verification Practices. The evaluation also noted that self-assessments had identified a negative trend of Chemistry Department procedure compliance for the previous two review periods (each review period was approximately 6 months). Condition reports (CR 08-44017 and 09-52485) were generated to review those trends using limited apparent cause techniques. | ||
CR 09-51887 determined that the corrective actions developed in CR 08-44017 were completed but were less than adequate and that there was inadequate implementation of the corrective actions. The evaluation concluded that the previously specified corrective actions did not adequately address cultural issues and change management issues associated with the new desired method of performing activities. Additional conclusions were that there was an inadequate level of accountability and follow-up to ensure that the specified corrective actions were being internalized and applied | CR 09-51887 determined that the corrective actions developed in CR 08-44017 were completed but were less than adequate and that there was inadequate implementation of the corrective actions. The evaluation concluded that the previously specified corrective actions did not adequately address cultural issues and change management issues associated with the new desired method of performing activities. Additional conclusions were that there was an inadequate level of accountability and follow-up to ensure that the specified corrective actions were being internalized and applied. | ||
The inspectors | The inspectors independently reviewed the corrective actions developed by CR 08-44017. Although CR 09-51887 stated that all the CR 08-44017 corrective actions were completed, the inspectors found that some of the developed corrective actions had not been completed. Corrective actions within the corrective action computer program had been indicated as complete once notifications to accomplish those activities were written within the work order computer system. However, the actual activities associated with some corrective actions were not complete and were not scheduled to be completed until the second and third quarters of 2009. | ||
The inspectors noted that one of the tasks that was completed as part of CR 08-44017 actions was an effectiveness review. That task was completed in November 2008 but the review was not conducted in accordance with the requirements of NOBP-LP-2007, Condition Report Process Effectiveness Review. The results of the effectiveness review concluded that the developed action plan was effective in identifying and ensuring compliance with chemistry program requirements. The review described that only about 2 months of data was reviewed and, as stated in CR 09-55187, the corrective actions were not effective as desired. | |||
The inspectors also reviewed Chemistry Standing Order 08-013, Verification Practices to Ensure Proper Plant Status Control. The intent of the standing order was to supplement existing procedure requirements by providing, for certain valves, additional verification requirements for valve manipulations and thus minimize the probability of valves being mispositioned. Technicians were directed to use the verification techniques specified in the standing order. The inspectors noted that there were many valves specified for each listed procedure within the standing order but the standing order did not include all valves that actually appeared in the listed chemistry procedures. The specified verification techniques included peer checking, concurrent verification, or independent verification. | |||
The licensees stated intent was to incorporate the standing order requirements into the procedures when the procedures were revised. Standing Order 08-013 was issued on July 14, 2008. The inspectors review of chemistry procedures revised after July 2008 did not find any incorporation of the standing order requirements in the procedures. | |||
Standing Order 08-013 was superseded by Standing Order 09-007 on January 15, 2009. | |||
Standing Order 09-007 did not change any requirements. The inspectors review of that Standing Order found that at least two of the procedures listed in the order had been superseded by other procedures in September 2008. | |||
When concurrent verification or independent verification was conducted, NOBP LP-2603, Event-Free Tools and Verification Practices, required documentation of the verification next to the completed procedure step. The inspectors asked the licensee to demonstrate that the concurrent verifications or independent verifications specified in the Standing Order were actually being conducted. The inspectors chose three completed chemistry test procedures. | |||
Review of the completed procedures did not have any indication that concurrent or independent verifications had been accomplished as specified in Standing Order 09-007. | |||
The completed procedures documented that a work group supervisor had reviewed the procedures for proper completion. | |||
=====Analysis:===== | =====Analysis:===== | ||
The inspectors determined that licensee personnel not adhering to specified requirements and not using methods to determine adherence to requirements was a performance deficiency. The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern and was a factor in subsequent procedure compliance and component mispositioning issues within the Chemistry Department. The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the failure to adhere to specified requirements or to have methods to determine adherence did not directly result in degraded or inoperable equipment. Therefore, this finding was reviewed by Regional Management and determined to be of very low safety significance (Green). This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Work Practices, because the licensee did not ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of work activities of the technicians in the field and of personnel providing activities to upgrade procedures and standing orders. Specifically, the technicians were given a requirement that was difficult to implement, but supervisors and management failed to recognize the difficulty and failed to realize that specified requirements were not being accomplished. | The inspectors determined that licensee personnel not adhering to specified requirements and not using methods to determine adherence to requirements was a performance deficiency. The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern and was a factor in subsequent procedure compliance and component mispositioning issues within the Chemistry Department. | ||
The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the failure to adhere to specified requirements or to have methods to determine adherence did not directly result in degraded or inoperable equipment. Therefore, this finding was reviewed by Regional Management and determined to be of very low safety significance (Green). | |||
This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Work Practices, because the licensee did not ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of work activities of the technicians in the field and of personnel providing activities to upgrade procedures and standing orders. Specifically, the technicians were given a requirement that was difficult to implement, but supervisors and management failed to recognize the difficulty and failed to realize that specified requirements were not being accomplished. (H.4(c)) | |||
=====Enforcement:===== | =====Enforcement:===== | ||
10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, | 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by and conducted in accordance with documented instructions, procedures, or drawings appropriate to the circumstances. Additionally, the instructions, procedures, or drawings shall include appropriate quantitative or qualitative acceptance criteria for determining that important activities have been satisfactorily accomplished. Contrary to those requirements, the licensee developed corrective actions to correct conditions adverse to quality but did not implement any criteria to determine if the corrective actions were being satisfactorily accomplished. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as CR 09-55141. Because this issue is of very low safety significance and is entered into the corrective action program, this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. (NCV 05000346/2009002-03) | ||
{{a|4OA3}} | {{a|4OA3}} | ||
==4OA3 Follow-Up of Events and Notices of Enforcement Discretion - High Pressure Feedwater | ==4OA3 Follow-Up of Events and Notices of Enforcement Discretion - High Pressure Feedwater== | ||
Heater Trip (71153) | |||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed the | The inspectors reviewed the plants response on January 13, 2009, to a trip of high pressure feedwater heaters 2-4 and 2-5. The feedwater heaters tripped on high level during a maintenance activity to adjust the HP feedwater heater 2-4 normal drain valve. | ||
Power increased to 100.45 percent due to a loss of plant efficiency. Action was taken immediately to maintain power less than 100 percent. No high power alarms were illuminated, and no outward control rod motion occurred during the transient. HP feedwater heaters 2-4 and 2-5 were eventually reset. Documents reviewed in this inspection are listed in the Attachment. | |||
This event follow-up review constituted one sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71153-05. | This event follow-up review constituted one sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71153-05. | ||
Line 449: | Line 548: | ||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
{{a|4OA5}} | {{a|4OA5}} | ||
==4OA5 Other Activities== | ==4OA5 Other Activities== | ||
Line 462: | Line 561: | ||
* Electrical Maintenance Team morning planning meeting on February 20. 2009; and | * Electrical Maintenance Team morning planning meeting on February 20. 2009; and | ||
* Supervisor Briefing on company and plant issues by senior plant management on March 10, 2009. | * Supervisor Briefing on company and plant issues by senior plant management on March 10, 2009. | ||
===.2 Quarterly Resident Inspector Observations of Security Personnel and Activities=== | ===.2 Quarterly Resident Inspector Observations of Security Personnel and Activities=== | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
During the inspection period, the inspectors conducted observations of security force personnel and activities to ensure that the activities were consistent with licensee security procedures and regulatory requirements relating to nuclear plant security. These observations took place during both normal and off-normal plant working hours. These quarterly resident inspector observations of security force personnel and activities did not constitute any additional inspection samples. Rather, they were considered an integral part of the inspectors' normal plant status review and inspection activities. | During the inspection period, the inspectors conducted observations of security force personnel and activities to ensure that the activities were consistent with licensee security procedures and regulatory requirements relating to nuclear plant security. | ||
These observations took place during both normal and off-normal plant working hours. | |||
These quarterly resident inspector observations of security force personnel and activities did not constitute any additional inspection samples. Rather, they were considered an integral part of the inspectors' normal plant status review and inspection activities. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were indentified. | No findings of significance were indentified. | ||
===.3 In-Process Observation of Corrective Actions Associated with the | ===.3 In-Process Observation of Corrective Actions Associated with the NRCs=== | ||
August 15, 2007, Confirmatory Order | |||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
By letter dated August 15, 2007, the NRC issued an immediately effective Confirmatory Order EA-07-199 (Order) that formalized commitments made by the FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC). FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating | By letter dated August 15, 2007, the NRC issued an immediately effective Confirmatory Order EA-07-199 (Order) that formalized commitments made by the FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC). FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Companys commitments were documented in its July 16, 2007, letter responding to the NRCs May 14, 2007, Demand for Information (DFI). | ||
The DFI was issued in response to information provided by FENOC relative to an analysis, performed by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates and Altran Solutions Corporation, into the 2002 Davis-Besse reactor pressure vessel head degradation event. | |||
On June 13, 2007, FENOC provided its response to the DFI and on June 27, 2007, the NRC held a public meeting with FENOC to discuss the DFI response. On July 16, 2007, FENOC provided a supplemental response to the DFI that provided additional detail regarding the planned implementation of commitments established in the June response to the DFI. | |||
In addition to implementing interim corrective actions, the Order required the licensee to: | |||
* Order Item 1: Conduct regulatory sensitivity training for selected FENOC and non-FENOC First Energy employees to ensure those employees identify and communicate information that has the potential for regulatory impact either at FENOC sites or within the nuclear industry to the NRC. The licensee was to provide the population to be trained, the training methodology and materials, and the training objective at least 30 days prior to conducting the training. All training was to be conducted by November 30, 2007. (Refer to Inspection Report (IR) 05000346/2007005); | |||
* Order Item 2: Conduct an effectiveness review to determine if an appropriate level of regulatory sensitivity was evident among First Energy employees including those who received regulatory sensitivity training in January 2008 and 2009. (Refer to IR 00500346/2007005, 05000346/2008002, and 05000346/2008004 for previous effectiveness reviews); | |||
* Order Item 3: Develop a formal process to review technical reports prepared as part of a commercial matter. The process was to be implemented no later than December 14, 2007; | |||
* Order Item 4: Assess its Regulatory Communications Policy and make process changes to its NRC correspondence procedure to ensure specific questions are asked during the process relative to the experience gained from efforts to respond to the NRCs May 14, 2007, Demand for Information. Revisions were to be completed by December 14, 2007; | |||
* Order Item 5: Provide an Operating Experience (OE) document to the nuclear industry by September 15, 2007; | |||
* Order Item 6: Complete a root cause evaluation of the events that culminated in the issuance of the May 14, 2007, DFI, and provide the NRC with a summary of the analysis no later than December 14, 2007; and | |||
* Order Item 7: Maintain the interim corrective actions, discussed, in part, in Section II of the Order until the procedural changes described in Order Items 3 and 4 were implemented. | |||
To assess the licensees activities associated with the effectiveness reviews, Order Item 2, the inspectors observed the independent assessment teams activities during the week of January 19, 2009, at FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, Ohio. The observations included review of the standard questions being asked of FirstEnergy individuals, observations of the team members conducting interviews, and observation of the teams internal meetings assessing the results from the interviews. | |||
In addition, the inspectors reviewed documentation referenced in the | In addition, the inspectors reviewed documentation referenced in the licensees letters dated September 13, 2007, and December 31, 2007. The reviews were conducted to assess the licensees actions associated with Order Items 3 through 6. The inspectors also discussed with FENOCs Director - Fleet Regulatory Affairs, additional actions he had taken regarding Order Item 5, providing the industry with operating experience. | ||
====b. Observations and Findings==== | ====b. Observations and Findings==== | ||
Line 493: | Line 602: | ||
* The licensee had met Order Item 2, to conduct an effectiveness review in 2009, to determine whether an appropriate level of regulatory sensitivity was evident among previously selected FirstEnergy employees. | * The licensee had met Order Item 2, to conduct an effectiveness review in 2009, to determine whether an appropriate level of regulatory sensitivity was evident among previously selected FirstEnergy employees. | ||
The 2009 effectiveness review was conducted by an independent team of qualified individuals. The team was comprised of three experienced individuals: an independent contractor, a manager from a non-FENOC nuclear facility, and an individual from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). The team conducted approximately 70 interviews covering FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company | The 2009 effectiveness review was conducted by an independent team of qualified individuals. The team was comprised of three experienced individuals: | ||
an independent contractor, a manager from a non-FENOC nuclear facility, and an individual from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). The team conducted approximately 70 interviews covering FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company individuals at Davis-Besse, Perry, and Beaver Valley and individuals from FirstEnergy and FENOC in Akron, Ohio. | |||
The questions asked of each FirstEnergy/FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company individual interviewed were appropriate and designed to elicit the interviewees knowledge and understanding of the material presented during the sensitivity training. The inspectors also determined that the interviews were conducted in a manner that allowed the interviewees to express their understanding of the subject matter and to provide examples of how the information affected their daily activities. The interviews were also designed to assess the level to which individuals understood the concepts discussed in the training, such as safety conscious work environment; | |||
* The following documents, described in FENOCs December 31, 2007, letter were consistent with the descriptions provided in the letter and addressed Order Items 3 and 4; Policy: | |||
NOPL-LP-4002, Regulatory Communications, Rev. 1, 11/29/2007; NOPL-LP-4003, Regulatory Sensitivity, Rev. 0, 11/6/2007; Business Practice: | |||
NOBP-LP-4013, Regulatory Impact Assessment Process, Rev. 0, 11/30/2007; Procedure: | |||
NOP-LP-4007, Regulatory Agency Communications, Rev 3, 11/30/2007; NOP-LP-4010, Regulatory Sensitivity Assessment, Rev. 0, 11/14/07, Nuclear Operating Reference Material: | |||
NORM-LP-4003, Communication References, Rev 0, 11/30/2007; and NORM-LP-4009, FENOC Regulatory Interface Strategy, Rev. 0, 11/30/2007; | |||
* Operating Experience, provided to the industry on August 10, 2007, and to the NRC via FENOCs September 13, 2007, letter addressing Order Item 5, accurately described the events surrounding the NRC May 14, 2007, Demand for Information, including a review of technical reports prepared for commercial uses; | |||
* The licensees summary of its root cause evaluation, Order Item 6, submitted to the NRC via FENOCs December 21, 2007, letter accurately portrayed the results of the full root cause evaluation; and | |||
* The licensee had maintained interim corrective actions until the procedural changes described in Order Items 3 and 4 were implemented. | |||
Based on the results of this inspection and actions documented in IRs 05000346/2007005, 05000346/2008002, and 05000346/2008004, the inspectors concluded that the licensee had completed all actions required by the Confirmatory Order (EA-07-199). | |||
These results are being documented in Inspection Reports for Davis-Besse (05000346/2009002), Perry (05000440/2009002) and Beaver Valley (05000334/2009002 and 05000412/2009002). | |||
===.4 Safety Culture/Safety Conscious Work Environment (SC/SCWE) Independent Assessment, CY2008 | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
===.4 Safety Culture/Safety Conscious Work Environment (SC/SCWE) Independent=== | |||
Assessment, CY2008 | |||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed documents to assess the | The inspectors reviewed documents to assess the licensees implementation of the March 8, 2004, Confirmatory Order as it applied to the annual external, independent evaluations of safety culture (SC) and safety conscious work environment (SCWE). | ||
Documents reviewed included the licensees assessment plan submitted to the NRC on June 06, 2008 (ML081610511), the licensees SCWE survey, and external independent assessment report submitted to the NRC by FENOC letter dated January 26, 2009 (ML090270490). As part of the process of verifying compliance with the March 8, 2004, Order, the inspectors also observed the licensees implementation of its Business Practice, NOBP-LP-2501, for assessing SC and SCWE. In addition, the inspectors observed the external independent contractors meetings during which they discussed input from interviews of selected staff members (Inspection Report 05000346/2008-005). | |||
====b. Findings and Observations==== | ====b. Findings and Observations==== | ||
1) Actions for Areas-For-Improvement (AFI) | 1) Actions for Areas-For-Improvement (AFI) | ||
One localized AFI was identified during the 2008 external, independent SC/SCWE assessment associated with the Other Supply Chain organization. | One localized AFI was identified during the 2008 external, independent SC/SCWE assessment associated with the Other Supply Chain organization. | ||
The licensee developed an action plan to address this localized issue and generated a condition report (CR 08-51329, | The licensee developed an action plan to address this localized issue and generated a condition report (CR 08-51329, COIA-SC-2008 Other Supply Chain Localized AFI) to enter the condition into its corrective action program. | ||
The inspectors reviewed the condition report and the action plan to address the concern and concluded that both documents were appropriate. The inspectors will review the results of the assessment following the | The inspectors reviewed the condition report and the action plan to address the concern and concluded that both documents were appropriate. The inspectors will review the results of the assessment following the licensees identification of cause(s) and corrective actions. | ||
2) Effectiveness of Corrective Actions for Issues Identified during the 2007 | 2) Effectiveness of Corrective Actions for Issues Identified during the 2007 Independent SC/SCWE Assessment The CY 2008 independent SC/SCWE assessment specifically evaluated the effectiveness of the corrective actions for the issues identified during the 2007 assessment. The 2008 assessment concluded that while actions had been taken to address all the areas in need of attention, not all the actions had been fully effective, as evidenced by similar issues being identified in the 2008 assessment. | ||
The inspectors, through independent review of the assessments results, concurred with the assessment teams conclusions. | |||
3) External, Independent Assessment Team The inspectors reviewed the team members resumes and concluded that the assessment team met the Orders requirement for an external, independent team to assess SC/SCWE at Davis-Besse. | |||
Based on the reviews conducted, the inspector concluded that the CR appropriately captured the issues that formed the area for improvement, that the analysis appropriately reviewed the issues, and that the corrective actions addressed the issues identified during the analysis. | c. Conclusion No findings of significance were identified. | ||
Overall, the inspectors concluded that the SC/SCWE at Davis-Besse continued to be adequate to support continued safe facility operation. In addition, the inspectors concluded that the licensee had met the requirements contained in the NRCs March 8, 2004, letter, Approval to Restart the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Closure of Confirmatory Action Letter, and Issuance of Confirmatory Order, for the 2008 independent external SC/SCWE assessment. | |||
The inspector also reviewed CR-08-51329, COIA-SC-2008 Other Supply Chain Localized AFI, the associated Analysis Report dated March 19, 2009, and corrective actions for the condition report. The inspector noted that the analysis was performed by an outside, independent reviewer. Based on the reviews conducted, the inspector concluded that the CR appropriately captured the issues that formed the area for improvement, that the analysis appropriately reviewed the issues, and that the corrective actions addressed the issues identified during the analysis. | |||
===.5 Power Uprate - Safety Evaluations=== | ===.5 Power Uprate - Safety Evaluations=== | ||
Line 528: | Line 654: | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed safety evaluations for modifications that were required for this measurement uncertainty recapture (MUR) power uprate. This includes evaluation of the high energy line break (HELB) program for MUR power uprate, evaluation of the accident analysis for MUR power uprate, and evaluation of modifications to plant systems to support the power increase afforded by the installation of the Caldon Leading Edge Flow Meter feedwater flow measurement system. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report. This inspection constitutes three safety evaluation samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004. | The inspectors reviewed safety evaluations for modifications that were required for this measurement uncertainty recapture (MUR) power uprate. This includes evaluation of the high energy line break (HELB) program for MUR power uprate, evaluation of the accident analysis for MUR power uprate, and evaluation of modifications to plant systems to support the power increase afforded by the installation of the Caldon Leading Edge Flow Meter feedwater flow measurement system. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report. | ||
This inspection constitutes three safety evaluation samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
Steam Generator Blowdown (SGBD) Pipe Whip Restraint R7 - Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) and high energy line break (HELB) Requirements - Power Uprate | Steam Generator Blowdown (SGBD) Pipe Whip Restraint R7 - Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) and high energy line break (HELB) Requirements - Power Uprate | ||
=====Introduction:===== | =====Introduction:===== | ||
The inspectors determined that an unresolved item (URI) existed concerning the design basis structural analysis for the SGBD pipe whip restraint R7 being in conformance with safety-related HELB and USAR requirements. Specifically, the pipe whip restraint calculation failed to consider a dynamic amplification factor (DAF) for the pipe whip force as required in USAR Section 3.6.2.5.9. As a result, the | The inspectors determined that an unresolved item (URI) existed concerning the design basis structural analysis for the SGBD pipe whip restraint R7 being in conformance with safety-related HELB and USAR requirements. Specifically, the pipe whip restraint calculation failed to consider a dynamic amplification factor (DAF)for the pipe whip force as required in USAR Section 3.6.2.5.9. As a result, the inspectors were not able to determine if the design basis calculation was sufficient to ensure conformance with safety-related HELB design requirements. | ||
=====Description:===== | =====Description:===== | ||
The inspectors reviewed Calculation No. VF11/B00-016, | The inspectors reviewed Calculation No. VF11/B00-016, FCR 78-126: | ||
Steam Generator Blowdown Line Pipe Whip Restraint R7, Revision 5, and Drawing No. C-299A, Auxiliary Building Steam Generator Blowdown Whip Restraint R7, Revision O. The design calculation and design drawing of the pipe whip restraint R7 were identified as nuclear safety-related (Q). As described in USAR Section 3.2.1.1, Class I structures, systems, and components are also defined as nuclear safety-related (Q) and are relied upon to remain functional during design basis events. The design function of the SGBD pipe whip restraint R7 was to hold and maintain the SGBD line in position and ensure that the restraint structure did not impact safety-related systems, structures, or components during a HELB event. The inspectors identified a non-conservative technical error in Calculation VF11/B00-016. The inspectors identified that the calculation of the pipe whip force did not include a DAF. The USAR Section 3.6.2.5.9 required restraint structures to withstand a pipe whip force, which is the product of the thrust multiplication factor, DAF, break flow area and maximum operating pressure. | |||
In response to the concern, the licensee initiated Condition Report (CR) 09-52701 on January 28, 2009. The licensee initiated a revision of the calculation and identification of the required modifications to ensure conformance with USAR Section 3.6.2.5.9 requirements. Near the end of the inspection period, the licensee provided the inspectors additional information relevant to the design basis of the restraint which will require additional review. Therefore, this issue is considered an unresolved item (URI 05000346/2009002-04) pending completion of inspector review and evaluation and, as appropriate, determination of risk significance. | |||
===.6 Power Uprate - Plant Modifications=== | ===.6 Power Uprate - Plant Modifications=== | ||
Line 543: | Line 674: | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed plant modifications for those implemented for MUR power uprate. This includes reactor protection system (RPS) power related setpoint changes for MUR, and the seismic qualification of mounting the Caldon Leading Edge Flow Meter electronic cabinet C5757E. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the | The inspectors reviewed plant modifications for those implemented for MUR power uprate. This includes reactor protection system (RPS) power related setpoint changes for MUR, and the seismic qualification of mounting the Caldon Leading Edge Flow Meter electronic cabinet C5757E. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the to this report. | ||
This inspection constitutes two plant modification samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
Line 552: | Line 685: | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed systems modified for power uprate for which surveillance tests were performed. This included reviewing the preventative maintenance work order for | The inspectors reviewed systems modified for power uprate for which surveillance tests were performed. This included reviewing the preventative maintenance work order for spool pieces, which contain 16 transducers on each main feedwater flow header, including the specification, which requires full radiography of spool piece welds on feedwater piping. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report. | ||
This inspection constitutes two post maintenance or surveillance test samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
Line 561: | Line 696: | ||
====a. Inspection Scope==== | ====a. Inspection Scope==== | ||
The inspectors reviewed a procedure and a work order that involved integrated plant evolutions conducted by the licensee at the uprated power level. This included an abnormal operating procedure for load shedding during loss of control room emergency ventilation and a work order to change plant simulator to incorporate changes as a result of the MUR. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report. This inspection constitutes two integrated plant evolutions at uprated power level samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004. | The inspectors reviewed a procedure and a work order that involved integrated plant evolutions conducted by the licensee at the uprated power level. This included an abnormal operating procedure for load shedding during loss of control room emergency ventilation and a work order to change plant simulator to incorporate changes as a result of the MUR. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report. | ||
This inspection constitutes two integrated plant evolutions at uprated power level samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004. | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
No findings of significance were identified. | No findings of significance were identified. | ||
{{a|4OA6}} | {{a|4OA6}} | ||
==4OA6 Management Meetings== | ==4OA6 Management Meetings== | ||
===.1 Exit Meeting Summary=== | ===.1 Exit Meeting Summary=== | ||
On April 15, 2009, the inspectors presented the inspection results to Mr. B. Allen and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee acknowledged the issues presented. The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary. | On April 15, 2009, the inspectors presented the inspection results to Mr. B. Allen and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee acknowledged the issues presented. | ||
The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary. | |||
===.2 Interim Exit Meetings=== | ===.2 Interim Exit Meetings=== | ||
Line 578: | Line 717: | ||
* On January 30, 2009, the inspectors presented the power uprate inspection results to Mr. B. Allen, and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee acknowledged the issues presented. The inspectors confirmed that a licensee procedure was considered proprietary and was returned to the licensee staff; | * On January 30, 2009, the inspectors presented the power uprate inspection results to Mr. B. Allen, and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee acknowledged the issues presented. The inspectors confirmed that a licensee procedure was considered proprietary and was returned to the licensee staff; | ||
* Review of Confirmatory Order EA-07-199 required activities with Ms. K Fili on January 22, 2009; and | * Review of Confirmatory Order EA-07-199 required activities with Ms. K Fili on January 22, 2009; and | ||
* Safety Culture/Safety Conscious Work Environment (SC/SCWE) Independent Assessment CY 2008 with B. Allen, C. Price, V. Kaminskas, B. Boles, D. Wuokko, J. Dominy and G. Wolf on February 26, 2009, and on March 31, 2009, with Mr. B. Allen. The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary. | * Safety Culture/Safety Conscious Work Environment (SC/SCWE) Independent Assessment CY 2008 with B. Allen, C. Price, V. Kaminskas, B. Boles, D. | ||
Wuokko, J. Dominy and G. Wolf on February 26, 2009, and on March 31, 2009, with Mr. B. Allen. | |||
The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary. | |||
=SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION= | =SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION= | ||
Line 584: | Line 727: | ||
==KEY POINTS OF CONTACT== | ==KEY POINTS OF CONTACT== | ||
Licensee | Licensee | ||
: [[contact::B. Boles]], Director, Site Maintenance | : [[contact::B. Boles]], Director, Site Maintenance | ||
: [[contact::T. Chowdary]], Staff Nuclear Engineer | : [[contact::T. Chowdary]], Staff Nuclear Engineer | ||
: [[contact::G. Chung]], Gaseous, Liquid & HVAC Radiation Monitors System Engineer | : [[contact::G. Chung]], Gaseous, Liquid & HVAC Radiation Monitors System Engineer | ||
: [[contact::S. Cope]], Senior Nuclear Specialist, Emergency Planning | : [[contact::S. Cope]], Senior Nuclear Specialist, Emergency Planning | ||
: [[contact::L. Harder]], Manager, Radiation Protection | : [[contact::L. Harder]], Manager, Radiation Protection | ||
: [[contact::D. Hartnett]], Shift Manager Operations Training | : [[contact::D. Hartnett]], Shift Manager Operations Training | ||
: [[contact::R. Hovland]], Training Manager | : [[contact::R. Hovland]], Training Manager | ||
: [[contact::V. Kaminskas]], Director, Site Operations | : [[contact::V. Kaminskas]], Director, Site Operations | ||
: [[contact::T. Laurer]], Staff Engineer-Plant Engineer | : [[contact::T. Laurer]], Staff Engineer-Plant Engineer | ||
: [[contact::M. Meyer]], Advanced Nuclear Engineer | : [[contact::M. Meyer]], Advanced Nuclear Engineer | ||
: [[contact::D. Moul]], Director, Site Engineering | : [[contact::D. Moul]], Director, Site Engineering | ||
: [[contact::A. Percival]], Sr. Nuclear Technologist, Chemistry | : [[contact::A. Percival]], Sr. Nuclear Technologist, Chemistry | ||
: [[contact::C. Price]], Director, Site Performance Improvement | : [[contact::C. Price]], Director, Site Performance Improvement | ||
: [[contact::J. Reuter]], Radwaste Supervisor / Shipper | : [[contact::J. Reuter]], Radwaste Supervisor / Shipper | ||
: [[contact::C. Stenbergen]], Superintendent Operations Training | : [[contact::C. Stenbergen]], Superintendent Operations Training | ||
: [[contact::J. Sturdavant]], Senior Specialist, Regulatory Compliance | : [[contact::J. Sturdavant]], Senior Specialist, Regulatory Compliance | ||
: [[contact::S. Trickett]], Superintendent, Radiation Protection | : [[contact::S. Trickett]], Superintendent, Radiation Protection | ||
: [[contact::J. Vetter]], Emergency Response Manager | : [[contact::J. Vetter]], Emergency Response Manager | ||
: [[contact::G. Wolf]], Regulatory Compliance Engineer | : [[contact::G. Wolf]], Regulatory Compliance Engineer | ||
: [[contact::D. Wuokko]], Acting Manager, Regulatory Compliance | : [[contact::D. Wuokko]], Acting Manager, Regulatory Compliance | ||
: [[contact::B. Young]], Supervisor Nuclear Electrical System Engineer | : [[contact::B. Young]], Supervisor Nuclear Electrical System Engineer | ||
==LIST OF ITEMS== | ==LIST OF ITEMS== | ||
OPENED, CLOSED AND DISCUSSED | |||
===OPENED, CLOSED AND DISCUSSED=== | |||
===Opened=== | ===Opened=== | ||
: 05000346/2009002-04 | : 05000346/2009002-04 URI SGBD pipe whip restraint R7 did not meet USAR HELB requirements - Power Uprate | ||
===Opened and Closed=== | ===Opened and Closed=== | ||
: 05000346/20009002-01 NCV Switchyard Transformers Returned to Maintenance Rule A.2 Status Without Appropriate Corrective Actions Completed | : 05000346/20009002-01 NCV Switchyard Transformers Returned to Maintenance Rule A.2 Status Without Appropriate Corrective Actions Completed | ||
: 05000346/20009002-02 FIN Improper Insulation Replacement Causes Rapid Main Turbine Downpower Due to Smoldering Oil-Soaked Insulation | : 05000346/20009002-02 FIN Improper Insulation Replacement Causes Rapid Main Turbine Downpower Due to Smoldering Oil-Soaked Insulation | ||
: 05000346/20009002-03 NCV Inadequate Management Oversight to Ensure Specified Corrective Actions Were Being Accomplished | : 05000346/20009002-03 NCV Inadequate Management Oversight to Ensure Specified Corrective Actions Were Being Accomplished Attachment | ||
==LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED== | ==LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED== | ||
}} | }} |
Latest revision as of 01:03, 22 December 2019
ML091180141 | |
Person / Time | |
---|---|
Site: | Davis Besse ![]() |
Issue date: | 04/23/2009 |
From: | Jamnes Cameron NRC/RGN-III/DRP/B6 |
To: | Allen B FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Co |
References | |
EA-03-0214, EA-07-199, IR-09-002 IR-09-002 | |
Download: ML091180141 (50) | |
Text
ril 23, 2009
SUBJECT:
DAVIS-BESSE NUCLEAR POWER STATION INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 05000346/2009-002 AND CONFIRMATORY ORDER EA-07-199
Dear Mr. Allen:
On March 31, 2009, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an integrated inspection at your Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The enclosed inspection report documents the inspection findings that were discussed on April 15, 2009, with you and other members of your staff.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel.
Based on the results of this inspection, two NRC-identified findings and one self-revealed finding of very low safety significance were identified. Two of the findings involved a violation of NRC requirements. However, because of their very low safety significance, and because the issues were entered into your corrective action program, the NRC is treating the issues as non-cited violations (NCVs) in accordance with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
If you contest the subject or severity of a Non-Cited Violation, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001, with a copy to the Regional Administrator, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Region III, 2443 Warrenville Road, Suite 210, Lisle, IL 60532-4352; the Director, Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; and the Resident Inspector Office at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. In addition, if you disagree with the cross-cutting aspect of any finding in this report, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your disagreement, to the Regional Administrator, Region III, and the NRC Resident Inspector. The information you provide will be considered in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0305. In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRCs document system (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).
Sincerely,
/RA/
Jamnes L. Cameron, Chief Branch 6 Division of Reactor Projects Docket No. 50-346 License No. NPF-3 Enclosure: Inspection Report 05000346/2009-002 w/Attachment: Supplemental Information cc w/encl: The Honorable Dennis Kucinich J. Hagan, President and Chief Nuclear Officer - FENOC J. Lash, Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer - FENOC Manager - Site Regulatory Compliance - FENOC D. Pace, Senior Vice President of Fleet Engineering - FENOC K. Fili, Vice President, Fleet Oversight - FENOC P. Harden, Vice President, Nuclear Support D. Jenkins, Attorney, FirstEnergy Corp.
Director, Fleet Regulatory Affairs - FENOC Manager - Fleet Licensing - FENOC C. OClaire, State Liaison Officer, Ohio Emergency Management Agency R. Owen, Administrator, Ohio Department of Health Public Utilities Commission of Ohio President, Lucas County Board of Commissioners President, Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
IR 05000346/2009-002; 1/1/09 - 3/31/09; Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station; Maintenance
Effectiveness, Identification and Resolution of Problems This report covers a 3-month period of inspection by resident inspectors and announced baseline inspections by regional inspectors. Three Green findings, two of which were considered as Non-Cited Violations (NCVs) were identified. The significance of most findings isindicated by their color (Green, White, Yellow, Red) using Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609, Significance Determination Process (SDP). Findings for which the SDP does not apply may be Green or be assigned a severity level after NRC management review. The NRCs program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 4, dated December 2006.
NRC-Identified
and Self-Revealed Findings
Cornerstone: Initiating Events
- Green.
The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1),
Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, because the licensee did not establish appropriate corrective actions to address the potential for a transformer deluge initiation due to water hammer, and provide reasonable assurance that the system was capable of fulfilling its intended function and could return to monitoring under 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2). This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The finding is more than minor. In accordance with IMC 0612, Appendix E, Examples of Minor Issues, Section 7, Maintenance Rule a(1) and a(2) violations are not minor because they involve structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that have demonstrated some degraded performance or condition. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it does not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. (Section 1R12)
- Green.
A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed when improper installation of insulation surrounding the main turbine bearing number two oil deflector caused the main turbine to be taken off-line due to smoking insulation. An insulation blanket was blocking normal air flow used for cooling the oil deflector, causing oil to carbonize and clog the oil deflector screen. This issue was caused by the lack of procedural guidance for the installation and removal of insulation from the turbine. A corrective action was initiated to create a procedure which incorporates specific guidance for removing and installing the insulation.
This finding was more than minor because the issue is associated with the design control attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of events that upset plant stability. The finding was not a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) initiator and did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. The finding was not considered an external event initiator. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance. (Section 4OA2)
Other Findings
- Green.
The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50,
Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, in that the licensee failed to have appropriate qualitative or quantitative measures to ensure that corrective actions specified in department directives and requirements of business practices were actually being accomplished. This contributed to further issues in the Chemistry Department with adherence to procedure requirements. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern and was a factor in subsequent procedure compliance and component mispositioning issues within the Chemistry department. The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the failure to adhere to specified requirements or to have methods to determine adherence did not directly result in degraded or inoperable equipment. This finding was reviewed by Regional Management and determined to be of very low safety significance. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Work Practices, because the licensee did not ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of work activities of the technicians in the field and of personnel providing activities to upgrade procedures and standing orders. (H.4.c) (Section 4OA2)
Licensee-Identified Violations
No violations of significance were identified.
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Plant Status
The plant remained at 100 percent power during the inspection period, except for a brief period to support routine testing and to exercise control rod drives.
REACTOR SAFETY
CORNERSTONE: INITIATING EVENTS, MITIGATING SYSTEMS, AND BARRIER INTEGRITY
1R01 Adverse Weather Protection - Readiness For Impending Adverse Weather Condition -
High Wind Conditions (71111.01)
a. Inspection Scope
Since high winds with potential thunderstorms, associated with a cold front that had spawned tornadoes, were forecast in the vicinity of the facility for February 11 and 12, 2009, the inspectors reviewed the licensees overall preparations/protection for the expected weather conditions. On February 11, 2009, the inspectors walked down the areas around the switchyard and under the high voltage lines from the plant to the switchyard, in addition to the licensees emergency alternating current (AC) power systems, because their safety-related functions could be affected or required as a result of high winds or tornado-generated missiles or the loss of offsite power. The inspectors evaluated the licensee staffs preparations against the sites procedures and determined that the staffs actions were adequate. During the inspection, the inspectors focused on plant specific design features and the licensees procedures used to respond to specified adverse weather conditions. The inspectors tours included looking for any loose debris that could become missiles during a tornado or high winds. The inspectors evaluated operator staffing and accessibility of controls and indications for those systems required to control the plant. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR) and performance requirements for systems selected for inspection, and verified that operator actions were appropriate as specified by plant specific procedures. The inspectors also reviewed a sample of corrective action program items (CAP) to verify that the licensee identified adverse weather issues at an appropriate threshold and dispositioned them through the CAP in accordance with station corrective action procedures. Specific documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the Attachment.
This inspection constituted one readiness for impending adverse weather condition sample as defined in IP 71111.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R04 Equipment Alignment - Quarterly Partial System Walkdowns
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors performed partial system walkdowns of the following risk-significant systems:
- High Pressure Injection train 1 during maintenance outage on train 2 on January 6, 2009;
- High Pressure Injection train 2 during maintenance outage on train 1 on February 17, 2009;
- Decay Heat train 1 during planned maintenance on train 2 on March 31, 2009.
The inspectors selected these systems based on their risk significance relative to the reactor safety cornerstones at the time they were inspected. The inspectors attempted to identify any discrepancies that could impact the function of the system, and therefore, potentially increase risk. The inspectors reviewed applicable operating procedures, system diagrams, UFSAR, Technical Specification (TS) requirements, outstanding work orders, condition reports, and the impact of ongoing work activities on redundant trains of equipment in order to identify conditions that could have rendered the systems incapable of performing their intended functions. The inspectors also walked down accessible portions of the systems to verify system components and support equipment were aligned correctly and operable. The inspectors examined the material condition of the components and observed operating parameters of equipment to verify that there were no obvious deficiencies. The inspectors also verified that the licensee had properly identified and resolved equipment alignment problems that could cause initiating events or impact the capability of mitigating systems or barriers and entered them into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization. Documents reviewed are listed in the
.
These activities constituted four partial system walkdown samples as defined in IP 71111.04-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R05 Fire Protection - Routine Resident Inspector Tours
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors conducted fire protection walkdowns which were focused on availability, accessibility, and the condition of firefighting equipment in the following risk-significant plant areas:
- Emergency Core Cooling System Room 2 (Room 115, Fire Area A);
- Mechanical Penetration Room No. 1 (Room 208, Fire Area AB);
- Service Water Pump Room (Room 52, Fire Area BF);
- Low Voltage Switchgear and Battery Rooms (Rooms 428, 428A, 429, 429B, Fire Areas X, Y);
- Main Feed Pump Room (Room 252, Fire Area II);
- Mechanical Penetration Room No. 4 (Room 314, Fire Area A); and
- No. 2 Electrical Penetration Room (Room 427, Fire Area DF).
The inspectors reviewed areas to assess whether the licensee implemented a fire protection program that adequately controlled combustibles and ignition sources within the plant, effectively maintained fire detection and suppression capability, maintained passive fire protection features in good material condition, and had implemented adequate compensatory measures for out-of-service, degraded or inoperable fire protection equipment, systems, or features in accordance with the licensees fire plan.
The inspectors selected fire areas based on their overall contribution to internal fire risk as documented in the plants Individual Plant Examination of External Events (IPEEE)with later additional insights, their potential to impact equipment which could initiate or mitigate a plant transient, or their impact on the plants ability to respond to a security event. Using the documents listed in the Attachment, the inspectors verified that fire hoses and extinguishers were in their designated locations and available for immediate use; that fire detectors and sprinklers were unobstructed; that transient material loading was within the analyzed limits; and fire doors, dampers, and penetration seals appeared to be in satisfactory condition. The inspectors also verified that minor issues identified during the inspection were entered into the licensees CAP. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
These activities constituted seven quarterly fire protection inspection samples as defined in IP 71111.05-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R11 Licensed Operator Requalification Program - Resident Inspector Quarterly Review
a. Inspection Scope
On January 27, 2009, the inspectors observed a crew of licensed operators in the plants simulator during licensed operator requalification examinations to verify that operator performance was adequate, evaluators were identifying and documenting crew performance problems, and training was being conducted in accordance with licensee procedures. The inspectors evaluated the following areas:
- licensed operator performance;
- crews clarity and formality of communications;
- ability to take timely actions in the conservative direction;
- prioritization, interpretation, and verification of annunciator alarms;
- correct use and implementation of abnormal and emergency procedures;
- control board manipulations;
- oversight and direction from supervisors; and
- ability to identify and implement appropriate TS actions and Emergency Plan actions and notifications.
The crews performance in these areas was compared to pre-established operator action expectations and successful critical task completion requirements. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one quarterly licensed operator requalification program sample as defined in IP 71111.11.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R12 Maintenance Effectiveness - Routine Quarterly Evaluations
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated degraded performance issues involving the following risk significant systems:
- Safety Feature Actuation System;
- Switchyard and Transformers; and
The inspectors reviewed events such as where ineffective equipment maintenance had resulted in equipment or operability issues and independently verified the licensee's actions to address system performance or condition problems in terms of the following:
- implementing appropriate work practices;
- identifying and addressing common cause failures;
- scoping of systems in accordance with 10 CFR 50.65(b) of the maintenance rule;
- characterizing system reliability issues for performance;
- charging unavailability for performance;
- trending key parameters for condition monitoring;
- ensuring 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) or (a)(2) classification or re-classification; and
- verifying appropriate performance criteria for structures, systems, and components (SSCs)/functions classified as (a)(2) or appropriate and adequate goals and corrective actions for systems classified as (a)(1).
The inspectors assessed performance issues with respect to the reliability, availability, and condition monitoring of the system. In addition, the inspectors verified maintenance effectiveness issues were entered into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted three quarterly maintenance effectiveness samples as defined in IP 71111.12-05.
b. Findings
Introduction:
The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50.65 (a)(1), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, because the licensee did not establish appropriate corrective actions for the switchyard/transformers system in a manner sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the system was capable of fulfilling its intended function and could return to monitoring under 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2).
Description:
The Davis-Besse Maintenance Rule Program Manual defines a functional failure for the switchyard/transformers system as a spurious actuation of the fire suppression deluge system for all 345 KV transformers. The reliability performance criteria of the switchyard/transformers allow one functional failure of the fire suppression system every five cycles. Consequences from an inadvertent deluge actuation include the possibility of the system to initiate a plant trip.
A functional failure occurred on April 6, 2003, when a short circuit actuated the solenoid coil for the hydrogen seal oil room deluge. The main transformer deluge is located on the same firewater feeder as the seal oil deluge system, and was mechanically agitated upon seal oil room initiation due to water hammer in the piping. Vibration was sufficient to break the latch engagement on main transformer deluge valve and initiate a main transformer deluge. This functional failure, coupled with a spurious fire suppression deluge actuation in 1997, caused the switchyard/transformers system to be classified maintenance rule (a)(1) due to exceeding the reliability performance criteria.
The maintenance rule (a)(1) action plan stated that the 345 KV transformer deluge valve assemblies should be replaced in order to ensure continued high levels of reliability.
Specifically, the main and auxiliary 11 transformer deluge valves should be replaced during 14RFO (2006), and the startup 01 and startup 02 transformer deluge valves should be replaced during 15RFO (2008). However, the corrective actions in the (a)(1)action plan only listed the development of periodic maintenance for periodic replacement of the transformer deluge valve assemblies. The corrective actions did not address the susceptibility of the valve assemblies to inadvertently actuate the deluge system when mechanically agitated, as a result of a marginal design application. The switchyard/transformers system was returned to maintenance rule (a)(2) status in December 2006 without replacing the deluge valve assemblies. The design of the valves still left the station vulnerable to a deluge system inadvertent actuation.
A subsequent functional failure occurred on November 4, 2008, during deluge system testing of the startup 01 transformer. Upon initiation of the startup 01 transformer deluge test, plant staff observed violent shaking of the deluge system due to water hammer in the piping. The vibration was sufficient to inadvertently initiate the main transformer deluge system. The deluge system was immediately isolated and the main transformer was examined from a safe distance with no abnormal conditions noted.
Analysis:
The inspectors determined that returning the switchyard/transformers system to 10 CFR 50.65(a)(2) status without completing appropriate corrective actions was a performance deficiency. The finding is more than minor. In accordance with IMC 0612, Appendix E, Examples of Minor Issues, Section 7, Maintenance Rule a(1) and a(2)violations are not minor because they involve SSCs that have demonstrated some degraded performance or condition. The finding was evaluated by IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Appendix A, using Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1
- Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events cornerstone. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green)because it did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because the concern was not indicative of current plant performance.
Enforcement:
10 CFR 50.65(a)(1), requires, in part, that the holders of an operating license monitor the performance or condition of SSCs within the scope of the rule as defined by 10 CFR 50.65(b), against licensee established goals, in a manner sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that such SSCs, are capable of fulfilling their intended functions. Such goals shall be established commensurate with safety. When the performance or condition of an SSC does not meet established goals, appropriate corrective action shall be taken.
Contrary to the above, the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions to address the potential of a transformer deluge initiation due to water hammer before returning the switchyard/transformers system to (a)(2) status. Specifically, the licensees failure to take appropriate corrective action caused a repeat system functional failure on November 4, 2008. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as CR 08-48956. Short-term corrective actions included inspection of the deluge valve for degraded hardware and revision of periodic deluge test procedures to ensure isolation of the deluge valves that are not being tested. A long-term corrective action is in place to obtain funding and implement a design change to replace the transformer deluge valves. Because this issue is of very low safety significance and is entered into the licensees corrective action program, this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
1R13 Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the licensee's evaluation and management of plant risk for the maintenance and emergent work activities affecting risk-significant and safety-related equipment listed below to verify that the appropriate risk assessments were performed prior to removing equipment for work:
- Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of January 12, 2009, and January 19, 2009, which involved an operations evolution order to remove a gas void detected in the makeup flow test line piping;
- Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of February 2, 2009, which involved multiple yellow risk scheduled surveillance activities and included the need for decisions on control room ventilation system damper inspections and potential impacts due to problems with the refrigeration compressor in control room emergency ventilation system train 2;
- Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of February 9, 2009, which involved scheduled yellow risk surveillance activities and continued troubleshooting of the refrigeration compressor in Control Room Emergency Ventilation system train 2, which caused entry into yellow risk to generation due to exceeding 50 percent of the TSs allowable inoperability time; and
- Scheduled work and risk assessments for the week of March 16, 2009, which involved scheduled high green risk activities and one yellow risk activity and also involved maintenance activities for unexpected issues with Reactor Protection channel two, with level control for Feedwater Heater 1-6, with measurement of flow from the Dilution Water Pump, and with feedwater flow measurement by the leading edge flowmeter system.
These activities were selected based on their potential risk significance relative to the reactor safety cornerstones. As applicable for each activity, the inspectors verified that risk assessments were performed as required by 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) and were accurate and complete. When emergent work was performed, the inspectors verified that the plant risk was promptly reassessed and managed. The inspectors reviewed the scope of maintenance work, discussed the results of the assessment with the licensee's probabilistic risk analyst or shift technical advisor, and verified plant conditions were consistent with the risk assessment. The inspectors also reviewed TS requirements and walked down portions of redundant safety systems, when applicable, to verify risk analysis assumptions were valid and applicable requirements were met.
These maintenance risk assessments and emergent work control activities constituted four samples as defined in IP 71111.13-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R15 Operability Evaluations
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following issues:
- CR 08-51210 which addressed the operability of Control Rod 5-8 and its position indication after observation that the absolute position indication, as measured and recorded in the plant computer, displayed erratic drifting;
- CR 08-51283 which documented an air leak on Emergency Diesel Generator air receiver number one pressure control valve;
- CR 09-53112 which documented a failed post maintenance test due to a leak through the Control Room Emergency Ventilation System train 2 solenoid operated isolation valve;
- CR 09-52766 which documented and discussed causes for a reactor core actual axial offset more negative than predicted in fuel design documents;
- CR 09-54171 which documented relay chatter during a seismic event on motor starter fused disconnects, which could affect various service water valves; and
- CR 09-53245 which addressed the unreviewed impact of a newly constructed building on the operability of temperature and wind direction instruments used in Emergency Plan assessments of offsite releases.
The inspectors selected these potential operability issues based on the risk-significance of the associated components and systems. The inspectors evaluated the technical adequacy of the evaluations to ensure that TS operability was properly justified and the subject component or system remained available such that no unrecognized increase in risk occurred. The inspectors compared the operability and design criteria in the appropriate sections of the TS and Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) to the licensees evaluations, to determine whether the components or systems were operable.
Where compensatory measures were required to maintain operability, the inspectors determined whether the measures in place would function as intended and were properly controlled. The inspectors determined, where appropriate, compliance with bounding limitations associated with the evaluations. Additionally, the inspectors also reviewed a sampling of corrective action documents to verify that the licensee was identifying and correcting any deficiencies associated with operability evaluations.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This operability inspection constituted six samples as defined in IP 71111.15-05
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R18 Plant Modifications - Temporary Plant Modifications
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following temporary modification:
- Temporary Modification 09-0114, Temporary Removal of Breaker BE2146 to Support Energization of Motor Control Center E21A.
The inspectors compared the temporary configuration changes and associated 10 CFR 50.59 screening and evaluation information against the design basis, the UFSAR, and the TS, as applicable, to verify that the modification did not affect the operability or availability of the affected systems. The inspectors also compared the licensees information to operating experience information to ensure that lessons learned from other utilities had been incorporated into the licensees decision to implement the temporary modification. The inspectors, as applicable, performed field verifications to ensure that the modifications were installed as directed; the modifications operated as expected; modification testing adequately demonstrated continued system operability, availability, and reliability; and that operation of the modifications did not impact the operability of any interfacing systems. Lastly, the inspectors discussed the temporary modification with operations and reviewed the drawing and procedure changes made to address the temporary modification.
This inspection constituted one temporary modification sample as defined in IP 71111.18-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R19 Post-Maintenance Testing
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following post-maintenance (PM) activities to verify that procedures and test activities were adequate to ensure system operability and functional capability:
- High Pressure Injection train 2 pump and valve surveillance test on January 7, 2009, after AC lube oil pump motor maintenance and valve maintenance;
- Control Room Emergency Ventilation System train 1 monthly test on January 23, 2009, after replacement of the pump-down solenoid valve (SV 11188) and repair of a minor leak on the condenser inlet;
- Service Water Pump 2 testing on January 30, 2009, after motor mechanical and electrical preventive maintenance activities;
- Control Room Emergency Ventilation System train 2 monthly test on February 5, 2009, which was a failed post maintenance test for the refrigeration compressor portion of the system;
- Hydrogen Analyzer 2 discharge containment isolation valve, CV5010E, stroke and operability test on February 27, 2009, after preventive maintenance on the valves motor operator;
- Emergency Diesel Generator 2 monthly surveillance test on March 5, 2009, after adjustments made to the hydraulic governor; and
- Service Water Pump 1 quarterly test on March 12, 2009, after preventive maintenance associated with the pump motor and strainer.
These activities were selected based upon the SSCs ability to impact risk. The inspectors evaluated these activities for the following (as applicable): the effect of testing on the plant had been adequately addressed; testing was adequate for the maintenance performed; acceptance criteria were clear and demonstrated operational readiness; test instrumentation was appropriate; tests were performed as written in accordance with properly reviewed and approved procedures; equipment was returned to its operational status following testing (temporary modifications or jumpers required for test performance were properly removed after test completion), and test documentation was properly evaluated. The inspectors evaluated the activities against TS, the UFSAR, 10 CFR Part 50 requirements, licensee procedures, and various NRC generic communications to ensure that the test results adequately ensured that the equipment met the licensing basis and design requirements. In addition, the inspectors reviewed corrective action documents associated with post-maintenance tests to determine whether the licensee was identifying problems and entering them in the CAP and that the problems were being corrected commensurate with their importance to safety.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted seven post-maintenance testing samples as defined in IP 71111.19-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R22 Surveillance Testing
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the test results for the following activities to determine whether risk-significant systems and equipment were capable of performing their intended safety function and to verify testing was conducted in accordance with applicable procedural and TS requirements:
- DB-SP-4150, AFP 1 Monthly Test (Routine);
- DB-MI-3245, Channel Functional Test and Device Calibration of SFRCS Steam Generator Level Inputs 83C-ISLSP9A6, A7, B8, and B9 to Actuation Channel 1 (Routine);
- DB-PF-3017; Service Water Pump 1 Testing (Inservice Testing);
- DB-SC-4271; Station Blackout Diesel Generator Monthly Test (Routine);
- DB-SS-4150, -4151, and -4152; Main Turbine Generator stop valves, control valves, and intercept valves testing (Routine)
- DB-SP-3376, Quarterly Makeup Pump 2 Inservice Test and Inspection (Inservice Testing); and
- DB-SP-3136; Decay Heat Train 1 Pump and Valve Test (Inservice Testing).
The inspectors observed in-plant activities and reviewed procedures and associated records to determine the following:
- did preconditioning occur;
- were the effects of the testing adequately addressed by control room personnel or engineers prior to the commencement of the testing;
- were acceptance criteria clearly stated, demonstrated operational readiness, and consistent with the system design basis;
- plant equipment calibration was correct, accurate, and properly documented;
- as-left setpoints were within required ranges; and the calibration frequency was in accordance with TSs, the USAR, procedures, and applicable commitments;
- measuring and test equipment calibration was current;
- test equipment was used within the required range and accuracy; applicable prerequisites described in the test procedures were satisfied;
- test frequencies met TS requirements to demonstrate operability and reliability; tests were performed in accordance with the test procedures and other applicable procedures; jumpers and lifted leads were controlled and restored where used;
- test data and results were accurate, complete, within limits, and valid;
- test equipment was removed after testing;
- where applicable for inservice testing activities, testing was performed in accordance with the applicable version of Section XI, American Society of Mechanical Engineers code, and reference values were consistent with the system design basis;
- where applicable, test results not meeting acceptance criteria were addressed with an adequate operability evaluation or the system or component was declared inoperable;
- where applicable for safety-related instrument control surveillance tests, reference setting data were accurately incorporated in the test procedure;
- where applicable, actual conditions encountering high resistance electrical contacts were such that the intended safety function could still be accomplished;
- prior procedure changes had not provided an opportunity to identify problems encountered during the performance of the surveillance or calibration test;
- equipment was returned to a position or status required to support the performance of its safety functions; and
- all problems identified during the testing were appropriately documented and dispositioned in the CAP.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted four routine surveillance testing samples and three inservice testing samples as defined in IP 71111.22, Sections -02 and -05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
CORNERSTONE: Emergency Preparedness
1EP6 Drill Evaluation - Emergency Preparedness Drill Observation
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated the conduct of a routine licensee emergency drill on March 19, 2009, to identify any weaknesses and deficiencies in classification, notification, and protective action recommendation development activities. The inspectors observed emergency response operations in the Control Room Simulator, Technical Support Center, and Emergency Operations Facility to determine whether the event classification, notifications, and protective action recommendations were performed in accordance with procedures. The inspectors also attended the licensee drill critique to compare any inspector-observed weakness with those identified by the licensee staff in order to evaluate the critique and to verify whether the licensee staff was properly identifying weaknesses and entering them into the corrective action program. As part of the inspection, the inspectors reviewed the drill package and other documents listed in the Attachment to this report.
This emergency preparedness drill inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71114.06-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
RADIATION SAFETY
Cornerstone: Public Radiation Safety
2PS2 Radioactive Material Processing and Transportation (71122.02)
.1 Radioactive Waste System
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the liquid and solid radioactive waste system description in the UFSAR for information on the types and amounts of radioactive waste (radwaste)generated and disposed. The inspectors reviewed the scope of the licensees audit program with regard to radioactive material processing and transportation programs to verify that it met the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1101(c).
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in Inspection Procedure (IP) 71122.02-5.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Radioactive Waste System Walkdowns
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors performed walkdowns of the liquid and solid radwaste processing systems to verify that the systems agreed with the descriptions in the UFSAR and the Process Control Program and to assess the material condition and operability of the systems. The inspectors reviewed the status of radwaste processing equipment that was not operational and/or was abandoned in place. The inspectors reviewed the licensees administrative and physical controls to ensure that the equipment would not contribute to an unmonitored release path or be a source of unnecessary personnel exposure.
The inspectors reviewed changes to the waste processing system to verify that the changes were reviewed and documented in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 and to assess the impact of the changes on radiation dose to members of the public. The inspectors reviewed the current processes for transferring waste resin into shipping containers to determine if appropriate waste stream mixing and/or sampling procedures were utilized. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees methods for waste concentration averaging to determine if representative samples of the waste product were provided for the purposes of waste classification, as required by 10 CFR 61.55.
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71122.02-5.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.3 Waste Characterization and Classification
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the licensees radiochemical sample analysis results for each of the licensees waste streams, including dry active waste (DAW), spent resins, and filters. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees use of scaling factors to quantify difficult-to-measure radionuclides (e.g., pure alpha or beta emitting radionuclides).
The reviews were conducted to verify that the licensees program assured compliance with 10 CFR 61.55 and 10 CFR 61.56, as required by Appendix G of 10 CFR Part 20.
The inspectors also reviewed the licensees waste characterization and classification program to ensure that the waste stream composition data accounted for changing operational parameters and thus remained valid between the annual sample analysis updates.
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71122.02-5.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.4 Shipment Preparation and Shipment Manifests
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the documentation of shipment packaging, radiation surveys, package labeling and marking, vehicle inspections and placarding, emergency instructions, determination of waste classification/isotopic identification, and licensee verification of shipment readiness for 12 non-excepted material and radwaste shipments made in 2008. In 2008, the licensee made 85 shipments, and none of these shipments were Type-B. The shipment documentation reviewed consisted of:
- Eight Low Specific Activity (LSA-II) and Three Surface Contaminated Object (SCO-II) Shipments to Waste Processors; and
- One Type-A Package to Areva, Lynchburg, VA.
For each shipment, the inspectors determined if the requirements of 10 CFR Parts 20 and 61 and those of the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 49 CFR Parts 170-189 were met. Specifically, records were reviewed and staff involved in shipment activities was interviewed to determine if packages were labeled and marked properly, if package and transport vehicle surveys were performed with appropriate instrumentation, if radiation survey results satisfied DOT requirements, and if the quantity and type of radionuclides in each shipment were determined accurately. The inspectors also determined whether shipment manifests were completed in accordance with DOT and NRC requirements, if they included the required emergency response information, if the recipient was authorized to receive the shipment, and if shipments were tracked as required by 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix G.
This inspection constitutes one sample as defined by Inspection Procedure 71122.02-5.
Selected staff involved in shipment activities were observed and interviewed by the inspectors to determine if they had adequate skills to accomplish shipment related tasks and to determine if the shippers were knowledgeable of the applicable regulations to satisfy package preparation requirements for public transport with respect to NRC Bulletin 79-19, Packaging of Low-Level Radioactive Waste for Transport and Burial, and 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H. The shippers training conducted by WMG Inc., and related certificates were reviewed for compliance with the hazardous material training requirements of 49 CFR 172.704. Additional hazmat training requirements for radiation protection staff were also reviewed by the inspectors for adequacy.
This inspection constitutes one sample as defined by IP 71122.02-5.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.5 Identification and Resolution of Problems
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed condition reports, audits and self assessments that addressed radioactive waste and radioactive materials shipping program deficiencies since the last inspection to verify that the licensee had effectively implemented the corrective action program and that problems were identified, characterized, prioritized and corrected. The inspectors also verified that the licensee's self-assessment program was capable of identifying repetitive deficiencies or significant individual deficiencies in problem identification and resolution.
The inspectors reviewed corrective action reports from the radioactive material and shipping programs since the previous inspection, interviewed staff and reviewed documents to determine if the following activities were being conducted in an effective and timely manner commensurate with their importance to safety and risk:
- Initial problem identification, characterization, and tracking;
- Disposition of operability/reportability issues;
- Evaluation of safety significance/risk and priority for resolution;
- Identification of repetitive problems;
- Identification of contributing causes;
- Identification and implementation of effective corrective actions;
- Resolution of NCVs tracked in the corrective action system; and
- Implementation/consideration of risk significant operational experience feedback.
This inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71122.02-5.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Cornerstones: Initiating Events, Mitigating Systems, Barrier Integrity, Emergency Preparedness, Public Radiation Safety, Occupational Radiation Safety, and Physical Protection
4OA1 Performance Indicator Verification
.1 Unplanned Scrams per 7000 Critical Hours
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the Unplanned Scrams per 7000 Critical Hours performance indicator (PI) for the period from the first quarter 2008 through the fourth quarter of 2008. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Document 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 5, were used. The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator narrative logs, issue reports, event reports and NRC Inspection Reports for the period of first quarter through the fourth quarter of 2008 to validate the accuracy of the submittals.
The inspectors also reviewed the licensees issue report database to determine if any problems had been identified with the PI data collected or transmitted for this indicator, and none were identified. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one unplanned scrams per 7000 critical hours sample as defined in IP 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Reactor Coolant System Leakage
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the RCS Leakage performance indicator for the period from the first quarter of 2008 through the fourth quarter of 2008. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Document 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 5, were used. The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator logs, RCS leakage tracking data, issue reports, event reports and NRC Integrated Inspection Reports for the period of the first through fourth quarters of 2008 to validate the accuracy of the submittals. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees issue report database to determine if any problems had been identified with the PI data collected or transmitted for this indicator, and none were identified. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one reactor coolant system leakage sample as defined in IP 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
4OA2 Identification and Resolution of Problems
.1 Routine Review of Items Entered Into the Corrective Action Program
a. Inspection Scope
As part of the various baseline inspection procedures discussed in previous sections of this report, the inspectors routinely reviewed issues during baseline inspection activities and plant status reviews to verify that they were being entered into the licensees CAP at an appropriate threshold, that adequate attention was being given to timely corrective actions, and that adverse trends were identified and addressed. Attributes reviewed included: the complete and accurate identification of the problem; that timeliness was commensurate with the safety significance; that evaluation and disposition of performance issues, generic implications, common causes, contributing factors, root causes, extent of condition reviews, and previous occurrences reviews were proper and adequate; and that the classification, prioritization, focus, and timeliness of corrective actions were commensurate with safety and sufficient to prevent recurrence of the issue.
Minor issues entered into the licensees CAP as a result of the inspectors observations are included in the attached List of Documents Reviewed.
These routine reviews for the identification and resolution of problems did not constitute any additional inspection samples. Instead, by procedure they were considered an integral part of the inspections performed during the quarter and documented in Section 1 of this report.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Daily Corrective Action Program Reviews
a. Inspection Scope
In order to assist with the identification of repetitive equipment failures and specific human performance issues for follow-up, the inspectors performed a daily screening of items entered into the licensees CAP. This review was accomplished through inspection of the stations daily condition report packages.
These daily reviews were performed by procedure as part of the inspectors daily plant status monitoring activities and, as such, did not constitute any separate inspection samples.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.3 Selected Issue Follow-Up Inspection: Root Cause Analysis of the Turbine Bearing
Number 2 Oil Deflector Failure
a. Inspection Scope
During a review of items entered in the licensees CAP, the inspectors recognized a corrective action item documenting the as-found condition of the turbine bearing # 2 oil deflector after smoking insulation caused the licensee to reduce unit power and take the main turbine off-line on December 24, 2008 (CR 08-51322). On December 25, 2008, black debris was found in the high pressure turbine end of the # 2 bearing oil deflector for the main turbine which restricted flow through the oil drain passages. The screen between the deflector inner and outer sections was also nearly clogged with the debris.
The inspectors reviewed the root cause analysis and the developed corrective actions for appropriateness. The inspectors determined that the cause analysis and corrective actions were adequate; however, the inspectors identified a performance deficiency in the analysis involving improper installation of insulation surrounding the oil deflector.
This review constituted one in-depth problem identification and resolution sample as defined in IP 71152-05.
b. Findings
Introduction:
A self-revealing finding was identified for the improper installation of insulation surrounding the main turbine bearing # 2 oil deflector, causing the main turbine to be taken off-line due to smoking insulation.
Description:
On December 24, 2008, plant staff observed smoking insulation near main turbine bearing # 2. The insulation was soaked with oil. The oil had contacted hot metal associated with the high pressure turbine which caused the oil to smoke. The operating crew assessed the situation and took immediate actions to begin a rapid reduction in power and to remove the turbine from service. A small fire, that was quickly extinguished, occurred in the area after the turbine was removed from service During the immediate investigation of the event, black debris was found in the turbine end of the bearing # 2 oil deflector for the main turbine. The debris restricted flow through the oil drain passages. The clogged oil deflector caused oil to travel along the turbine shaft until it escaped the oil system and eventually soaked the surrounding insulation.
In 14 RFO (2006), the clearances for the mid-standard oil deflectors were checked due to other turbine work that was performed. The insulation blankets on the high pressure turbine, adjacent to the # 2 turbine end oil deflector, had to be moved to perform this check. A review of this work found that no documentation existed for removing or installing the insulation. There were no drawings or procedures to direct the removal and installation of the insulation. This activity was performed using skill of the craft.
The insulation blanket that was reinstalled during 14RFO was placed over the air gap between the # 2 turbine end oil deflector and the high pressure turbine packing gland.
This blocked the normal air flow path past the # 2 oil deflector and out the top of the high pressure turbine housing. Natural circulation of air normally helps cool the turbine end oil deflector. Due to the loss of a cooling mechanism, the temperatures of the oil deflector and the oil itself increased to the point where oil began to carbonize. The carbonized oil built up and trapped debris which coated the oil deflector screen. The clogged screen caused the oil to escape from the oil deflector by traveling along the turbine shaft. The oil then proceeded to soak the insulation located below the oil deflector.
Analysis:
The inspectors determined that the failure to adequately install insulation surrounding the # 2 bearing turbine end oil deflector was a performance deficiency. This issue was caused by the lack of procedural guidance for the installation and removal of insulation from the turbine. This finding was more than minor because the issue is associated with the design control attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of events that upset plant stability.
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Appendix A, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events cornerstone. The finding was not a LOCA initiator and does not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigating equipment or functions will not be available. Because the fire was very small and did not damage or affect plant equipment, the finding is not considered an external event initiator. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because the concern was not indicative of current plant performance.
Enforcement:
No violation of NRC regulatory requirements occurred. The licensee included this finding in their corrective action program as CR 08-51322. A corrective action was initiated to create a procedure that incorporates specific guidance for removing and installing insulation on the main turbine, the auxiliary feed pump turbines, and the main feed pump turbines, to ensure a similar event does not happen again.
.4 Selected Issue Follow-Up Inspection: Review of Apparent Cause Analysis and
Corrective Action Development for a Mispositioned Valve
a. Inspection Scope
During a review of items entered in the licensees CAP, the inspectors recognized a corrective action item (CR 09-51887) documenting licensees apparent cause evaluation of an event where a service water sample valve was left open even though the sampling procedure directed the chemistry technician to close the valve. The inspectors reviewed the cause evaluation for thoroughness and the developed corrective actions for appropriateness. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed condition reports discussed in the apparent cause that addressed a previously identified negative trend in procedure compliance (CR 08-44017) and a recently identified negative trend in procedure compliance (CR09-52485). The inspectors also reviewed licensees completion of corrective actions to determine if the status of those actions was adequately represented in the more recent condition report documentation.
This review constituted one in-depth problem identification and resolution sample as defined in IP 71152-05.
b. Findings
Introduction:
The inspectors identified a Green non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, in that the licensee failed to have appropriate qualitative or quantitative measures to ensure that corrective actions specified in department directives and requirements of business practices were actually being accomplished. This contributed to further issues in the Chemistry Department with adherence to procedure requirements.
Description:
CR 09-51887 reviewed and analyzed, using full apparent cause techniques, the failure of a chemistry technician to close valve SW4691B in accordance with procedure after taking a sample of service water on January 12, 2009. The mispositioned valve was later discovered by an operator during daily rounds because the mispositioning caused indicated service water pump discharge pressure to read much lower than expected and actual values.
The apparent cause evaluation concluded that the cause of the failure involved many items including improper procedure placekeeping and less than adequate self-checking. Placekeeping techniques were required by NOP-LP-2601, Procedure Use and Adherence. Self checking requirements were specified in and required by NOBP-LP-2603, Event-Free Tools and Verification Practices. The evaluation also noted that self-assessments had identified a negative trend of Chemistry Department procedure compliance for the previous two review periods (each review period was approximately 6 months). Condition reports (CR 08-44017 and 09-52485) were generated to review those trends using limited apparent cause techniques.
CR 09-51887 determined that the corrective actions developed in CR 08-44017 were completed but were less than adequate and that there was inadequate implementation of the corrective actions. The evaluation concluded that the previously specified corrective actions did not adequately address cultural issues and change management issues associated with the new desired method of performing activities. Additional conclusions were that there was an inadequate level of accountability and follow-up to ensure that the specified corrective actions were being internalized and applied.
The inspectors independently reviewed the corrective actions developed by CR 08-44017. Although CR 09-51887 stated that all the CR 08-44017 corrective actions were completed, the inspectors found that some of the developed corrective actions had not been completed. Corrective actions within the corrective action computer program had been indicated as complete once notifications to accomplish those activities were written within the work order computer system. However, the actual activities associated with some corrective actions were not complete and were not scheduled to be completed until the second and third quarters of 2009.
The inspectors noted that one of the tasks that was completed as part of CR 08-44017 actions was an effectiveness review. That task was completed in November 2008 but the review was not conducted in accordance with the requirements of NOBP-LP-2007, Condition Report Process Effectiveness Review. The results of the effectiveness review concluded that the developed action plan was effective in identifying and ensuring compliance with chemistry program requirements. The review described that only about 2 months of data was reviewed and, as stated in CR 09-55187, the corrective actions were not effective as desired.
The inspectors also reviewed Chemistry Standing Order 08-013, Verification Practices to Ensure Proper Plant Status Control. The intent of the standing order was to supplement existing procedure requirements by providing, for certain valves, additional verification requirements for valve manipulations and thus minimize the probability of valves being mispositioned. Technicians were directed to use the verification techniques specified in the standing order. The inspectors noted that there were many valves specified for each listed procedure within the standing order but the standing order did not include all valves that actually appeared in the listed chemistry procedures. The specified verification techniques included peer checking, concurrent verification, or independent verification.
The licensees stated intent was to incorporate the standing order requirements into the procedures when the procedures were revised. Standing Order 08-013 was issued on July 14, 2008. The inspectors review of chemistry procedures revised after July 2008 did not find any incorporation of the standing order requirements in the procedures.
Standing Order 08-013 was superseded by Standing Order 09-007 on January 15, 2009.
Standing Order 09-007 did not change any requirements. The inspectors review of that Standing Order found that at least two of the procedures listed in the order had been superseded by other procedures in September 2008.
When concurrent verification or independent verification was conducted, NOBP LP-2603, Event-Free Tools and Verification Practices, required documentation of the verification next to the completed procedure step. The inspectors asked the licensee to demonstrate that the concurrent verifications or independent verifications specified in the Standing Order were actually being conducted. The inspectors chose three completed chemistry test procedures.
Review of the completed procedures did not have any indication that concurrent or independent verifications had been accomplished as specified in Standing Order 09-007.
The completed procedures documented that a work group supervisor had reviewed the procedures for proper completion.
Analysis:
The inspectors determined that licensee personnel not adhering to specified requirements and not using methods to determine adherence to requirements was a performance deficiency. The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern and was a factor in subsequent procedure compliance and component mispositioning issues within the Chemistry Department.
The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the failure to adhere to specified requirements or to have methods to determine adherence did not directly result in degraded or inoperable equipment. Therefore, this finding was reviewed by Regional Management and determined to be of very low safety significance (Green).
This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Work Practices, because the licensee did not ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of work activities of the technicians in the field and of personnel providing activities to upgrade procedures and standing orders. Specifically, the technicians were given a requirement that was difficult to implement, but supervisors and management failed to recognize the difficulty and failed to realize that specified requirements were not being accomplished. (H.4(c))
Enforcement:
10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by and conducted in accordance with documented instructions, procedures, or drawings appropriate to the circumstances. Additionally, the instructions, procedures, or drawings shall include appropriate quantitative or qualitative acceptance criteria for determining that important activities have been satisfactorily accomplished. Contrary to those requirements, the licensee developed corrective actions to correct conditions adverse to quality but did not implement any criteria to determine if the corrective actions were being satisfactorily accomplished. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as CR 09-55141. Because this issue is of very low safety significance and is entered into the corrective action program, this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. (NCV 05000346/2009002-03)
4OA3 Follow-Up of Events and Notices of Enforcement Discretion - High Pressure Feedwater
Heater Trip (71153)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the plants response on January 13, 2009, to a trip of high pressure feedwater heaters 2-4 and 2-5. The feedwater heaters tripped on high level during a maintenance activity to adjust the HP feedwater heater 2-4 normal drain valve.
Power increased to 100.45 percent due to a loss of plant efficiency. Action was taken immediately to maintain power less than 100 percent. No high power alarms were illuminated, and no outward control rod motion occurred during the transient. HP feedwater heaters 2-4 and 2-5 were eventually reset. Documents reviewed in this inspection are listed in the Attachment.
This event follow-up review constituted one sample as defined in Inspection Procedure 71153-05.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
4OA5 Other Activities
.1 Licensee Activities and Meetings
The inspectors observed select portions of licensee activities and meetings and met with licensee personnel to discuss various topics. The activities that were sampled included:
- Fix-It-Now Team morning planning meeting on January 22. 2009;
- Corporate Assessment Team follow-up assessment exit on January 23, 2009;
- Monthly performance review meeting on January 23, 2009;
- Corrective Action Review Board meeting on February 2, 2009, March 2, 2009, and March 16, 2009;
- Managers Council meeting on February 10, 2009;
- Electrical Maintenance Team morning planning meeting on February 20. 2009; and
- Supervisor Briefing on company and plant issues by senior plant management on March 10, 2009.
.2 Quarterly Resident Inspector Observations of Security Personnel and Activities
a. Inspection Scope
During the inspection period, the inspectors conducted observations of security force personnel and activities to ensure that the activities were consistent with licensee security procedures and regulatory requirements relating to nuclear plant security.
These observations took place during both normal and off-normal plant working hours.
These quarterly resident inspector observations of security force personnel and activities did not constitute any additional inspection samples. Rather, they were considered an integral part of the inspectors' normal plant status review and inspection activities.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were indentified.
.3 In-Process Observation of Corrective Actions Associated with the NRCs
August 15, 2007, Confirmatory Order
a. Inspection Scope
By letter dated August 15, 2007, the NRC issued an immediately effective Confirmatory Order EA-07-199 (Order) that formalized commitments made by the FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC). FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Companys commitments were documented in its July 16, 2007, letter responding to the NRCs May 14, 2007, Demand for Information (DFI).
The DFI was issued in response to information provided by FENOC relative to an analysis, performed by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates and Altran Solutions Corporation, into the 2002 Davis-Besse reactor pressure vessel head degradation event.
On June 13, 2007, FENOC provided its response to the DFI and on June 27, 2007, the NRC held a public meeting with FENOC to discuss the DFI response. On July 16, 2007, FENOC provided a supplemental response to the DFI that provided additional detail regarding the planned implementation of commitments established in the June response to the DFI.
In addition to implementing interim corrective actions, the Order required the licensee to:
- Order Item 1: Conduct regulatory sensitivity training for selected FENOC and non-FENOC First Energy employees to ensure those employees identify and communicate information that has the potential for regulatory impact either at FENOC sites or within the nuclear industry to the NRC. The licensee was to provide the population to be trained, the training methodology and materials, and the training objective at least 30 days prior to conducting the training. All training was to be conducted by November 30, 2007. (Refer to Inspection Report (IR) 05000346/2007005);
- Order Item 2: Conduct an effectiveness review to determine if an appropriate level of regulatory sensitivity was evident among First Energy employees including those who received regulatory sensitivity training in January 2008 and 2009. (Refer to IR 00500346/2007005, 05000346/2008002, and 05000346/2008004 for previous effectiveness reviews);
- Order Item 3: Develop a formal process to review technical reports prepared as part of a commercial matter. The process was to be implemented no later than December 14, 2007;
- Order Item 4: Assess its Regulatory Communications Policy and make process changes to its NRC correspondence procedure to ensure specific questions are asked during the process relative to the experience gained from efforts to respond to the NRCs May 14, 2007, Demand for Information. Revisions were to be completed by December 14, 2007;
- Order Item 5: Provide an Operating Experience (OE) document to the nuclear industry by September 15, 2007;
- Order Item 6: Complete a root cause evaluation of the events that culminated in the issuance of the May 14, 2007, DFI, and provide the NRC with a summary of the analysis no later than December 14, 2007; and
- Order Item 7: Maintain the interim corrective actions, discussed, in part, in Section II of the Order until the procedural changes described in Order Items 3 and 4 were implemented.
To assess the licensees activities associated with the effectiveness reviews, Order Item 2, the inspectors observed the independent assessment teams activities during the week of January 19, 2009, at FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, Ohio. The observations included review of the standard questions being asked of FirstEnergy individuals, observations of the team members conducting interviews, and observation of the teams internal meetings assessing the results from the interviews.
In addition, the inspectors reviewed documentation referenced in the licensees letters dated September 13, 2007, and December 31, 2007. The reviews were conducted to assess the licensees actions associated with Order Items 3 through 6. The inspectors also discussed with FENOCs Director - Fleet Regulatory Affairs, additional actions he had taken regarding Order Item 5, providing the industry with operating experience.
b. Observations and Findings
Based on the documentation reviews and observations, the inspectors concluded that:
- The licensee had met Order Item 2, to conduct an effectiveness review in 2009, to determine whether an appropriate level of regulatory sensitivity was evident among previously selected FirstEnergy employees.
The 2009 effectiveness review was conducted by an independent team of qualified individuals. The team was comprised of three experienced individuals:
an independent contractor, a manager from a non-FENOC nuclear facility, and an individual from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). The team conducted approximately 70 interviews covering FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company individuals at Davis-Besse, Perry, and Beaver Valley and individuals from FirstEnergy and FENOC in Akron, Ohio.
The questions asked of each FirstEnergy/FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company individual interviewed were appropriate and designed to elicit the interviewees knowledge and understanding of the material presented during the sensitivity training. The inspectors also determined that the interviews were conducted in a manner that allowed the interviewees to express their understanding of the subject matter and to provide examples of how the information affected their daily activities. The interviews were also designed to assess the level to which individuals understood the concepts discussed in the training, such as safety conscious work environment;
- The following documents, described in FENOCs December 31, 2007, letter were consistent with the descriptions provided in the letter and addressed Order Items 3 and 4; Policy:
NOPL-LP-4002, Regulatory Communications, Rev. 1, 11/29/2007; NOPL-LP-4003, Regulatory Sensitivity, Rev. 0, 11/6/2007; Business Practice:
NOBP-LP-4013, Regulatory Impact Assessment Process, Rev. 0, 11/30/2007; Procedure:
NOP-LP-4007, Regulatory Agency Communications, Rev 3, 11/30/2007; NOP-LP-4010, Regulatory Sensitivity Assessment, Rev. 0, 11/14/07, Nuclear Operating Reference Material:
NORM-LP-4003, Communication References, Rev 0, 11/30/2007; and NORM-LP-4009, FENOC Regulatory Interface Strategy, Rev. 0, 11/30/2007;
- Operating Experience, provided to the industry on August 10, 2007, and to the NRC via FENOCs September 13, 2007, letter addressing Order Item 5, accurately described the events surrounding the NRC May 14, 2007, Demand for Information, including a review of technical reports prepared for commercial uses;
- The licensees summary of its root cause evaluation, Order Item 6, submitted to the NRC via FENOCs December 21, 2007, letter accurately portrayed the results of the full root cause evaluation; and
- The licensee had maintained interim corrective actions until the procedural changes described in Order Items 3 and 4 were implemented.
Based on the results of this inspection and actions documented in IRs 05000346/2007005, 05000346/2008002, and 05000346/2008004, the inspectors concluded that the licensee had completed all actions required by the Confirmatory Order (EA-07-199).
These results are being documented in Inspection Reports for Davis-Besse (05000346/2009002), Perry (05000440/2009002) and Beaver Valley (05000334/2009002 and 05000412/2009002).
No findings of significance were identified.
.4 Safety Culture/Safety Conscious Work Environment (SC/SCWE) Independent
Assessment, CY2008
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed documents to assess the licensees implementation of the March 8, 2004, Confirmatory Order as it applied to the annual external, independent evaluations of safety culture (SC) and safety conscious work environment (SCWE).
Documents reviewed included the licensees assessment plan submitted to the NRC on June 06, 2008 (ML081610511), the licensees SCWE survey, and external independent assessment report submitted to the NRC by FENOC letter dated January 26, 2009 (ML090270490). As part of the process of verifying compliance with the March 8, 2004, Order, the inspectors also observed the licensees implementation of its Business Practice, NOBP-LP-2501, for assessing SC and SCWE. In addition, the inspectors observed the external independent contractors meetings during which they discussed input from interviews of selected staff members (Inspection Report 05000346/2008-005).
b. Findings and Observations
1) Actions for Areas-For-Improvement (AFI)
One localized AFI was identified during the 2008 external, independent SC/SCWE assessment associated with the Other Supply Chain organization.
The licensee developed an action plan to address this localized issue and generated a condition report (CR 08-51329, COIA-SC-2008 Other Supply Chain Localized AFI) to enter the condition into its corrective action program.
The inspectors reviewed the condition report and the action plan to address the concern and concluded that both documents were appropriate. The inspectors will review the results of the assessment following the licensees identification of cause(s) and corrective actions.
2) Effectiveness of Corrective Actions for Issues Identified during the 2007 Independent SC/SCWE Assessment The CY 2008 independent SC/SCWE assessment specifically evaluated the effectiveness of the corrective actions for the issues identified during the 2007 assessment. The 2008 assessment concluded that while actions had been taken to address all the areas in need of attention, not all the actions had been fully effective, as evidenced by similar issues being identified in the 2008 assessment.
The inspectors, through independent review of the assessments results, concurred with the assessment teams conclusions.
3) External, Independent Assessment Team The inspectors reviewed the team members resumes and concluded that the assessment team met the Orders requirement for an external, independent team to assess SC/SCWE at Davis-Besse.
c. Conclusion No findings of significance were identified.
Overall, the inspectors concluded that the SC/SCWE at Davis-Besse continued to be adequate to support continued safe facility operation. In addition, the inspectors concluded that the licensee had met the requirements contained in the NRCs March 8, 2004, letter, Approval to Restart the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Closure of Confirmatory Action Letter, and Issuance of Confirmatory Order, for the 2008 independent external SC/SCWE assessment.
The inspector also reviewed CR-08-51329, COIA-SC-2008 Other Supply Chain Localized AFI, the associated Analysis Report dated March 19, 2009, and corrective actions for the condition report. The inspector noted that the analysis was performed by an outside, independent reviewer. Based on the reviews conducted, the inspector concluded that the CR appropriately captured the issues that formed the area for improvement, that the analysis appropriately reviewed the issues, and that the corrective actions addressed the issues identified during the analysis.
.5 Power Uprate - Safety Evaluations
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed safety evaluations for modifications that were required for this measurement uncertainty recapture (MUR) power uprate. This includes evaluation of the high energy line break (HELB) program for MUR power uprate, evaluation of the accident analysis for MUR power uprate, and evaluation of modifications to plant systems to support the power increase afforded by the installation of the Caldon Leading Edge Flow Meter feedwater flow measurement system. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constitutes three safety evaluation samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004.
b. Findings
Steam Generator Blowdown (SGBD) Pipe Whip Restraint R7 - Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) and high energy line break (HELB) Requirements - Power Uprate
Introduction:
The inspectors determined that an unresolved item (URI) existed concerning the design basis structural analysis for the SGBD pipe whip restraint R7 being in conformance with safety-related HELB and USAR requirements. Specifically, the pipe whip restraint calculation failed to consider a dynamic amplification factor (DAF)for the pipe whip force as required in USAR Section 3.6.2.5.9. As a result, the inspectors were not able to determine if the design basis calculation was sufficient to ensure conformance with safety-related HELB design requirements.
Description:
The inspectors reviewed Calculation No. VF11/B00-016, FCR 78-126:
Steam Generator Blowdown Line Pipe Whip Restraint R7, Revision 5, and Drawing No. C-299A, Auxiliary Building Steam Generator Blowdown Whip Restraint R7, Revision O. The design calculation and design drawing of the pipe whip restraint R7 were identified as nuclear safety-related (Q). As described in USAR Section 3.2.1.1, Class I structures, systems, and components are also defined as nuclear safety-related (Q) and are relied upon to remain functional during design basis events. The design function of the SGBD pipe whip restraint R7 was to hold and maintain the SGBD line in position and ensure that the restraint structure did not impact safety-related systems, structures, or components during a HELB event. The inspectors identified a non-conservative technical error in Calculation VF11/B00-016. The inspectors identified that the calculation of the pipe whip force did not include a DAF. The USAR Section 3.6.2.5.9 required restraint structures to withstand a pipe whip force, which is the product of the thrust multiplication factor, DAF, break flow area and maximum operating pressure.
In response to the concern, the licensee initiated Condition Report (CR) 09-52701 on January 28, 2009. The licensee initiated a revision of the calculation and identification of the required modifications to ensure conformance with USAR Section 3.6.2.5.9 requirements. Near the end of the inspection period, the licensee provided the inspectors additional information relevant to the design basis of the restraint which will require additional review. Therefore, this issue is considered an unresolved item (URI 05000346/2009002-04) pending completion of inspector review and evaluation and, as appropriate, determination of risk significance.
.6 Power Uprate - Plant Modifications
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed plant modifications for those implemented for MUR power uprate. This includes reactor protection system (RPS) power related setpoint changes for MUR, and the seismic qualification of mounting the Caldon Leading Edge Flow Meter electronic cabinet C5757E. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the to this report.
This inspection constitutes two plant modification samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.7 Power Uprate - Post Maintenance or Surveillance Tests
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed systems modified for power uprate for which surveillance tests were performed. This included reviewing the preventative maintenance work order for spool pieces, which contain 16 transducers on each main feedwater flow header, including the specification, which requires full radiography of spool piece welds on feedwater piping. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constitutes two post maintenance or surveillance test samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.8 Power Uprate - Integrated Plant Evolutions at Uprated Power Level
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed a procedure and a work order that involved integrated plant evolutions conducted by the licensee at the uprated power level. This included an abnormal operating procedure for load shedding during loss of control room emergency ventilation and a work order to change plant simulator to incorporate changes as a result of the MUR. A listing of the documents reviewed is provided in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constitutes two integrated plant evolutions at uprated power level samples as defined in Inspection Procedure 71004.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
4OA6 Management Meetings
.1 Exit Meeting Summary
On April 15, 2009, the inspectors presented the inspection results to Mr. B. Allen and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee acknowledged the issues presented.
The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary.
.2 Interim Exit Meetings
Interim exits were conducted for:
- Radioactive material processing and transportation under the public radiation safety cornerstone with Mr. Vito Kaminskas, Director of Site Operation on January 16, 2009;
- On January 30, 2009, the inspectors presented the power uprate inspection results to Mr. B. Allen, and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee acknowledged the issues presented. The inspectors confirmed that a licensee procedure was considered proprietary and was returned to the licensee staff;
- Review of Confirmatory Order EA-07-199 required activities with Ms. K Fili on January 22, 2009; and
- Safety Culture/Safety Conscious Work Environment (SC/SCWE) Independent Assessment CY 2008 with B. Allen, C. Price, V. Kaminskas, B. Boles, D.
Wuokko, J. Dominy and G. Wolf on February 26, 2009, and on March 31, 2009, with Mr. B. Allen.
The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
KEY POINTS OF CONTACT
Licensee
- B. Boles, Director, Site Maintenance
- T. Chowdary, Staff Nuclear Engineer
- S. Cope, Senior Nuclear Specialist, Emergency Planning
- L. Harder, Manager, Radiation Protection
- D. Hartnett, Shift Manager Operations Training
- R. Hovland, Training Manager
- V. Kaminskas, Director, Site Operations
- T. Laurer, Staff Engineer-Plant Engineer
- M. Meyer, Advanced Nuclear Engineer
- D. Moul, Director, Site Engineering
- A. Percival, Sr. Nuclear Technologist, Chemistry
- C. Price, Director, Site Performance Improvement
- J. Reuter, Radwaste Supervisor / Shipper
- C. Stenbergen, Superintendent Operations Training
- J. Sturdavant, Senior Specialist, Regulatory Compliance
- S. Trickett, Superintendent, Radiation Protection
- J. Vetter, Emergency Response Manager
- G. Wolf, Regulatory Compliance Engineer
- D. Wuokko, Acting Manager, Regulatory Compliance
- B. Young, Supervisor Nuclear Electrical System Engineer
LIST OF ITEMS
OPENED, CLOSED AND DISCUSSED
Opened
- 05000346/2009002-04 URI SGBD pipe whip restraint R7 did not meet USAR HELB requirements - Power Uprate
Opened and Closed
- 05000346/20009002-01 NCV Switchyard Transformers Returned to Maintenance Rule A.2 Status Without Appropriate Corrective Actions Completed
- 05000346/20009002-02 FIN Improper Insulation Replacement Causes Rapid Main Turbine Downpower Due to Smoldering Oil-Soaked Insulation
- 05000346/20009002-03 NCV Inadequate Management Oversight to Ensure Specified Corrective Actions Were Being Accomplished Attachment