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{{#Wiki_filter:1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
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The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
 
1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 2 of 8 Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001
 
1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 3 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam
 
1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 8 generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
 
1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 8 Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
 
1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 6 of 8 The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000
 
1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
 
1Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 8 Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : April 01, 2002
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 2 of 8 The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 3 of 8 Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 8 REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 6 of 8 Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software
 
2Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 8 platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Last modified : April 01, 2002
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 2 of 8 The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 3 of 8 Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 8 REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 6 of 8 Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human
 
3Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 8 performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Last modified : March 29, 2002
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 2 of 8 Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 8 system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 4 of 8 Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 8 USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 6 of 8 REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
 
4Q/2000 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 8 A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Last modified : March 28, 2002
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 2 of 8 Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 3 of 8 non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 4 of 8 Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 6 of 8 REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
 
1Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : March 28, 2002
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 2 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 4 of 8 Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 5 of 8 Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 6 of 8 The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
 
2Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 8 Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : March 27, 2002
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically,
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 2 of 8 there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 8 Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 8 by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 5 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 6 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
 
3Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : March 26, 2002
 
4Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 1 of 7 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled.
The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
 
4Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 2 of 7 Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element.
Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
4Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 7 AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS
 
4Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 7 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment.
The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
 
4Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 7 During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000
 
4Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 6 of 7 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection
 
4Q/2001 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 7 Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures.
All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : March 01, 2002
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                Page 1 of 9 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable.
However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 13, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients.
The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                  Page 2 of 9 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:          Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled. The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions.
Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:          Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                    Page 3 of 9 III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action,"
was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001. Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                  Page 4 of 9 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas.
There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                  Page 5 of 9 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment. The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP [Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings,"
requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                  Page 6 of 9 TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls.
The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:        May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable. This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                  Page 7 of 9 drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: TBD Apr 01, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: URI Unresolved item Inadequate Critique of Two Exercise Performance Issues Two exercise performance issues, which are associated with emergency preparedness planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(10),
were inadequately critiqued by licensee staff. The first issue was associated with the licensee's critique of the initial offsite Protective Action Recommendation (PAR) that its exercise participants communicated to offsite officials. The NRC identified issues that contradicted the licensee's critique conclusion that the initial PAR was a successful performance indicator opportunity with respect to its content. The second issue was the licensee's critique of its participants decision making process on the simulated removal from the site of non-essential personnel, who were not members of the current shift of emergency responders, once all onsite personnel were accounted for. Using the Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process, the NRC has made a preliminary determination that the finding was of low to moderate risk significance (White). In accordance with NRC's Enforcement Policy, as published in NUREG 1600, it was determined that there is no apparent violation of NRC requirements since the critique issues were related to an exercise, rather than to an actual emergency.
Inspection Report# : 2002004(pdf)
Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance. The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                              Page 8 of 9 OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance:        Mar 31, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to follow work order instructions for initiating work and performing work beyond the scope of authorization.
A licensee-identified violation of very low significance was reviewed by the inspectors. Corrective actions taken or planned by the licensee appeared reasonable.
Inspection Report# : 2002005(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff.
Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program.
Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists. Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items. Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures. All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000
 
1Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                              Page 9 of 9 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : July 22, 2002
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 1 of 12 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:      Dec 13, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 2 of 12 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI.
This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled. The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 3 of 12 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 4 of 12 00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:      Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001.
Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf) file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 5 of 12 Significance:      Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:      May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:      May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:      May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 6 of 12 hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 7 of 12 but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment. The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP
[Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:      Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 8 of 12 INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:      May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:      May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:      May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable.
This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 9 of 12 WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: TBD Apr 01, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: URI Unresolved item Inadequate Critique of Two Exercise Performance Issues Two exercise performance issues, which are associated with emergency preparedness planning standard 10 CFR 50.47 (b)(10), were inadequately critiqued by licensee staff. The first issue was associated with the licensee's critique of the initial offsite Protective Action Recommendation (PAR) that its exercise participants communicated to offsite officials.
The NRC identified issues that contradicted the licensee's critique conclusion that the initial PAR was a successful performance indicator opportunity with respect to its content. The second issue was the licensee's critique of its participants decision making process on the simulated removal from the site of non-essential personnel, who were not members of the current shift of emergency responders, once all onsite personnel were accounted for. Using the Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process, the NRC has made a preliminary determination that the finding was of low to moderate risk significance (White). In accordance with NRC's Enforcement Policy, as published in NUREG 1600, it was determined that there is no apparent violation of NRC requirements since the critique issues were related to an exercise, rather than to an actual emergency.
Inspection Report# : 2002004(pdf)
Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance.
The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 10 of 12 system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance:        Mar 31, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to follow work order instructions for initiating work and performing work beyond the scope of authorization.
file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                Page 11 of 12 A licensee-identified violation of very low significance was reviewed by the inspectors. Corrective actions taken or planned by the licensee appeared reasonable.
Inspection Report# : 2002005(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists.
Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items.
Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures. All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      07/03/2003
 
2Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                Page 12 of 12 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : August 29, 2002 file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      07/03/2003
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 1 of 11 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance: N/A Feb 13, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION FOR WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's overall evaluation of the White performance indicator (PI) for Scrams with Loss of Normal Heat Removal was determined to be acceptable. The licensee utilized a structured approach to evaluate the circumstances of the individual plant trips and the collective significance of the three trips to identify potential common causes. The licensee's corrective actions for each of the plant trips contributing to the White PI were determined to correspond with the root and contributing causes identified by the root cause evaluations. The corrective actions were either completed or being tracked for completion. The effectiveness of the corrective actions for the plant trips involving the ruptured feedwater heater and concern for a diver's safety were determined to be acceptable. However, the corrective actions to prevent recurrence associated with the intake crib freezing event and resultant decrease in forebay level were determined to be inconsistently implemented.
Inspection Report# : 2001004(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORK PLAN DID NOT SPECIFY APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ISOLATE INVERTER.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequately written work instruction that did not provide for appropriate isolation of inverter 1DYO3 which resulted in de-energization of the Unit 1 white instrument bus and a subsequent plant transient. This finding was of very low safety significance because all mitigation systems remained operable and barrier integrity was not challenged.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Development and Approval of (a) (1) Action Plan for Gas Turbine, G05 Units 1 and 2. The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) concerning the failure to set (a)
(1) goals and monitor against the established goals for the G05 gas turbine (GT), a risk significant maintenance rule component relied upon to meet station blackout and certain Appendix R requirements. The issue of failing to set G05 GT (a)(1) goals and monitor against the established goals was more than minor since actual G05 GT equipment problems occurred. However, since the G05 equipment problems were not attributable to a 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) violation, rather, a maintenance rule violation occurred as a consequence of the G05 GT problems, the performance deficiency could not be processed through the Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process." Therefore, in accordance with Appendix B to Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, this maintenance rule violation was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 2 of 11 Significance:      Dec 13, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI.
This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Significance:      Nov 06, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY CORRECTIVE ACTION REGARDING INDADEQUATE CONTROL OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action"), in that the licensee failed to take corrective action prior to the onset of freezing temperatures in the fall of 2001 for previously identified problems with the plant's freeze protection system. The finding was considered to be more than minor because the freeze protection system helps to protect safety-related components from freezing and the system's failure could have a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low significance Inspection Report# : 2001014(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NO PROCEDURES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOULING OF SERVICE WATER STRAINERS The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V), in that, the licensee failed to provide adequate written instruction to prevent excessive fouling of the service water header strainers. As a result, a condition adverse to quality was self-revealed on September 20, 2001, when auxiliary operators identified, while taking logs, that both the north and south header strainers were excessively fouled. The excessive fouling resulted in the service water system being in a configuration that was beyond design basis analyses. The Non-Cited Violation was considered of low risk significance since, for the plant and environmental conditions at the time of discovery, no actual loss of safety function occurred or would have occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001013(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding HUMAN PERFORMANCE CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN FIRE PROTECTION
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 3 of 11 ENGINEERING AREA The inspectors identified a number of issues which, collectively, indicated that human performance weaknesses existed in the fire protection engineering area.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT EMERGENCY LIGHTING TO SUPPORT SAFE SHUTDOWN The inspectors identified that there was insufficient emergency lighting to support performance of required safe shutdown actions. Specifically, there was insufficient emergency lighting in the Unit 1 and Unit 2 façade areas to support performing confirmatory actions to fail air to the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main steam isolation valves so as to ensure these valves would not spuriously reopen. The failure to have adequate emergency lighting is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.J. The finding was greater than minor because a delay in performing safe shutdown actions could occur due to the lack of emergency lighting. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP ROOM HALON SYSTEM INADEQUATE The inspectors identified that the automatic fire suppression system for the auxiliary feedwater pump room was not adequate. The installed fire suppression system was only designed for surface fires and was not designed to provide the necessary soak time for deep-seated fires. However, deep-seated fire hazards had been introduced to the room. The failure to have an adequate automatic suppression system is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R. Section III.G.2. The finding was determined to be greater than minor because the finding involved automatic suppression, a fire protection defense-in-depth element. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors were not able to postulate a fire scenario which could sustain a deep-seated fire and damage redundant trains of equipment. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INSUFFICIENT APPENDIX R FUEL OIL SUPPLY The inspectors identified that the licensee had failed to maintain a 72-hour fuel supply on-site for generator G-05 relied upon for safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The failure to maintain a 72-hour supply of fuel is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.3. The finding was greater than minor because the capability to achieve and maintain cold shutdown conditions for 72 hours was not provided. The finding was determined to be No Color because the finding did not involve the impairment or degradation of a fire protection defense-in-depth element. Because the finding was of very low safety significance, and the finding was captured in the licensee's corrective action system, this finding is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 28, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 4 of 11 POSSIBLE SPURIOUS OPENING OF POWER-OPERATED RELIEF VALVE DURING FIRES 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1.a required, in part, that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions be free of fire damage. As discussed in LER 50-266/1999-006-00; 50-301/1999-006-00, hot shutdown conditions would not have been able to be maintained during the ensuing plant transient which would have resulted from a stuck open pressurizer PORV (power-operated relief valve).
Inspection Report# : 2001012(pdf)
Significance:      Aug 07, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INEFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CONCERNING COMMON CAUSE FAILURE TESTING OF EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATORS The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to take effective corrective action to preclude repetition of the failure to comply with Technical Specification limiting condition for operation requirements directing testing of redundant standby emergency diesel generator power supplies within 24 hours. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified. The finding was of very low safety significance because, in both cases of Technical Specification non-compliance, the redundant standby emergency diesel generators were tested satisfactorily, indicating that no actual loss of safety function occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2001011(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation AFW SYSTEM INCORRECTLY RETURNED TO MAINTENANCE RULE (a)(2) STATUS WITHOUT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE LICENSEE'S (a)(1) ACTION PLAN A Non-Cited Violation [of 10 CFR 50.65] was identified for the licensee erroneously returning the auxiliary feedwater system to (a)(2) status prior to meeting licensee established (a)(1) performance goals in December 2000. The licensee's inaccurate monitoring of system unavailability against established (a)(1) unavailability goals was determined to be the cause of the error. Since no actual loss of the safety function of the auxiliary feedwater system occurred, this issue was evaluated as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TEST THE UNIT 1 'B' SAFEGUARDS TRAIN REDUNDANT STANDBY EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES WITHIN THE TS TIME REQUIREMENT A Non-Cited Violation was identified for failure to follow the requirements of Technical Specification 15.3.7.B.1.g following a trip of the G-03 emergency diesel generator during monthly surveillance testing on June 24, 2001.
Specifically, within 24 hours, the licensee failed to show that the redundant power supplies (emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02) to safeguards bus 1A05 were not susceptible to the same failure mechanism that tripped G-03 by either completing a common cause evaluation or starting the redundant standby power supplies. With a common cause evaluation not yet completed, G-02 and G-01 were not started until 26 and 29 hours, respectively, after the initial G-03 trip. Since G-01 and G-02 surveillance tests were subsequently performed satisfactorily and G-04 had been aligned to supply the 1A06 safeguards bus, no actual loss of safety function for greater then the technical specification allowed outage time existed and the issue was assessed as having very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2001
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 5 of 11 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation USE OF THE STEAM GENERATOR BLOWDOWN ISOLATION INTERLOCK DEFEAT SWITCH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF SAFETY FUNCTION Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," requires, in part, that measures be established to assure that the design basis specified in the licensee application be correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Contrary to this requirements, the licensee modified steam generator blowdown isolation circuitry to allow defeating the blowdown isolation function during surveillance testing without considering the design basis requirements of the auxiliary feedwater system to provide the heat removal equivalent feedwater flow, 200 gpm, to each unit necessary for post-accident decay heat removal. This issue has been included in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0108.
Inspection Report# : 2001010(pdf)
Significance:      May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO PROVIDE DIRECT READINGS OF STEAM GENERATOR 'B' PRESSURE PARAMETER WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PERFORM SAFE SHUTDOWN FUNCTIONS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.d, requires the process monitoring function be capable of providing direct readings of the process variables necessary to perform and control safe shutdown functions. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide direct readings of steam generator B' pressure parameter which was necessary to perform safe shutdown functions.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:      May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO INSTALL THE FIRE STOPS IN A CONFIGURATION WHICH WOULD PREVENT PROPAGATION OF FIRE FROM ONE REDUNDANT TRAIN TO ANOTHER 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.b, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards. An exemption to this requirement was granted by the NRC, dated July 3, 1985, which stated that the approved alternative was to install fire stops in the intervening cable trays. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to install the fire stops in the Unit 1 motor control center room in a configuration which would prevent propagation of fire from one redundant train of charging pump cables to another.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:      May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REDUNDANT INSTRUMENT CABLES WERE LOCATED WITHIN 20 FEET OF EACH OTHER IN THE UNITS 1 AND 2 CONTAINMENTS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2.d, requires separation of cables and equipment and associated non-safety circuits of redundant trains by a horizontal distance of more than 20 feet with no intervening combustibles or fire hazards inside non-inerted containment. Contrary to the above, redundant cables for several temperature elements and steam generator level instruments were located within 20 feet of each other in the Units 1 and 2 containments.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:      May 08, 2001
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 6 of 11 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation POSTULATED FIRE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF REDUNDANT TRAINS OF CHARGING PUMPS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.2.b, requires the reactor coolant makeup function be capable of maintaining the reactor coolant level within the level indication in the pressurizer for pressurized water reactors. Contrary to the above, in eight fire zones, the cables associated with volume control tank and reactor water storage tank outlet valves were routed in the same fire areas. There would be insufficient time to take manual actions to prevent failure of charging pumps credited for maintaining reactor coolant level.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance:        May 08, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation REPLACEMENT OF CHARGING PUMP CONTROL POWER FUSE OUTSIDE APPENDIX R DESIGN BASIS 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.1, requires that fire protection features be provided for systems important to safe shutdown so that one train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown conditions is free of fire damage. Contrary to the above, the licensee failed to provide redundant fusing to protect the control cable associated with the credited charging pump which was necessary for hot shutdown condition and was not free of fire damage.
Inspection Report# : 2001008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING RPS ACTUATION SYSTEM LOGIC NOT SATISFIED Technical Specification Table 15.4.1-1, "Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations, and Test of Instrument Channels," Item 44, "Reactor Protection System and Emergency Safety Feature Actuation System Logic," required monthly testing of Reactor Protection System trips which includes the power range low power trip and the intermediate range high flux trip logics. Contrary to this requirement, a surveillance test requirement was missed when the licensee failed to test the power range low power and the intermediate range high flux trips within 24 hours after reducing power below 10 percent after having operated in excess of 10 percent power for greater than the monthly surveillance test frequency. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0118.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 12, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE CONTROL OF CABLE SPREADING ROOM HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK BARRIER.
The licensee's quality assurance organization identified that a 41/2-inch pipe built into and penetrating a wall of the cable spreading room, used for temporary running of cables into the room, was being controlled as a fire barrier impairment but not as a high-energy line break barrier impairment. The pipe had not been included in the licensee's procedure on high energy line break barriers. The failure to include the 41/2" pipe in Administrative Procedure NP 8.4.16, "PBNP
[Point Beach Nuclear Plant] High Energy Line Break Barriers," was considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2001003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR BYPASSING ALARMS FOR HEAT TRACE CIRCUITS FOR SAFETY-
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 7 of 11 RELATED EQUIPMENT.
The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an inadequate procedure that specified actions that inappropriately de-energized heat trace circuits for safety-related equipment when the intent was only to bypass alarms. The finding was of very low safety significance because safety-related equipment was not actually rendered inoperable.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance:      Oct 26, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation DEFICIENT EMERENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF CONTAINMENT SUMP RECIRCULATION.
During the administration of the operating test, the licensee determined that emergency procedure ECA-1.1, "Loss of Containment Sump Recirculation," was inadequate. The procedure directed operators to stop a residual heat removal pump which would have resulted in cavitation of a running safety injection pump under certain initial conditions. This finding was of very low safety significance because the procedure deficiency would only affect actual operability of the safety injection pumps during a large break loss of coolant initiating event concurrent with the loss of containment pump recirculation. The inspectors identified a non-cited violation for inadequate procedures (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings").
Inspection Report# : 2000301(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding TURBINE-DRIVEN AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMP OUT OF SERVICE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
The inspectors identified that inadequate planning and control of Unit 1 turbine-driven auxiliary feed pump, IP-29, work performed June 28-30, 2000, resulted in the pump being out-of-service for approximately 43 hours when the work was scheduled to take 18 hours. This resulted in the licensee being in a risk significant condition, which was 3.5 times the baseline risk, for an extended period of time. The finding was considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because only one auxiliary feedwater train was affected and the time that the train was out-of-service did not exceed the Technical Specification limit.
Inspection Report# : 2000007(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding INADEQUATE OPERABILITY DETERMINATIONS.
The inspectors identified that operability determinations lacked sufficient engineering basis to support continuing operability calls. The licensee was able to show current system operability, given the plant conditions at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:      May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN CALCULATIONS FOR SERVICE WATER TESTING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.
The inspectors identified errors in the calculations providing the uncertainty values for determining the service water inservice testing acceptance criteria. The errors resulted in the lower inservice testing acceptance criteria being below the required design minimum flow. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, all six pumps had flow rates above the minimum acceptance criteria. This issue was considered the first example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 8 of 11 Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:      May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERRORS IN SERVICE WATER TEMPERATURE UNCERTAINTY VALUES.
The inspectors identified errors in the service water temperature uncertainty values. This resulted in the control room temperature indications being non-conservatively low. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, lake temperatures were below the design basis maximum. This was the second example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Significance:      May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation ERROR IN CALCULATION PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD.
The inspectors identified a fundamental error in calculating pump net positive suction head which basically concluded that the pumps would have adequate suction even if the intake was completely uncovered. The risk significance of this was low because, at the time of the inspection, forebay level was sufficiently high to ensure the pumps were operable.
This was the third example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Nov 09, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE PROCEDURE FOR SHIELDING PLACEMENT IN FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM WINDOWS.
An operating procedure did not provide for timely placement of portable shielding in front of control room windows to ensure accident doses to operator would remain below NRC limits. This was contrary to Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," of Appendix B of 10 CFR Part 50, requires that activities affecting quality be prescribed by documented instructions, procedures, or drawings.
Inspection Report# : 2000014(pdf)
Significance:      Jul 07, 2000 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO TAKE REQUIRED ACTIONS FOR INOPERABLE CONTAINMENT AIR LOCK INTERLOCK.
The licensee identified that the Unit 1 containment personnel air lock door interlock mechanism was inoperable without the required actions being taken within the times specified by Technical Specifications. The licensee attributed this status control problem to human performance. One Non-Cited Violation was identified. The violation is considered to be of very low risk significance (Green) because, although not locked as required by Technical Specification 15.3.6.A.1.d.(2), the inner door vent valve was shut and containment integrity was satisfied. The Non-Cited Violation was assigned to Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2000009(pdf)
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 9 of 11 Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Apr 01, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Critique of Two Exercise Performance Issues Two exercise performance issues, which are associated with emergency preparedness planning standard 10 CFR 50.47 (b)(10), were inadequately critiqued by licensee staff. The first issue was associated with the licensee's critique of the initial offsite Protective Action Recommendation (PAR) that its exercise participants communicated to offsite officials.
The NRC identified issues that contradicted the licensee's critique conclusion that the initial PAR was a successful performance indicator opportunity with respect to its content. The second issue was the licensee's critique of its participants decision making process on the simulated removal from the site of non-essential personnel, who were not members of the current shift of emergency responders, once all onsite personnel were accounted for. Using the Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process, the NRC has made a preliminary determination that the finding was of low to moderate risk significance (White). In accordance with NRC's Enforcement Policy, as published in NUREG 1600, it was determined that there is no apparent violation of NRC requirements since the critique issues were related to an exercise, rather than to an actual emergency. On September 12, 2002, the NRC provided the licensee with a letter detailing the final results of the NRC's significance determination of the February 2002 Exercise critique finding. Based on the information obtained during the inspection, including the feedback obtained from the licensee during the April 2002 exit interview, and the additional information contained in the licensee's June 27, 2002 submittal, the NRC concluded that the inspection finding is appropriately characterized as a White finding.
Inspection Report# : 2002004(pdf)
Significance: N/A Nov 03, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION OF WHITE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR.
The licensee's initial evaluations and corrective actions associated with the White alert and notification system (ANS) performance indicator (PI) were not adequate. Following the initial NRC onsite inspection and a parallel review by the licensee's quality assurance staff, the licensee performed a comprehensive root cause evaluation of ANS performance.
The inspector determined that this evaluation was thorough and effectively identified the root causes of the siren system performance issues. In addition, the licensee fully determined the technical issue that resulted in siren test failures. As a root cause, the licensee concluded that the siren upgrade project was performed outside of the licensee's normal procurement process, which would have provided additional quality assurance, software testing and verification, and project oversight. In addition, the staff did not consistently use the licensee's corrective action system to document system failures. The licensee attributed these failures to a "mindset" among the emergency preparedness staff that resulted in the staff using internal processes instead of normal plant processes. In terms of corrective actions, the inspector found that the licensee's final planned corrective actions appeared to address the root causes identified in its evaluation. However, the licensee had not yet defined what measures would be implemented to ensure that the effectiveness of these corrective measures were reviewed, nor had the licensee completed its extent of condition review.
Inspection Report# : 2000012(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2001 Identified By: Licensee
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 10 of 11 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation WORKER ENTERED A HIGH RADIATION AREA WITHOUT GETTING RADIATION PROTECTION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OR BRIEF Technical Specification Section 15.6.11., Radiation Protection Program, required that an individual entering a high radiation area be under the control of a radiation work permit that includes specification of the radiation dose rates in the immediate work area and other appropriate radiation protection equipment and measures. Contrary to this requirement, during resin transfer operations on February 27, 2001, a laundry decontamination worker entered a high radiation area without getting radiation protection department approval or a brief as required by Radiation Work Permit (RWP) 01-005, Revision 0. This issue was entered in the licensee's corrective action program as CR 01-0611.
Inspection Report# : 2001007(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Significance:      Mar 31, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to follow work order instructions for initiating work and performing work beyond the scope of authorization.
A licensee-identified violation of very low significance was reviewed by the inspectors. Corrective actions taken or planned by the licensee appeared reasonable.
Inspection Report# : 2002005(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 30, 2001 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM.
The team concluded that the licensee was generally effective at identifying problems and putting them into the corrective action program. There was strong management emphasis on plant staff to identify problems and, overall, a very responsive plant staff. Since 1997, there had been an average of 4200 condition reports written each year. With the large number of condition reports and associated corrective actions, a dated software platform for the corrective action program, and the press of routine and emergent work activities, there was indication of timeliness and quality problems with some aspects of the corrective action program. Examples were identified by the inspectors, consistent with what the licensee had identified, of protracted resolution of problems with the freeze protection system and with discrepancies between the locked status of valves in the plant and the designation as locked in equipment checklists.
Examples were also identified where corrective actions for some problems had been incorporated with the resolution of other related problems which were then incorporated with the resolution of yet other problems (that is, by closing corrective action documents to other documents and so on), creating the potential for dilution of the effectiveness of corrective actions for some of the original problems and for unintended extension of due dates for older items.
Although there had been some expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the corrective action program, the inspectors identified no impediments to a safety conscious work environment.
Inspection Report# : 2001006(pdf)
 
3Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                Page 11 of 11 Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE FOR PROCEDURE INADEQUACIES.
The inspectors determined that a negative performance trend had developed in several cornerstone areas with procedure inadequacy being the common element based on two examples identified during this reporting period and two previously identified examples of inadequate procedures. All four examples related to the licensee development, technical review, and approval of procedures. While the risk of the individual examples was very low, the licensee had failed to ensure that procedures were correct prior to being approved for use. These findings collectively indicated a problem with the licensee's human performance in the area of procedure development, technical review, and approval.
Inspection Report# : 2000017(pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation INADEQUATE EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING CONTAINMENT SPRAY.
A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified during the review of Licensee Event Report 50-266/2000-005-00, "Termination Criteria for Containment Spray in Emergency Operating Procedure Non-Conservative with Safety Analysis Assumptions." This report described a discrepancy with an Emergency Operating Procedure which had the potential to allow operators to prematurely secure containment spray prior to reaching the analyzed draw down level of the refueling water storage tank. The corrective actions were being tracked in the licensee's corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2000013(pdf)
Significance: N/A May 05, 2000 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NUMEROUS ERRORS IDENTIFIED IN CALCULATIONS.
The inspectors identified errors in the majority of calculations reviewed. These errors, along with those discussed above, indicated that a human performance issue might exist, relating to the depth and adequacy of engineering reviews. The errors constitute a fourth example of a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2000006(pdf)
Last modified : December 02, 2002
 
4Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 3 Point Beach 1 Initiating Events Significance:        Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions For Flooding of Manholes Containing Cables One finding of very low risk significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to establish timely and adequate corrective actions to address the flooding of manholes which contained both safety and non-safety related systems, structures, and components. The inspectors identified that the licensee had not implemented effective corrective actions to address long-standing problems with flooding in manholes and had deferred the implementation of corrective actions with insufficient basis. The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant concern since the lack of effective corrective actions to inspect and pump out water in manholes could affect safety-related cables routed through manholes such as those for service water pumps. Additionally, some of the cables routed in manholes provide power to safety-related buses from the licensee's offsite power systems. Hence, the loss of such power, due to cable failures, could result in momentary loss of power to the bus and the inability to re-energize the affected buses from the normal power source.
This issue was categorized as a finding of very low risk significance since the identified water intrusion conditions had not caused any safety-related equipment failures at this time. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Insufficient Preparation for Cold Weather Conditions A finding of very low significance was identified for not sufficiently coordinating and being adequately prepared for the onset of cold weather prior to November 1, 2002, a point at which the Point Beach Nuclear Plant had experienced 30 hours of below freezing temperatures over 6 nights. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. Despite beginning freeze protection activities at an appropriate time, lack of coordination between licensee departments resulted in incomplete preparations prior to the onset of freezing temperatures. The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it increased the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability during power operations and would, if left uncorrected, become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if more safety-related systems were to be affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety-related functions or mitigating systems were rendered inoperable. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Mis-calibration of Unit 1 Steam Generator Level Setpoint Programmer Module The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning the failure of a technician to properly calibrate feedwater controller LM-463F. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the technician who performed the calibration, because of inattention to detail, did not restore a dial setting after taking three as-found readings, adjusting two potentiometers, and taking three as-left readings. The inspectors determined that the error in calibrating the steam generator level system controller, an error that affected both generators, was of more than minor significance in that it was associated with the human performance attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events (such as a loss of feedwater) that upset plant stability. The finding was of very low significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss-of-coolant accident initiator, did not contribute to the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, and did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal/external flood. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Mitigating Systems
 
4Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 2 of 3 Significance:        Sep 30, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Development and Approval of (a) (1) Action Plan for Gas Turbine, G05 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) concerning the failure to set (a)(1) goals and monitor against the established goals for the G05 gas turbine (GT), a risk significant maintenance rule component relied upon to meet station blackout and certain Appendix R requirements. The issue of failing to set G05 GT (a)(1) goals and monitor against the established goals was more than minor since actual G05 GT equipment problems occurred. However, since the G05 equipment problems were not attributable to a 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) violation, rather, a maintenance rule violation occurred as a consequence of the G05 GT problems, the performance deficiency could not be processed through the Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process." Therefore, in accordance with Appendix B to Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, this maintenance rule violation was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 09, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Operating Procedures Incorrectly Translated From Design Basis of the Safety Injection System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings."
Several specific emergency operating procedure (EOP) deficiencies were identified during the inspection. The finding was considered to be greater than minor because the failure of licensee personnel to take appropriate actions under post-accident conditions could have resulted in system operating modes that had not been analyzed, and could have affected the performance of safety-related components and had a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance Inspection Report# : 2002009(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 09, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Actions Were Inadequate to Ensure Accurate Calculations For RWST Water Level The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action") where the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions to resolve previously identified problems with the plant's engineering calculations concerning refueling water storage tank (RWST) water levels. The finding was considered to be greater than minor because licensee personnel failed to correct repetitive RWST calculation errors, which resulted in the propagation of erroneous RWST elevation vs. level data into inputs to other calculations.
Inaccurate level indications were provided to the control room operators during performance of emergency operating procedures (EOPs). The failure to provide the operator with accurate RWST level indications during the performance of EOPs during a potential loss of coolant accident could have adversely affected the performance of safety-related components and had a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance Inspection Report# : 2002009(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 13, 2001 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
 
4Q/2002 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 3 Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Apr 01, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Critique of Two Exercise Performance Issues Two exercise performance issues, which are associated with emergency preparedness planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(10), were inadequately critiqued by licensee staff. The first issue was associated with the licensee's critique of the initial offsite Protective Action Recommendation (PAR) that its exercise participants communicated to offsite officials. The NRC identified issues that contradicted the licensee's critique conclusion that the initial PAR was a successful performance indicator opportunity with respect to its content. The second issue was the licensee's critique of its participants decision making process on the simulated removal from the site of non-essential personnel, who were not members of the current shift of emergency responders, once all onsite personnel were accounted for. Using the Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process, the NRC has made a preliminary determination that the finding was of low to moderate risk significance (White). In accordance with NRC's Enforcement Policy, as published in NUREG 1600, it was determined that there is no apparent violation of NRC requirements since the critique issues were related to an exercise, rather than to an actual emergency. On September 12, 2002, the NRC provided the licensee with a letter detailing the final results of the NRC's significance determination of the February 2002 Exercise critique finding. Based on the information obtained during the inspection, including the feedback obtained from the licensee during the April 2002 exit interview, and the additional information contained in the licensee's June 27, 2002 submittal, the NRC concluded that the inspection finding is appropriately characterized as a White finding.
Inspection Report# : 2002004(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Last modified : March 25, 2003
 
1Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 1 of 6 Point Beach 1 1Q/2003 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions For Flooding of Manholes Containing Cables One finding of very low risk significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to establish timely and adequate corrective actions to address the flooding of manholes which contained both safety and non-safety related systems, structures, and components. The inspectors identified that the licensee had not implemented effective corrective actions to address long-standing problems with flooding in manholes and had deferred the implementation of corrective actions with insufficient basis. The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant concern since the lack of effective corrective actions to inspect and pump out water in manholes could affect safety-related cables routed through manholes such as those for service water pumps.
Additionally, some of the cables routed in manholes provide power to safety-related buses from the licensee's offsite power systems. Hence, the loss of such power, due to cable failures, could result in momentary loss of power to the bus and the inability to re-energize the affected buses from the normal power source. This issue was categorized as a finding of very low risk significance since the identified water intrusion conditions had not caused any safety-related equipment failures at this time. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Insufficient Preparation for Cold Weather Conditions A finding of very low significance was identified for not sufficiently coordinating and being adequately prepared for the onset of cold weather prior to November 1, 2002, a point at which the Point Beach Nuclear Plant had experienced 30 hours of below freezing temperatures over 6 nights. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. Despite beginning freeze protection activities at an appropriate time, lack of coordination between licensee departments resulted in incomplete preparations prior to the onset of freezing temperatures. The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it increased the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability during power operations and would, if left uncorrected, become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if more safety-related systems were to be affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety-related functions or mitigating systems were rendered inoperable. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Mis-calibration of Unit 1 Steam Generator Level Setpoint Programmer Module file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        07/22/2003
 
1Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 2 of 6 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning the failure of a technician to properly calibrate feedwater controller LM-463F. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the technician who performed the calibration, because of inattention to detail, did not restore a dial setting after taking three as-found readings, adjusting two potentiometers, and taking three as-left readings. The inspectors determined that the error in calibrating the steam generator level system controller, an error that affected both generators, was of more than minor significance in that it was associated with the human performance attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events (such as a loss of feedwater) that upset plant stability. The finding was of very low significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss-of-coolant accident initiator, did not contribute to the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, and did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal/external flood. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Safety-Related Protective Relay Calibration Procedure Inadequacies The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements for inadequate emergency diesel generator (EDG) safety-related protective relay calibration procedures which contained quantitative acceptance criteria limits that did not correspond to vendor recommended values. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Despite multiple opportunities for procedure writers, technical reviewers, relay technicians, maintenance work planners, electrical maintenance first-line supervisors, and operations personnel to have identified these errors, each of the four procedures used to calibrate the EDG safety-related protective relays were found to contain similar quantitative acceptance criteria errors. This finding was more than minor because it: 1) affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if out-of-specification EDG safety-related protective relay settings affecting equipment operability and electrical distribution system coordination were left in service and not corrected. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the inadequate procedures did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding G-05 Gas Turbine Generator Return-To-Service Prior to Completion of Troubleshooting and Maintenance Activities The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance finding concerning the return to service of the G-05 gas turbine (GT) generator prior to completion of troubleshooting efforts involving starting diesel oil samples and certain maintenance activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of interdepartmental communications and coordination caused the GT to be inappropriately returned to service file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          07/22/2003
 
1Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 3 of 6 on March 3, 2003, despite starting diesel analyses that indicated advanced oil degradation and the onset of bearing damage and no return-to-service testing requirements having been defined in the maintenance department troubleshooting plan. The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it affected the availability, reliability, and capability of the G-05 GT, a mitigating system. The finding was of very low safety significance since the inappropriate return-to-service did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reoccurring Facade Freeze Protection System Deficiencies A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified through a self-revealing event on February 11, 2003, when one of the main control board indications associated with Unit 1 B' main steam line pressure began reading higher that the other two. The higher pressure indicated the formation of an ice plug associated with pressure transmitter 1PT-483, a transmitter providing input to the engineering safeguards system.
The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of facade freeze protection system coordination and training in the areas of lagging deficiencies and facade freeze system operations resulted in the removal of one of the three main steam line pressure inputs to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident. The inspectors determined that the facade freeze protection issues were more than minor because: 1) they had affected the availability, reliability, and capability of an input to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident; and 2) if left uncorrected, they would become a more significant concern in subsequent years if freezing of sensing lines resulted in the inability to mitigate the consequences of an accident. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the facade freeze protection issues did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or meet any of the internal or external event screening criteria.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Development and Approval of (a) (1) Action Plan for Gas Turbine, G05 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) concerning the failure to set (a)(1) goals and monitor against the established goals for the G05 gas turbine (GT), a risk significant maintenance rule component relied upon to meet station blackout and certain Appendix R requirements. The issue of failing to set G05 GT (a)(1) goals and monitor against the established goals was more than minor since actual G05 GT equipment problems occurred. However, since the G05 equipment problems were not attributable to a 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) violation, rather, a maintenance rule violation occurred as a consequence of the G05 GT problems, the performance deficiency could not be processed through the Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process." Therefore, in accordance with Appendix B to Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, this maintenance rule violation was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
Significance:      Aug 09, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          07/22/2003
 
1Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 4 of 6 Emergency Operating Procedures Incorrectly Translated From Design Basis of the Safety Injection System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings." Several specific emergency operating procedure (EOP) deficiencies were identified during the inspection. The finding was considered to be greater than minor because the failure of licensee personnel to take appropriate actions under post-accident conditions could have resulted in system operating modes that had not been analyzed, and could have affected the performance of safety-related components and had a credible impact on safety.
Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance Inspection Report# : 2002009(pdf)
Significance:      Aug 09, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Actions Were Inadequate to Ensure Accurate Calculations For RWST Water Level The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action")
where the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions to resolve previously identified problems with the plant's engineering calculations concerning refueling water storage tank (RWST) water levels. The finding was considered to be greater than minor because licensee personnel failed to correct repetitive RWST calculation errors, which resulted in the propagation of erroneous RWST elevation vs. level data into inputs to other calculations. Inaccurate level indications were provided to the control room operators during performance of emergency operating procedures (EOPs). The failure to provide the operator with accurate RWST level indications during the performance of EOPs during a potential loss of coolant accident could have adversely affected the performance of safety-related components and had a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance Inspection Report# : 2002009(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Unit 2 'B' Train Emergency Core Cooling System Integrated SI Test The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for providing procedural guidance to a dedicated operator to perform ancillary duties away from the designated duty station, such that the intended functions could not be performed within the bounding time limits of the design basis analysis. The inspectors determined that the issue was of more than minor significance since the issue affected the availability and capability of the G03 emergency diesel generator, a mitigating system component, to respond to Unit 1 design basis events. Since the inspectors intervened and the dedicated operator did not perform ancillary duties away from the intended duty station such that the intended functions could not have been performed, the issue was determined not to represent a violation of NRC requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2002006(pdf)
Significance:      Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      07/22/2003
 
1Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 5 of 6 opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI.
This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}. Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Emergency Notification System Power Failure The inspectors identified one finding of very low risk significance for not having adequate configuration control and not providing sufficient drawings and instructions to maintenance and operations personnel during an emergency notification telephone system battery charger failure and subsequent replacement activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that a lack of understanding of the basic system configuration and the absence of associated drawings and operating instructions resulted in unnecessary periods of system unavailability. The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because: 1) it affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone equipment and communications system attribute, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern if emergency response facility communication system modifications were made without the licensee's knowledge such that a reduction in emergency planning effectiveness occurred. Based on the answers to the Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix B, "Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process," screening questions, the inspectors determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:        Apr 01, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Critique of Two Exercise Performance Issues Two exercise performance issues, which are associated with emergency preparedness planning standard 10 CFR 50.47 (b)(10), were inadequately critiqued by licensee staff. The first issue was associated with the licensee's critique of the initial offsite Protective Action Recommendation (PAR) that its exercise participants communicated to offsite officials.
file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        07/22/2003
 
1Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 6 of 6 The NRC identified issues that contradicted the licensee's critique conclusion that the initial PAR was a successful performance indicator opportunity with respect to its content. The second issue was the licensee's critique of its participants decision making process on the simulated removal from the site of non-essential personnel, who were not members of the current shift of emergency responders, once all onsite personnel were accounted for. Using the Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process, the NRC has made a preliminary determination that the finding was of low to moderate risk significance (White). In accordance with NRC's Enforcement Policy, as published in NUREG 1600, it was determined that there is no apparent violation of NRC requirements since the critique issues were related to an exercise, rather than to an actual emergency. On September 12, 2002, the NRC provided the licensee with a letter detailing the final results of the NRC's significance determination of the February 2002 Exercise critique finding. Based on the information obtained during the inspection, including the feedback obtained from the licensee during the April 2002 exit interview, and the additional information contained in the licensee's June 27, 2002 submittal, the NRC concluded that the inspection finding is appropriately characterized as a White finding.
Inspection Report# : 2002004(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Last modified : May 30, 2003 file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      07/22/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 2Q/2003 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions For Flooding of Manholes Containing Cables One finding of very low risk significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to establish timely and adequate corrective actions to address the flooding of manholes which contained both safety and non-safety related systems, structures, and components. The inspectors identified that the licensee had not implemented effective corrective actions to address long-standing problems with flooding in manholes and had deferred the implementation of corrective actions with insufficient basis. The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant concern since the lack of effective corrective actions to inspect and pump out water in manholes could affect safety-related cables routed through manholes such as those for service water pumps.
Additionally, some of the cables routed in manholes provide power to safety-related buses from the licensee's offsite power systems. Hence, the loss of such power, due to cable failures, could result in momentary loss of power to the bus and the inability to re-energize the affected buses from the normal power source. This issue was categorized as a finding of very low risk significance since the identified water intrusion conditions had not caused any safety-related equipment failures at this time. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Insufficient Preparation for Cold Weather Conditions A finding of very low significance was identified for not sufficiently coordinating and being adequately prepared for the onset of cold weather prior to November 1, 2002, a point at which the Point Beach Nuclear Plant had experienced 30 hours of below freezing temperatures over 6 nights. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. Despite beginning freeze protection activities at an appropriate time, lack of coordination between licensee departments resulted in incomplete preparations prior to the onset of freezing temperatures. The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it increased the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability during power operations and would, if left uncorrected, become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if more safety-related systems were to be affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety-related functions or mitigating systems were rendered inoperable. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Mis-calibration of Unit 1 Steam Generator Level Setpoint Programmer Module file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        10/08/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 2 of 8 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning the failure of a technician to properly calibrate feedwater controller LM-463F. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the technician who performed the calibration, because of inattention to detail, did not restore a dial setting after taking three as-found readings, adjusting two potentiometers, and taking three as-left readings. The inspectors determined that the error in calibrating the steam generator level system controller, an error that affected both generators, was of more than minor significance in that it was associated with the human performance attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events (such as a loss of feedwater) that upset plant stability. The finding was of very low significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss-of-coolant accident initiator, did not contribute to the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, and did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal/external flood. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Risk Management Actions for Components Made Unavailable by Pre-Planned Work Activities The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) for failure to implement required risk management actions during calibration of volume control tank level transmitters during September 2002 and January 2003. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that probabilistic risk assessment, production planning, and on-shift personnel had not utilized the full capabilities of the risk assessment tool to recognize the unavailability of components associated with pre-planned work activities. The finding is greater than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant safety concern if risk assessments that had not considered the impact of equipment and components rendered unavailable by pre-planned activities resulted in high risk levels without compensatory risk management analyses in place. The finding is of very low significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of the safety function, and did not involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Safety-Related Protective Relay Calibration Procedure Inadequacies The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements for inadequate emergency diesel generator (EDG) safety-related protective relay calibration procedures which contained quantitative acceptance criteria limits that did not correspond to vendor recommended values. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Despite multiple opportunities for procedure writers, technical reviewers, relay technicians, maintenance work planners, electrical maintenance first-line supervisors, and operations personnel to have identified these errors, each of the four procedures used to calibrate the EDG safety-related protective relays were found to contain similar quantitative acceptance criteria errors. This finding was more than minor because it: 1) affected the mitigating systems cornerstone file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          10/08/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 3 of 8 objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if out-of-specification EDG safety-related protective relay settings affecting equipment operability and electrical distribution system coordination were left in service and not corrected. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the inadequate procedures did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding G-05 Gas Turbine Generator Return-To-Service Prior to Completion of Troubleshooting and Maintenance Activities The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance finding concerning the return to service of the G-05 gas turbine (GT) generator prior to completion of troubleshooting efforts involving starting diesel oil samples and certain maintenance activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of interdepartmental communications and coordination caused the GT to be inappropriately returned to service on March 3, 2003, despite starting diesel analyses that indicated advanced oil degradation and the onset of bearing damage and no return-to-service testing requirements having been defined in the maintenance department troubleshooting plan. The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it affected the availability, reliability, and capability of the G-05 GT, a mitigating system. The finding was of very low safety significance since the inappropriate return-to-service did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reoccurring Facade Freeze Protection System Deficiencies A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified through a self-revealing event on February 11, 2003, when one of the main control board indications associated with Unit 1 B' main steam line pressure began reading higher that the other two. The higher pressure indicated the formation of an ice plug associated with pressure transmitter 1PT-483, a transmitter providing input to the engineering safeguards system.
The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of facade freeze protection system coordination and training in the areas of lagging deficiencies and facade freeze system operations resulted in the removal of one of the three main steam line pressure inputs to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident. The inspectors determined that the facade freeze protection issues were more than minor because: 1) they had affected the availability, reliability, and capability of an input to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident; and 2) if left uncorrected, they would become a more significant concern in subsequent years if freezing of sensing lines resulted in the inability to mitigate the consequences of an accident. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the facade freeze protection issues did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or meet any of the internal or external event screening criteria.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 24, 2003 file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          10/08/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 4 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, for the failure to distribute temporary procedure changes to procedure sets in emergency resonse facilities The inspectors identified two issues that were treated as one Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, "Document Control." First, emergency and abnormal procedures in two emergency response facilities were not included as part of the temporary change distribution process. Second, no controls were in place to ensure that the scope of distribution of temporary procedure changes was appropriate. The finding was of very low risk significance because the licensee distributed the documents to the facilities prior to any facility activation and the need to use the procedures. Based upon the results of these inspections, we have concluded that the Red inspection finding, which involved the potential common mode failure of the AFW pumps due to inadequate operator response to a loss of instrument air (IA), will not be treated as an old design issue. As detailed in Section 6.06.a of Manual Chapter 0305, there are four criteria that must be met for the NRC to classify a problem as an old design issue and thus allow the NRC to not consider the finding in its assessment of Point Beach's overall performance. The inspections identified that the criterion pertaining to corrective action was not met in that the implementation of corrective action associated with your evaluation of the AFW/IA issue did not prevent recurrence of another, separate potential common mode failure of the AFW pumps. The failure to implement thorough and complete corrective actions became apparent during our review of the October 2002 AFW recirculation line orifice plugging issue and the identification of other problems related to AFW design. These problems included the use of a nonsafety-related power supply for relays associated with the proper operation of the AFW recirculation line air-operated flow control valves and the single electrical bus dependencies of three of the four recirculation line air-operated flow control valves and three of the four service water supply motor-operated valves. Because the AFW/IA Red finding did not meet the criteria for consideration as an old design issue, Point Beach is in the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix of Manual Chapter 0305.
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, for inadequate procedure for calibration of auxiliary feedwater flow meter The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for a procedure which directed the use of a flow instrument for the turbine-driven AFW pump recirculation line in a range for which it was not calibrated. The finding was of very low risk significance because follow-up calibration indicated that the instrument was reliable in the range in which it was to be used, and the inspectors concluded that it could have been used to accurately determine the AFW flow.
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance: TBD Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, for the failure to establish the appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations. The issue has been preliminarily determined file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        10/08/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 5 of 8 to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition. Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification. The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail.
The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Development and Approval of (a) (1) Action Plan for Gas Turbine, G05 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) concerning the failure to set (a)(1) goals and monitor against the established goals for the G05 gas turbine (GT), a risk significant maintenance rule component relied upon to meet station blackout and certain Appendix R requirements. The issue of failing to set G05 GT (a)(1) goals and monitor against the established goals was more than minor since actual G05 GT equipment problems occurred. However, since the G05 equipment problems were not attributable to a 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) violation, rather, a maintenance rule violation occurred as a consequence of the G05 GT problems, the performance deficiency could not be processed through the Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process." Therefore, in accordance with Appendix B to Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, this maintenance rule violation was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 09, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          10/08/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 6 of 8 Emergency Operating Procedures Incorrectly Translated From Design Basis of the Safety Injection System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings." Several specific emergency operating procedure (EOP) deficiencies were identified during the inspection. The finding was considered to be greater than minor because the failure of licensee personnel to take appropriate actions under post-accident conditions could have resulted in system operating modes that had not been analyzed, and could have affected the performance of safety-related components and had a credible impact on safety.
Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance Inspection Report# : 2002009(pdf)
Significance:      Aug 09, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Actions Were Inadequate to Ensure Accurate Calculations For RWST Water Level The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action")
where the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions to resolve previously identified problems with the plant's engineering calculations concerning refueling water storage tank (RWST) water levels. The finding was considered to be greater than minor because licensee personnel failed to correct repetitive RWST calculation errors, which resulted in the propagation of erroneous RWST elevation vs. level data into inputs to other calculations. Inaccurate level indications were provided to the control room operators during performance of emergency operating procedures (EOPs). The failure to provide the operator with accurate RWST level indications during the performance of EOPs during a potential loss of coolant accident could have adversely affected the performance of safety-related components and had a credible impact on safety. Because there was no actual failure of safety-related components associated with the mitigating systems cornerstone, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance Inspection Report# : 2002009(pdf)
Significance:      Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI.
This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}. Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf) file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      10/08/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 7 of 8 Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Significance: N/A Apr 15, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Decreased an Emergency Plan Commitment Without Prior NRC Approval In October 1998, the licensee decreased its Emergency Plan's effectiveness without prior NRC approval due to an inadequate 10 CFR 50.54(q) review of six Emergency Response Organization (ERO) positions, which the licensee re-categorized from being 30 minute response positions to be 60 minute response positions. These six positions were re-established as 30 minute response positions in late January 2003. This Severity Level IV violation is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2002014(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Emergency Notification System Power Failure The inspectors identified one finding of very low risk significance for not having adequate configuration control and not providing sufficient drawings and instructions to maintenance and operations personnel during an emergency notification telephone system battery charger failure and subsequent replacement activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that a lack of understanding of the basic system configuration and the absence of associated drawings and operating instructions resulted in unnecessary periods of system unavailability. The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because: 1) it affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone equipment and communications system attribute, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern if emergency response facility communication system modifications were made without the licensee's knowledge such that a reduction in emergency planning effectiveness occurred. Based on the answers to the Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix B, "Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process," screening questions, the inspectors determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      10/08/2003
 
2Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1              Page 8 of 8 Physical Protection Miscellaneous Last modified : September 05, 2003 file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html 10/08/2003
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 3Q/2003 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions For Flooding of Manholes Containing Cables One finding of very low risk significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to establish timely and adequate corrective actions to address the flooding of manholes which contained both safety and non-safety related systems, structures, and components. The inspectors identified that the licensee had not implemented effective corrective actions to address long-standing problems with flooding in manholes and had deferred the implementation of corrective actions with insufficient basis.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant concern since the lack of effective corrective actions to inspect and pump out water in manholes could affect safety-related cables routed through manholes such as those for service water pumps. Additionally, some of the cables routed in manholes provide power to safety-related buses from the licensee's offsite power systems. Hence, the loss of such power, due to cable failures, could result in momentary loss of power to the bus and the inability to re-energize the affected buses from the normal power source. This issue was categorized as a finding of very low risk significance since the identified water intrusion conditions had not caused any safety-related equipment failures at this time. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Insufficient Preparation for Cold Weather Conditions A finding of very low significance was identified for not sufficiently coordinating and being adequately prepared for the onset of cold weather prior to November 1, 2002, a point at which the Point Beach Nuclear Plant had experienced 30 hours of below freezing temperatures over 6 nights. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. Despite beginning freeze protection activities at an appropriate time, lack of coordination between licensee departments resulted in incomplete preparations prior to the onset of freezing temperatures.
The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it increased the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability during power operations and would, if left uncorrected, become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if more safety-related systems were to be affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety-related functions or mitigating systems were rendered inoperable. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf) file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        01/12/2004
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 2 of 8 Significance:        Dec 28, 2002 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Mis-calibration of Unit 1 Steam Generator Level Setpoint Programmer Module The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning the failure of a technician to properly calibrate feedwater controller LM-463F. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the technician who performed the calibration, because of inattention to detail, did not restore a dial setting after taking three as-found readings, adjusting two potentiometers, and taking three as-left readings.
The inspectors determined that the error in calibrating the steam generator level system controller, an error that affected both generators, was of more than minor significance in that it was associated with the human performance attribute of the initiating events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events (such as a loss of feedwater) that upset plant stability. The finding was of very low significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss-of-coolant accident initiator, did not contribute to the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, and did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal/external flood. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2002013(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Operating Test Grading Disagreement The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance concerning a grading discrepancy between the facility licensee and the NRC inspectors during the NRC licensed operator requalification annual operating test. The grading disagreement involved a pass-fail decision on one operating crew and two licensed operators' performance during the simulator scenario portion of the operating test. Specifically, the crew inadequately diagnosed and mitigated a component cooling water leak event which later caused an unexpected manual reactor trip. In addition, the senior operator, while implementing the Emergency Plan, failed to make proper and accurate off-site notifications. The licensee failed to adequately assess the pass/fail evaluation for the poor performance by the crew and operators that would have potentially resulted in an operational test failure.
This finding was considered more than minor because improper grading of a crew or an individual was considered a risk important issue in that operators or crews with unsatisfactory performance could be placed on shift without proper remediation. Furthermore, there was the realistic potential of providing negative training based on improper assessment of operator performance. Specifically, poor performance on the simulator could potentially lead to improper operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the poor performance and incorrect actions were on the simulator and not on the actual plant. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2003 file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        01/12/2004
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 3 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Required Performance Testing Per 10 CFR 55.46 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 55.46(d)(1), "Continued Assurance of Simulator Fidelity." The inspectors identified one example of failure to meet the performance requirements in maintaining simulator fidelity throughout the life of the simulation facility. Specifically, the facility licensee failed to conduct one particular performance test throughout the life of the simulator (since 1991) in accordance with the committed testing requirements of ANSI/ANS-3.5-1985, "Nuclear Power Plant Simulators for Use in Operator Training."
This finding was considered more than minor because of the realistic potential of providing negative training based on simulator deficiencies compared to the actual plant existed. Specifically, inadequate testing of the simulator to assure that the simulator appropriately replicated the actual plant could potentially have affected operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the discrepancy was on the simulator and the actual plant functioned properly. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Risk Management Actions for Components Made Unavailable by Pre-Planned Work Activities The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) for failure to implement required risk management actions during calibration of volume control tank level transmitters during September 2002 and January 2003. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that probabilistic risk assessment, production planning, and on-shift personnel had not utilized the full capabilities of the risk assessment tool to recognize the unavailability of components associated with pre-planned work activities.
The finding is greater than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant safety concern if risk assessments that had not considered the impact of equipment and components rendered unavailable by pre-planned activities resulted in high risk levels without compensatory risk management analyses in place. The finding is of very low significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of the safety function, and did not involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Safety-Related Protective Relay Calibration Procedure Inadequacies The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements for inadequate emergency diesel generator (EDG) safety-related protective relay calibration procedures which contained quantitative acceptance criteria limits that did not correspond to vendor recommended values. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Despite multiple opportunities for procedure writers, technical reviewers, relay technicians, maintenance work planners, electrical maintenance first-line supervisors, and operations personnel to have identified these errors, each of the four procedures used to calibrate the EDG safety-related protective relays were found to contain similar quantitative acceptance criteria errors.
file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                            01/12/2004
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 4 of 8 This finding was more than minor because it: 1) affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if out-of-specification EDG safety-related protective relay settings affecting equipment operability and electrical distribution system coordination were left in service and not corrected. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the inadequate procedures did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding G-05 Gas Turbine Generator Return-To-Service Prior to Completion of Troubleshooting and Maintenance Activities The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance finding concerning the return to service of the G-05 gas turbine (GT) generator prior to completion of troubleshooting efforts involving starting diesel oil samples and certain maintenance activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of interdepartmental communications and coordination caused the GT to be inappropriately returned to service on March 3, 2003, despite starting diesel analyses that indicated advanced oil degradation and the onset of bearing damage and no return-to-service testing requirements having been defined in the maintenance department troubleshooting plan.
The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it affected the availability, reliability, and capability of the G-05 GT, a mitigating system. The finding was of very low safety significance since the inappropriate return-to-service did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reoccurring Facade Freeze Protection System Deficiencies A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified through a self-revealing event on February 11, 2003, when one of the main control board indications associated with Unit 1 B' main steam line pressure began reading higher that the other two. The higher pressure indicated the formation of an ice plug associated with pressure transmitter 1PT-483, a transmitter providing input to the engineering safeguards system.
The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of facade freeze protection system coordination and training in the areas of lagging deficiencies and facade freeze system operations resulted in the removal of one of the three main steam line pressure inputs to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident.
The inspectors determined that the facade freeze protection issues were more than minor because: 1) they had affected the availability, reliability, and capability of an input to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident; and 2) if left uncorrected, they would become a more significant concern in subsequent years if freezing of sensing lines resulted in the inability to mitigate the consequences of an accident. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the facade freeze protection issues did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or meet any of the internal or external event screening criteria.
file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                            01/12/2004
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 5 of 8 Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, for the failure to distribute temporary procedure changes to procedure sets in emergency resonse facilities The inspectors identified two issues that were treated as one Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, "Document Control." First, emergency and abnormal procedures in two emergency response facilities were not included as part of the temporary change distribution process. Second, no controls were in place to ensure that the scope of distribution of temporary procedure changes was appropriate.
The finding was of very low risk significance because the licensee distributed the documents to the facilities prior to any facility activation and the need to use the procedures.
Based upon the results of these inspections, we have concluded that the Red inspection finding, which involved the potential common mode failure of the AFW pumps due to inadequate operator response to a loss of instrument air (IA),
will not be treated as an old design issue. As detailed in Section 6.06.a of Manual Chapter 0305, there are four criteria that must be met for the NRC to classify a problem as an old design issue and thus allow the NRC to not consider the finding in its assessment of Point Beach's overall performance.
The inspections identified that the criterion pertaining to corrective action was not met in that the implementation of corrective action associated with your evaluation of the AFW/IA issue did not prevent recurrence of another, separate potential common mode failure of the AFW pumps. The failure to implement thorough and complete corrective actions became apparent during our review of the October 2002 AFW recirculation line orifice plugging issue and the file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        01/12/2004
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 6 of 8 identification of other problems related to AFW design. These problems included the use of a nonsafety-related power supply for relays associated with the proper operation of the AFW recirculation line air-operated flow control valves and the single electrical bus dependencies of three of the four recirculation line air-operated flow control valves and three of the four service water supply motor-operated valves.
Because the AFW/IA Red finding did not meet the criteria for consideration as an old design issue, Point Beach is in the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix of Manual Chapter 0305.
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, for inadequate procedure for calibration of auxiliary feedwater flow meter The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for a procedure which directed the use of a flow instrument for the turbine-driven AFW pump recirculation line in a range for which it was not calibrated.
The finding was of very low risk significance because follow-up calibration indicated that the instrument was reliable in the range in which it was to be used, and the inspectors concluded that it could have been used to accurately determine the AFW flow.
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition. Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf) file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          01/12/2004
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 7 of 8 Significance:      Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI.
This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Significance: N/A Apr 15, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Decreased an Emergency Plan Commitment Without Prior NRC Approval In October 1998, the licensee decreased its Emergency Plan's effectiveness without prior NRC approval due to an inadequate 10 CFR 50.54(q) review of six Emergency Response Organization (ERO) positions, which the licensee re-categorized from being 30 minute response positions to be 60 minute response positions. These six positions were re-established as 30 minute response positions in late January 2003. This Severity Level IV violation is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2002014(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      01/12/2004
 
3Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 8 of 8 Emergency Notification System Power Failure The inspectors identified one finding of very low risk significance for not having adequate configuration control and not providing sufficient drawings and instructions to maintenance and operations personnel during an emergency notification telephone system battery charger failure and subsequent replacement activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that a lack of understanding of the basic system configuration and the absence of associated drawings and operating instructions resulted in unnecessary periods of system unavailability.
The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because: 1) it affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone equipment and communications system attribute, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern if emergency response facility communication system modifications were made without the licensee's knowledge such that a reduction in emergency planning effectiveness occurred. Based on the answers to the Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix B, "Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process,"
screening questions, the inspectors determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Miscellaneous Last modified : December 16, 2003 file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      01/12/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 1 of 13 Point Beach 1 4Q/2003 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Dec 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate corrective actions for control of transient combustibles The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation involving a finding of very low safety significance concerning the licensee's failure to take effective corrective actions to address the control of transient combustibles. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly determine the cause (i.e., transient combustibles) of exceeding an NRC Safety Evaluation Report fire loading value for a fire zone. As a result of ineffective corrective actions, the inspectors identified additional instances in which transient combustibles were not appropriately evaluated as required. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Despite the escalation of fire loading issues by the licensee's quality assurance organization in October 2002, combustible materials were reintroduced into the same fire zone without prior evaluation by November 2003.
This finding was more than minor because the finding, if uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern and affect the Initiating Events cornerstone by increasing the likelihood or severity of fire. The finding was of very low safety significance because no fire protection features were affected and no instances were observed where the fire loading could cause either a fire barrier or an installed suppression system to be overwhelmed. This issue was a violation of a license condition which, by reference, invoked the licensee's Fire Protection Evaluation Report (FPER),
which required conditions adverse to fire protection, such as uncontrolled combustible material, be promptly identified, reported, and corrected. The FPER also required that in the case of significant or repetitive conditions adverse to fire protection, the cause of the conditions is to be determined and analyzed and prompt corrective actions taken to preclude recurrence.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 22, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform an Adequate Safety Evaluation for Changes to the Plant as Described in the USAR Description On October 16, 2001, the licensee completed Safety Evaluation (SE) 2001-0057. This safety evaluation deleted Technical Requirements Manual (TRM) Surveillance Requirement TSR 3.5.1.3, which required that the licensee verify, every 92 days, that the "charging pumps develop required flow rate, as specified by the Inservice Testing [IST]
Program." Because the TRM is part of the plant USAR, the performance of a safety evaluation was required.
In the safety evaluation, the licensee justified the deletion of the requirement by stating, "Based on the fact that the PBNP Charging Pumps are not credited with an active safety function that would require IST Program testing, the Charging Pump IST surveillance requirement need not be carried over to the TRM." The reasoning for the change was entirely based upon the charging pumps having no safety function. While this appeared to be adequate justification to delete the IST requirement for the pumps, it did not justify the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement. As stated in the PBNP Bases for TRM TLCO 3.5.1, the function of the charging pumps in support of the Chemical and file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 2 of 13 Volume Control System (CVCS) is described as follows, "The amount of boric acid injection must be sufficient to compensate for the addition of positive reactivity from the decay of xenon after a reactor trip from full power in order to maintain the required shutdown margin. This can be accomplished through the operation of one charging pump taking suction from the RWST." TSR 3.5.1.3 measured the flow rate to ensure that the charging pumps could support this function. When TSR 3.5.1.3 was deleted, this function was not evaluated in the safety evaluation. Consequently, the discussion, as presented in SE 2001-0057, only evaluated the removal of the IST requirements for the charging pumps, but did not evaluate the effects of removing the TRM Surveillance Requirement.
The inspector determined that this was a violation of 10 CFR 50.59 in that the licensee did not provide bases that the deletion of TSR 3.5.1.3 was acceptable without a license amendment. However, even though TSR 3.5.1.3 had been deleted, the licensee had still been performing a quarterly flow rate test of the charging pumps for the purpose of testing the charging pump discharge check valves. The inspectors determined that the flow rate measured in this quarterly test was sufficient to meet the requirements in TSR 3.5.1.3.
Analysis Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are considered to be violations that potentially impede or impact the regulatory process, they are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the SDP. In this case, the licensee's failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 resulted in a TRM Surveillance Requirement, TSR 3.5.1.3, being removed inappropriately.
This finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. However, based upon the inspector's review, it was determined that the licensee's failure to provide the required basis for the 50.59 safety evaluation was an issue of very low safety significance. This was based upon the inspector determining that the measured quarterly charging pump flow rate for the discharge check valves test was sufficient to meet the requirements of the deleted TRM Surveillance Requirement. Therefore, since this issue was determined to be of very low safety significance, this finding was considered to be a Green finding.
Enforcement 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) states, in part, that the licensee shall maintain records of changes in the facility, of changes in procedures, and of tests and experiments. These records must include a written evaluation which provides the bases for the determination that the change, test, or experiment does not require a license amendment.
Contrary to the above, in their safety evaluation, SE 2001-0057, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement, part of the plant's USAR, was acceptable without a license amendment. The results of this violation were determined to be of very low safety significance; therefore, this violation of the requirements in 10 CFR 50.59 was classified as a Severity Level IV Violation. However, because this non-willful violation was non-repetitive, and was captured in the licensee's corrective action program (CAP052416), it is considered a Non-Cited Violation (NCV 50-266, 50-301/03-10-01 (DRS)) consistent with VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2003010(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:      Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 3 of 13 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to assure that the regulatory requirements and the design basis were accurately maintained for the battery chargers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control,"
because Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.8.4.6 for testing the safety-related battery chargers was non-conservative in relation to the design basis calculation for battery charger sizing.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to revise voltage drop calculations The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control,"
because the licensee failed to maintain the 125-volt direct current (VDC) voltage drop calculations accurate and up-to-date.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective action violation for untimely correction of equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
Specifically, the licensee failed to implement timely corrective action (for over 5 years) for safety-related electrical equipment in the primary auxiliary building (PAB) that was not environmentally qualified, a condition adverse to quality.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.49 violation for equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.49(f). Specifically, the licensee identified equipment important to safety located in the primary auxiliary building that would be susceptible to a harsh environment during a postulated high-energy line break but failed to environmentally qualify that equipment.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 4 of 13 of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Test control violation for not including several manual CCW valves in the inservice testing program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to include in the inservice testing program manual component cooling water (CCW) valves that were required to perform a safety function.
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the CCW or residual heat removal (RHR) systems when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate procedure violation for inaccurate setpoints in EOPs The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings." Specifically, the licensee failed to include appropriate quantitative setpoint values for the minimum low head safety injection "A" train flow in plant emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the low head safety injection system when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Appendix R violation for failure to ensure air would be available to charging pumps The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.1.c. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure, without the need for "hot standby repairs," adequate control air to the speed controllers for the charging pumps during a postulated fire requiring an alternative shutdown method.
This finding is greater than minor because the finding would become a more significant safety concern if left uncorrected. The finding is of very low safety significance because it is likely that the licensee would have been successful in completing the repairs and allowing the plant to be maintained in hot standby until cold shutdown could be achieved.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 5 of 13 Item Type: FIN Finding Operating Test Grading Disagreement The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance concerning a grading discrepancy between the facility licensee and the NRC inspectors during the NRC licensed operator requalification annual operating test. The grading disagreement involved a pass-fail decision on one operating crew and two licensed operators' performance during the simulator scenario portion of the operating test. Specifically, the crew inadequately diagnosed and mitigated a component cooling water leak event which later caused an unexpected manual reactor trip. In addition, the senior operator, while implementing the Emergency Plan, failed to make proper and accurate off-site notifications. The licensee failed to adequately assess the pass/fail evaluation for the poor performance by the crew and operators that would have potentially resulted in an operational test failure.
This finding was considered more than minor because improper grading of a crew or an individual was considered a risk important issue in that operators or crews with unsatisfactory performance could be placed on shift without proper remediation. Furthermore, there was the realistic potential of providing negative training based on improper assessment of operator performance. Specifically, poor performance on the simulator could potentially lead to improper operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the poor performance and incorrect actions were on the simulator and not on the actual plant. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Required Performance Testing Per 10 CFR 55.46 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 55.46(d)(1), "Continued Assurance of Simulator Fidelity." The inspectors identified one example of failure to meet the performance requirements in maintaining simulator fidelity throughout the life of the simulation facility. Specifically, the facility licensee failed to conduct one particular performance test throughout the life of the simulator (since 1991) in accordance with the committed testing requirements of ANSI/ANS-3.5-1985, "Nuclear Power Plant Simulators for Use in Operator Training."
This finding was considered more than minor because of the realistic potential of providing negative training based on simulator deficiencies compared to the actual plant existed. Specifically, inadequate testing of the simulator to assure that the simulator appropriately replicated the actual plant could potentially have affected operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the discrepancy was on the simulator and the actual plant functioned properly. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Risk Management Actions for Components Made Unavailable by Pre-Planned Work Activities The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) for failure to implement required risk management actions during calibration of volume control tank level transmitters during September 2002 and January 2003. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that probabilistic risk assessment, production planning, and on-shift personnel had not utilized the full capabilities of the risk assessment tool to recognize the unavailability of components associated with pre-planned work activities.
file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                            04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 6 of 13 The finding is greater than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant safety concern if risk assessments that had not considered the impact of equipment and components rendered unavailable by pre-planned activities resulted in high risk levels without compensatory risk management analyses in place. The finding is of very low significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of the safety function, and did not involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Safety-Related Protective Relay Calibration Procedure Inadequacies The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," requirements for inadequate emergency diesel generator (EDG) safety-related protective relay calibration procedures which contained quantitative acceptance criteria limits that did not correspond to vendor recommended values. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Despite multiple opportunities for procedure writers, technical reviewers, relay technicians, maintenance work planners, electrical maintenance first-line supervisors, and operations personnel to have identified these errors, each of the four procedures used to calibrate the EDG safety-related protective relays were found to contain similar quantitative acceptance criteria errors.
This finding was more than minor because it: 1) affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern in subsequent years if out-of-specification EDG safety-related protective relay settings affecting equipment operability and electrical distribution system coordination were left in service and not corrected. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the inadequate procedures did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding G-05 Gas Turbine Generator Return-To-Service Prior to Completion of Troubleshooting and Maintenance Activities The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance finding concerning the return to service of the G-05 gas turbine (GT) generator prior to completion of troubleshooting efforts involving starting diesel oil samples and certain maintenance activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of interdepartmental communications and coordination caused the GT to be inappropriately returned to service on March 3, 2003, despite starting diesel analyses that indicated advanced oil degradation and the onset of bearing damage and no return-to-service testing requirements having been defined in the maintenance department troubleshooting plan.
The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because it affected the availability, reliability, and capability of the G-05 GT, a mitigating system. The finding was of very low safety significance since the inappropriate return-to-service did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf) file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                            04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 7 of 13 Significance:        Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reoccurring Facade Freeze Protection System Deficiencies A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified through a self-revealing event on February 11, 2003, when one of the main control board indications associated with Unit 1 B' main steam line pressure began reading higher that the other two. The higher pressure indicated the formation of an ice plug associated with pressure transmitter 1PT-483, a transmitter providing input to the engineering safeguards system.
The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that lack of facade freeze protection system coordination and training in the areas of lagging deficiencies and facade freeze system operations resulted in the removal of one of the three main steam line pressure inputs to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident.
The inspectors determined that the facade freeze protection issues were more than minor because: 1) they had affected the availability, reliability, and capability of an input to the engineering safeguards system, a system relied upon to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident; and 2) if left uncorrected, they would become a more significant concern in subsequent years if freezing of sensing lines resulted in the inability to mitigate the consequences of an accident. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance since the facade freeze protection issues did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of the safety function, or meet any of the internal or external event screening criteria.
Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, for the failure to distribute temporary procedure changes to procedure sets in emergency resonse facilities The inspectors identified two issues that were treated as one Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, "Document Control." First, emergency and abnormal procedures in two emergency response facilities were not included as part of the temporary change distribution process. Second, no controls were in place to ensure that the scope of distribution of temporary procedure changes was appropriate.
The finding was of very low risk significance because the licensee distributed the documents to the facilities prior to any facility activation and the need to use the procedures.
Based upon the results of these inspections, we have concluded that the Red inspection finding, which involved the potential common mode failure of the AFW pumps due to inadequate operator response to a loss of instrument air (IA),
will not be treated as an old design issue. As detailed in Section 6.06.a of Manual Chapter 0305, there are four criteria that must be met for the NRC to classify a problem as an old design issue and thus allow the NRC to not consider the finding in its assessment of Point Beach's overall performance.
The inspections identified that the criterion pertaining to corrective action was not met in that the implementation of corrective action associated with your evaluation of the AFW/IA issue did not prevent recurrence of another, separate potential common mode failure of the AFW pumps. The failure to implement thorough and complete corrective actions became apparent during our review of the October 2002 AFW recirculation line orifice plugging issue and the identification of other problems related to AFW design. These problems included the use of a nonsafety-related power supply for relays associated with the proper operation of the AFW recirculation line air-operated flow control valves and the single electrical bus dependencies of three of the four recirculation line air-operated flow control valves and file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 8 of 13 three of the four service water supply motor-operated valves.
Because the AFW/IA Red finding did not meet the criteria for consideration as an old design issue, Point Beach is in the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix of Manual Chapter 0305.
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, for inadequate procedure for calibration of auxiliary feedwater flow meter The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for a procedure which directed the use of a flow instrument for the turbine-driven AFW pump recirculation line in a range for which it was not calibrated.
The finding was of very low risk significance because follow-up calibration indicated that the instrument was reliable in the range in which it was to be used, and the inspectors concluded that it could have been used to accurately determine the AFW flow.
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition. Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 9 of 13 Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:      Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI.
This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 10 of 13 Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Dec 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Protective action recommendation training for Licensed Reactor Operator using an outdated procedure The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance when they observed that the licensee failed to use the current revision to safety-related Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure (EPIP) 1.3, "Tools for Dose Assessment,"
during a licensed operator requalification training class. This was the final scheduled class for this topic and the only one that was taught after the procedure had been revised on November 26, 2003. In addition, the inspectors noted that the training failed to include sheltering as a protective action recommendation option. This occurred despite the procedure having been changed the week before specifically to allow consideration of the sheltering option. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in two respects. First, the decision not to train on the sheltering option represented a missed opportunity to train personnel on the full range of available protective action recommendations. Second, members of Operations management and Emergency Planning supervision failed to stop the training despite having been informed at the beginning of the class that the most current revision would not be used.
The finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the emergency response organization readiness and response organization performance training attributes of the Reactor Safety/Emergency Preparedness cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could lead to inadequate performance of protective action recommendations, actions intended to protect the health and safety of the public. The finding was not a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to assign adequate emergency response organization staffing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(2) because the licensee failed to assign onshift responsibilities for reading facility seismic monitors, thereby affecting the ability to timely classify certain seismic emergency events.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a degradation in the emergency response organization (ERO) onshift staffing and did not represent a planning standard function failure.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.9 violation for failure to report in the third quarter of 2001 that the emergency response organization performance indicator crossed the significance threshold from green to white The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9 because the licensee failed to provide complete and accurate information in the submittal of information for the emergency response organization file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                          04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 11 of 13 (ERO) performance indicator (PI). Twenty-three onshift communicators should have been tracked and reported in the ERO PI, but were not. The licensee has subsequently submitted corrected PI data to the NRC.
This issue is greater than minor because it caused the PI to cross the Green-to-White threshold for the 3rd quarter of 2001. Because this issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated with the traditional enforcement process.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for the failure to develop and implement a training program for the emergency planning staff The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(16) because the licensee failed to develop and implement an emergency planning staff training program to ensure that emergency planners were properly trained.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because lack of a staff training program presented a potential degrading condition for the level of qualification and proficiency of the emergency preparedness staff, but did not represent a failure of the planning standard function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: TBD Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 apparent violation for failure to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels The inspectors identified an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.54(q), associated with emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4), which will be subject to the NRC traditional enforcement process not the revised Reactor Oversight Process. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels (EALs). Eight EALs were changed in 1998 and 1999. The changes decreased the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan in that emergency conditions that would have resulted in classifications at the General Emergency (GE), Alert, and Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) levels would result in a lesser classification under the current EAL scheme. Approval of the NRC was not obtained prior to the changes being made. Since the identification of the issue by the inspectors, the licensee has revised the eight EALs to be equivalent with those approved by the NRC in 1984.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to ensure that the facility seismic monitors could support NOUE declaration The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4) because the licensee failed to properly calibrate the facility seismic monitors to ensure they were capable of supporting implementation of a Notice of Unusual Event EAL.
file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                Page 12 of 13 This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because a Notice of Unusual Event could still be declared based on ground shaking.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: N/A Apr 15, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Decreased an Emergency Plan Commitment Without Prior NRC Approval In October 1998, the licensee decreased its Emergency Plan's effectiveness without prior NRC approval due to an inadequate 10 CFR 50.54(q) review of six Emergency Response Organization (ERO) positions, which the licensee re-categorized from being 30 minute response positions to be 60 minute response positions. These six positions were re-established as 30 minute response positions in late January 2003. This Severity Level IV violation is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2002014(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Emergency Notification System Power Failure The inspectors identified one finding of very low risk significance for not having adequate configuration control and not providing sufficient drawings and instructions to maintenance and operations personnel during an emergency notification telephone system battery charger failure and subsequent replacement activities. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that a lack of understanding of the basic system configuration and the absence of associated drawings and operating instructions resulted in unnecessary periods of system unavailability.
The inspectors determined that the issue was more than minor because: 1) it affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone equipment and communications system attribute, and 2) if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern if emergency response facility communication system modifications were made without the licensee's knowledge such that a reduction in emergency planning effectiveness occurred. Based on the answers to the Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix B, "Emergency Preparedness Significance Determination Process,"
screening questions, the inspectors determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred Inspection Report# : 2003002(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Significance:      May 14, 2003 Identified By: Self Disclosing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                      04/22/2004
 
4Q/2003 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                  Page 13 of 13 Failure to Maintain Control of Licensed Radioactive Material in an Unrestricted Area and that was not in Storage The licensee identified a self-revealing violation of 10 CFR 20.1802, involving the failure to maintain control and constant surveillance of licensed radioactive material in an unrestricted area (an instrument and calibration training laboratory) that was not in storage. The material was an unaccounted for, 1.0 microcurie strontium-90/yttrium-90 check source, installed in an area radiation monitor.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the "Program and Process" attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive materials released into the public domain. This was a legacy issue, for which the apparent cause occurred prior to implementation of an effective radioactive material source control program in 1998. However, this finding was of very low safety significance in that public radiation exposure was not greater than 0.005 rem and the licensee did not have more than five radioactive material control occurrences (in the previous eight quarters). Thus, this finding will be documented as a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1802, for the licensee's failure to maintain control of licensed radioactive material in an unrestricted area that was not in storage.
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Physical Protection Miscellaneous Last modified : March 02, 2004 file://C:\RROP\NRR\OVERSIGHT\ASSESS\POIN1\poin1_pim.html                                                        04/22/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 1Q/2004 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Dec 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate corrective actions for control of transient combustibles The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation involving a finding of very low safety significance concerning the licensee's failure to take effective corrective actions to address the control of transient combustibles. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly determine the cause (i.e., transient combustibles) of exceeding an NRC Safety Evaluation Report fire loading value for a fire zone. As a result of ineffective corrective actions, the inspectors identified additional instances in which transient combustibles were not appropriately evaluated as required. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Despite the escalation of fire loading issues by the licensee's quality assurance organization in October 2002, combustible materials were reintroduced into the same fire zone without prior evaluation by November 2003.
This finding was more than minor because the finding, if uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern and affect the Initiating Events cornerstone by increasing the likelihood or severity of fire. The finding was of very low safety significance because no fire protection features were affected and no instances were observed where the fire loading could cause either a fire barrier or an installed suppression system to be overwhelmed.
This issue was a violation of a license condition which, by reference, invoked the licensee's Fire Protection Evaluation Report (FPER), which required conditions adverse to fire protection, such as uncontrolled combustible material, be promptly identified, reported, and corrected. The FPER also required that in the case of significant or repetitive conditions adverse to fire protection, the cause of the conditions is to be determined and analyzed and prompt corrective actions taken to preclude recurrence.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 22, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform an Adequate Safety Evaluation for Changes to the Plant as Described in the USAR Description On October 16, 2001, the licensee completed Safety Evaluation (SE) 2001-0057. This safety evaluation deleted Technical Requirements Manual (TRM)
Surveillance Requirement TSR 3.5.1.3, which required that the licensee verify, every 92 days, that the "charging pumps develop required flow rate, as specified by the Inservice Testing [IST] Program." Because the TRM is part of the plant USAR, the performance of a safety evaluation was required.
In the safety evaluation, the licensee justified the deletion of the requirement by stating, "Based on the fact that the PBNP Charging Pumps are not credited with an active safety function that would require IST Program testing, the Charging Pump IST surveillance requirement need not be carried over to the TRM." The reasoning for the change was entirely based upon the charging pumps having no safety function. While this appeared to be adequate justification to delete the IST requirement for the pumps, it did not justify the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement. As stated in the PBNP Bases for TRM TLCO 3.5.1, the function of the charging pumps in support of the Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) is described as follows, "The amount of boric acid injection must be sufficient to compensate for the addition of positive reactivity from the decay of xenon after a reactor trip from full power in order to maintain the required shutdown margin. This can be accomplished through the operation of one charging pump taking suction from the RWST." TSR 3.5.1.3 measured the flow rate to ensure that the charging pumps could support this function. When TSR 3.5.1.3 was deleted, this function was not evaluated in the safety evaluation. Consequently, the discussion, as presented in SE 2001-0057, only evaluated the removal of the IST requirements for the charging pumps, but did not evaluate the effects of removing the TRM Surveillance Requirement.
The inspector determined that this was a violation of 10 CFR 50.59 in that the licensee did not provide bases that the deletion of TSR 3.5.1.3 was acceptable without a license amendment. However, even though TSR 3.5.1.3 had been deleted, the licensee had still been performing a quarterly flow rate test of the charging pumps for the purpose of testing the charging pump discharge check valves. The inspectors determined that the flow rate measured in this quarterly test was sufficient to meet the requirements in TSR 3.5.1.3.
Analysis Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are considered to be violations that potentially impede or impact the regulatory process, they are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the SDP. In this case, the licensee's failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 resulted in a TRM Surveillance Requirement, TSR 3.5.1.3, being removed inappropriately.
This finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. However, based upon the inspector's review, it was determined that the licensee's failure to provide the required basis for the 50.59 safety evaluation was an issue of very low safety significance. This was based upon the inspector determining that the measured quarterly charging pump flow rate for the discharge check valves test was sufficient to meet the requirements of the deleted TRM Surveillance Requirement. Therefore, since this issue was determined to be of very low 07/21/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 2 of 8 safety significance, this finding was considered to be a Green finding.
Enforcement 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) states, in part, that the licensee shall maintain records of changes in the facility, of changes in procedures, and of tests and experiments. These records must include a written evaluation which provides the bases for the determination that the change, test, or experiment does not require a license amendment.
Contrary to the above, in their safety evaluation, SE 2001-0057, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement, part of the plant's USAR, was acceptable without a license amendment. The results of this violation were determined to be of very low safety significance; therefore, this violation of the requirements in 10 CFR 50.59 was classified as a Severity Level IV Violation. However, because this non-willful violation was non-repetitive, and was captured in the licensee's corrective action program (CAP052416), it is considered a Non-Cited Violation (NCV 50-266, 50-301/03-10-01 (DRS)) consistent with VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2003010(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Sprinkler Head Locations Not in Accordance with Fire Code The inspectors identified an NCV of the license for the failure of the licensee to install sprinkler heads in accordance with the applicable fire code in the component cooling water (CCW) pump area. Specifically, the sprinkler heads were located a greater distance below the ceiling than permitted by code.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e., fire) attribute of the mitigating systems reactor safety cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective in that a fire protection feature (i.e., an automatic suppression system) was adversely affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because manual fire fighting and auxiliary feedwater (AFW) could be credited. This issue is a violation of a license condition and the applicable fire code which requires that sprinkler heads be located near the ceiling.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to assure that the regulatory requirements and the design basis were accurately maintained for the battery chargers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," because Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.8.4.6 for testing the safety-related battery chargers was non-conservative in relation to the design basis calculation for battery charger sizing.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to revise voltage drop calculations The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," because the licensee failed to maintain the 125-volt direct current (VDC) voltage drop calculations accurate and up-to-date.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC 07/21/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                    Page 3 of 8 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective action violation for untimely correction of equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." Specifically, the licensee failed to implement timely corrective action (for over 5 years) for safety-related electrical equipment in the primary auxiliary building (PAB) that was not environmentally qualified, a condition adverse to quality.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.49 violation for equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.49(f). Specifically, the licensee identified equipment important to safety located in the primary auxiliary building that would be susceptible to a harsh environment during a postulated high-energy line break but failed to environmentally qualify that equipment.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Test control violation for not including several manual CCW valves in the inservice testing program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to include in the inservice testing program manual component cooling water (CCW) valves that were required to perform a safety function.
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the CCW or residual heat removal (RHR) systems when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate procedure violation for inaccurate setpoints in EOPs The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings." Specifically, the licensee failed to include appropriate quantitative setpoint values for the minimum low head safety injection "A" train flow in plant emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the low head safety injection system when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Appendix R violation for failure to ensure air would be available to charging pumps The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.1.c. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure, without the need for "hot standby repairs," adequate control air to the speed controllers for the charging pumps during a postulated fire requiring an alternative shutdown method.
This finding is greater than minor because the finding would become a more significant safety concern if left uncorrected. The finding is of very low safety significance because it is likely that the licensee would have been successful in completing the repairs and allowing the plant to be maintained in 07/21/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 4 of 8 hot standby until cold shutdown could be achieved.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Operating Test Grading Disagreement The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance concerning a grading discrepancy between the facility licensee and the NRC inspectors during the NRC licensed operator requalification annual operating test. The grading disagreement involved a pass-fail decision on one operating crew and two licensed operators' performance during the simulator scenario portion of the operating test. Specifically, the crew inadequately diagnosed and mitigated a component cooling water leak event which later caused an unexpected manual reactor trip. In addition, the senior operator, while implementing the Emergency Plan, failed to make proper and accurate off-site notifications. The licensee failed to adequately assess the pass/fail evaluation for the poor performance by the crew and operators that would have potentially resulted in an operational test failure.
This finding was considered more than minor because improper grading of a crew or an individual was considered a risk important issue in that operators or crews with unsatisfactory performance could be placed on shift without proper remediation. Furthermore, there was the realistic potential of providing negative training based on improper assessment of operator performance. Specifically, poor performance on the simulator could potentially lead to improper operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the poor performance and incorrect actions were on the simulator and not on the actual plant. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Required Performance Testing Per 10 CFR 55.46 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 55.46(d)(1), "Continued Assurance of Simulator Fidelity." The inspectors identified one example of failure to meet the performance requirements in maintaining simulator fidelity throughout the life of the simulation facility. Specifically, the facility licensee failed to conduct one particular performance test throughout the life of the simulator (since 1991) in accordance with the committed testing requirements of ANSI/ANS-3.5-1985, "Nuclear Power Plant Simulators for Use in Operator Training."
This finding was considered more than minor because of the realistic potential of providing negative training based on simulator deficiencies compared to the actual plant existed. Specifically, inadequate testing of the simulator to assure that the simulator appropriately replicated the actual plant could potentially have affected operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the discrepancy was on the simulator and the actual plant functioned properly. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Risk Management Actions for Components Made Unavailable by Pre-Planned Work Activities The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) for failure to implement required risk management actions during calibration of volume control tank level transmitters during September 2002 and January 2003. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that probabilistic risk assessment, production planning, and on-shift personnel had not utilized the full capabilities of the risk assessment tool to recognize the unavailability of components associated with pre-planned work activities.
The finding is greater than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would become a more significant safety concern if risk assessments that had not considered the impact of equipment and components rendered unavailable by pre-planned activities resulted in high risk levels without compensatory risk management analyses in place. The finding is of very low significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of the safety function, and did not involve internal or external initiating events.
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the 07/21/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 5 of 8 potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition. Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity 07/21/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                    Page 6 of 8 Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Steam Generator Narrow Range Level Setpoints Revised in Safety-Related Procedures but not in Emergency Plan General Emergency EAL 3.1.1.4 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning an inadequate extent-of-condition review during safety-related procedure revisions associated with steam generator narrow range level setpoints, and the failure to recognize the impact of the setpoint changes on the Point Beach Emergency Plan. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in four respects. First, at least four personnel, including a Shift Manager (SM) and two senior reactor operators (SROs), reviewed the procedure changes but failed to recognize the potential impact of the procedure changes on the emergency plan. Second, personnel associated with the corrective action process for the initial steam generator narrow range level density compensation issue failed to recognize the potential emergency plan impact and raise the issue to the attention of emergency preparedness personnel. Third, despite the emergency preparedness reviews completed prior to and during the 95003 supplemental inspection process, the licensee had not identified and evaluated the potential impacts of the discrepancy between the procedure setpoints and Emergency Action Level 3.1.1.4. Fourth, until identified by the inspectors, personnel involved with efforts to achieve regulatory compliance with eight emergency action levels (EALs) during January 2004, had not recognized or evaluated the potential impact of the discrepancy.
This finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the procedure quality attribute of the emergency preparedness reactor safety cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern if the discrepancy in steam generator narrow range level setpoints prevented, or caused a delay in, declaring a general emergency during a loss of electrical power event. The finding was not considered a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Protective action recommendation training for Licensed Reactor Operator using an outdated procedure The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance when they observed that the licensee failed to use the current revision to safety-related Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure (EPIP) 1.3, "Tools for Dose Assessment," during a licensed operator requalification training class. This was the final scheduled class for this topic and the only one that was taught after the procedure had been revised on November 26, 2003. In addition, the inspectors noted that the training failed to include sheltering as a protective action recommendation option. This occurred despite the procedure having been changed the week before specifically to allow consideration of the sheltering option. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in two respects. First, the decision not to train on the sheltering option represented a missed opportunity to train personnel on the full range of available protective action recommendations. Second, members of Operations management and Emergency Planning supervision failed to stop the training despite having been informed at the beginning of the class that the most current revision would not be used.
The finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the emergency response organization readiness and response organization performance training attributes of the Reactor Safety/Emergency Preparedness cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could lead to inadequate performance of protective action recommendations, actions intended to protect the health and safety of the public. The finding was not a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to assign adequate emergency response organization staffing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(2) because the licensee failed to assign onshift responsibilities for reading facility seismic monitors, thereby affecting the ability to timely classify certain seismic emergency events.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a degradation in the emergency response organization (ERO) onshift staffing and did not represent a planning standard function failure.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.9 violation for failure to report in the third quarter of 2001 that the emergency response organization performance indicator crossed the significance threshold from green to white 07/21/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                    Page 7 of 8 The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9 because the licensee failed to provide complete and accurate information in the submittal of information for the emergency response organization (ERO) performance indicator (PI). Twenty-three onshift communicators should have been tracked and reported in the ERO PI, but were not. The licensee has subsequently submitted corrected PI data to the NRC.
This issue is greater than minor because it caused the PI to cross the Green-to-White threshold for the 3rd quarter of 2001. Because this issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated with the traditional enforcement process.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for the failure to develop and implement a training program for the emergency planning staff The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(16) because the licensee failed to develop and implement an emergency planning staff training program to ensure that emergency planners were properly trained.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because lack of a staff training program presented a potential degrading condition for the level of qualification and proficiency of the emergency preparedness staff, but did not represent a failure of the planning standard function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: TBD Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 apparent violation for failure to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels The inspectors identified an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.54(q), associated with emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4), which will be subject to the NRC traditional enforcement process not the revised Reactor Oversight Process. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels (EALs). Eight EALs were changed in 1998 and 1999. The changes decreased the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan in that emergency conditions that would have resulted in classifications at the General Emergency (GE), Alert, and Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) levels would result in a lesser classification under the current EAL scheme. Approval of the NRC was not obtained prior to the changes being made. Since the identification of the issue by the inspectors, the licensee has revised the eight EALs to be equivalent with those approved by the NRC in 1984.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to ensure that the facility seismic monitors could support NOUE declaration The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4) because the licensee failed to properly calibrate the facility seismic monitors to ensure they were capable of supporting implementation of a Notice of Unusual Event EAL.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because a Notice of Unusual Event could still be declared based on ground shaking.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: N/A Apr 15, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Decreased an Emergency Plan Commitment Without Prior NRC Approval In October 1998, the licensee decreased its Emergency Plan's effectiveness without prior NRC approval due to an inadequate 10 CFR 50.54(q) review of six Emergency Response Organization (ERO) positions, which the licensee re-categorized from being 30 minute response positions to be 60 minute response positions. These six positions were re-established as 30 minute response positions in late January 2003. This Severity Level IV violation is being treated as a NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2002014(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety 07/21/2004
 
1Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                    Page 8 of 8 Public Radiation Safety Significance:        May 14, 2003 Identified By: Self Disclosing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Control of Licensed Radioactive Material in an Unrestricted Area and that was not in Storage The licensee identified a self-revealing violation of 10 CFR 20.1802, involving the failure to maintain control and constant surveillance of licensed radioactive material in an unrestricted area (an instrument and calibration training laboratory) that was not in storage. The material was an unaccounted for, 1.0 microcurie strontium-90/yttrium-90 check source, installed in an area radiation monitor.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the "Program and Process" attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive materials released into the public domain. This was a legacy issue, for which the apparent cause occurred prior to implementation of an effective radioactive material source control program in 1998. However, this finding was of very low safety significance in that public radiation exposure was not greater than 0.005 rem and the licensee did not have more than five radioactive material control occurrences (in the previous eight quarters). Thus, this finding will be documented as a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1802, for the licensee's failure to maintain control of licensed radioactive material in an unrestricted area that was not in storage.
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Physical Protection Miscellaneous Last modified : July 21, 2004 07/21/2004
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 2Q/2004 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Potential Loss of Hot Leg Vent Path During Nozzle Dam Installation The inspectors identified a finding associated with installing steam generator nozzle dams and establishing a hot leg vent path during a portion of the Unit 1 cycle 28 refueling outage (U1R28). The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, involving the decision by several licensed and experienced personnel to allow nozzle dam installation to commence prior to establishment of a vent path through the pressurizer manway.
The finding is considered more than minor because it affected: (1) the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown operations, and (2) the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance and did not require quantitative assessment since: (1) conditions meeting a loss of control were not met in that no inadvertent change in reactor coolant system temperature or change in reactor vessel level actually occurred, and (2) the licensee had maintained adequate mitigation capability for the existing plant conditions. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred because: (1) the actual sequence of events showed that all four nozzle dams had not been completely installed while the pressurizer manway was still in place, and (2) an engineering analysis showed that an adequate hot leg vent path was available while one of the A' steam generator hot leg nozzle dam side pieces was not installed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Loss of Transient Combustible Control in the Containment and Turbine Buildings During a Unit 1 Refueling Outage The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR 50.48(a)(2)(i) having very low safety significance when transient combustibles were stored in the Unit 1 containment building and the turbine building without required administrative controls. The finding also affected the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the licensee failed to identify the transient combustible materials during tours required by the Fire Protection Evaluation Report.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is more than minor because it affected the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, specifically protection against external factors (fire). The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green), since the issue was assigned a low degradation rating and the quantity of transient combustibles had been bounded by the analysis contained in the Fire Hazards Analysis Report. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate corrective actions for control of transient combustibles The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation involving a finding of very low safety significance concerning the licensee's failure to take effective corrective actions to address the control of transient combustibles. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly determine the cause (i.e., transient combustibles) of exceeding an NRC Safety Evaluation Report fire loading value for a fire zone. As a result of ineffective corrective actions, the inspectors identified additional instances in which transient combustibles were not appropriately evaluated as required. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Despite the escalation of fire loading issues by the licensee's quality assurance organization in October 2002, combustible materials were reintroduced into the same fire zone without prior evaluation by November 2003.
This finding was more than minor because the finding, if uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern and affect the Initiating Events cornerstone by increasing the likelihood or severity of fire. The finding was of very low safety significance because no fire protection features were affected and no instances were observed where the fire loading could cause either a fire barrier or an installed suppression system to be overwhelmed.
This issue was a violation of a license condition which, by reference, invoked the licensee's Fire Protection Evaluation Report (FPER), which required conditions adverse to fire protection, such as uncontrolled combustible material, be promptly identified, reported, and corrected. The FPER also required that in the case of significant or repetitive conditions adverse to fire protection, the cause of the conditions is to be determined and analyzed and prompt corrective actions taken to preclude recurrence.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 22, 2003
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 2 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform an Adequate Safety Evaluation for Changes to the Plant as Described in the USAR Description On October 16, 2001, the licensee completed Safety Evaluation (SE) 2001-0057. This safety evaluation deleted Technical Requirements Manual (TRM)
Surveillance Requirement TSR 3.5.1.3, which required that the licensee verify, every 92 days, that the "charging pumps develop required flow rate, as specified by the Inservice Testing [IST] Program." Because the TRM is part of the plant USAR, the performance of a safety evaluation was required.
In the safety evaluation, the licensee justified the deletion of the requirement by stating, "Based on the fact that the PBNP Charging Pumps are not credited with an active safety function that would require IST Program testing, the Charging Pump IST surveillance requirement need not be carried over to the TRM." The reasoning for the change was entirely based upon the charging pumps having no safety function. While this appeared to be adequate justification to delete the IST requirement for the pumps, it did not justify the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement. As stated in the PBNP Bases for TRM TLCO 3.5.1, the function of the charging pumps in support of the Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) is described as follows, "The amount of boric acid injection must be sufficient to compensate for the addition of positive reactivity from the decay of xenon after a reactor trip from full power in order to maintain the required shutdown margin. This can be accomplished through the operation of one charging pump taking suction from the RWST." TSR 3.5.1.3 measured the flow rate to ensure that the charging pumps could support this function. When TSR 3.5.1.3 was deleted, this function was not evaluated in the safety evaluation. Consequently, the discussion, as presented in SE 2001-0057, only evaluated the removal of the IST requirements for the charging pumps, but did not evaluate the effects of removing the TRM Surveillance Requirement.
The inspector determined that this was a violation of 10 CFR 50.59 in that the licensee did not provide bases that the deletion of TSR 3.5.1.3 was acceptable without a license amendment. However, even though TSR 3.5.1.3 had been deleted, the licensee had still been performing a quarterly flow rate test of the charging pumps for the purpose of testing the charging pump discharge check valves. The inspectors determined that the flow rate measured in this quarterly test was sufficient to meet the requirements in TSR 3.5.1.3.
Analysis Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are considered to be violations that potentially impede or impact the regulatory process, they are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the SDP. In this case, the licensee's failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 resulted in a TRM Surveillance Requirement, TSR 3.5.1.3, being removed inappropriately.
This finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. However, based upon the inspector's review, it was determined that the licensee's failure to provide the required basis for the 50.59 safety evaluation was an issue of very low safety significance. This was based upon the inspector determining that the measured quarterly charging pump flow rate for the discharge check valves test was sufficient to meet the requirements of the deleted TRM Surveillance Requirement. Therefore, since this issue was determined to be of very low safety significance, this finding was considered to be a Green finding.
Enforcement 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) states, in part, that the licensee shall maintain records of changes in the facility, of changes in procedures, and of tests and experiments. These records must include a written evaluation which provides the bases for the determination that the change, test, or experiment does not require a license amendment.
Contrary to the above, in their safety evaluation, SE 2001-0057, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement, part of the plant's USAR, was acceptable without a license amendment. The results of this violation were determined to be of very low safety significance; therefore, this violation of the requirements in 10 CFR 50.59 was classified as a Severity Level IV Violation. However, because this non-willful violation was non-repetitive, and was captured in the licensee's corrective action program (CAP052416), it is considered a Non-Cited Violation (NCV 50-266, 50-301/03-10-01 (DRS)) consistent with VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2003010(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Substitution of Weld Surface Examinations for Volumetric Examinations The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i) for the licensee's incorrect substitution of weld surface examinations into the risk-based portion of the Inservice Inspection Program, which required volumetric weld examinations.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and, if left uncorrected, could allow unacceptable piping system weld flaws to remain in-service and render safety-related systems inoperable. The finding is of very low safety significance because the licensee had sufficient time left in the Code interval to perform the required number of volumetric examinations of piping welds in the affected risk-based category during future Unit 1 outages. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 3 of 8 Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Control Unit 1 Emergency Operating Procedure Sub-Steps Committed to as Compensatory Measures in Accordance with NRC Bulletin 2003-01 Option 2 The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, "Document Control," having very low safety significance associated with Unit 1 emergency operating procedures when a software error deleted reference to two of five indications intended to monitor primary containment sump performance during the recirculation phase of a design basis accident. Specifically, the RHR Pump Operation - NORMAL and SI Pump Operation
- NORMAL substeps of Unit 1 emergency operating procedure EOP-1, "Loss of Reactor or Secondary Coolant," Step 29c, Revision 35, were deleted by the software program and not detected by operations personnel for a period of approximately 9 months. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that despite previous knowledge of the software problem and operations department management expectations to perform line-by-line reviews prior to distribution, 16 errors occurred in safety-related emergency operating, emergency contingency action, critical safety, and shutdown emergency procedures for Units 1 and 2.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because it did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Sprinkler Head Locations Not in Accordance with Fire Code The inspectors identified an NCV of the license for the failure of the licensee to install sprinkler heads in accordance with the applicable fire code in the component cooling water (CCW) pump area. Specifically, the sprinkler heads were located a greater distance below the ceiling than permitted by code.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e., fire) attribute of the mitigating systems reactor safety cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective in that a fire protection feature (i.e., an automatic suppression system) was adversely affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because manual fire fighting and auxiliary feedwater (AFW) could be credited. This issue is a violation of a license condition and the applicable fire code which requires that sprinkler heads be located near the ceiling.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to assure that the regulatory requirements and the design basis were accurately maintained for the battery chargers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," because Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.8.4.6 for testing the safety-related battery chargers was non-conservative in relation to the design basis calculation for battery charger sizing.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to revise voltage drop calculations The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," because the licensee failed to maintain the 125-volt direct current (VDC) voltage drop calculations accurate and up-to-date.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective action violation for untimely correction of equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." Specifically, the licensee failed to
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                    Page 4 of 8 implement timely corrective action (for over 5 years) for safety-related electrical equipment in the primary auxiliary building (PAB) that was not environmentally qualified, a condition adverse to quality.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.49 violation for equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.49(f). Specifically, the licensee identified equipment important to safety located in the primary auxiliary building that would be susceptible to a harsh environment during a postulated high-energy line break but failed to environmentally qualify that equipment.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Test control violation for not including several manual CCW valves in the inservice testing program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to include in the inservice testing program manual component cooling water (CCW) valves that were required to perform a safety function.
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the CCW or residual heat removal (RHR) systems when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate procedure violation for inaccurate setpoints in EOPs The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings." Specifically, the licensee failed to include appropriate quantitative setpoint values for the minimum low head safety injection "A" train flow in plant emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the low head safety injection system when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Appendix R violation for failure to ensure air would be available to charging pumps The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.1.c. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure, without the need for "hot standby repairs," adequate control air to the speed controllers for the charging pumps during a postulated fire requiring an alternative shutdown method.
This finding is greater than minor because the finding would become a more significant safety concern if left uncorrected. The finding is of very low safety significance because it is likely that the licensee would have been successful in completing the repairs and allowing the plant to be maintained in hot standby until cold shutdown could be achieved.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 5 of 8 Item Type: FIN Finding Operating Test Grading Disagreement The inspectors identified a finding of very low risk significance concerning a grading discrepancy between the facility licensee and the NRC inspectors during the NRC licensed operator requalification annual operating test. The grading disagreement involved a pass-fail decision on one operating crew and two licensed operators' performance during the simulator scenario portion of the operating test. Specifically, the crew inadequately diagnosed and mitigated a component cooling water leak event which later caused an unexpected manual reactor trip. In addition, the senior operator, while implementing the Emergency Plan, failed to make proper and accurate off-site notifications. The licensee failed to adequately assess the pass/fail evaluation for the poor performance by the crew and operators that would have potentially resulted in an operational test failure.
This finding was considered more than minor because improper grading of a crew or an individual was considered a risk important issue in that operators or crews with unsatisfactory performance could be placed on shift without proper remediation. Furthermore, there was the realistic potential of providing negative training based on improper assessment of operator performance. Specifically, poor performance on the simulator could potentially lead to improper operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the poor performance and incorrect actions were on the simulator and not on the actual plant. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Required Performance Testing Per 10 CFR 55.46 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 55.46(d)(1), "Continued Assurance of Simulator Fidelity." The inspectors identified one example of failure to meet the performance requirements in maintaining simulator fidelity throughout the life of the simulation facility. Specifically, the facility licensee failed to conduct one particular performance test throughout the life of the simulator (since 1991) in accordance with the committed testing requirements of ANSI/ANS-3.5-1985, "Nuclear Power Plant Simulators for Use in Operator Training."
This finding was considered more than minor because of the realistic potential of providing negative training based on simulator deficiencies compared to the actual plant existed. Specifically, inadequate testing of the simulator to assure that the simulator appropriately replicated the actual plant could potentially have affected operator actions on the actual plant. The finding was of very low safety significance because the discrepancy was on the simulator and the actual plant functioned properly. Furthermore, no actual plant emergency occurred and there was no actual impact on equipment or personnel safety.
Inspection Report# : 2003004(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition. Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                      Page 6 of 8 The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Steam Generator Narrow Range Level Setpoints Revised in Safety-Related Procedures but not in Emergency Plan General Emergency EAL 3.1.1.4 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning an inadequate extent-of-condition review during safety-related procedure revisions associated with steam generator narrow range level setpoints, and the failure to recognize the impact of the setpoint changes on the Point Beach Emergency Plan. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in four respects. First, at least four personnel, including a Shift Manager (SM) and two senior reactor operators (SROs), reviewed the procedure changes but failed to recognize the potential impact of the procedure changes on the emergency plan. Second, personnel associated with the corrective action process for the initial steam generator narrow range level density compensation issue failed to recognize the potential emergency plan impact and raise the issue to the attention of emergency preparedness personnel. Third, despite the emergency preparedness reviews completed prior to and during the 95003 supplemental inspection process, the licensee had not identified and evaluated the potential impacts of the discrepancy between the procedure setpoints and Emergency Action Level 3.1.1.4. Fourth, until identified by the inspectors, personnel involved with efforts to achieve regulatory compliance with eight emergency action levels (EALs) during January 2004, had not recognized or evaluated the potential impact of the discrepancy.
This finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the procedure quality attribute of the emergency preparedness reactor safety cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern if the discrepancy in steam generator narrow range level setpoints prevented, or caused a delay in, declaring a general emergency during a loss of electrical power event. The finding was not considered a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2003
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                    Page 7 of 8 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Protective action recommendation training for Licensed Reactor Operator using an outdated procedure The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance when they observed that the licensee failed to use the current revision to safety-related Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure (EPIP) 1.3, "Tools for Dose Assessment," during a licensed operator requalification training class. This was the final scheduled class for this topic and the only one that was taught after the procedure had been revised on November 26, 2003. In addition, the inspectors noted that the training failed to include sheltering as a protective action recommendation option. This occurred despite the procedure having been changed the week before specifically to allow consideration of the sheltering option. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in two respects. First, the decision not to train on the sheltering option represented a missed opportunity to train personnel on the full range of available protective action recommendations. Second, members of Operations management and Emergency Planning supervision failed to stop the training despite having been informed at the beginning of the class that the most current revision would not be used.
The finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the emergency response organization readiness and response organization performance training attributes of the Reactor Safety/Emergency Preparedness cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could lead to inadequate performance of protective action recommendations, actions intended to protect the health and safety of the public. The finding was not a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to assign adequate emergency response organization staffing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(2) because the licensee failed to assign onshift responsibilities for reading facility seismic monitors, thereby affecting the ability to timely classify certain seismic emergency events.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a degradation in the emergency response organization (ERO) onshift staffing and did not represent a planning standard function failure.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.9 violation for failure to report in the third quarter of 2001 that the emergency response organization performance indicator crossed the significance threshold from green to white The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9 because the licensee failed to provide complete and accurate information in the submittal of information for the emergency response organization (ERO) performance indicator (PI). Twenty-three onshift communicators should have been tracked and reported in the ERO PI, but were not. The licensee has subsequently submitted corrected PI data to the NRC.
This issue is greater than minor because it caused the PI to cross the Green-to-White threshold for the 3rd quarter of 2001. Because this issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated with the traditional enforcement process.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for the failure to develop and implement a training program for the emergency planning staff The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(16) because the licensee failed to develop and implement an emergency planning staff training program to ensure that emergency planners were properly trained.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because lack of a staff training program presented a potential degrading condition for the level of qualification and proficiency of the emergency preparedness staff, but did not represent a failure of the planning standard function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: TBD Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 apparent violation for failure to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels The inspectors identified an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.54(q), associated with emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4), which will be subject to the NRC traditional enforcement process not the revised Reactor Oversight Process. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels (EALs). Eight EALs were changed in 1998 and 1999. The changes decreased the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan in that emergency conditions that would have resulted in classifications at the General Emergency (GE), Alert, and Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) levels would result in a lesser classification under the current EAL scheme. Approval of the NRC was not obtained prior to the changes being
 
2Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                    Page 8 of 8 made. Since the identification of the issue by the inspectors, the licensee has revised the eight EALs to be equivalent with those approved by the NRC in 1984.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to ensure that the facility seismic monitors could support NOUE declaration The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4) because the licensee failed to properly calibrate the facility seismic monitors to ensure they were capable of supporting implementation of a Notice of Unusual Event EAL.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because a Notice of Unusual Event could still be declared based on ground shaking.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures in the Issuance and Use of Bubble Hood-type Respiratory Protective Devices A finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV were identified through an NRC-identified event, when on April 9, 2004, while installing steam generator nozzle dams, licensee staff increased supplied breathing air pressure in excess of procedural requirements while attempting to mitigate lost or diminished air flow to contract workers who were utilizing continuous flow, supplied-air respirator "bubble hoods." The inspectors determined that the licensee failed to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1703, when the licensee increased the air line pressure in excess of the procedural guidance, which resulted in the licensee utilizing a respiratory protection device contrary to its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certification.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because use of a respiratory protection device outside its specifications could impact internal dose, and if left uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because no internal exposure to radioactive material resulted from the use of the bubble hoods with higher air line pressure than allowed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : September 08, 2004
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 1 of 10 Point Beach 1 3Q/2004 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Potential Loss of Hot Leg Vent Path During Nozzle Dam Installation The inspectors identified a finding associated with installing steam generator nozzle dams and establishing a hot leg vent path during a portion of the Unit 1 cycle 28 refueling outage (U1R28). The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, involving the decision by several licensed and experienced personnel to allow nozzle dam installation to commence prior to establishment of a vent path through the pressurizer manway.
The finding is considered more than minor because it affected: (1) the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown operations, and (2) the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance and did not require quantitative assessment since: (1) conditions meeting a loss of control were not met in that no inadvertent change in reactor coolant system temperature or change in reactor vessel level actually occurred, and (2) the licensee had maintained adequate mitigation capability for the existing plant conditions. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred because: (1) the actual sequence of events showed that all four nozzle dams had not been completely installed while the pressurizer manway was still in place, and (2) an engineering analysis showed that an adequate hot leg vent path was available while one of the A' steam generator hot leg nozzle dam side pieces was not installed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Loss of Transient Combustible Control in the Containment and Turbine Buildings During a Unit 1 Refueling Outage The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR 50.48(a)(2)(i) having very low safety significance when transient combustibles were stored in the Unit 1 containment building and the turbine building without required administrative controls. The finding also affected the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the licensee failed to identify the transient combustible materials during tours required by the Fire Protection Evaluation Report.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is more than minor because it affected the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, specifically protection against external factors (fire). The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green), since the issue was assigned a low degradation rating and the quantity of transient combustibles had been bounded by the analysis contained in the Fire Hazards Analysis Report. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate corrective actions for control of transient combustibles The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation involving a finding of very low safety significance concerning the licensee's failure to take effective corrective actions to address the control of transient combustibles. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly determine the cause (i.e., transient combustibles) of exceeding an NRC Safety Evaluation Report fire loading value for a fire zone. As a result of ineffective corrective actions, the inspectors identified additional instances in which transient combustibles were not appropriately evaluated as required.
The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Despite the escalation of fire loading issues by the licensee's quality assurance organization in October 2002, combustible materials were reintroduced into the same fire zone without prior evaluation by November 2003.
This finding was more than minor because the finding, if uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern and affect the Initiating Events cornerstone by increasing the likelihood or severity of fire. The finding was of very low safety significance because no fire protection features were affected and no instances were observed where the fire loading could cause either a fire barrier or an installed suppression system to be overwhelmed. This issue was a violation of a license condition which, by reference, invoked the licensee's Fire Protection Evaluation Report (FPER), which required conditions adverse to fire protection, such as uncontrolled combustible material, be promptly identified,
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 2 of 10 reported, and corrected. The FPER also required that in the case of significant or repetitive conditions adverse to fire protection, the cause of the conditions is to be determined and analyzed and prompt corrective actions taken to preclude recurrence.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 22, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform an Adequate Safety Evaluation for Changes to the Plant as Described in the USAR Description On October 16, 2001, the licensee completed Safety Evaluation (SE) 2001-0057. This safety evaluation deleted Technical Requirements Manual (TRM) Surveillance Requirement TSR 3.5.1.3, which required that the licensee verify, every 92 days, that the "charging pumps develop required flow rate, as specified by the Inservice Testing [IST] Program." Because the TRM is part of the plant USAR, the performance of a safety evaluation was required.
In the safety evaluation, the licensee justified the deletion of the requirement by stating, "Based on the fact that the PBNP Charging Pumps are not credited with an active safety function that would require IST Program testing, the Charging Pump IST surveillance requirement need not be carried over to the TRM." The reasoning for the change was entirely based upon the charging pumps having no safety function. While this appeared to be adequate justification to delete the IST requirement for the pumps, it did not justify the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement. As stated in the PBNP Bases for TRM TLCO 3.5.1, the function of the charging pumps in support of the Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) is described as follows, "The amount of boric acid injection must be sufficient to compensate for the addition of positive reactivity from the decay of xenon after a reactor trip from full power in order to maintain the required shutdown margin. This can be accomplished through the operation of one charging pump taking suction from the RWST." TSR 3.5.1.3 measured the flow rate to ensure that the charging pumps could support this function. When TSR 3.5.1.3 was deleted, this function was not evaluated in the safety evaluation.
Consequently, the discussion, as presented in SE 2001-0057, only evaluated the removal of the IST requirements for the charging pumps, but did not evaluate the effects of removing the TRM Surveillance Requirement.
The inspector determined that this was a violation of 10 CFR 50.59 in that the licensee did not provide bases that the deletion of TSR 3.5.1.3 was acceptable without a license amendment. However, even though TSR 3.5.1.3 had been deleted, the licensee had still been performing a quarterly flow rate test of the charging pumps for the purpose of testing the charging pump discharge check valves. The inspectors determined that the flow rate measured in this quarterly test was sufficient to meet the requirements in TSR 3.5.1.3.
Analysis Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are considered to be violations that potentially impede or impact the regulatory process, they are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the SDP. In this case, the licensee's failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 resulted in a TRM Surveillance Requirement, TSR 3.5.1.3, being removed inappropriately.
This finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. However, based upon the inspector's review, it was determined that the licensee's failure to provide the required basis for the 50.59 safety evaluation was an issue of very low safety significance. This was based upon the inspector determining that the measured quarterly charging pump flow rate for the discharge check valves test was sufficient to meet the requirements of the deleted TRM Surveillance Requirement. Therefore, since this issue was determined to be of very low safety significance, this finding was considered to be a Green finding.
Enforcement 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) states, in part, that the licensee shall maintain records of changes in the facility, of changes in procedures, and of tests and experiments. These records must include a written evaluation which provides the bases for the determination that the change, test, or experiment does not require a license amendment.
Contrary to the above, in their safety evaluation, SE 2001-0057, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that the deletion of the TRM Surveillance Requirement, part of the plant's USAR, was acceptable without a license amendment. The results of this violation were determined to be of very low safety significance; therefore, this violation of the requirements in 10 CFR 50.59 was classified as a Severity Level IV Violation. However, because this non-willful violation was non-repetitive, and was captured in the licensee's corrective action program (CAP052416), it is considered a Non-Cited Violation (NCV 50-266, 50-301/03-10-01 (DRS)) consistent with VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy.
Inspection Report# : 2003010(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 10 Unit 1 Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger Bypass Valve Drifts Open While in Automatic The inspectors identified a workaround regarding the operation of the Unit 1 residual heat removal (RHR) system heat exchanger bypass flow control valve in automatic mode during a shutdown loss-of-coolant-accident (LOCA). The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution in two respects. First, the initial extent-of-condition review did not consider the impact of the issue on shutdown plant operations. Second, following initial instrumentation and control (I&C) troubleshooting efforts, a corrective action item was not assigned to operations personnel to evaluate the issue as a potential operator workaround (OWA). This contributed to a 3-month delay in completing the evaluation.
The finding is greater than minor because it affected the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not degrade short term (safety injection (SI)) decay heat removal capability or reactivity control; result in a design or qualification deficiency or an actual loss of safety function; or involve internal or external initiating events. The finding did not involve a violation of regulatory requirements. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program. In addition, the finding was reviewed by the licensee's Operator Workaround Committee and the Committee classified the problem as an operator challenge in accordance with site procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004006(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Test Service Water Headers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) and 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(5)(iv) associated with failure to perform testing of the buried service water header piping in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements.
The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly system flow tests provided basis for service water header operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed undetected through-wall flaws to develop in the header piping. These flaws could then continue to grow in size until leakage from the buried headers degraded system operation or if sufficient general corrosion occurs, a gross rupture or collapse of the piping sections could occur. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Valve SW 0322 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to conduct non-destructive examinations and repair of valve SW 0322 in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements. The licensee's corrective actions included replacement of the valve during the next opportunity.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in service. Additionally, the failure to heat treat the weld repairs could have resulted in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation that could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of the valve body. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Valve SW 32C and SW 32F The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to implement the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI examinations and repair requirements for service water pump discharge check valves SW 32C and SW 32F. The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly surveillance tests verified check valve operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the required examinations could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in-service.
Additionally, the failure to select and follow a repair Code or standard may have resulted in inadequate post weld heat treatments for the weld repairs that could result in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation which could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of these valve disks. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                        Page 4 of 10 Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correctly Translate Condensate Storage Tank Temperature Limits into Procedures and Instructions The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," in that, the design bases for the maximum Condensate Storage Tank (CST) temperature was not correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Specifically, the Main Steam Line Break (MSLB) Containment Integrity Analysis assumed a maximum value of 100 F for the temperature of the water in the CST, while operations procedures allowed a maximum of 120 F for the CST temperature. This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included procedural changes to reflect the correct temperature limit.
This finding was more than minor because an evaluation was required to ensure that accident analysis requirements were met, since the CST was heated up to greater than the maximum analysis value of 100 F during unit startup/shutdown operations with the CST aligned to the operating unit. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Periodically Verify Position of Valves in the SW System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification Surveillance Requirements SR 3.7.8.1 and SR 3.6.3.2 associated with the periodic verification of the position of valves and flanges in the service water (SW) system flow paths servicing safety related equipment and in lines associated with containment isolation. Specifically, the licensee did not verify that approximately 100 valves in the SW system flow path servicing safety related equipment that were not locked, sealed, or otherwise secured in position, were in the correct position every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4. In addition, the licensee did not verify that 12 containment isolation manual valves were closed and two pipe fittings associated with containment isolation were in place every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4.
This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included locking the appropriate valves and procedural changes.
This finding was more than minor because it was, for the most part, associated with the Mitigating Systems attribute of Configuration Control, which affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of the service water (SW) system to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Translate Original Design Requirements for th4e 480 Vac System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the licensee's failure to adequately translate original design requirements for the 480 Vac system into specifications during procurement of new and replacement equipment. The original specifications for equipment such as motors and cables identified the intended service as suitable for a 480 Vac ungrounded system. Specifications for replacement motors did not specify the intended service as an ungrounded system. The licensee's corrective actions included a verification that the identified equipment that did not specify use in a 480 Vac ungrounded system could withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems.
This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the objective of ensuring the capability of the safety related 480 Vac system in response to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the failure to specify the correct service conditions may have resulted in motors being supplied without the enhanced insulation systems required to withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems when a single line to ground occurs. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Substitution of Weld Surface Examinations for Volumetric Examinations The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i) for the licensee's incorrect substitution of weld surface examinations into the risk-based portion of the Inservice Inspection Program, which required volumetric weld examinations.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and, if left uncorrected, could allow unacceptable piping system weld flaws to remain in-service and render safety-related systems inoperable. The finding is of very low safety significance because the licensee had sufficient time left in the Code interval to perform the required number of volumetric
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 5 of 10 examinations of piping welds in the affected risk-based category during future Unit 1 outages. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Control Unit 1 Emergency Operating Procedure Sub-Steps Committed to as Compensatory Measures in Accordance with NRC Bulletin 2003-01 Option 2 The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, "Document Control," having very low safety significance associated with Unit 1 emergency operating procedures when a software error deleted reference to two of five indications intended to monitor primary containment sump performance during the recirculation phase of a design basis accident. Specifically, the RHR Pump Operation -
NORMAL and SI Pump Operation - NORMAL substeps of Unit 1 emergency operating procedure EOP-1, "Loss of Reactor or Secondary Coolant," Step 29c, Revision 35, were deleted by the software program and not detected by operations personnel for a period of approximately 9 months. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that despite previous knowledge of the software problem and operations department management expectations to perform line-by-line reviews prior to distribution, 16 errors occurred in safety-related emergency operating, emergency contingency action, critical safety, and shutdown emergency procedures for Units 1 and 2.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because it did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Sprinkler Head Locations Not in Accordance with Fire Code The inspectors identified an NCV of the license for the failure of the licensee to install sprinkler heads in accordance with the applicable fire code in the component cooling water (CCW) pump area. Specifically, the sprinkler heads were located a greater distance below the ceiling than permitted by code.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e., fire) attribute of the mitigating systems reactor safety cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective in that a fire protection feature (i.e., an automatic suppression system) was adversely affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because manual fire fighting and auxiliary feedwater (AFW) could be credited. This issue is a violation of a license condition and the applicable fire code which requires that sprinkler heads be located near the ceiling.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to assure that the regulatory requirements and the design basis were accurately maintained for the battery chargers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," because Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.8.4.6 for testing the safety-related battery chargers was non-conservative in relation to the design basis calculation for battery charger sizing.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design control violation for the failure to revise voltage drop calculations The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," because the licensee failed to
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                        Page 6 of 10 maintain the 125-volt direct current (VDC) voltage drop calculations accurate and up-to-date.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective action violation for untimely correction of equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." Specifically, the licensee failed to implement timely corrective action (for over 5 years) for safety-related electrical equipment in the primary auxiliary building (PAB) that was not environmentally qualified, a condition adverse to quality.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.49 violation for equipment not environmentally qualified The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.49(f). Specifically, the licensee identified equipment important to safety located in the primary auxiliary building that would be susceptible to a harsh environment during a postulated high-energy line break but failed to environmentally qualify that equipment.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern and have adverse effects on the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents. The finding is of very low safety significance because it was a design deficiency that did not result in the loss of function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Test control violation for not including several manual CCW valves in the inservice testing program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to include in the inservice testing program manual component cooling water (CCW) valves that were required to perform a safety function.
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the CCW or residual heat removal (RHR) systems when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate procedure violation for inaccurate setpoints in EOPs The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings."
Specifically, the licensee failed to include appropriate quantitative setpoint values for the minimum low head safety injection "A" train flow in plant emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
This finding is greater than minor because it could have affected the mitigating cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of the low head safety injection system when required to respond to the initiating event. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 10 Appendix R violation for failure to ensure air would be available to charging pumps The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.L.1.c. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure, without the need for "hot standby repairs," adequate control air to the speed controllers for the charging pumps during a postulated fire requiring an alternative shutdown method.
This finding is greater than minor because the finding would become a more significant safety concern if left uncorrected. The finding is of very low safety significance because it is likely that the licensee would have been successful in completing the repairs and allowing the plant to be maintained in hot standby until cold shutdown could be achieved.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition.
Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 8 of 10 originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Upper Hatch Interlock The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," having very low safety significance (Green) for failing to properly document a modification of the containment hatch interlock. The licensee failed to perform an engineering design change analysis for the Unit 1 personal containment hatch upper interlock cable when it was identified that original design specifications were not met.
Specifically, the cable was replaced with a smaller cable prior to 2000 and again in 2000. When the cable broke in 2004, engineers replaced the cable with one that met the original design specifications, correcting the violation.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because it affected the barrier integrity reactor safety cornerstone objective attribute of maintaining functionality of containment design control. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because it did not result in an actual open pathway in the physical integrity of the reactor containment or actual reduction of the atmospheric pressure control function of the reactor containment.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Steam Generator Narrow Range Level Setpoints Revised in Safety-Related Procedures but not in Emergency Plan General Emergency EAL 3.1.1.4 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning an inadequate extent-of-condition review during safety-related procedure revisions associated with steam generator narrow range level setpoints, and the failure to recognize the impact of the setpoint changes on the Point Beach Emergency Plan. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in four respects. First, at least four personnel, including a Shift Manager (SM) and two senior reactor operators (SROs), reviewed the procedure changes but failed to recognize the potential impact of the procedure changes on the emergency plan. Second, personnel associated with the corrective action process for the initial steam generator narrow range level density compensation issue failed to recognize the potential emergency plan impact and raise the issue to the attention of emergency preparedness personnel. Third, despite the emergency preparedness reviews completed prior to and during the 95003 supplemental inspection process, the licensee had not identified and evaluated the potential impacts of the discrepancy between the procedure setpoints and Emergency Action Level 3.1.1.4. Fourth, until identified by the inspectors, personnel involved with efforts to achieve regulatory compliance with eight emergency action levels (EALs) during January 2004, had not recognized or evaluated the potential impact of the discrepancy.
This finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the procedure quality attribute of the emergency preparedness reactor safety cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern if the discrepancy in steam generator narrow range level setpoints prevented, or caused a delay in, declaring a general emergency during a loss of electrical power event. The finding was not considered a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2003
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 9 of 10 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Protective action recommendation training for Licensed Reactor Operator using an outdated procedure The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance when they observed that the licensee failed to use the current revision to safety-related Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure (EPIP) 1.3, "Tools for Dose Assessment," during a licensed operator requalification training class. This was the final scheduled class for this topic and the only one that was taught after the procedure had been revised on November 26, 2003. In addition, the inspectors noted that the training failed to include sheltering as a protective action recommendation option.
This occurred despite the procedure having been changed the week before specifically to allow consideration of the sheltering option. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in two respects. First, the decision not to train on the sheltering option represented a missed opportunity to train personnel on the full range of available protective action recommendations. Second, members of Operations management and Emergency Planning supervision failed to stop the training despite having been informed at the beginning of the class that the most current revision would not be used.
The finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the emergency response organization readiness and response organization performance training attributes of the Reactor Safety/Emergency Preparedness cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could lead to inadequate performance of protective action recommendations, actions intended to protect the health and safety of the public. The finding was not a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2003009(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to assign adequate emergency response organization staffing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(2) because the licensee failed to assign onshift responsibilities for reading facility seismic monitors, thereby affecting the ability to timely classify certain seismic emergency events.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because it was a degradation in the emergency response organization (ERO) onshift staffing and did not represent a planning standard function failure.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.9 violation for failure to report in the third quarter of 2001 that the emergency response organization performance indicator crossed the significance threshold from green to white The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9 because the licensee failed to provide complete and accurate information in the submittal of information for the emergency response organization (ERO) performance indicator (PI). Twenty-three onshift communicators should have been tracked and reported in the ERO PI, but were not. The licensee has subsequently submitted corrected PI data to the NRC.
This issue is greater than minor because it caused the PI to cross the Green-to-White threshold for the 3rd quarter of 2001. Because this issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated with the traditional enforcement process.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for the failure to develop and implement a training program for the emergency planning staff The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(16) because the licensee failed to develop and implement an emergency planning staff training program to ensure that emergency planners were properly trained.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because lack of a staff training program presented a potential degrading condition for the level of qualification and proficiency of the emergency preparedness staff, but did not represent a failure of the planning standard function.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance: SL-III Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 apparent violation for failure to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels The inspectors identified an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.54(q), associated with emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4), which will be subject to the NRC traditional enforcement process not the revised Reactor Oversight Process. Specifically, the licensee failed to
 
3Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                        Page 10 of 10 maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels (EALs). Eight EALs were changed in 1998 and 1999. The changes decreased the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan in that emergency conditions that would have resulted in classifications at the General Emergency (GE),
Alert, and Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) levels would result in a lesser classification under the current EAL scheme. Approval of the NRC was not obtained prior to the changes being made. Since the identification of the issue by the inspectors, the licensee has revised the eight EALs to be equivalent with those approved by the NRC in 1984.
In a {{letter dated|date=March 17, 2004|text=letter dated March 17, 2004}}, a Notice of Violation and Proposed Imposition of Civil Penalty - $60,000, was issued.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 violation for failure to ensure that the facility seismic monitors could support NOUE declaration The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4) because the licensee failed to properly calibrate the facility seismic monitors to ensure they were capable of supporting implementation of a Notice of Unusual Event EAL.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with a cornerstone attribute and affected the emergency preparedness cornerstone objective to ensure the adequate protection of the public health and safety. This finding is of very low safety significance because a Notice of Unusual Event could still be declared based on ground shaking.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures in the Issuance and Use of Bubble Hood-type Respiratory Protective Devices A finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV were identified through an NRC-identified event, when on April 9, 2004, while installing steam generator nozzle dams, licensee staff increased supplied breathing air pressure in excess of procedural requirements while attempting to mitigate lost or diminished air flow to contract workers who were utilizing continuous flow, supplied-air respirator "bubble hoods." The inspectors determined that the licensee failed to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1703, when the licensee increased the air line pressure in excess of the procedural guidance, which resulted in the licensee utilizing a respiratory protection device contrary to its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certification.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because use of a respiratory protection device outside its specifications could impact internal dose, and if left uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because no internal exposure to radioactive material resulted from the use of the bubble hoods with higher air line pressure than allowed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action (CA) program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : December 29, 2004
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 1 of 9 Point Beach 1 4Q/2004 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Potential Loss of Hot Leg Vent Path During Nozzle Dam Installation The inspectors identified a finding associated with installing steam generator nozzle dams and establishing a hot leg vent path during a portion of the Unit 1 cycle 28 refueling outage (U1R28). The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, involving the decision by several licensed and experienced personnel to allow nozzle dam installation to commence prior to establishment of a vent path through the pressurizer manway.
The finding is considered more than minor because it affected: (1) the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown operations, and (2) the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance and did not require quantitative assessment since: (1) conditions meeting a loss of control were not met in that no inadvertent change in reactor coolant system temperature or change in reactor vessel level actually occurred, and (2) the licensee had maintained adequate mitigation capability for the existing plant conditions. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred because: (1) the actual sequence of events showed that all four nozzle dams had not been completely installed while the pressurizer manway was still in place, and (2) an engineering analysis showed that an adequate hot leg vent path was available while one of the A' steam generator hot leg nozzle dam side pieces was not installed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Loss of Transient Combustible Control in the Containment and Turbine Buildings During a Unit 1 Refueling Outage The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.48(a)(2)(i) having very low safety significance when transient combustibles were stored in the Unit 1 containment building and the turbine building without required administrative controls. The finding also affected the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the licensee failed to identify the transient combustible materials during tours required by the Fire Protection Evaluation Report.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is more than minor because it affected the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, specifically protection against external factors (fire). The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green), since the issue was assigned a low degradation rating and the quantity of transient combustibles had been bounded by the analysis contained in the Fire Hazards Analysis Report. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." Failure to Take Corrective Actions for a Condition Adverse to Quality A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take actions for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in September 2003 a condition report was written to address the susceptibility of fouling of a small mesh strainer installed in a fire protection line which provided emergency cooling to the turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pumps and turbine bearing coolers. The condition report also identified that procedure guidance did not exist for operators to utilize an existing flush valve on the strainer if the strainer became clogged during use. The inspectors identified that in August 2004, the condition report was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality. At the end of the inspection, the licensee took corrective actions to ensure that as a minimum, the appropriate procedural guidance existed if the strainer became clogged during use.
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 2 of 9 The inspectors also concluded the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a Safety Evaluation as Required by 10 CFR 50.59, "Changes, Tests and Experiments" The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for changes made to the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, the licensee screened out' a change to the Final Safety Analysis Report which modified operator response times for the Steam Generator Tube Rupture Chapter 14 Accident Analysis contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, a time requirement for equalizing primary and secondary pressure was removed from the Final Safety Analysis Report. In addition, the licensee changed the time in which isolation of the affected Steam Generator could be achieved from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. At the end of the inspection period the licensee initiated a corrective action to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 for this Final Safety Analysis Report change.
Because the Significance Determination Process is not designed to assess the significance of violations that potentially impact or impede the regulatory process, this issue was dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process in accordance with Section IV of the NRC Enforcement Policy. However, the results of the violation were assessed using the Significance Determination Process.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the change would not ultimately require NRC approval. The inspectors determined that even though the change was not adequately evaluated in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59, this violation was of very low safety significance because the design basis safety-related functions of mitigating systems to respond to this initiating event scenario were not adversely affected. The inspectors evaluated the results of the finding using the Significance Determination Process for the mitigating systems cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the results of the finding were of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Therefore, the results of the violation were determined to be of very low safety significance and the violation was classified as a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control." Failure to Have Adequate Test Procedures for the Testing of Safety-Related Switches A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to establish and perform testing required to demonstrate that components will perform satisfactorily in service with written test procedures which incorporate applicable requirements and acceptance limits. The licensee performed post-maintenance testing of a component cooling water pump control switch, a safety-related component, without the use of a written test procedure which incorporated the applicable requirements and acceptance limits for testing to demonstrate the component would perform satisfactorily in service. The licensee's extent of condition identified the potential for at least 11 additional activities for which safety-related components did not have the appropriate test procedures established. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee developed actions to correct the identified deficiencies and to ensure licensee personnel were aware of the requirements to use procedures for the testing of safety-related components.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone attribute of procedure quality, specifically maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures, and the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 19, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure That a Safe Shutdown Procedure Directed Alignment of Instrumentation to a Direct Current Bus with a Battery Charger
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 9 A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to align safe shutdown instrumentation to an electrical bus with a battery charger in procedure AOP-10A, "Safe Shutdown - Local Control." Specifically, the procedure aligned Units 1 and 2 safe shutdown instrumentation to a 125Vdc bus that did not have a battery charger available to support the selected instrumentation.
This issue was more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the safe shutdown instrumentation associated with this bus, without a battery charger, could potentially become inoperable as the voltage of the battery supplying the bus decreased. Operators could select another bus with a safe shutdown inverter, however, the procedure did not direct this action. To correct this procedural error, the licensee issued Temporary Change Notice 2004-0762. This issue was entered into the licensee's corrective action program as CAP059262 and CE014635. The issue was of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of a safety function. The issue was a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instruction, Procedures, and Drawings," for failure to provide a procedure of a type appropriate to the circumstances.
Inspection Report# : 2004010(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Breaker Testing Requirements Not Incorporated in Procedure The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," because the licensee did not evaluate a Technical Bulletin issued by Westinghouse in March 2004 regarding safety-related breakers and incorporate the testing instructions specified in the Bulletin into the applicable station procedures.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low significance as it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of corrective actions, the licensee evaluated the Technical Bulletin and incorporated the testing instructions into applicable station procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Actions for a Part 21 Notification on Diesel Governors Were Not Timely The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," because the licensee failed to promptly evaluate and resolve a 10 CFR Part 21 issue from 2001 involving the governors on all four emergency diesel generators (EDGs). The Part 21 issue pertained to the service life of electrolytic capacitors in the governor control system of all four safety-related EDGs. The capacitors in the four EDGs were beyond the service life specified by the vendor in the Part 21 and, in three of four EDGs, the capacitors were beyond the industry's slightly longer replacement interval.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems (the EDGs) that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and evaluated a recent industry study that indicated a slightly greater service life of the capacitors. In addition, the licensee has made plans to replace the capacitors on an accelerated schedule.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Molded-Case Circuit Breaker Test Program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to implement a program to assure that the installed molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) will perform satisfactorily in service.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, capability of systems that responds to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Molded-case circuit breakers provide for breaker coordination, over-current protection, fire prevention, and multiple other safety-related functions. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee planned to institute an exercising and testing program for safety-related MCCBs.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 9 Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Torque Values Not Listed in Procedure The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," having very low safety significance. Specifically, the licensee failed to incorporate the vendor's torque requirements for breaker arc chute fasteners into station procedures.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and revised the procedure to include the vendor's torque requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Unit 1 Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger Bypass Valve Drifts Open While in Automatic The inspectors identified a workaround regarding the operation of the Unit 1 residual heat removal system heat exchanger bypass flow control valve in automatic mode during a shutdown loss-of-coolant-accident. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution in two respects. First, the initial extent-of-condition review did not consider the impact of the issue on shutdown plant operations. Second, following initial instrumentation and control troubleshooting efforts, a corrective action item was not assigned to operations personnel to evaluate the issue as a potential operator workaround. This contributed to a 3-month delay in completing the evaluation.
The finding is greater than minor because it affected the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not degrade short term (safety injection) decay heat removal capability or reactivity control; result in a design or qualification deficiency or an actual loss of safety function; or involve internal or external initiating events. The finding did not involve a violation of regulatory requirements. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program. In addition, the finding was reviewed by the licensee's Operator Workaround Committee and the Committee classified the problem as an operator challenge in accordance with site procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004006(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Test Service Water Headers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) and 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(5)(iv) associated with failure to perform testing of the buried service water header piping in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements.
The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly system flow tests provided basis for service water header operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed undetected through-wall flaws to develop in the header piping. These flaws could then continue to grow in size until leakage from the buried headers degraded system operation or if sufficient general corrosion occurs, a gross rupture or collapse of the piping sections could occur. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Service Water (SW) Valve SW 0322 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to conduct non-destructive examinations and repair of valve SW 0322 in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements. The licensee's corrective actions included replacement of the valve during the next opportunity.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in service. Additionally, the failure to heat treat the weld repairs could have resulted in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation that could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of the valve
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 5 of 9 body. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Service Water (SW) Valves SW 32C and SW 32F The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to implement the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI examinations and repair requirements for service water pump discharge check valves SW 32C and SW 32F. The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly surveillance tests verified check valve operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the required examinations could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in-service.
Additionally, the failure to select and follow a repair Code or standard may have resulted in inadequate post weld heat treatments for the weld repairs that could result in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation which could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of these valve disks. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correctly Translate Condensate Storage Tank Temperature Limits into Procedures and Instructions The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," in that the design bases for the maximum Condensate Storage Tank (CST) temperature was not correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Specifically, the Main Steam Line Break (MSLB) Containment Integrity Analysis assumed a maximum value of 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the temperature of the water in the CST, while operations procedures allowed a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the CST temperature. This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included procedural changes to reflect the correct temperature limit.
This finding was more than minor because an evaluation was required to ensure that accident analysis requirements were met, since the CST was heated up to greater than the maximum analysis value of 100 degrees Fahrenheit during unit startup/shutdown operations with the CST aligned to the operating unit. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Periodically Verify Position of Valves in the Service Water (SW) System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification Surveillance Requirements SR 3.7.8.1 and SR 3.6.3.2 associated with the periodic verification of the position of valves and flanges in the SW system flow paths servicing safety related equipment and in lines associated with containment isolation. Specifically, the licensee did not verify that approximately 100 valves in the SW system flow path servicing safety related equipment that were not locked, sealed, or otherwise secured in position, were in the correct position every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4. In addition, the licensee did not verify that 12 containment isolation manual valves were closed and two pipe fittings associated with containment isolation were in place every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4. This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included locking the appropriate valves and procedural changes.
This finding was more than minor because it was, for the most part, associated with the Mitigating Systems attribute of Configuration Control, which affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of the SW system to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Translate Original Design Requirements for the 480-Volt Alternating Current (Vac) System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the licensee's failure to adequately translate original design requirements for the 480 Vac system into specifications during procurement of new and replacement
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 6 of 9 equipment. The original specifications for equipment such as motors and cables identified the intended service as suitable for a 480 Vac ungrounded system. Specifications for replacement motors did not specify the intended service as an ungrounded system. The licensee's corrective actions included a verification that the identified equipment that did not specify use in a 480 Vac ungrounded system could withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems.
This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the objective of ensuring the capability of the safety related 480 Vac system in response to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the failure to specify the correct service conditions may have resulted in motors being supplied without the enhanced insulation systems required to withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems when a single line to ground occurs. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Substitution of Weld Surface Examinations for Volumetric Examinations The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i) for the licensee's incorrect substitution of weld surface examinations into the risk-based portion of the Inservice Inspection Program, which required volumetric weld examinations.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and, if left uncorrected, could allow unacceptable piping system weld flaws to remain in-service and render safety-related systems inoperable. The finding is of very low safety significance because the licensee had sufficient time left in the Code interval to perform the required number of volumetric examinations of piping welds in the affected risk-based category during future Unit 1 outages. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Control Unit 1 Emergency Operating Procedure Sub-Steps Committed to as Compensatory Measures in Accordance with NRC Bulletin 2003-01 Option 2 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, "Document Control," having very low safety significance associated with Unit 1 emergency operating procedures when a software error deleted reference to two of five indications intended to monitor primary containment sump performance during the recirculation phase of a design basis accident. Specifically, the RHR Pump Operation - NORMAL and SI Pump Operation - NORMAL substeps of Unit 1 emergency operating procedure EOP-1, "Loss of Reactor or Secondary Coolant," Step 29c, Revision 35, were deleted by the software program and not detected by operations personnel for a period of approximately 9 months. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that despite previous knowledge of the software problem and operations department management expectations to perform line-by-line reviews prior to distribution, 16 errors occurred in safety-related emergency operating, emergency contingency action, critical safety, and shutdown emergency procedures for Units 1 and 2.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because it did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Sprinkler Head Locations Not in Accordance with Fire Code The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of the license for the failure of the licensee to install sprinkler heads in accordance with the applicable fire code in the component cooling water pump area. Specifically, the sprinkler heads were located a greater distance below the ceiling than permitted by code.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e., fire) attribute of the mitigating systems reactor safety cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective in that a fire protection feature (i.e., an automatic suppression system) was adversely affected. The finding was of very low safety significance because manual fire fighting and auxiliary feedwater could be credited.
This issue is a violation of a license condition and the applicable fire code which requires that sprinkler heads be located near the ceiling.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 7 of 9 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition.
Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 8 of 9 Barrier Integrity Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Upper Hatch Interlock The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," having very low safety significance (Green) for failing to properly document a modification of the containment hatch interlock. The licensee failed to perform an engineering design change analysis for the Unit 1 personal containment hatch upper interlock cable when it was identified that original design specifications were not met. Specifically, the cable was replaced with a smaller cable prior to 2000 and again in 2000. When the cable broke in 2004, engineers replaced the cable with one that met the original design specifications, correcting the violation.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because it affected the barrier integrity reactor safety cornerstone objective attribute of maintaining functionality of containment design control. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because it did not result in an actual open pathway in the physical integrity of the reactor containment or actual reduction of the atmospheric pressure control function of the reactor containment.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Mar 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Steam Generator Narrow Range Level Setpoints Revised in Safety-Related Procedures but Not in Emergency Plan General Emergency EAL 3.1.1.4 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance concerning an inadequate extent-of-condition review during safety-related procedure revisions associated with steam generator narrow range level setpoints, and the failure to recognize the impact of the setpoint changes on the Point Beach Emergency Plan. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in four respects. First, at least four personnel, including a Shift Manager and two senior reactor operators, reviewed the procedure changes but failed to recognize the potential impact of the procedure changes on the emergency plan. Second, personnel associated with the corrective action process for the initial steam generator narrow range level density compensation issue failed to recognize the potential emergency plan impact and raise the issue to the attention of emergency preparedness personnel. Third, despite the emergency preparedness reviews completed prior to and during the 95003 supplemental inspection process, the licensee had not identified and evaluated the potential impacts of the discrepancy between the procedure setpoints and Emergency Action Level 3.1.1.4. Fourth, until identified by the inspectors, personnel involved with efforts to achieve regulatory compliance with eight emergency action levels during January 2004, had not recognized or evaluated the potential impact of the discrepancy.
This finding was considered more than minor because it: (1) involved the procedure quality attribute of the emergency preparedness reactor safety cornerstone; and (2) if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern if the discrepancy in steam generator narrow range level setpoints prevented, or caused a delay in, declaring a general emergency during a loss of electrical power event. The finding was not considered a violation of regulatory requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004002(pdf)
Significance: SL-III Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 apparent violation for failure to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels The inspectors identified an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.54(q), associated with emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4), which will be subject to the NRC traditional enforcement process not the revised Reactor Oversight Process. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels (EALs). Eight EALs were changed in 1998 and 1999. The changes decreased the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan in that emergency conditions that would have resulted in classifications at the General Emergency (GE),
Alert, and Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) levels would result in a lesser classification under the current EAL scheme. Approval of the NRC was not obtained prior to the changes being made. Since the identification of the issue by the inspectors, the licensee has revised the eight EALs to be equivalent with those approved by the NRC in 1984.
In a {{letter dated|date=March 17, 2004|text=letter dated March 17, 2004}}, a Notice of Violation and Proposed Imposition of Civil Penalty - $60,000, was issued.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
 
4Q/2004 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 9 of 9 Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures in the Issuance and Use of Bubble Hood-type Respiratory Protective Devices A finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation were identified through an NRC-identified event, when on April 9, 2004, while installing steam generator nozzle dams, licensee staff increased supplied breathing air pressure in excess of procedural requirements while attempting to mitigate lost or diminished air flow to contract workers who were utilizing continuous flow, supplied-air respirator "bubble hoods." The inspectors determined that the licensee failed to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1703, when the licensee increased the air line pressure in excess of the procedural guidance, which resulted in the licensee utilizing a respiratory protection device contrary to its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health certification.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because use of a respiratory protection device outside its specifications could impact internal dose, and if left uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because no internal exposure to radioactive material resulted from the use of the bubble hoods with higher air line pressure than allowed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : March 09, 2005
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 9 Point Beach 1 1Q/2005 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jan 08, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Overload and Trip of Nonsafety-Related Bus The inspectors determined that a finding of very low significance (Green) was self-revealed when the feed breaker for nonsafety-related motor control center (MCC) 1B41 opened due to an overloaded bus during monthly turbine lube oil system checks. The licensee subsequently determined that the cause was a failure to appropriately control loads on MCC 1B41. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The issue is more than minor since the finding was associated with the configuration control and procedure quality attributes of the Initiating Events cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding was considered to be of very low significance because the finding did not affect the loss of coolant accident initiators; did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation functions would not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or flood. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to ensure all loads were properly controlled and had several planned corrective actions which included developing additional load management actions and developing a new procedure regarding load management for this nonsafety-related bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Potential Loss of Hot Leg Vent Path During Nozzle Dam Installation The inspectors identified a finding associated with installing steam generator nozzle dams and establishing a hot leg vent path during a portion of the Unit 1 cycle 28 refueling outage (U1R28). The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, involving the decision by several licensed and experienced personnel to allow nozzle dam installation to commence prior to establishment of a vent path through the pressurizer manway.
The finding is considered more than minor because it affected: (1) the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown operations, and (2) the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance and did not require quantitative assessment since: (1) conditions meeting a loss of control were not met in that no inadvertent change in reactor coolant system temperature or change in reactor vessel level actually occurred, and (2) the licensee had maintained adequate mitigation capability for the existing plant conditions. No violation of regulatory requirements occurred because: (1) the actual sequence of events showed that all four nozzle dams had not been completely installed while the pressurizer manway was still in place, and (2) an engineering analysis showed that an adequate hot leg vent path was available while one of the A' steam generator hot leg nozzle dam side pieces was not installed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Loss of Transient Combustible Control in the Containment and Turbine Buildings During a Unit 1 Refueling Outage The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.48(a)(2)(i) having very low safety significance when transient combustibles were stored in the Unit 1 containment building and the turbine building without required administrative controls. The finding also affected the cross-cutting area of human performance in that the licensee failed to identify the transient combustible materials during tours required by the Fire Protection Evaluation Report.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is more than minor because it affected the Reactor Safety Initiating Events Cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, specifically protection against external factors (fire). The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green), since the issue was assigned a low degradation rating and the quantity of transient combustibles had been bounded by the analysis contained in the Fire Hazards Analysis Report. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 2 of 9 Mitigating Systems Significance:        Mar 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Oil Filters in Duplex A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to take corrective actions for a condition adverse to quality. The inspectors noted that in March 2003, corrective action program document CAP031641 was written to assess the licensee's operational practice of having the two fuel oil duplex strainers on each of the four emergency diesel generators set to dual filter mode instead of single mode. The assessment concluded that the optimal position was single mode because it allowed changing the filter elements with the emergency diesel generator running. The dual filter mode required the emergency diesel generator to be stopped to change the filters. In January 2004, CAP031641 was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone attributes of configuration control and equipment performance. The inspectors evaluated the finding using NRC Inspection Manual Chapter IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because it was not a design orqualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 27, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure Delays Return of Battery Charger A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed for a violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an Abnormal Operating Procedure (AOP) that was not adequate for returning safety-related battery chargers to an operable status. Specifically, on February 27, 2005, an offsite line experienced a fault and became disconnected, causing a momentary phase-to-phase short and then a continuous open circuit. The transient caused a loss of power to all in-service safety-related battery chargers. Three of the four chargers were restored using the AOP, but one battery charger could not be promptly restored to service because the AOP was inadequate. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process and change the procedure.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the item could become a more significant safety concern, and it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance since the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." Failure to Take Corrective Actions for a Condition Adverse to Quality A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take actions for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in September 2003 a condition report was written to address the susceptibility of fouling of a small mesh strainer installed in a fire protection line which provided emergency cooling to the turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pumps and turbine bearing coolers. The condition report also identified that procedure guidance did not exist for operators to utilize an existing flush valve on the strainer if the strainer became clogged during use. The inspectors identified that in August 2004, the condition report was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality. At the end of the inspection, the licensee took corrective actions to ensure that as a minimum, the appropriate procedural guidance existed if the strainer became clogged during use.
The inspectors also concluded the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 9 to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a Safety Evaluation as Required by 10 CFR 50.59, "Changes, Tests and Experiments" The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for changes made to the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, the licensee screened out' a change to the Final Safety Analysis Report which modified operator response times for the Steam Generator Tube Rupture Chapter 14 Accident Analysis contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, a time requirement for equalizing primary and secondary pressure was removed from the Final Safety Analysis Report. In addition, the licensee changed the time in which isolation of the affected Steam Generator could be achieved from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. At the end of the inspection period the licensee initiated a corrective action to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 for this Final Safety Analysis Report change.
Because the Significance Determination Process is not designed to assess the significance of violations that potentially impact or impede the regulatory process, this issue was dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process in accordance with Section IV of the NRC Enforcement Policy. However, the results of the violation were assessed using the Significance Determination Process.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the change would not ultimately require NRC approval. The inspectors determined that even though the change was not adequately evaluated in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59, this violation was of very low safety significance because the design basis safety-related functions of mitigating systems to respond to this initiating event scenario were not adversely affected. The inspectors evaluated the results of the finding using the Significance Determination Process for the mitigating systems cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the results of the finding were of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Therefore, the results of the violation were determined to be of very low safety significance and the violation was classified as a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control." Failure to Have Adequate Test Procedures for the Testing of Safety-Related Switches A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to establish and perform testing required to demonstrate that components will perform satisfactorily in service with written test procedures which incorporate applicable requirements and acceptance limits. The licensee performed post-maintenance testing of a component cooling water pump control switch, a safety-related component, without the use of a written test procedure which incorporated the applicable requirements and acceptance limits for testing to demonstrate the component would perform satisfactorily in service. The licensee's extent of condition identified the potential for at least 11 additional activities for which safety-related components did not have the appropriate test procedures established. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee developed actions to correct the identified deficiencies and to ensure licensee personnel were aware of the requirements to use procedures for the testing of safety-related components.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone attribute of procedure quality, specifically maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures, and the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 19, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure That a Safe Shutdown Procedure Directed Alignment of Instrumentation to a Direct Current Bus with a Battery Charger A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to align safe shutdown instrumentation to an electrical bus with a battery charger in procedure AOP-10A, "Safe Shutdown - Local Control." Specifically, the procedure aligned Units 1 and 2 safe shutdown instrumentation to a 125Vdc bus that did not have a battery charger available to support the selected instrumentation.
This issue was more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the safe shutdown instrumentation associated with this bus, without a battery charger, could potentially become inoperable as the voltage of the battery supplying
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 9 the bus decreased. Operators could select another bus with a safe shutdown inverter, however, the procedure did not direct this action. To correct this procedural error, the licensee issued Temporary Change Notice 2004-0762. This issue was entered into the licensee's corrective action program as CAP059262 and CE014635. The issue was of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of a safety function. The issue was a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instruction, Procedures, and Drawings," for failure to provide a procedure of a type appropriate to the circumstances.
Inspection Report# : 2004010(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Breaker Testing Requirements Not Incorporated in Procedure The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," because the licensee did not evaluate a Technical Bulletin issued by Westinghouse in March 2004 regarding safety-related breakers and incorporate the testing instructions specified in the Bulletin into the applicable station procedures.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low significance as it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of corrective actions, the licensee evaluated the Technical Bulletin and incorporated the testing instructions into applicable station procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Actions for a Part 21 Notification on Diesel Governors Were Not Timely The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," because the licensee failed to promptly evaluate and resolve a 10 CFR Part 21 issue from 2001 involving the governors on all four emergency diesel generators (EDGs). The Part 21 issue pertained to the service life of electrolytic capacitors in the governor control system of all four safety-related EDGs. The capacitors in the four EDGs were beyond the service life specified by the vendor in the Part 21 and, in three of four EDGs, the capacitors were beyond the industry's slightly longer replacement interval.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems (the EDGs) that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and evaluated a recent industry study that indicated a slightly greater service life of the capacitors. In addition, the licensee has made plans to replace the capacitors on an accelerated schedule.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Molded-Case Circuit Breaker Test Program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to implement a program to assure that the installed molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) will perform satisfactorily in service.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, capability of systems that responds to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Molded-case circuit breakers provide for breaker coordination, over-current protection, fire prevention, and multiple other safety-related functions. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee planned to institute an exercising and testing program for safety-related MCCBs.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Torque Values Not Listed in Procedure
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 9 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," having very low safety significance. Specifically, the licensee failed to incorporate the vendor's torque requirements for breaker arc chute fasteners into station procedures.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and revised the procedure to include the vendor's torque requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Unit 1 Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger Bypass Valve Drifts Open While in Automatic The inspectors identified a workaround regarding the operation of the Unit 1 residual heat removal system heat exchanger bypass flow control valve in automatic mode during a shutdown loss-of-coolant-accident. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution in two respects. First, the initial extent-of-condition review did not consider the impact of the issue on shutdown plant operations. Second, following initial instrumentation and control troubleshooting efforts, a corrective action item was not assigned to operations personnel to evaluate the issue as a potential operator workaround. This contributed to a 3-month delay in completing the evaluation.
The finding is greater than minor because it affected the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not degrade short term (safety injection) decay heat removal capability or reactivity control; result in a design or qualification deficiency or an actual loss of safety function; or involve internal or external initiating events. The finding did not involve a violation of regulatory requirements. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program. In addition, the finding was reviewed by the licensee's Operator Workaround Committee and the Committee classified the problem as an operator challenge in accordance with site procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004006(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Test Service Water Headers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) and 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(5)(iv) associated with failure to perform testing of the buried service water header piping in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements.
The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly system flow tests provided basis for service water header operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed undetected through-wall flaws to develop in the header piping. These flaws could then continue to grow in size until leakage from the buried headers degraded system operation or if sufficient general corrosion occurs, a gross rupture or collapse of the piping sections could occur. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Service Water (SW) Valve SW 0322 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to conduct non-destructive examinations and repair of valve SW 0322 in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements. The licensee's corrective actions included replacement of the valve during the next opportunity.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in service. Additionally, the failure to heat treat the weld repairs could have resulted in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation that could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of the valve body. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 6 of 9 Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Service Water (SW) Valves SW 32C and SW 32F The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to implement the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI examinations and repair requirements for service water pump discharge check valves SW 32C and SW 32F. The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly surveillance tests verified check valve operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the required examinations could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in-service.
Additionally, the failure to select and follow a repair Code or standard may have resulted in inadequate post weld heat treatments for the weld repairs that could result in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation which could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of these valve disks. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correctly Translate Condensate Storage Tank Temperature Limits into Procedures and Instructions The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," in that the design bases for the maximum Condensate Storage Tank (CST) temperature was not correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Specifically, the Main Steam Line Break (MSLB) Containment Integrity Analysis assumed a maximum value of 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the temperature of the water in the CST, while operations procedures allowed a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the CST temperature. This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included procedural changes to reflect the correct temperature limit.
This finding was more than minor because an evaluation was required to ensure that accident analysis requirements were met, since the CST was heated up to greater than the maximum analysis value of 100 degrees Fahrenheit during unit startup/shutdown operations with the CST aligned to the operating unit. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Periodically Verify Position of Valves in the Service Water (SW) System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification Surveillance Requirements SR 3.7.8.1 and SR 3.6.3.2 associated with the periodic verification of the position of valves and flanges in the SW system flow paths servicing safety related equipment and in lines associated with containment isolation. Specifically, the licensee did not verify that approximately 100 valves in the SW system flow path servicing safety related equipment that were not locked, sealed, or otherwise secured in position, were in the correct position every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4. In addition, the licensee did not verify that 12 containment isolation manual valves were closed and two pipe fittings associated with containment isolation were in place every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4. This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included locking the appropriate valves and procedural changes.
This finding was more than minor because it was, for the most part, associated with the Mitigating Systems attribute of Configuration Control, which affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of the SW system to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Translate Original Design Requirements for the 480-Volt Alternating Current (Vac) System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the licensee's failure to adequately translate original design requirements for the 480 Vac system into specifications during procurement of new and replacement equipment. The original specifications for equipment such as motors and cables identified the intended service as suitable for a 480 Vac ungrounded system. Specifications for replacement motors did not specify the intended service as an ungrounded system. The licensee's corrective actions included a verification that the identified equipment that did not specify use in a 480 Vac ungrounded system could withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems.
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 7 of 9 This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the objective of ensuring the capability of the safety related 480 Vac system in response to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the failure to specify the correct service conditions may have resulted in motors being supplied without the enhanced insulation systems required to withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems when a single line to ground occurs. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Substitution of Weld Surface Examinations for Volumetric Examinations The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3)(i) for the licensee's incorrect substitution of weld surface examinations into the risk-based portion of the Inservice Inspection Program, which required volumetric weld examinations.
This finding is greater than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and, if left uncorrected, could allow unacceptable piping system weld flaws to remain in-service and render safety-related systems inoperable. The finding is of very low safety significance because the licensee had sufficient time left in the Code interval to perform the required number of volumetric examinations of piping welds in the affected risk-based category during future Unit 1 outages. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Control Unit 1 Emergency Operating Procedure Sub-Steps Committed to as Compensatory Measures in Accordance with NRC Bulletin 2003-01 Option 2 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion VI, "Document Control," having very low safety significance associated with Unit 1 emergency operating procedures when a software error deleted reference to two of five indications intended to monitor primary containment sump performance during the recirculation phase of a design basis accident. Specifically, the RHR Pump Operation - NORMAL and SI Pump Operation - NORMAL substeps of Unit 1 emergency operating procedure EOP-1, "Loss of Reactor or Secondary Coolant," Step 29c, Revision 35, were deleted by the software program and not detected by operations personnel for a period of approximately 9 months. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance in that despite previous knowledge of the software problem and operations department management expectations to perform line-by-line reviews prior to distribution, 16 errors occurred in safety-related emergency operating, emergency contingency action, critical safety, and shutdown emergency procedures for Units 1 and 2.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because it did not result in a design or qualification deficiency, an actual loss of safety function, or involve internal or external initiating events. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition.
Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 8 of 9 Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Significance: SL-III Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 apparent violation for failure to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels The inspectors identified an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.54(q), associated with emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4), which will be subject to the NRC traditional enforcement process not the revised Reactor Oversight Process. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels (EALs). Eight EALs were changed in 1998 and 1999. The changes decreased the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan in that emergency conditions that would have resulted in classifications at the General Emergency (GE),
Alert, and Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) levels would result in a lesser classification under the current EAL scheme. Approval of the
 
1Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 9 of 9 NRC was not obtained prior to the changes being made. Since the identification of the issue by the inspectors, the licensee has revised the eight EALs to be equivalent with those approved by the NRC in 1984.
In a {{letter dated|date=March 17, 2004|text=letter dated March 17, 2004}}, a Notice of Violation and Proposed Imposition of Civil Penalty - $60,000, was issued.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures in the Issuance and Use of Bubble Hood-type Respiratory Protective Devices A finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation were identified through an NRC-identified event, when on April 9, 2004, while installing steam generator nozzle dams, licensee staff increased supplied breathing air pressure in excess of procedural requirements while attempting to mitigate lost or diminished air flow to contract workers who were utilizing continuous flow, supplied-air respirator "bubble hoods." The inspectors determined that the licensee failed to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1703, when the licensee increased the air line pressure in excess of the procedural guidance, which resulted in the licensee utilizing a respiratory protection device contrary to its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health certification.
The inspectors determined that the finding is more than minor because use of a respiratory protection device outside its specifications could impact internal dose, and if left uncorrected, could become a more significant safety concern. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance because no internal exposure to radioactive material resulted from the use of the bubble hoods with higher air line pressure than allowed. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2004003(pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : June 17, 2005
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 9 Point Beach 1 2Q/2005 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jan 08, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Overload and Trip of Nonsafety-Related Bus The inspectors determined that a finding of very low significance (Green) was self-revealed when the feed breaker for nonsafety-related motor control center (MCC) 1B41 opened due to an overloaded bus during monthly turbine lube oil system checks. The licensee subsequently determined that the cause was a failure to appropriately control loads on MCC 1B41. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The issue is more than minor since the finding was associated with the configuration control and procedure quality attributes of the Initiating Events cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding was considered to be of very low significance because the finding did not affect the loss of coolant accident initiators; did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation functions would not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or flood. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to ensure all loads were properly controlled and had several planned corrective actions which included developing additional load management actions and developing a new procedure regarding load management for this nonsafety-related bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Adverse Trend of Failure to Ensure Causal Evaluations for Conditions Adverse to Quality for which Operability Recommendations were Performed The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) for an adverse trend of failures to perform causal evaluations for conditions adverse to quality which only received operability recommendations, to ensure the cause of the conditions were identified and corrected. The licensee further evaluated the issue and corroborated the adverse trend, and in addition identified the issue potentially extended to condition reports documenting conditions adverse to quality with only maintenance rule evaluations performed. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to perform causal evaluations commensurate with the significance of the condition reports to ensure the conditions adverse to quality were identified and corrected.
The issue was more than minor because the underlying issues associated with the finding were associated with the equipment performance and design control attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined the finding was of very low significance. The licensee took action to enter the item into the corrective action process and develop interim corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee had not completed the evaluation of the finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Oil Filters in Duplex A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to take corrective actions for a condition adverse to quality. The inspectors noted that in March 2003, corrective action program document CAP031641 was written to assess the licensee's operational practice of having the two fuel oil duplex strainers on each of the four emergency diesel generators set to dual filter mode instead of single mode. The assessment concluded that the optimal position
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 2 of 9 was single mode because it allowed changing the filter elements with the emergency diesel generator running. The dual filter mode required the emergency diesel generator to be stopped to change the filters. In January 2004, CAP031641 was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone attributes of configuration control and equipment performance. The inspectors evaluated the finding using NRC Inspection Manual Chapter IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because it was not a design orqualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 27, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure Delays Return of Battery Charger A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed for a violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an Abnormal Operating Procedure (AOP) that was not adequate for returning safety-related battery chargers to an operable status. Specifically, on February 27, 2005, an offsite line experienced a fault and became disconnected, causing a momentary phase-to-phase short and then a continuous open circuit. The transient caused a loss of power to all in-service safety-related battery chargers. Three of the four chargers were restored using the AOP, but one battery charger could not be promptly restored to service because the AOP was inadequate. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process and change the procedure.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the item could become a more significant safety concern, and it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance since the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." Failure to Take Corrective Actions for a Condition Adverse to Quality A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take actions for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in September 2003 a condition report was written to address the susceptibility of fouling of a small mesh strainer installed in a fire protection line which provided emergency cooling to the turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pumps and turbine bearing coolers. The condition report also identified that procedure guidance did not exist for operators to utilize an existing flush valve on the strainer if the strainer became clogged during use. The inspectors identified that in August 2004, the condition report was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality. At the end of the inspection, the licensee took corrective actions to ensure that as a minimum, the appropriate procedural guidance existed if the strainer became clogged during use.
The inspectors also concluded the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a Safety Evaluation as Required by 10 CFR 50.59, "Changes, Tests and Experiments" The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for changes made to the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, the licensee screened out' a change to the Final Safety Analysis Report which modified operator response times for the Steam Generator Tube Rupture Chapter 14 Accident Analysis contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, a time requirement for equalizing primary and secondary pressure was removed from the Final Safety Analysis Report. In addition, the licensee changed the time in which isolation of the affected Steam Generator could be achieved from 10
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 9 minutes to 30 minutes. At the end of the inspection period the licensee initiated a corrective action to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 for this Final Safety Analysis Report change.
Because the Significance Determination Process is not designed to assess the significance of violations that potentially impact or impede the regulatory process, this issue was dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process in accordance with Section IV of the NRC Enforcement Policy. However, the results of the violation were assessed using the Significance Determination Process.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the change would not ultimately require NRC approval. The inspectors determined that even though the change was not adequately evaluated in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59, this violation was of very low safety significance because the design basis safety-related functions of mitigating systems to respond to this initiating event scenario were not adversely affected. The inspectors evaluated the results of the finding using the Significance Determination Process for the mitigating systems cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the results of the finding were of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Therefore, the results of the violation were determined to be of very low safety significance and the violation was classified as a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control." Failure to Have Adequate Test Procedures for the Testing of Safety-Related Switches A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to establish and perform testing required to demonstrate that components will perform satisfactorily in service with written test procedures which incorporate applicable requirements and acceptance limits. The licensee performed post-maintenance testing of a component cooling water pump control switch, a safety-related component, without the use of a written test procedure which incorporated the applicable requirements and acceptance limits for testing to demonstrate the component would perform satisfactorily in service. The licensee's extent of condition identified the potential for at least 11 additional activities for which safety-related components did not have the appropriate test procedures established. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee developed actions to correct the identified deficiencies and to ensure licensee personnel were aware of the requirements to use procedures for the testing of safety-related components.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone attribute of procedure quality, specifically maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures, and the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 19, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure That a Safe Shutdown Procedure Directed Alignment of Instrumentation to a Direct Current Bus with a Battery Charger A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to align safe shutdown instrumentation to an electrical bus with a battery charger in procedure AOP-10A, "Safe Shutdown - Local Control." Specifically, the procedure aligned Units 1 and 2 safe shutdown instrumentation to a 125Vdc bus that did not have a battery charger available to support the selected instrumentation.
This issue was more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the safe shutdown instrumentation associated with this bus, without a battery charger, could potentially become inoperable as the voltage of the battery supplying the bus decreased. Operators could select another bus with a safe shutdown inverter, however, the procedure did not direct this action. To correct this procedural error, the licensee issued Temporary Change Notice 2004-0762. This issue was entered into the licensee's corrective action program as CAP059262 and CE014635. The issue was of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of a safety function. The issue was a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instruction, Procedures, and Drawings," for failure to provide a procedure of a type appropriate to the circumstances.
Inspection Report# : 2004010(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Breaker Testing Requirements Not Incorporated in Procedure The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," because the licensee did not evaluate a Technical Bulletin issued by Westinghouse in March 2004 regarding safety-related breakers and incorporate the
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 4 of 9 testing instructions specified in the Bulletin into the applicable station procedures.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low significance as it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of corrective actions, the licensee evaluated the Technical Bulletin and incorporated the testing instructions into applicable station procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Actions for a Part 21 Notification on Diesel Governors Were Not Timely The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," because the licensee failed to promptly evaluate and resolve a 10 CFR Part 21 issue from 2001 involving the governors on all four emergency diesel generators (EDGs). The Part 21 issue pertained to the service life of electrolytic capacitors in the governor control system of all four safety-related EDGs. The capacitors in the four EDGs were beyond the service life specified by the vendor in the Part 21 and, in three of four EDGs, the capacitors were beyond the industry's slightly longer replacement interval.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems (the EDGs) that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and evaluated a recent industry study that indicated a slightly greater service life of the capacitors. In addition, the licensee has made plans to replace the capacitors on an accelerated schedule.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Molded-Case Circuit Breaker Test Program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to implement a program to assure that the installed molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) will perform satisfactorily in service.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, capability of systems that responds to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Molded-case circuit breakers provide for breaker coordination, over-current protection, fire prevention, and multiple other safety-related functions. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee planned to institute an exercising and testing program for safety-related MCCBs.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Torque Values Not Listed in Procedure The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," having very low safety significance. Specifically, the licensee failed to incorporate the vendor's torque requirements for breaker arc chute fasteners into station procedures.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and revised the procedure to include the vendor's torque requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2004 Identified By: NRC
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 9 Item Type: FIN Finding Unit 1 Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger Bypass Valve Drifts Open While in Automatic The inspectors identified a workaround regarding the operation of the Unit 1 residual heat removal system heat exchanger bypass flow control valve in automatic mode during a shutdown loss-of-coolant-accident. The primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution in two respects. First, the initial extent-of-condition review did not consider the impact of the issue on shutdown plant operations. Second, following initial instrumentation and control troubleshooting efforts, a corrective action item was not assigned to operations personnel to evaluate the issue as a potential operator workaround. This contributed to a 3-month delay in completing the evaluation.
The finding is greater than minor because it affected the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not degrade short term (safety injection) decay heat removal capability or reactivity control; result in a design or qualification deficiency or an actual loss of safety function; or involve internal or external initiating events. The finding did not involve a violation of regulatory requirements. The licensee has entered this finding into its corrective action program. In addition, the finding was reviewed by the licensee's Operator Workaround Committee and the Committee classified the problem as an operator challenge in accordance with site procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004006(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Test Service Water Headers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) and 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(5)(iv) associated with failure to perform testing of the buried service water header piping in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements.
The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly system flow tests provided basis for service water header operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed undetected through-wall flaws to develop in the header piping. These flaws could then continue to grow in size until leakage from the buried headers degraded system operation or if sufficient general corrosion occurs, a gross rupture or collapse of the piping sections could occur. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Service Water (SW) Valve SW 0322 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to conduct non-destructive examinations and repair of valve SW 0322 in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI requirements. The licensee's corrective actions included replacement of the valve during the next opportunity.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in service. Additionally, the failure to heat treat the weld repairs could have resulted in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation that could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of the valve body. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:          Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Code Repair to Service Water (SW) Valves SW 32C and SW 32F The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) associated with failure to implement the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code Section XI examinations and repair requirements for service water pump discharge check valves SW 32C and SW 32F. The licensee's corrective actions included verifying that quarterly surveillance tests verified check valve operability.
This finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability and if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the required examinations could have allowed unacceptable base metal flaws to remain in-service.
Additionally, the failure to select and follow a repair Code or standard may have resulted in inadequate post weld heat treatments for the weld repairs that could result in high welding residual stresses and untempered martensite formation. Untempered martensite is a hard brittle phase of steel (e.g., not flaw tolerant) and can serve to allow rapid crack propagation which could jeopardize the pressure retaining function of these valve disks. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 6 of 9 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correctly Translate Condensate Storage Tank Temperature Limits into Procedures and Instructions The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," in that the design bases for the maximum Condensate Storage Tank (CST) temperature was not correctly translated into procedures and instructions. Specifically, the Main Steam Line Break (MSLB) Containment Integrity Analysis assumed a maximum value of 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the temperature of the water in the CST, while operations procedures allowed a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the CST temperature. This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included procedural changes to reflect the correct temperature limit.
This finding was more than minor because an evaluation was required to ensure that accident analysis requirements were met, since the CST was heated up to greater than the maximum analysis value of 100 degrees Fahrenheit during unit startup/shutdown operations with the CST aligned to the operating unit. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Periodically Verify Position of Valves in the Service Water (SW) System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification Surveillance Requirements SR 3.7.8.1 and SR 3.6.3.2 associated with the periodic verification of the position of valves and flanges in the SW system flow paths servicing safety related equipment and in lines associated with containment isolation. Specifically, the licensee did not verify that approximately 100 valves in the SW system flow path servicing safety related equipment that were not locked, sealed, or otherwise secured in position, were in the correct position every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4. In addition, the licensee did not verify that 12 containment isolation manual valves were closed and two pipe fittings associated with containment isolation were in place every 31 days while the Units were in Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4. This finding applies to both units. The licensee's corrective actions included locking the appropriate valves and procedural changes.
This finding was more than minor because it was, for the most part, associated with the Mitigating Systems attribute of Configuration Control, which affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of the SW system to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance:        Jul 16, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Translate Original Design Requirements for the 480-Volt Alternating Current (Vac) System The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the licensee's failure to adequately translate original design requirements for the 480 Vac system into specifications during procurement of new and replacement equipment. The original specifications for equipment such as motors and cables identified the intended service as suitable for a 480 Vac ungrounded system. Specifications for replacement motors did not specify the intended service as an ungrounded system. The licensee's corrective actions included a verification that the identified equipment that did not specify use in a 480 Vac ungrounded system could withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems.
This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the objective of ensuring the capability of the safety related 480 Vac system in response to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the failure to specify the correct service conditions may have resulted in motors being supplied without the enhanced insulation systems required to withstand the overvoltage conditions that can occur on ungrounded systems when a single line to ground occurs. The finding is of very low safety significance and screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2004004(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 7 of 9 licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition.
Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 9 Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Adequate Corrective Actions to Preclude Repetition of a Significant Condition Adverse to Quality A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality was identified by the inspectors.
Specifically, the licensee identified that the root cause of an April 9, 2004, potential loss of a hot leg vent path during nozzle dam installation, a failure to adequately identify, track and maintain licensee commitments to Generic Letter 88-17 in plant procedures, a significant condition adverse to quality. Prior to the start of the Unit 2 Refueling Outage, the inspectors identified that the approved outage shutdown safety analysis contained an orange risk path, during which the licensee would have been unable to close the containment equipment hatch within the time to boil the water around the fuel. The licensee's root cause evaluation for this issue identified the root cause was the same as the April 2004 event; therefore, the licensee's corrective actions from the April 2004 event failed to preclude repetition of the identified cause. The licensee took prompt corrective action to remove these planned activities from the outage schedule to ensure the equipment hatch was closed when the RCS was breached; however, the licensee also identified in the root cause evaluation that this configuration actually occurred in the 1999 Unit 1 Refueling Outage.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with preserving the containment boundary attribute of the Barrier Integrity cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that the physical design barriers (Containment) protect the public from radionuclide releases cause by accidents or events. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, Checklist 3, "PWR Cold Shutdown and Refueling Operation RCS Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23'," specifically Section IV, "Containment Control Guidelines." The finding dealt with the procedures and training to close containment prior to core boiling when the RCS was open. The finding did not meet any of the criteria requiring a Phase 2 or 3 Analysis per Appendix G, Checklist 3, specifically findings that degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident. This was in part due to the type of RCS system breach which was scheduled. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low significance. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process, evaluate the issues and develop corrective actions to address the causes of this finding to preclude repetition.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance: SL-III Dec 16, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation 10 CFR 50.54, 10 CFR 50.47 apparent violation for failure to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels The inspectors identified an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.54(q), associated with emergency planning standard 10 CFR 50.47(b)(4), which will be subject to the NRC traditional enforcement process not the revised Reactor Oversight Process. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain a standard scheme of emergency action levels (EALs). Eight EALs were changed in 1998 and 1999. The changes decreased the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan in that emergency conditions that would have resulted in classifications at the General Emergency (GE),
Alert, and Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE) levels would result in a lesser classification under the current EAL scheme. Approval of the NRC was not obtained prior to the changes being made. Since the identification of the issue by the inspectors, the licensee has revised the eight EALs to be equivalent with those approved by the NRC in 1984.
In a {{letter dated|date=March 17, 2004|text=letter dated March 17, 2004}}, a Notice of Violation and Proposed Imposition of Civil Penalty - $60,000, was issued.
Inspection Report# : 2003007(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection
 
2Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1            Page 9 of 9 Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : August 24, 2005
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 8 Point Beach 1 3Q/2005 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jan 08, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Overload and Trip of Nonsafety-Related Bus The inspectors determined that a finding of very low significance (Green) was self-revealed when the feed breaker for nonsafety-related motor control center (MCC) 1B41 opened due to an overloaded bus during monthly turbine lube oil system checks. The licensee subsequently determined that the cause was a failure to appropriately control loads on MCC 1B41. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The issue is more than minor since the finding was associated with the configuration control and procedure quality attributes of the Initiating Events cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding was considered to be of very low significance because the finding did not affect the loss of coolant accident initiators; did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation functions would not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or flood. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to ensure all loads were properly controlled and had several planned corrective actions which included developing additional load management actions and developing a new procedure regarding load management for this nonsafety-related bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Untimely Repair of Emergency Diesel Generator Cooling System Endbells With Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the endbells of the service water cooling system of the G-01 emergency diesel generator (EDG). Specifically, significant wastage caused by MIC, on the EDG endbells was identified in 2001 and work orders were written to replace the endbells. However, as of March 20, 2005, the endbells were not replaced which resulted in a self-revealed through-wall leak from MIC on an endbell, requiring the diesel to be removed from service to effect repairs. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the endbell, followed by replacement of other susceptible EDG endbells. In addition, the licensee proposed changes to the predictive maintenance program to better identify potential sources of MIC corrosion in service water system components.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding could have become a more significant safety concern. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Inoperable Emergency Diesel Generator Because of Mis-Positioned Room Exhaust Fan Breaker The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 3.8.1.E for the self-revealed problem on August 7, 2005, when one of the required room exhaust fans for the G-01 EDG failed to start due to a mispositioned breaker. The licensee returned the breaker to the proper position and investigated the cause of the mispositioning. The licensee planned and had taken additional corrective actions to provide clarification for aborting a procedure or scheduled activity and for ensuring equipment was
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 2 of 8 appropriately returned to service.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS)-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, because the licensee failed to ensure that the appropriate conditions were established after completion and cancellation of maintenance activities and before re-aligning G-01 to the safeguards bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Lack of a Procedure for Tripping Failed Loss-of-Voltage Relays The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have a procedure to trip a loss-of-voltage time delay relay, a specific and foreseen potential malfunction, after the time delay function of the channel had failed. Specifically, on August 17, 2005, relay 1-62-3/A-06, associated with one channel of the 4160-Volt loss-of-voltage time delay function of the loss of offsite power EDG start and load sequence instrumentation, failed during calibration and testing. The licensee was not able to place the channel in trip in one hour (as required by TSs) due to not having an established procedure for performing this activity. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to correct the condition by replacing the time delay relay. In addition, at the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned additional evaluations and corrective actions to ensure the capability of performing the Technical Specification Action Condition within the required time frame.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure for Starting Motor-Driven AFW Pumps for Certain Control Room Evacuations A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was self-revealed on July 19, 2005, for the failure to have an appropriate procedure to assure proper operation of the motor-driven auxiliary feedwater (AFW) minimum recirculation valves when operating the AFW system from outside the control room using local panels N-01 and N-02. As a result, if operators had performed AOP-10, "Control Room Inaccessibility," Revision 3, during an event, minimum recirculation valves AF-4007 and AF-4014 would not have opened when the AFW pumps were locally started with the discharge valves closed. This could have caused pump damage within one to two minutes.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, which indicated that a Phase 2 evaluation was necessary. However, because procedure AOP-10 was used when the control room was evacuated with no Appendix R fire and no other accident conditions, a Phase 3 evaluation was performed. The issue was characterized as Green based on the low initiating event frequency (evacuation of the control room for reasons other than an Appendix R fire) coupled with the accident mitigation available from the turbine-driven AFW pumps and feed and bleed capability. The licensee took prompt corrective action to revise procedure AOP-10.
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation No. 50.59 Safety Evaluation for a 2002 Modification to AFW The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure in September 2002 to perform a safety evaluation of the removal of the internals of the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) common recirculation line check valve, AF-117.
Specifically, the licensee screened out' adverse changes made concerning the function and operation of all four AFW pumps. In this case, an automatic passive design feature of the AFW recirculation line piping was being made unavailable and the function was being changed to operation of an untested, nonsafety-related, active component--the AFW common recirculation line relief valve AF-4035--and it was being supplemented through the use of manual operator actions. This change warranted a 10 CFR 50.59 safety evaluation to determine if the changes met the criteria requiring a licensee amendment.
Because the issue potentially affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 3 of 8 enforcement process. This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the original change would have ultimately required NRC approval. The inspectors completed a Significance Determination Review using IMC 0609, Appendix A "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations." Using the Phase 1 Screening worksheet the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) since the finding did not represent an actual loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time. Comparing this item to the examples in NUREG 1600, Supplement I, this finding is similar to Item D.5, "Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 that do not involve circumstances in which a change that required prior Commission approval would not be found acceptable had the approval been sought." As a result, the issue was considered to be of very low safety significance and was dispositioned as a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation (NCV).
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Adverse Trend of Failure to Ensure Causal Evaluations for Conditions Adverse to Quality for which Operability Recommendations were Performed The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) for an adverse trend of failures to perform causal evaluations for conditions adverse to quality which only received operability recommendations, to ensure the cause of the conditions were identified and corrected. The licensee further evaluated the issue and corroborated the adverse trend, and in addition identified the issue potentially extended to condition reports documenting conditions adverse to quality with only maintenance rule evaluations performed. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to perform causal evaluations commensurate with the significance of the condition reports to ensure the conditions adverse to quality were identified and corrected.
The issue was more than minor because the underlying issues associated with the finding were associated with the equipment performance and design control attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined the finding was of very low significance. The licensee took action to enter the item into the corrective action process and develop interim corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee had not completed the evaluation of the finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Oil Filters in Duplex A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to take corrective actions for a condition adverse to quality. The inspectors noted that in March 2003, corrective action program document CAP031641 was written to assess the licensee's operational practice of having the two fuel oil duplex strainers on each of the four emergency diesel generators set to dual filter mode instead of single mode. The assessment concluded that the optimal position was single mode because it allowed changing the filter elements with the emergency diesel generator running. The dual filter mode required the emergency diesel generator to be stopped to change the filters. In January 2004, CAP031641 was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone attributes of configuration control and equipment performance. The inspectors evaluated the finding using NRC Inspection Manual Chapter IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because it was not a design orqualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 27, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure Delays Return of Battery Charger A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed for a violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an Abnormal Operating Procedure (AOP) that was not adequate for returning safety-related battery chargers to an operable status. Specifically, on February 27, 2005, an offsite line experienced a fault and became disconnected, causing a momentary phase-to-phase short and then a continuous open circuit. The transient caused a loss of power to all in-service safety-related battery chargers. Three of the four
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 4 of 8 chargers were restored using the AOP, but one battery charger could not be promptly restored to service because the AOP was inadequate. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process and change the procedure.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the item could become a more significant safety concern, and it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance since the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action." Failure to Take Corrective Actions for a Condition Adverse to Quality A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take actions for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in September 2003 a condition report was written to address the susceptibility of fouling of a small mesh strainer installed in a fire protection line which provided emergency cooling to the turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pumps and turbine bearing coolers. The condition report also identified that procedure guidance did not exist for operators to utilize an existing flush valve on the strainer if the strainer became clogged during use. The inspectors identified that in August 2004, the condition report was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality. At the end of the inspection, the licensee took corrective actions to ensure that as a minimum, the appropriate procedural guidance existed if the strainer became clogged during use.
The inspectors also concluded the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because it was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a Safety Evaluation as Required by 10 CFR 50.59, "Changes, Tests and Experiments" The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for changes made to the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, the licensee screened out' a change to the Final Safety Analysis Report which modified operator response times for the Steam Generator Tube Rupture Chapter 14 Accident Analysis contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report. Specifically, a time requirement for equalizing primary and secondary pressure was removed from the Final Safety Analysis Report. In addition, the licensee changed the time in which isolation of the affected Steam Generator could be achieved from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. At the end of the inspection period the licensee initiated a corrective action to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59 for this Final Safety Analysis Report change.
Because the Significance Determination Process is not designed to assess the significance of violations that potentially impact or impede the regulatory process, this issue was dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process in accordance with Section IV of the NRC Enforcement Policy. However, the results of the violation were assessed using the Significance Determination Process.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the change would not ultimately require NRC approval. The inspectors determined that even though the change was not adequately evaluated in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59, this violation was of very low safety significance because the design basis safety-related functions of mitigating systems to respond to this initiating event scenario were not adversely affected. The inspectors evaluated the results of the finding using the Significance Determination Process for the mitigating systems cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the results of the finding were of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Therefore, the results of the violation were determined to be of very low safety significance and the violation was classified as a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control." Failure to Have Adequate Test Procedures for the Testing of Safety-Related Switches
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 5 of 8 A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to establish and perform testing required to demonstrate that components will perform satisfactorily in service with written test procedures which incorporate applicable requirements and acceptance limits. The licensee performed post-maintenance testing of a component cooling water pump control switch, a safety-related component, without the use of a written test procedure which incorporated the applicable requirements and acceptance limits for testing to demonstrate the component would perform satisfactorily in service. The licensee's extent of condition identified the potential for at least 11 additional activities for which safety-related components did not have the appropriate test procedures established. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee developed actions to correct the identified deficiencies and to ensure licensee personnel were aware of the requirements to use procedures for the testing of safety-related components.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the mitigating systems cornerstone attribute of procedure quality, specifically maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures, and the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In accordance with the Significance Determination Process, this finding was determined to be a Non-Cited Violation of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2004012(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 19, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure That a Safe Shutdown Procedure Directed Alignment of Instrumentation to a Direct Current Bus with a Battery Charger A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to align safe shutdown instrumentation to an electrical bus with a battery charger in procedure AOP-10A, "Safe Shutdown - Local Control." Specifically, the procedure aligned Units 1 and 2 safe shutdown instrumentation to a 125Vdc bus that did not have a battery charger available to support the selected instrumentation.
This issue was more than minor because it affected the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the safe shutdown instrumentation associated with this bus, without a battery charger, could potentially become inoperable as the voltage of the battery supplying the bus decreased. Operators could select another bus with a safe shutdown inverter, however, the procedure did not direct this action. To correct this procedural error, the licensee issued Temporary Change Notice 2004-0762. This issue was entered into the licensee's corrective action program as CAP059262 and CE014635. The issue was of very low safety significance because it did not represent an actual loss of a safety function. The issue was a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instruction, Procedures, and Drawings," for failure to provide a procedure of a type appropriate to the circumstances.
Inspection Report# : 2004010(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Breaker Testing Requirements Not Incorporated in Procedure The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," because the licensee did not evaluate a Technical Bulletin issued by Westinghouse in March 2004 regarding safety-related breakers and incorporate the testing instructions specified in the Bulletin into the applicable station procedures.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low significance as it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of corrective actions, the licensee evaluated the Technical Bulletin and incorporated the testing instructions into applicable station procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Actions for a Part 21 Notification on Diesel Governors Were Not Timely The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," because the licensee failed to promptly evaluate and resolve a 10 CFR Part 21 issue from 2001 involving the governors on all four emergency diesel generators (EDGs). The Part 21 issue pertained to the service life of electrolytic capacitors in the governor control system of all four safety-related EDGs. The capacitors in the four EDGs were beyond the service life specified by the vendor in the Part 21 and, in three of four EDGs, the capacitors were beyond the industry's slightly longer replacement interval.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems (the EDGs) that
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 6 of 8 respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and evaluated a recent industry study that indicated a slightly greater service life of the capacitors. In addition, the licensee has made plans to replace the capacitors on an accelerated schedule.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Molded-Case Circuit Breaker Test Program The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to implement a program to assure that the installed molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) will perform satisfactorily in service.
The finding was greater than minor because it was associated with the Reactor Safety Mitigating Systems cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, capability of systems that responds to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Molded-case circuit breakers provide for breaker coordination, over-current protection, fire prevention, and multiple other safety-related functions. The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee planned to institute an exercising and testing program for safety-related MCCBs.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance:        Nov 03, 2004 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Vendor Torque Values Not Listed in Procedure The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," having very low safety significance. Specifically, the licensee failed to incorporate the vendor's torque requirements for breaker arc chute fasteners into station procedures.
The finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Reactor Safety Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and revised the procedure to include the vendor's torque requirements.
Inspection Report# : 2004008(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition.
Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 8 Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Adequate Corrective Actions to Preclude Repetition of a Significant Condition Adverse to Quality A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality was identified by the inspectors.
Specifically, the licensee identified that the root cause of an April 9, 2004, potential loss of a hot leg vent path during nozzle dam installation, a failure to adequately identify, track and maintain licensee commitments to Generic Letter 88-17 in plant procedures, a significant condition adverse to quality. Prior to the start of the Unit 2 Refueling Outage, the inspectors identified that the approved outage shutdown safety analysis contained an orange risk path, during which the licensee would have been unable to close the containment equipment hatch within the time to boil the water around the fuel. The licensee's root cause evaluation for this issue identified the root cause was the same as the April 2004 event; therefore, the licensee's corrective actions from the April 2004 event failed to preclude repetition of the identified cause. The licensee took prompt corrective action to remove these planned activities from the outage schedule to ensure the equipment hatch was closed when the RCS was breached; however, the licensee also identified in the root cause evaluation that this configuration actually occurred in the 1999 Unit 1 Refueling Outage.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality.
 
3Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 8 of 8 The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with preserving the containment boundary attribute of the Barrier Integrity cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that the physical design barriers (Containment) protect the public from radionuclide releases cause by accidents or events. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, Checklist 3, "PWR Cold Shutdown and Refueling Operation RCS Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23'," specifically Section IV, "Containment Control Guidelines." The finding dealt with the procedures and training to close containment prior to core boiling when the RCS was open. The finding did not meet any of the criteria requiring a Phase 2 or 3 Analysis per Appendix G, Checklist 3, specifically findings that degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident. This was in part due to the type of RCS system breach which was scheduled. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low significance. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process, evaluate the issues and develop corrective actions to address the causes of this finding to preclude repetition.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : November 30, 2005
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 1 of 10 Point Beach 1 4Q/2005 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jan 08, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Overload and Trip of Nonsafety-Related Bus The inspectors determined that a finding of very low significance (Green) was self-revealed when the feed breaker for nonsafety-related motor control center (MCC) 1B41 opened due to an overloaded bus during monthly turbine lube oil system checks. The licensee subsequently determined that the cause was a failure to appropriately control loads on MCC 1B41. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The issue is more than minor since the finding was associated with the configuration control and procedure quality attributes of the Initiating Events cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding was considered to be of very low significance because the finding did not affect the loss of coolant accident initiators; did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation functions would not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or flood. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to ensure all loads were properly controlled and had several planned corrective actions which included developing additional load management actions and developing a new procedure regarding load management for this nonsafety-related bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Safety Evaluations on Safety Related Motors A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with the replacement of the 1P-10A residual heat removal pump (RHR) motor. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified for the failure to perform an equivalency evaluation for exceptions taken to motor specifications in the refurbishment of safety-related equipment. Specifically, the licensee failed to perform a technical evaluation for exceptions taken by the vendor to the licensee's motor specification for the 1P-10A RHR pump motor. Once identified, the licensee initiated a corrective action program document (CAP) to perform an engineering evaluation before placing 1P-10A in service. The licensee also initiated an extent of condition review to ensure that other equipment was not subject to the same issues..
The inspectors determined that the finding was greater than minor because it: (1) involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and (2) affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, and determined that Checklist 4, "PWR Refueling Operation: RCS level > 23' OR PWR Shutdown Operation with Time to Boil > 2 hours And Inventory in the Pressurizer," applied, specifically Section I.C, "Core Heat Removal Guidelines - Equipment." However, because the A' RHR loop was not in operation and the B' train RHR loop was operable and in operation with support systems available, the inspectors determined that Section I.C was not affected. Additionally, the finding did not meet the Checklist 4 criteria for Phase 2 or Phase 3 quantitative analysis because the finding did not: increase the likelihood of a loss of reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, including a loss of RCS level instrumentation; degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path or add RCS inventory when needed; or degrade the licensee's ability to recover decay heat removal once it was lost. The inspectors also determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because no event occurred that could be characterized as a loss of control as listed in Table 1 of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G.
Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Implement Procedures Related to Containment Debris Near ECCS Sump A finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors when the
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 2 of 10 licensee failed, on two different occasions during the refueling outage, to perform adequate containment walkdowns to verify that no debris was present in the vicinity of the Emergency Core Cooling System Containment Sump which could potentially impact operability. Failure to identify and remove the debris that were missed on the licensee walkdowns could have potentially challenged emergency core cooling system sump operability.
This finding is more than minor significance in that, the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Additionally, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, debris left in the vicinity of the emergency core cooling system sump screen could partially impede flow to the RHR pumps, or result in head loss across a blocked sump screen affecting the net positive suction head available to the RHR pumps, during the recirculation phase and long term cooling following a loss-of-coolant accident or following a reactor vessel head drop event.
However, the finding is of very low safety significance as the finding did not increase the likelihood that a loss of RHR reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, RCS level control, or power would occur. The finding did not degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path, add RCS inventory, recover RHR once lost, establish an alternate core cooling path if RHR could not be re-established, or degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. The licensee failed to perform a causal analysis or extent of condition review, for the first instance of an inadequate ECCS sump debris inspection identified by the inspectors on October 4, 2005.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Verification Testing of SI 850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," having very low safety significance for failure to complete testing, to demonstrate that the containment sump isolation valves (SI-850s) would remain open during post loss of coolant accident containment recirculation. This finding was entered into the licensee's corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance, because it affected the design control; and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and affected the equipment reliability objective for this cornerstone. Equipment reliability was affected because, as these valves begin to drift shut, the post loss of coolant accident recirculation flow would be affected and require operator actions to compensate for valve drift to ensure adequate long term core cooling. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet, which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency, confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Corrective Actions for Potential Boric Acid Corrosion of SI-850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action" having very low safety significance for failure to implement prompt corrective actions and inspect carbon steel hydraulic operating cylinder components on the 1(2) SI-850(A)(B) valve actuators after becoming aware of the nonconforming and potentially degraded conditions involving boric acid deposits and associated corrosion. The licensee implemented actions to clean up boric acid deposits and entered this finding into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance because absent NRC intervention, this issue could have become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the licensee would have allowed an acidic environment (boric acid deposits) or aqueous environment (submerged fasteners) for these carbon steel components to continue for an indefinite period of time which could have resulted in corrosion induced failures of the SI-850 valve actuators and it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of problem identification and resolution.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple Examples of the Failure to Notify the NRC Within 8 Hours as Required by 10 CFR 50.72 A finding of very low safety significance (with three examples) was identified by the inspectors for failure to notify the NRC within 8 hours in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), following the identification that the nuclear power plant was in an unanalyzed condition that
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 3 of 10 significantly degraded plant safety. Each occurrence was reported by the licensee following repeated questioning by the inspectors which occurred in April, September and November 2005. Following the November occurrence, the inspectors reviewed the licensee's previous causal evaluations and corrective actions. The inspectors noted that while the licensee had appropriately evaluated and initiated corrective actions for the technical issues in April and September 2005, the licensee had not appropriately evaluated or developed any corrective actions to address the failure to adequately report these issues to the NRC in a timely manner. Therefore, the inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to appropriately evaluate and take adequate corrective actions for the reportability aspect of these issues.
Because this issue affects the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The inspectors determined that this violation is of very low safety significance and because the licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program (CAP068938), this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. The licensee has taken actions to perform a causal evaluation and address the knowledge, and procedural aspects of this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Potential Crimping Vulnerability of AFW Recirculation Line A Non-Cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," having very low safety significance was identified by the inspector. Specifically, the licensee failed to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality, the potential for the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) recirculation line to crimp during a design basis earthquake (DBE) or design basis tornado (DBT) event. The licensee missed prior opportunities to correct the adverse condition: 1) as a result of the two Red findings related to the AFW System, the licensee reviewed the AFW system for the effects of high energy line break, DBE, and DBT events and identified crimping of the non-safety related portion of the common AFW recirculation line as a potential common mode failure; and 2) an external self-assessment in mid-2003 also concluded that crimping of the AFW recirculation line was credible and a potential common mode failure.
The licensee corrected this adverse condition by: 1) installing a pretested replacement for AFW pump recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 that was manufactured to meet ASME Code Section VIII requirements; and 2) having commitments to periodically replace AFW recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 with a pretested valve. These actions provided reasonable assurance that AF-4035 would provide the required flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The licensee planned to supplement CAP066199 to address the inadequate corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that mitigate transients and the reactor accidents, and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, if left uncorrected the AFW recirculation line relief valve could have deteriorated over time, failed to open as designed, and not provided the required recirculation line flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The finding was of very low safety significance because testing of the original AFW recirculation line relief valve demonstrated that the relief valve would have opened as designed and would have provided the required AFW recirculation flowpath if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Actions Associated with Letdown Line Automatic Isolation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for compensatory actions taken for an activity associated with a degraded plant condition. Specifically, the licensee "screened out" an activity which replaced an automatic action for Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) letdown isolation on low pressurizer level with a manual action to isolate letdown on low pressurizer level, while replacing the Unit 2 pressurizer low level bistables with Unit 2 online at power. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50.59 for the compensatory actions taken for the activity associated with the degraded plant condition.
Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors, at the time of the inspection, could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have ultimately required NRC approval.
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the mitigating systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of operability or functionality per "Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment."
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 4 of 10 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Apply Adequate Design Controls During Replacement of Service Water (SW) Valves SW-360 and SW-322 A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control." During replacement of the Service Water outlet valves for the Component Cooling Water (CCW) heat exchangers, the licensee failed to evaluate design differences between the original valves and the replacement valves. These differences led to the eventual failure of the stems in both valves.
The issue was more than minor because it affected the mitigating system cornerstone attribute of "Design Control." The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) using IMC 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for the At-Power Situations," because the inspectors answered "no" to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. While the design deficiency led to failure of the valves, the failures occurred during a plant shutdown; therefore, the valves would not have been required to function as designed.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Failure to Enter a Potential Condition Adverse to Quality into the Corrective Action Program The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for failure to enter into the corrective action program vendor information with the potential to degrade safety-related equipment. Specifically, in June 2005, no corrective action program document was written after the licensee was notified by the reactor head vendor about potential problems resulting from the method of storage in the containment. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee counseled plant personnel in the reactor head replacement project about the need to enter such issues into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor because a more significant safety concern could occur if similar vendor issues were not entered into the corrective action program. The finding was of very low safety significance because the vendor subsequently determined that the head storage had been acceptable, no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of identification, because the licensee failed to promptly identify a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design Control Violation for Failure to Incorporate Diesel Information into Procedures The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the failure, from around 1994 to the date of the inspection, to translate emergency diesel generator licensing and design bases into emergency and abnormal operating procedures. One emergency operating procedure and one abnormal operating procedure on each unit did not contain the diesel generator ratings and directed operators to place loads on the diesel generators that could exceed the licensing basis load limit. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee revised the procedures to incorporate the appropriate information.
This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective. Exceeding the licensing basis limit for diesel generator loading could affect the capability of the diesel generator to respond to a design basis accident, concurrent with a loss of offsite power and a single failure. The finding was of very low safety significance because this was a design deficiency with no loss of safety function Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Evaluation for an Inadequate Abnormal Operating Procedure The team identified a Green finding for the failure, in around July 2005, to perform an adequate extent-of-condition review following problems with auxiliary feedwater local control stations. After the apparent cause evaluation determined ineffective procedure validation had occurred, the extent-of-condition review did not check other procedures for similar problems. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee was reviewing other procedures for similar problems.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, it could eventually result in failing to promptly identify conditions adverse to quality. The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety function was lost, no technical specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of evaluation, because the licensee failed to
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 5 of 10 adequately evaluate a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Untimely Repair of Emergency Diesel Generator Cooling System Endbells With Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the endbells of the service water cooling system of the G-01 emergency diesel generator (EDG). Specifically, significant wastage caused by MIC, on the EDG endbells was identified in 2001 and work orders were written to replace the endbells. However, as of March 20, 2005, the endbells were not replaced which resulted in a self-revealed through-wall leak from MIC on an endbell, requiring the diesel to be removed from service to effect repairs. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the endbell, followed by replacement of other susceptible EDG endbells. In addition, the licensee proposed changes to the predictive maintenance program to better identify potential sources of MIC corrosion in service water system components.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding could have become a more significant safety concern. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Inoperable Emergency Diesel Generator Because of Mispositioned Room Exhaust Fan Breaker The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 3.8.1.E for the self-revealed problem on August 7, 2005, when one of the required room exhaust fans for the G-01 EDG failed to start due to a mispositioned breaker. The licensee returned the breaker to the proper position and investigated the cause of the mispositioning. The licensee planned and had taken additional corrective actions to provide clarification for aborting a procedure or scheduled activity and for ensuring equipment was appropriately returned to service.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS)-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, because the licensee failed to ensure that the appropriate conditions were established after completion and cancellation of maintenance activities and before re-aligning G-01 to the safeguards bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Lack of a Procedure for Tripping Failed Loss-of-Voltage Relays The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have a procedure to trip a loss-of-voltage time delay relay, a specific and foreseen potential malfunction, after the time delay function of the channel had failed. Specifically, on August 17, 2005, relay 1-62-3/A-06, associated with one channel of the 4160-Volt loss-of-voltage time delay function of the loss of offsite power EDG start and load sequence instrumentation, failed during calibration and testing. The licensee was not able to place the channel in trip in one hour (as required by TSs) due to not having an established procedure for performing this activity. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to correct the condition by replacing the time delay relay. In addition, at the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned additional evaluations and corrective actions to ensure the capability of performing the Technical Specification Action Condition within the required time frame.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events.
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                        Page 6 of 10 Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure for Starting Motor-Driven AFW Pumps for Certain Control Room Evacuations A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was self-revealed on July 19, 2005, for the failure to have an appropriate procedure to assure proper operation of the motor-driven auxiliary feedwater (AFW) minimum recirculation valves when operating the AFW system from outside the control room using local panels N-01 and N-02. As a result, if operators had performed AOP-10, "Control Room Inaccessibility," Revision 3, during an event, minimum recirculation valves AF-4007 and AF-4014 would not have opened when the AFW pumps were locally started with the discharge valves closed. This could have caused pump damage within one to two minutes.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, which indicated that a Phase 2 evaluation was necessary. However, because procedure AOP-10 was used when the control room was evacuated with no Appendix R fire and no other accident conditions, a Phase 3 evaluation was performed. The issue was characterized as Green based on the low initiating event frequency (evacuation of the control room for reasons other than an Appendix R fire) coupled with the accident mitigation available from the turbine-driven AFW pumps and feed and bleed capability. The licensee took prompt corrective action to revise procedure AOP-10.
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation No 50.59 Safety Evaluation for a 2002 Modification to AFW The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure in September 2002 to perform a safety evaluation of the removal of the internals of the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) common recirculation line check valve, AF-117.
Specifically, the licensee screened out' adverse changes made concerning the function and operation of all four AFW pumps. In this case, an automatic passive design feature of the AFW recirculation line piping was being made unavailable and the function was being changed to operation of an untested, nonsafety-related, active component--the AFW common recirculation line relief valve AF-4035--and it was being supplemented through the use of manual operator actions. This change warranted a 10 CFR 50.59 safety evaluation to determine if the changes met the criteria requiring a licensee amendment.
Because the issue potentially affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the original change would have ultimately required NRC approval. The inspectors completed a Significance Determination Review using IMC 0609, Appendix A "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations." Using the Phase 1 Screening worksheet the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) since the finding did not represent an actual loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time. Comparing this item to the examples in NUREG 1600, Supplement I, this finding is similar to Item D.5, "Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 that do not involve circumstances in which a change that required prior Commission approval would not be found acceptable had the approval been sought." As a result, the issue was considered to be of very low safety significance and was dispositioned as a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation (NCV).
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Adverse Trend of Failure to Ensure Causal Evaluations for Conditions Adverse to Quality for which Operability Recommendations were Performed The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) for an adverse trend of failures to perform causal evaluations for conditions adverse to quality which only received operability recommendations, to ensure the cause of the conditions were identified and corrected. The licensee further evaluated the issue and corroborated the adverse trend, and in addition identified the issue potentially extended to condition reports documenting conditions adverse to quality with only maintenance rule evaluations performed. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to perform causal evaluations commensurate with the significance of the condition reports to ensure the conditions adverse to quality were identified and corrected.
The issue was more than minor because the underlying issues associated with the finding were associated with the equipment performance and design control attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined the finding was of very low
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 10 significance. The licensee took action to enter the item into the corrective action process and develop interim corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee had not completed the evaluation of the finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Oil Filters in Duplex A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the failure to take corrective actions for a condition adverse to quality. The inspectors noted that in March 2003, corrective action program document CAP031641 was written to assess the licensee's operational practice of having the two fuel oil duplex strainers on each of the four emergency diesel generators set to dual filter mode instead of single mode. The assessment concluded that the optimal position was single mode because it allowed changing the filter elements with the emergency diesel generator running. The dual filter mode required the emergency diesel generator to be stopped to change the filters. In January 2004, CAP031641 was closed with no actions taken to address this condition adverse to quality.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take any corrective actions to correct this condition adverse to quality.
This issue was more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone attributes of configuration control and equipment performance. The inspectors evaluated the finding using NRC Inspection Manual Chapter IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because it was not a design orqualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 27, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure Delays Return of Battery Charger A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed for a violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for an Abnormal Operating Procedure (AOP) that was not adequate for returning safety-related battery chargers to an operable status. Specifically, on February 27, 2005, an offsite line experienced a fault and became disconnected, causing a momentary phase-to-phase short and then a continuous open circuit. The transient caused a loss of power to all in-service safety-related battery chargers. Three of the four chargers were restored using the AOP, but one battery charger could not be promptly restored to service because the AOP was inadequate. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process and change the procedure.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected the item could become a more significant safety concern, and it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance since the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of safety function, and did not involve an external initiating event.
Inspection Report# : 2005003(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition.
Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 8 of 10 Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Updated Final Safety Analysis Report Change to Replace ASME Class II, Seismic Class I, Piping with a Freeze Seal The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation associated with the failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation review as required by 10 CFR 50.59 for changes made to the facility as described in the UFSAR. In their safety evaluation, EVAL 2004-003, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that on-line repairs to the excess letdown line with a freeze seal in place as a boundary for Reactor Coolant System (RCS) effluent from the Reactor Coolant Pumps (RCPs) was acceptable without a license amendment.
Specifically, for this freeze seal evolution, the licensee would have replaced the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Class II, Seismic Class I piping in the excess letdown line with a freeze plug while the plant was still on-line. Within the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation, the licensee failed to provide a basis for why this freeze seal evolution did not present more than a minimal increase in the likelihood of occurrence of a malfunction of a Structure, System and Component (SSC) important to safety.
Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 9 of 10 process. The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have ultimately required NRC approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green), because the inspectors answered "no" to all three questions under the Containment Barriers Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Adequate Corrective Actions to Preclude Repetition of a Significant Condition Adverse to Quality A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality was identified by the inspectors.
Specifically, the licensee identified that the root cause of an April 9, 2004, potential loss of a hot leg vent path during nozzle dam installation, a failure to adequately identify, track and maintain licensee commitments to Generic Letter 88-17 in plant procedures, a significant condition adverse to quality. Prior to the start of the Unit 2 Refueling Outage, the inspectors identified that the approved outage shutdown safety analysis contained an orange risk path, during which the licensee would have been unable to close the containment equipment hatch within the time to boil the water around the fuel. The licensee's root cause evaluation for this issue identified the root cause was the same as the April 2004 event; therefore, the licensee's corrective actions from the April 2004 event failed to preclude repetition of the identified cause. The licensee took prompt corrective action to remove these planned activities from the outage schedule to ensure the equipment hatch was closed when the reactor coolant system (RCS) was breached; however, the licensee also identified in the root cause evaluation that this configuration actually occurred in the 1999 Unit 1 Refueling Outage.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with preserving the containment boundary attribute of the Barrier Integrity cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that the physical design barriers (Containment) protect the public from radionuclide releases cause by accidents or events. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, Checklist 3, "PWR Cold Shutdown and Refueling Operation RCS Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23'," specifically Section IV, "Containment Control Guidelines." The finding dealt with the procedures and training to close containment prior to core boiling when the RCS was open. The finding did not meet any of the criteria requiring a Phase 2 or 3 Analysis per Appendix G, Checklist 3, specifically findings that degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident. This was in part due to the type of RCS system breach which was scheduled. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low significance. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process, evaluate the issues and develop corrective actions to address the causes of this finding to preclude repetition.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Observation and Review of Emergency Preparedness Drill, August 1, 2002 On December 16, 2005, the staff issued a WHITE finding and NOV of 10 CFR 50.47. The WHITE finding was associated with the failure to self-identify the untimely declaration of an Alert classification during an August 2002 Emergency Preparedness drill. The inspection finding was assessed using the Significance Determination Process and was preliminarily characterized as WHITE.
In a January, 2006 telephone call, the licensee was informed that the NRC would be taking a one-time deviation from the Action Matrix process. Normally, a supplemental 95001 inspection would be performed after a WHITE finding is determined; however, in this case, the effectiveness of the licensee's corrective actions to improve the capability to identify, track, and resolve critique items associated with EP drills and exercises was demonstrated with no findings or PIs greater than GREEN identified by NRC since August 2003. Additionally, both individuals involved with providing inaccurate information had their employments terminated on December 20, 2002. The WHITE finding will not be considered indicative of current performance in the EP cornerstone, and will not be considered in formulating a regulatory course of action should a new WHITE finding occur in the EP cornerstone.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
Significance: SL-III Nov 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Provide Complete and Accurate Information from August 1, 2002 EP drill
 
4Q/2005 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 10 of 10 On December 16, 2005, the staff proposed a severity level III NOV of 10 CFR 50.9, and $60,000 civil penalty. The violation involved inaccurate information provided to the NRC associated with a critique of the August 2002 EP drill.
In summary, on or about November 20, 2002, the licensee provided the Commission with information that was not complete and accurate in all material respects, concerning the results of post-drill critiques of an August 1, 2002 EP drill. Specifically, during an NRC inspection, the former Point Beach EP Manager provided NRC inspectors with a "Drill and Exercise Performance - Performance Indicator Evaluation Form",
which indicated that the licensee had self-identified an untimely declaration of an Alert classification during the post-drill critique. In fact, the licensee had not identified the drill weakness during the August 2002 critique. The original document was date August 2, 2002, and stated that the licensee had declared the Alert classification 5 minutes after plant parameters reached the Emergency Action Level, and within the 15 minute limit. However, on or about November 15, 2002, the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator altered the document to indicate that the Alert classification was made after the 15 minute limit had been exceeded. The EP Manager and former EP Coordinator also backdated the document to August 23, 2002, in order to give the appearance that the licensee, and not the NRC, had identified the drill weakness.
Information on the "Drill and Exercise Performance - Performance Indicator Evaluation Form" is material to the NRC as it is used to determine whether weaknesses during an EP drill are identified, evaluated and corrected. The actions of the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator, both licensee officials, resulted in the submission of materially inaccurate information to both NMC and the NRC, a violation of 10 CFR 50.9. The violation is categorized in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy at Severity Level III (EA-05-191). Additionally, the actions of the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator were deliberate and violated 10 CFR 50.5, "Deliberate Misconduct."
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : March 03, 2006
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 1 of 11 Point Beach 1 1Q/2006 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Self-Revealed Failure of Unit 1 Circulating Water Pump 1P-30B Due to Indadequate Maintenance A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed when the failure of circulating water (CW) pump 1P-30B and subsequent reactor trip occurred on December 13, 2005. This Green finding with no associated violation was identified for the licensees failure to provide an adequate maintenance procedure for CW pump 1P-30B. Lack of appropriate maintenance to maintain required clearances, due to inadequate procedures, resulted in excessive clearances within the pump and the lower shaft sleeve failing directly above the flange where the shaft sleeve attached to the guide vane. The failure of the shaft sleeve caused increased vibration which resulted in low stress, high cycle fatigue of the coupling bolts. When the coupling bolts sheared, a rapid loss of condenser vacuum occurred and the operators initiated a manual reactor trip in anticipation of a total loss of vacuum.
The intermediate term corrective action was to perform a root cause evaluation for the failure mechanism and repair CW pump 1P-30B. Repair included replacement of the coupling and coupling bolts. The licensee completed the root cause evaluation and identified several actions to prevent recurrence.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Leak Detection Capability The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to maintain the design basis and configuration control for the detection of recirculation system leakage from the containment sump isolation valve cylinders (valves SI-850A and SI-850B for Units 1 and 2). This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design basis of the facility. During a review of a request for additional information from the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation regarding a November 8, 2005, 10 CFR 50.72 report, the licensee subsequently determined that, in fact, leakage detection of the containment sump isolation valve cylinders through the pipe sleeve into the auxiliary building was part of the systems design and licensing basis.
At the end of the inspection, the licensee had not completed a causal evaluation; however, several interim actions were in place to address the operable, but non-conforming condition. The licensee had established a corrective action to determine how to resolve this non-conforming issue.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 2 of 11 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Safety Function for SI-850 Valves in the Closed Direction The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to ensure the safety function of the containment sump isolation valves was maintained and tested in accordance with the design and licensing basis. This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design and licensing basis of the facility. The licensee subsequently determined that the design and licensing basis for the closed safety function of these valves was not properly implemented in accordance with the facilitys license and required codes or standards.
The licensee performed a causal evaluation and developed several interim and long-term corrective actions. Those corrective actions included:
revision of the inservice testing program documents for testing the valves; revision of the design basis document (DBD) for the residual heat removal system; reinforcement of the expectations with engineering staff on the use of DBDs and inservice testing background documents; and development of a project plan to update the inservice test background document.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control, equipment performance and maintenance and testing procedure quality attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in a loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Effects of Elevated Temperatures on control Room Instruments The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies following a design basis loss-of-coolant accident, which could potentially affect mitigation of the event. During the Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection documented in NRC Inspection Report 2005012, the inspectors identified an unresolved item (URI) related to the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument accuracies and accident mitigation during a design basis loss of coolant accident.
Subsequent review and root cause evaluation determined that the licensee had failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies for a calculation associated with the reconstitution project.
The licensee entered the issue in its corrective action system and performed a root cause analysis. Corrective actions to prevent recurrence included strengthening review requirements for the 30 percent, 60 percent and Owner Acceptance Review of vendor-supplied calculations for the calculation reconstitution project.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was greater than minor, as the finding represented a programmatic deficiency associated with the calculation reconstitution project that, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant concern due to calculation errors. The design deficiency did not result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18 as sufficient emergency diesel generators remained available through administrative controls to provide electrical power for operators to promptly restart the control room ventilation system, hence the finding screened as very low safety significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Safety Evaluations on Safety Related Motors A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with the replacement of the 1P-10A residual heat removal pump (RHR) motor. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified for the failure to perform an equivalency evaluation for exceptions taken to motor specifications in the refurbishment of safety-related equipment. Specifically, the licensee failed to perform a technical evaluation for exceptions taken by the vendor to the licensee's motor specification for the 1P-10A RHR pump motor. Once identified, the licensee initiated a corrective action program document (CAP) to perform an engineering evaluation before placing 1P-10A in service. The licensee also initiated an extent of condition review to ensure that other equipment was not subject to the same issues..
The inspectors determined that the finding was greater than minor because it: (1) involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and (2) affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, and determined that Checklist 4, "PWR Refueling Operation: RCS level > 23' OR PWR Shutdown Operation with Time to Boil > 2 hours And Inventory in the Pressurizer," applied, specifically Section I.C, "Core Heat Removal Guidelines - Equipment." However, because the A' RHR loop was not in operation and the B' train RHR loop was operable and in operation with support systems available, the inspectors determined that Section I.C was not affected. Additionally, the finding did not meet the Checklist 4 criteria for Phase 2 or Phase 3
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 3 of 11 quantitative analysis because the finding did not: increase the likelihood of a loss of reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, including a loss of RCS level instrumentation; degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path or add RCS inventory when needed; or degrade the licensee's ability to recover decay heat removal once it was lost. The inspectors also determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because no event occurred that could be characterized as a loss of control as listed in Table 1 of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G.
Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Implement Procedures Related to Containment Debris Near ECCS Sump A finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors when the licensee failed, on two different occasions during the refueling outage, to perform adequate containment walkdowns to verify that no debris was present in the vicinity of the Emergency Core Cooling System Containment Sump which could potentially impact operability. Failure to identify and remove the debris that were missed on the licensee walkdowns could have potentially challenged emergency core cooling system sump operability.
This finding is more than minor significance in that, the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Additionally, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, debris left in the vicinity of the emergency core cooling system sump screen could partially impede flow to the RHR pumps, or result in head loss across a blocked sump screen affecting the net positive suction head available to the RHR pumps, during the recirculation phase and long term cooling following a loss-of-coolant accident or following a reactor vessel head drop event.
However, the finding is of very low safety significance as the finding did not increase the likelihood that a loss of RHR reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, RCS level control, or power would occur. The finding did not degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path, add RCS inventory, recover RHR once lost, establish an alternate core cooling path if RHR could not be re-established, or degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. The licensee failed to perform a causal analysis or extent of condition review, for the first instance of an inadequate ECCS sump debris inspection identified by the inspectors on October 4, 2005.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Verification Testing of SI 850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," having very low safety significance for failure to complete testing, to demonstrate that the containment sump isolation valves (SI-850s) would remain open during post loss of coolant accident containment recirculation. This finding was entered into the licensee's corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance, because it affected the design control; and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and affected the equipment reliability objective for this cornerstone. Equipment reliability was affected because, as these valves begin to drift shut, the post loss of coolant accident recirculation flow would be affected and require operator actions to compensate for valve drift to ensure adequate long term core cooling. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet, which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency, confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Corrective Actions for Potential Boric Acid Corrosion of SI-850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action" having very low safety significance for failure to implement prompt corrective actions and inspect carbon steel hydraulic operating cylinder components on the 1(2) SI-850(A)(B) valve actuators after becoming aware of the nonconforming and potentially degraded conditions involving boric acid deposits and associated corrosion. The licensee implemented actions to clean up boric acid deposits and entered this finding into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance because absent NRC intervention, this issue could have become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the licensee would have allowed an acidic environment (boric acid deposits) or aqueous environment (submerged fasteners) for these carbon steel components to continue for an indefinite period of time which could have resulted in corrosion induced failures
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 4 of 11 of the SI-850 valve actuators and it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of problem identification and resolution.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple Examples of the Failure to Notify the NRC Within 8 Hours as Required by 10 CFR 50.72 A finding of very low safety significance (with three examples) was identified by the inspectors for failure to notify the NRC within 8 hours in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), following the identification that the nuclear power plant was in an unanalyzed condition that significantly degraded plant safety. Each occurrence was reported by the licensee following repeated questioning by the inspectors which occurred in April, September and November 2005. Following the November occurrence, the inspectors reviewed the licensee's previous causal evaluations and corrective actions. The inspectors noted that while the licensee had appropriately evaluated and initiated corrective actions for the technical issues in April and September 2005, the licensee had not appropriately evaluated or developed any corrective actions to address the failure to adequately report these issues to the NRC in a timely manner. Therefore, the inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to appropriately evaluate and take adequate corrective actions for the reportability aspect of these issues.
Because this issue affects the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The inspectors determined that this violation is of very low safety significance and because the licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program (CAP068938), this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. The licensee has taken actions to perform a causal evaluation and address the knowledge, and procedural aspects of this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Potential Crimping Vulnerability of AFW Recirculation Line A Non-Cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," having very low safety significance was identified by the inspector. Specifically, the licensee failed to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality, the potential for the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) recirculation line to crimp during a design basis earthquake (DBE) or design basis tornado (DBT) event. The licensee missed prior opportunities to correct the adverse condition: 1) as a result of the two Red findings related to the AFW System, the licensee reviewed the AFW system for the effects of high energy line break, DBE, and DBT events and identified crimping of the non-safety related portion of the common AFW recirculation line as a potential common mode failure; and 2) an external self-assessment in mid-2003 also concluded that crimping of the AFW recirculation line was credible and a potential common mode failure.
The licensee corrected this adverse condition by: 1) installing a pretested replacement for AFW pump recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 that was manufactured to meet ASME Code Section VIII requirements; and 2) having commitments to periodically replace AFW recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 with a pretested valve. These actions provided reasonable assurance that AF-4035 would provide the required flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The licensee planned to supplement CAP066199 to address the inadequate corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that mitigate transients and the reactor accidents, and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, if left uncorrected the AFW recirculation line relief valve could have deteriorated over time, failed to open as designed, and not provided the required recirculation line flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The finding was of very low safety significance because testing of the original AFW recirculation line relief valve demonstrated that the relief valve would have opened as designed and would have provided the required AFW recirculation flowpath if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Actions Associated with Letdown Line Automatic Isolation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for compensatory actions taken for an activity associated with a degraded plant condition. Specifically, the licensee "screened out" an activity which replaced an automatic action for Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) letdown isolation on low pressurizer level with a manual action to isolate letdown on low pressurizer level, while replacing the Unit 2 pressurizer low level bistables with Unit 2 online at power. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50.59 for the compensatory actions taken for the activity associated with the degraded plant condition.
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 5 of 11 Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors, at the time of the inspection, could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have ultimately required NRC approval.
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the mitigating systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of operability or functionality per "Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment."
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Apply Adequate Design Controls During Replacement of Service Water (SW) Valves SW-360 and SW-322 A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control." During replacement of the Service Water outlet valves for the Component Cooling Water (CCW) heat exchangers, the licensee failed to evaluate design differences between the original valves and the replacement valves. These differences led to the eventual failure of the stems in both valves.
The issue was more than minor because it affected the mitigating system cornerstone attribute of "Design Control." The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) using IMC 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for the At-Power Situations," because the inspectors answered "no" to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. While the design deficiency led to failure of the valves, the failures occurred during a plant shutdown; therefore, the valves would not have been required to function as designed.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Failure to Enter a Potential Condition Adverse to Quality into the Corrective Action Program The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for failure to enter into the corrective action program vendor information with the potential to degrade safety-related equipment. Specifically, in June 2005, no corrective action program document was written after the licensee was notified by the reactor head vendor about potential problems resulting from the method of storage in the containment. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee counseled plant personnel in the reactor head replacement project about the need to enter such issues into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor because a more significant safety concern could occur if similar vendor issues were not entered into the corrective action program. The finding was of very low safety significance because the vendor subsequently determined that the head storage had been acceptable, no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of identification, because the licensee failed to promptly identify a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design Control Violation for Failure to Incorporate Diesel Information into Procedures The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the failure, from around 1994 to the date of the inspection, to translate emergency diesel generator licensing and design bases into emergency and abnormal operating procedures. One emergency operating procedure and one abnormal operating procedure on each unit did not contain the diesel generator ratings and directed operators to place loads on the diesel generators that could exceed the licensing basis load limit. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee revised the procedures to incorporate the appropriate information.
This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective. Exceeding the licensing basis limit for diesel generator loading could affect the capability of the diesel generator to respond to a design basis accident, concurrent with a loss of offsite power and a single failure. The finding was of very low safety significance because this was a design deficiency with no loss of safety function Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 6 of 11 Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Evaluation for an Inadequate Abnormal Operating Procedure The team identified a Green finding for the failure, in around July 2005, to perform an adequate extent-of-condition review following problems with auxiliary feedwater local control stations. After the apparent cause evaluation determined ineffective procedure validation had occurred, the extent-of-condition review did not check other procedures for similar problems. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee was reviewing other procedures for similar problems.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, it could eventually result in failing to promptly identify conditions adverse to quality. The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety function was lost, no technical specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of evaluation, because the licensee failed to adequately evaluate a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Untimely Repair of Emergency Diesel Generator Cooling System Endbells With Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the endbells of the service water cooling system of the G-01 emergency diesel generator (EDG). Specifically, significant wastage caused by MIC, on the EDG endbells was identified in 2001 and work orders were written to replace the endbells. However, as of March 20, 2005, the endbells were not replaced which resulted in a self-revealed through-wall leak from MIC on an endbell, requiring the diesel to be removed from service to effect repairs. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the endbell, followed by replacement of other susceptible EDG endbells. In addition, the licensee proposed changes to the predictive maintenance program to better identify potential sources of MIC corrosion in service water system components.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding could have become a more significant safety concern. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Inoperable Emergency Diesel Generator Because of Mispositioned Room Exhaust Fan Breaker The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 3.8.1.E for the self-revealed problem on August 7, 2005, when one of the required room exhaust fans for the G-01 EDG failed to start due to a mispositioned breaker. The licensee returned the breaker to the proper position and investigated the cause of the mispositioning. The licensee planned and had taken additional corrective actions to provide clarification for aborting a procedure or scheduled activity and for ensuring equipment was appropriately returned to service.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS)-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, because the licensee failed to ensure that the appropriate conditions were established after completion and cancellation of maintenance activities and before re-aligning G-01 to the safeguards bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Lack of a Procedure for Tripping Failed Loss-of-Voltage Relays
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 7 of 11 The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have a procedure to trip a loss-of-voltage time delay relay, a specific and foreseen potential malfunction, after the time delay function of the channel had failed. Specifically, on August 17, 2005, relay 1-62-3/A-06, associated with one channel of the 4160-Volt loss-of-voltage time delay function of the loss of offsite power EDG start and load sequence instrumentation, failed during calibration and testing. The licensee was not able to place the channel in trip in one hour (as required by TSs) due to not having an established procedure for performing this activity. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to correct the condition by replacing the time delay relay. In addition, at the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned additional evaluations and corrective actions to ensure the capability of performing the Technical Specification Action Condition within the required time frame.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure for Starting Motor-Driven AFW Pumps for Certain Control Room Evacuations A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was self-revealed on July 19, 2005, for the failure to have an appropriate procedure to assure proper operation of the motor-driven auxiliary feedwater (AFW) minimum recirculation valves when operating the AFW system from outside the control room using local panels N-01 and N-02. As a result, if operators had performed AOP-10, "Control Room Inaccessibility," Revision 3, during an event, minimum recirculation valves AF-4007 and AF-4014 would not have opened when the AFW pumps were locally started with the discharge valves closed. This could have caused pump damage within one to two minutes.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, which indicated that a Phase 2 evaluation was necessary. However, because procedure AOP-10 was used when the control room was evacuated with no Appendix R fire and no other accident conditions, a Phase 3 evaluation was performed. The issue was characterized as Green based on the low initiating event frequency (evacuation of the control room for reasons other than an Appendix R fire) coupled with the accident mitigation available from the turbine-driven AFW pumps and feed and bleed capability. The licensee took prompt corrective action to revise procedure AOP-10.
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation No 50.59 Safety Evaluation for a 2002 Modification to AFW The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure in September 2002 to perform a safety evaluation of the removal of the internals of the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) common recirculation line check valve, AF-117.
Specifically, the licensee screened out' adverse changes made concerning the function and operation of all four AFW pumps. In this case, an automatic passive design feature of the AFW recirculation line piping was being made unavailable and the function was being changed to operation of an untested, nonsafety-related, active component--the AFW common recirculation line relief valve AF-4035--and it was being supplemented through the use of manual operator actions. This change warranted a 10 CFR 50.59 safety evaluation to determine if the changes met the criteria requiring a licensee amendment.
Because the issue potentially affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the original change would have ultimately required NRC approval. The inspectors completed a Significance Determination Review using IMC 0609, Appendix A "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations." Using the Phase 1 Screening worksheet the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) since the finding did not represent an actual loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time. Comparing this item to the examples in NUREG 1600, Supplement I, this finding is similar to Item D.5, "Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 that do not involve circumstances in which a change that required prior Commission approval would not be found acceptable had the approval been sought." As a result, the issue was considered to be of very low safety significance and was dispositioned as a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation (NCV).
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Adverse Trend of Failure to Ensure Causal Evaluations for Conditions Adverse to Quality for which Operability Recommendations were Performed
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 8 of 11 The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) for an adverse trend of failures to perform causal evaluations for conditions adverse to quality which only received operability recommendations, to ensure the cause of the conditions were identified and corrected. The licensee further evaluated the issue and corroborated the adverse trend, and in addition identified the issue potentially extended to condition reports documenting conditions adverse to quality with only maintenance rule evaluations performed. No violation of NRC requirements occurred.
The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to perform causal evaluations commensurate with the significance of the condition reports to ensure the conditions adverse to quality were identified and corrected.
The issue was more than minor because the underlying issues associated with the finding were associated with the equipment performance and design control attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and determined the finding was of very low significance. The licensee took action to enter the item into the corrective action process and develop interim corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee had not completed the evaluation of the finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition.
Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 9 of 11 Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure.
In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Updated Final Safety Analysis Report Change to Replace ASME Class II, Seismic Class I, Piping with a Freeze Seal The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation associated with the failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation review as required by 10 CFR 50.59 for changes made to the facility as described in the UFSAR. In their safety evaluation, EVAL 2004-003, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that on-line repairs to the excess letdown line with a freeze seal in place as a boundary for Reactor Coolant System (RCS) effluent from the Reactor Coolant Pumps (RCPs) was acceptable without a license amendment.
Specifically, for this freeze seal evolution, the licensee would have replaced the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Class II, Seismic Class I piping in the excess letdown line with a freeze plug while the plant was still on-line. Within the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation, the licensee failed to provide a basis for why this freeze seal evolution did not present more than a minimal increase in the likelihood of occurrence of a malfunction of a Structure, System and Component (SSC) important to safety.
Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have ultimately required NRC approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green), because the inspectors answered "no" to all three questions under the Containment Barriers Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Adequate Corrective Actions to Preclude Repetition of a Significant Condition Adverse to Quality A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality was identified by the inspectors.
Specifically, the licensee identified that the root cause of an April 9, 2004, potential loss of a hot leg vent path during nozzle dam installation, a failure to adequately identify, track and maintain licensee commitments to Generic Letter 88-17 in plant procedures, a significant condition adverse to quality. Prior to the start of the Unit 2 Refueling Outage, the inspectors identified that the approved outage shutdown safety analysis contained an orange risk path, during which the licensee would have been unable to close the containment equipment hatch within the time to boil the water around the fuel. The licensee's root cause evaluation for this issue identified the root cause was the same as the April 2004 event; therefore, the licensee's corrective actions from the April 2004 event failed to preclude repetition of the identified cause. The licensee took prompt corrective action to remove these planned activities from the outage schedule to ensure the equipment hatch was closed when the reactor coolant system (RCS) was breached; however, the licensee also identified in the root cause evaluation that this configuration actually occurred in the 1999 Unit 1 Refueling Outage.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions to preclude repetition of a significant condition adverse to quality.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with preserving the containment boundary attribute of the Barrier Integrity cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that the physical design barriers (Containment) protect the
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                          Page 10 of 11 public from radionuclide releases cause by accidents or events. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, Checklist 3, "PWR Cold Shutdown and Refueling Operation RCS Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23'," specifically Section IV, "Containment Control Guidelines." The finding dealt with the procedures and training to close containment prior to core boiling when the RCS was open. The finding did not meet any of the criteria requiring a Phase 2 or 3 Analysis per Appendix G, Checklist 3, specifically findings that degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident. This was in part due to the type of RCS system breach which was scheduled. Therefore, the finding was determined to be of very low significance. The licensee took prompt action to enter the item into the corrective action process, evaluate the issues and develop corrective actions to address the causes of this finding to preclude repetition.
Inspection Report# : 2005004(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Observation and Review of Emergency Preparedness Drill, August 1, 2002 On December 16, 2005, the staff issued a WHITE finding and NOV of 10 CFR 50.47. The WHITE finding was associated with the failure to self-identify the untimely declaration of an Alert classification during an August 2002 Emergency Preparedness drill. The inspection finding was assessed using the Significance Determination Process and was preliminarily characterized as WHITE.
In a January, 2006 telephone call, the licensee was informed that the NRC would be taking a one-time deviation from the Action Matrix process. Normally, a supplemental 95001 inspection would be performed after a WHITE finding is determined; however, in this case, the effectiveness of the licensee's corrective actions to improve the capability to identify, track, and resolve critique items associated with EP drills and exercises was demonstrated with no findings or PIs greater than GREEN identified by NRC since August 2003. Additionally, both individuals involved with providing inaccurate information had their employments terminated on December 20, 2002. The WHITE finding will not be considered indicative of current performance in the EP cornerstone, and will not be considered in formulating a regulatory course of action should a new WHITE finding occur in the EP cornerstone.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
Significance: SL-III Nov 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Provide Complete and Accurate Information from August 1, 2002 EP drill On December 16, 2005, the staff proposed a severity level III NOV of 10 CFR 50.9, and $60,000 civil penalty. The violation involved inaccurate information provided to the NRC associated with a critique of the August 2002 EP drill.
In summary, on or about November 20, 2002, the licensee provided the Commission with information that was not complete and accurate in all material respects, concerning the results of post-drill critiques of an August 1, 2002 EP drill. Specifically, during an NRC inspection, the former Point Beach EP Manager provided NRC inspectors with a "Drill and Exercise Performance - Performance Indicator Evaluation Form",
which indicated that the licensee had self-identified an untimely declaration of an Alert classification during the post-drill critique. In fact, the licensee had not identified the drill weakness during the August 2002 critique. The original document was date August 2, 2002, and stated that the licensee had declared the Alert classification 5 minutes after plant parameters reached the Emergency Action Level, and within the 15 minute limit. However, on or about November 15, 2002, the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator altered the document to indicate that the Alert classification was made after the 15 minute limit had been exceeded. The EP Manager and former EP Coordinator also backdated the document to August 23, 2002, in order to give the appearance that the licensee, and not the NRC, had identified the drill weakness.
Information on the "Drill and Exercise Performance - Performance Indicator Evaluation Form" is material to the NRC as it is used to determine whether weaknesses during an EP drill are identified, evaluated and corrected. The actions of the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator, both licensee officials, resulted in the submission of materially inaccurate information to both NMC and the NRC, a violation of 10 CFR 50.9. The violation is categorized in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy at Severity Level III (EA-05-191). Additionally, the actions of the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator were deliberate and violated 10 CFR 50.5, "Deliberate Misconduct."
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety
 
1Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1            Page 11 of 11 Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Last modified : May 25, 2006
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 1 of 11 Point Beach 1 2Q/2006 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Take Adequate Actions for Potential High Wind Conditions A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to control loose materials in the protected area in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. No violation of NRC requirements occurred. Failure to take action to remove loose material in the protected area has problem identification and resolution cross-cutting aspects involving failure of assigned personnel to identify and correct potential tornado missiles that could be generated from such loose material in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. Once identified, the licensee initiated a corrective action program document to develop a surveillance procedure to remove loose materials before summer months when potential adverse weather was possible, performed walkdowns of the affected areas, and removed material which could become a potential hazard in high velocity winds and tornadoes.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the loose items adjacent to the main and auxiliary transformers would become a more significant safety concern. The issue is of very low safety significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss of coolant accident initiator; the finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal or external flooding. The issue is not considered a violation of regulatory requirements because the finding did not affect safety-related structures, systems, or components.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Self-Revealed Failure of Unit 1 Circulating Water Pump 1P-30B Due to Indadequate Maintenance A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed when the failure of circulating water (CW) pump 1P-30B and subsequent reactor trip occurred on December 13, 2005. This Green finding with no associated violation was identified for the licensees failure to provide an adequate maintenance procedure for CW pump 1P-30B. Lack of appropriate maintenance to maintain required clearances, due to inadequate procedures, resulted in excessive clearances within the pump and the lower shaft sleeve failing directly above the flange where the shaft sleeve attached to the guide vane. The failure of the shaft sleeve caused increased vibration which resulted in low stress, high cycle fatigue of the coupling bolts. When the coupling bolts sheared, a rapid loss of condenser vacuum occurred and the operators initiated a manual reactor trip in anticipation of a total loss of vacuum.
The intermediate term corrective action was to perform a root cause evaluation for the failure mechanism and repair CW pump 1P-30B. Repair included replacement of the coupling and coupling bolts. The licensee completed the root cause evaluation and identified several actions to prevent recurrence.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Measures Described in Operability Recommendation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensees failure to perform an evaluation for compensatory actions taken to maintain the closed function of the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) containment sump isolation valves.
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 2 of 11 Specifically, the licensee established compensatory actions in the event remote operation from the control room of the containment sump recirculation isolation valves (1SI-850A, 1SI-850B, 2SI-850A and 2SI-850B) was ineffective during plant minimum or degraded voltage conditions. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue had been implemented.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain and Implement Adequate Procedures for Control Room Ventilation Testing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have adequately established, implemented, and maintained procedures for Technical Specification Surveillance testing of the control room emergency filtration system. The inspectors observed the performance of the 18-month surveillance for testing of the control room emergency filtration system, per procedure HPIP-115.4. The inspectors noted that the visual inspection, charcoal sampling, collection of the fan flow data, and the compilation/evaluation of fan flow measurement data were conducted but not as specified in the procedure.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution.
The last performance of this test, conducted 18 months prior, revealed numerous performance deficiencies, which included an inadequate procedure and the failure to properly implement portions of the procedure. However, the corrective actions taken for the deficiencies identified during the last performance failed to correct the procedure maintenance and implementation issues associated with procedure HPIP-11.54. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, the licensee had implemented remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the procedure quality attribute for maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated this finding using the significance determination process and determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Update and Maintain the Final Safety Analysis Report as Required by 10 CFR 50.71(e)
The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50.71(e) for the self-revealed failure to update the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) to assure that the information in the report was the latest information developed and contained all changes necessary to reflect information and analyses submitted to the NRC. This finding was self-revealed following the inspectors' identification of numerous FSAR inaccuracies concerning licensee responses to generic docketed correspondence to the commission. This was further corroborated by a follow-up licensee self-assessment and streaming analysis conducted by the licensee. As a result, the licensee initiated a root cause evaluation which also identified the failure to update the FSAR in response to licensee credited actions, new NRC regulations, programmatic licensee commitments, and certain license amendment safety evaluation reports.
The inspectors determined that a primary cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of human performance due to the failure to have processes and procedures to maintain the current licensing basis and a lack of knowledge by plant staff of regulatory requirements. The licensee has taken immediate remedial corrective actions to address several issues, including the development of a site policy and procedures which defined the current licensing basis. In addition, the licensee has planned comprehensive corrective actions, including a detailed project scope to update the FSAR.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.71(e) affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because a failure to update the FSAR could have had a material impact on safety or licensed activities. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Leak Detection Capability The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to maintain the design basis and configuration control for the detection of recirculation system leakage from the containment
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                              Page 3 of 11 sump isolation valve cylinders (valves SI-850A and SI-850B for Units 1 and 2). This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design basis of the facility. During a review of a request for additional information from the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation regarding a November 8, 2005, 10 CFR 50.72 report, the licensee subsequently determined that, in fact, leakage detection of the containment sump isolation valve cylinders through the pipe sleeve into the auxiliary building was part of the systems design and licensing basis.
At the end of the inspection, the licensee had not completed a causal evaluation; however, several interim actions were in place to address the operable, but non-conforming condition. The licensee had established a corrective action to determine how to resolve this non-conforming issue.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Safety Function for SI-850 Valves in the Closed Direction The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to ensure the safety function of the containment sump isolation valves was maintained and tested in accordance with the design and licensing basis. This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design and licensing basis of the facility. The licensee subsequently determined that the design and licensing basis for the closed safety function of these valves was not properly implemented in accordance with the facilitys license and required codes or standards.
The licensee performed a causal evaluation and developed several interim and long-term corrective actions. Those corrective actions included:
revision of the inservice testing program documents for testing the valves; revision of the design basis document (DBD) for the residual heat removal system; reinforcement of the expectations with engineering staff on the use of DBDs and inservice testing background documents; and development of a project plan to update the inservice test background document.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control, equipment performance and maintenance and testing procedure quality attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in a loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Effects of Elevated Temperatures on Control Room Instruments The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies following a design basis loss-of-coolant accident, which could potentially affect mitigation of the event. During the Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection documented in NRC Inspection Report 2005012, the inspectors identified an unresolved item (URI) related to the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument accuracies and accident mitigation during a design basis loss of coolant accident. Subsequent review and root cause evaluation determined that the licensee had failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies for a calculation associated with the reconstitution project.
The licensee entered the issue in its corrective action system and performed a root cause analysis. Corrective actions to prevent recurrence included strengthening review requirements for the 30 percent, 60 percent and Owner Acceptance Review of vendor-supplied calculations for the calculation reconstitution project.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was greater than minor, as the finding represented a programmatic deficiency associated with the calculation reconstitution project that, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant concern due to calculation errors. The design deficiency did not result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18 as sufficient emergency diesel generators remained available through administrative controls to provide electrical power for operators to promptly restart the control room ventilation system, hence the finding screened as very low safety significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 4 of 11 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Safety Evaluations on Safety-Related Motors A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with the replacement of the 1P-10A residual heat removal pump (RHR) motor. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified for the failure to perform an equivalency evaluation for exceptions taken to motor specifications in the refurbishment of safety-related equipment. Specifically, the licensee failed to perform a technical evaluation for exceptions taken by the vendor to the licensee's motor specification for the 1P-10A RHR pump motor.
Once identified, the licensee initiated a corrective action program document (CAP) to perform an engineering evaluation before placing 1P-10A in service. The licensee also initiated an extent of condition review to ensure that other equipment was not subject to the same issues.
The inspectors determined that the finding was greater than minor because it: (1) involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and (2) affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, and determined that Checklist 4, "PWR Refueling Operation: RCS level > 23' OR PWR Shutdown Operation with Time to Boil > 2 hours And Inventory in the Pressurizer," applied, specifically Section I.C, "Core Heat Removal Guidelines - Equipment." However, because the A' RHR loop was not in operation and the B' train RHR loop was operable and in operation with support systems available, the inspectors determined that Section I.C was not affected. Additionally, the finding did not meet the Checklist 4 criteria for Phase 2 or Phase 3 quantitative analysis because the finding did not: increase the likelihood of a loss of reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, including a loss of RCS level instrumentation; degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path or add RCS inventory when needed; or degrade the licensee's ability to recover decay heat removal once it was lost. The inspectors also determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because no event occurred that could be characterized as a loss of control as listed in Table 1 of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Implement Procedures Related to Containment Debris Near ECCS Sump A finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors when the licensee failed, on two different occasions during the refueling outage, to perform adequate containment walkdowns to verify that no debris was present in the vicinity of the Emergency Core Cooling System Containment Sump which could potentially impact operability. Failure to identify and remove the debris that were missed on the licensee walkdowns could have potentially challenged emergency core cooling system sump operability.
This finding is more than minor significance in that, the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Additionally, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, debris left in the vicinity of the emergency core cooling system sump screen could partially impede flow to the RHR pumps, or result in head loss across a blocked sump screen affecting the net positive suction head available to the RHR pumps, during the recirculation phase and long term cooling following a loss-of-coolant accident or following a reactor vessel head drop event.
However, the finding is of very low safety significance as the finding did not increase the likelihood that a loss of RHR reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, RCS level control, or power would occur. The finding did not degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path, add RCS inventory, recover RHR once lost, establish an alternate core cooling path if RHR could not be re-established, or degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. The licensee failed to perform a causal analysis or extent of condition review, for the first instance of an inadequate ECCS sump debris inspection identified by the inspectors on October 4, 2005.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Verification Testing of SI 850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," having very low safety significance for failure to complete testing, to demonstrate that the containment sump isolation valves (SI-850s) would remain open during post loss of coolant accident containment recirculation. This finding was entered into the licensee's corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance, because it affected the design control; and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and affected the equipment reliability objective for this cornerstone. Equipment reliability was affected because, as these valves begin to drift shut, the post loss of coolant accident recirculation flow would be affected and require operator actions to compensate for valve drift to ensure adequate long term core cooling. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet, which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency, confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 5 of 11 Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Corrective Actions for Potential Boric Acid Corrosion of SI-850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action" having very low safety significance for failure to implement prompt corrective actions and inspect carbon steel hydraulic operating cylinder components on the 1(2) SI-850(A)(B) valve actuators after becoming aware of the nonconforming and potentially degraded conditions involving boric acid deposits and associated corrosion. The licensee implemented actions to clean up boric acid deposits and entered this finding into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance because absent NRC intervention, this issue could have become a more significant safety concern.
Specifically, the licensee would have allowed an acidic environment (boric acid deposits) or aqueous environment (submerged fasteners) for these carbon steel components to continue for an indefinite period of time which could have resulted in corrosion induced failures of the SI-850 valve actuators and it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of problem identification and resolution.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple Examples of the Failure to Notify the NRC Within 8 Hours as Required by 10 CFR 50.72 A finding of very low safety significance (with three examples) was identified by the inspectors for failure to notify the NRC within 8 hours in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), following the identification that the nuclear power plant was in an unanalyzed condition that significantly degraded plant safety. Each occurrence was reported by the licensee following repeated questioning by the inspectors which occurred in April, September and November 2005. Following the November occurrence, the inspectors reviewed the licensee's previous causal evaluations and corrective actions. The inspectors noted that while the licensee had appropriately evaluated and initiated corrective actions for the technical issues in April and September 2005, the licensee had not appropriately evaluated or developed any corrective actions to address the failure to adequately report these issues to the NRC in a timely manner. Therefore, the inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to appropriately evaluate and take adequate corrective actions for the reportability aspect of these issues.
Because this issue affects the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The inspectors determined that this violation is of very low safety significance and because the licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program (CAP068938), this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. The licensee has taken actions to perform a causal evaluation and address the knowledge, and procedural aspects of this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Potential Crimping Vulnerability of AFW Recirculation Line A Non-Cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," having very low safety significance was identified by the inspector. Specifically, the licensee failed to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality, the potential for the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) recirculation line to crimp during a design basis earthquake (DBE) or design basis tornado (DBT) event. The licensee missed prior opportunities to correct the adverse condition: 1) as a result of the two Red findings related to the AFW System, the licensee reviewed the AFW system for the effects of high energy line break, DBE, and DBT events and identified crimping of the non-safety related portion of the common AFW recirculation line as a potential common mode failure; and 2) an external self-assessment in mid-2003 also concluded that crimping of the AFW recirculation line was credible and a potential common mode failure.
The licensee corrected this adverse condition by: 1) installing a pretested replacement for AFW pump recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 that was manufactured to meet ASME Code Section VIII requirements; and 2) having commitments to periodically replace AFW recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 with a pretested valve. These actions provided reasonable assurance that AF-4035 would provide the required flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The licensee planned to supplement CAP066199 to address the inadequate corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that mitigate transients and the reactor accidents, and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, if left uncorrected the AFW recirculation line relief valve could have deteriorated over time, failed to open as designed, and not provided the required recirculation line flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The finding was of very low safety significance because testing of the original AFW recirculation line relief valve demonstrated that the relief valve would have opened as designed and would have provided the required AFW recirculation flowpath if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 6 of 11 Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Actions Associated with Letdown Line Automatic Isolation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for compensatory actions taken for an activity associated with a degraded plant condition. Specifically, the licensee "screened out" an activity which replaced an automatic action for Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) letdown isolation on low pressurizer level with a manual action to isolate letdown on low pressurizer level, while replacing the Unit 2 pressurizer low level bistables with Unit 2 online at power. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50.59 for the compensatory actions taken for the activity associated with the degraded plant condition.
Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors, at the time of the inspection, could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have ultimately required NRC approval. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the mitigating systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of operability or functionality per "Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment."
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Apply Adequate Design Controls During Replacement of Service Water (SW) Valves SW-360 and SW-322 A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control." During replacement of the Service Water outlet valves for the Component Cooling Water (CCW) heat exchangers, the licensee failed to evaluate design differences between the original valves and the replacement valves. These differences led to the eventual failure of the stems in both valves.
The issue was more than minor because it affected the mitigating system cornerstone attribute of "Design Control." The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) using IMC 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for the At-Power Situations," because the inspectors answered "no" to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
While the design deficiency led to failure of the valves, the failures occurred during a plant shutdown; therefore, the valves would not have been required to function as designed.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Failure to Enter a Potential Condition Adverse to Quality into the Corrective Action Program The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for failure to enter into the corrective action program vendor information with the potential to degrade safety-related equipment. Specifically, in June 2005, no corrective action program document was written after the licensee was notified by the reactor head vendor about potential problems resulting from the method of storage in the containment. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee counseled plant personnel in the reactor head replacement project about the need to enter such issues into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor because a more significant safety concern could occur if similar vendor issues were not entered into the corrective action program. The finding was of very low safety significance because the vendor subsequently determined that the head storage had been acceptable, no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of identification, because the licensee failed to promptly identify a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design Control Violation for Failure to Incorporate Diesel Information into Procedures The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the failure, from around 1994 to the date of the inspection, to translate emergency diesel generator licensing and design bases into emergency and abnormal operating procedures.
One emergency operating procedure and one abnormal operating procedure on each unit did not contain the diesel generator ratings and directed operators to place loads on the diesel generators that could exceed the licensing basis load limit. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee revised the procedures to incorporate the appropriate information.
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 7 of 11 This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective. Exceeding the licensing basis limit for diesel generator loading could affect the capability of the diesel generator to respond to a design basis accident, concurrent with a loss of offsite power and a single failure. The finding was of very low safety significance because this was a design deficiency with no loss of safety function Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Evaluation for an Inadequate Abnormal Operating Procedure The team identified a Green finding for the failure, in around July 2005, to perform an adequate extent-of-condition review following problems with auxiliary feedwater local control stations. After the apparent cause evaluation determined ineffective procedure validation had occurred, the extent-of-condition review did not check other procedures for similar problems. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee was reviewing other procedures for similar problems.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, it could eventually result in failing to promptly identify conditions adverse to quality.
The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety function was lost, no technical specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of evaluation, because the licensee failed to adequately evaluate a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Untimely Repair of Emergency Diesel Generator Cooling System Endbells With Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for the failure to take adequate corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the endbells of the service water cooling system of the G-01 emergency diesel generator (EDG). Specifically, significant wastage caused by MIC, on the EDG endbells was identified in 2001 and work orders were written to replace the endbells. However, as of March 20, 2005, the endbells were not replaced which resulted in a self-revealed through-wall leak from MIC on an endbell, requiring the diesel to be removed from service to effect repairs. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the endbell, followed by replacement of other susceptible EDG endbells. In addition, the licensee proposed changes to the predictive maintenance program to better identify potential sources of MIC corrosion in service water system components.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding could have become a more significant safety concern. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Inoperable Emergency Diesel Generator Because of Mispositioned Room Exhaust Fan Breaker The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 3.8.1.E for the self-revealed problem on August 7, 2005, when one of the required room exhaust fans for the G-01 EDG failed to start due to a mispositioned breaker. The licensee returned the breaker to the proper position and investigated the cause of the mispositioning. The licensee planned and had taken additional corrective actions to provide clarification for aborting a procedure or scheduled activity and for ensuring equipment was appropriately returned to service.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS)-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance, because the licensee failed to ensure that the appropriate conditions were established after completion and cancellation of maintenance activities and before re-aligning G-01 to the safeguards bus.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 8 of 11 Significance:        Sep 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Technical Specification Violation for Lack of a Procedure for Tripping Failed Loss-of-Voltage Relays The inspectors identified a Green finding with an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have a procedure to trip a loss-of-voltage time delay relay, a specific and foreseen potential malfunction, after the time delay function of the channel had failed.
Specifically, on August 17, 2005, relay 1-62-3/A-06, associated with one channel of the 4160-Volt loss-of-voltage time delay function of the loss of offsite power EDG start and load sequence instrumentation, failed during calibration and testing. The licensee was not able to place the channel in trip in one hour (as required by TSs) due to not having an established procedure for performing this activity. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to correct the condition by replacing the time delay relay. In addition, at the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned additional evaluations and corrective actions to ensure the capability of performing the Technical Specification Action Condition within the required time frame.
The finding was more than minor, in that, it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low risk significance because it did not involve a design deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS-allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events.
Inspection Report# : 2005010(pdf)
Significance:        Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure for Starting Motor-Driven AFW Pumps for Certain Control Room Evacuations A Green finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Title 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was self-revealed on July 19, 2005, for the failure to have an appropriate procedure to assure proper operation of the motor-driven auxiliary feedwater (AFW) minimum recirculation valves when operating the AFW system from outside the control room using local panels N-01 and N-02. As a result, if operators had performed AOP-10, "Control Room Inaccessibility," Revision 3, during an event, minimum recirculation valves AF-4007 and AF-4014 would not have opened when the AFW pumps were locally started with the discharge valves closed. This could have caused pump damage within one to two minutes.
The issue was more than minor because the finding was associated with the configuration control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, which indicated that a Phase 2 evaluation was necessary. However, because procedure AOP-10 was used when the control room was evacuated with no Appendix R fire and no other accident conditions, a Phase 3 evaluation was performed. The issue was characterized as Green based on the low initiating event frequency (evacuation of the control room for reasons other than an Appendix R fire) coupled with the accident mitigation available from the turbine-driven AFW pumps and feed and bleed capability. The licensee took prompt corrective action to revise procedure AOP-10.
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Aug 19, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation No 50.59 Safety Evaluation for a 2002 Modification to AFW The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure in September 2002 to perform a safety evaluation of the removal of the internals of the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) common recirculation line check valve, AF-117. Specifically, the licensee screened out' adverse changes made concerning the function and operation of all four AFW pumps. In this case, an automatic passive design feature of the AFW recirculation line piping was being made unavailable and the function was being changed to operation of an untested, nonsafety-related, active component--the AFW common recirculation line relief valve AF-4035--and it was being supplemented through the use of manual operator actions. This change warranted a 10 CFR 50.59 safety evaluation to determine if the changes met the criteria requiring a licensee amendment.
Because the issue potentially affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. This finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the original change would have ultimately required NRC approval. The inspectors completed a Significance Determination Review using IMC 0609, Appendix A "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations." Using the Phase 1 Screening worksheet the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) since the finding did not represent an actual loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time. Comparing this item to the examples in NUREG 1600, Supplement I, this finding is similar to Item D.5, "Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 that do not involve circumstances in which a change that required prior Commission approval would not be found acceptable had the approval been sought." As a result, the issue was considered to be of very low safety significance and was dispositioned as a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation (NCV).
Inspection Report# : 2005011(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 9 of 11 The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition. Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay. Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage. The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:        Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                                Page 10 of 11 Barrier Integrity Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Updated Final Safety Analysis Report Change to Replace ASME Class II, Seismic Class I, Piping with a Freeze Seal The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation associated with the failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation review as required by 10 CFR 50.59 for changes made to the facility as described in the UFSAR. In their safety evaluation, EVAL 2004-003, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that on-line repairs to the excess letdown line with a freeze seal in place as a boundary for Reactor Coolant System (RCS) effluent from the Reactor Coolant Pumps (RCPs) was acceptable without a license amendment. Specifically, for this freeze seal evolution, the licensee would have replaced the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Class II, Seismic Class I piping in the excess letdown line with a freeze plug while the plant was still on-line. Within the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation, the licensee failed to provide a basis for why this freeze seal evolution did not present more than a minimal increase in the likelihood of occurrence of a malfunction of a Structure, System and Component (SSC) important to safety.
Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have ultimately required NRC approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green), because the inspectors answered "no" to all three questions under the Containment Barriers Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Observation and Review of Emergency Preparedness Drill, August 1, 2002 On December 16, 2005, the staff issued a WHITE finding and NOV of 10 CFR 50.47. The WHITE finding was associated with the failure to self-identify the untimely declaration of an Alert classification during an August 2002 Emergency Preparedness drill. The inspection finding was assessed using the Significance Determination Process and was preliminarily characterized as WHITE.
In a January, 2006 telephone call, the licensee was informed that the NRC would be taking a one-time deviation from the Action Matrix process.
Normally, a supplemental 95001 inspection would be performed after a WHITE finding is determined; however, in this case, the effectiveness of the licensee's corrective actions to improve the capability to identify, track, and resolve critique items associated with EP drills and exercises was demonstrated with no findings or PIs greater than GREEN identified by NRC since August 2003. Additionally, both individuals involved with providing inaccurate information had their employments terminated on December 20, 2002. The WHITE finding will not be considered indicative of current performance in the EP cornerstone, and will not be considered in formulating a regulatory course of action should a new WHITE finding occur in the EP cornerstone.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
Significance: SL-III Nov 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Provide Complete and Accurate Information from August 1, 2002 EP drill On December 16, 2005, the staff proposed a severity level III NOV of 10 CFR 50.9, and $60,000 civil penalty. The violation involved inaccurate information provided to the NRC associated with a critique of the August 2002 EP drill.
In summary, on or about November 20, 2002, the licensee provided the Commission with information that was not complete and accurate in all material respects, concerning the results of post-drill critiques of an August 1, 2002 EP drill. Specifically, during an NRC inspection, the former Point Beach EP Manager provided NRC inspectors with a "Drill and Exercise Performance - Performance Indicator Evaluation Form", which indicated that the licensee had self-identified an untimely declaration of an Alert classification during the post-drill critique. In fact, the licensee had not identified the drill weakness during the August 2002 critique. The original document was date August 2, 2002, and stated that the licensee had declared the Alert classification 5 minutes after plant parameters reached the Emergency Action Level, and within the 15 minute limit. However, on or about November 15, 2002, the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator altered the document to indicate that the Alert classification was made after the 15 minute limit had been exceeded. The EP Manager and former EP Coordinator also backdated the document to August 23, 2002, in order to give the appearance that the licensee, and not the NRC, had identified the drill weakness. Information on the "Drill and Exercise Performance - Performance Indicator Evaluation Form" is material to the NRC as it is used to determine whether weaknesses during an EP drill are identified, evaluated and corrected. The actions of the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator, both licensee officials, resulted in the submission of materially inaccurate information to both NMC and the NRC, a violation of 10 CFR 50.9. The violation is categorized in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy at Severity Level III (EA-05-191). Additionally, the actions of the former EP Manager and former EP
 
2Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                                            Page 11 of 11 Coordinator were deliberate and violated 10 CFR 50.5, "Deliberate Misconduct."
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation of Increased Design Loads on the Auxiliary Building The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for failure to perform a written evaluation of increased design loads on the crane and the auxiliary building. The licensee performed a calculation to demonstrate the capability of the auxiliary building to hold a single-failure-proof crane with a 125-ton load during a seismic event. After the inspectors identified that no written evaluation has been performed, the licensee completed the evaluation and concluded that a license amendment was not required as a result of increased design loads.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Last modified : August 25, 2006
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                            Page 1 of 14 Point Beach 1 3Q/2006 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Take Adequate Actions for Potential High Wind Conditions A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to control loose materials in the protected area in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. No violation of NRC requirements occurred. Failure to take action to remove loose material in the protected area has problem identification and resolution cross-cutting aspects involving failure of assigned personnel to identify and correct potential tornado missiles that could be generated from such loose material in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. Once identified, the licensee initiated a corrective action program document to develop a surveillance procedure to remove loose materials before summer months when potential adverse weather was possible, performed walkdowns of the affected areas, and removed material which could become a potential hazard in high velocity winds and tornadoes.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the loose items adjacent to the main and auxiliary transformers would become a more significant safety concern. The issue is of very low safety significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss of coolant accident initiator; the finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal or external flooding. The issue is not considered a violation of regulatory requirements because the finding did not affect safety-related structures, systems, or components.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Self-Revealed Failure of Unit 1 Circulating Water Pump 1P-30B Due to Indadequate Maintenance A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed when the failure of circulating water (CW) pump 1P-30B and subsequent reactor trip occurred on December 13, 2005. This Green finding with no associated violation was identified for the licensees failure to provide an adequate maintenance procedure for CW pump 1P-30B. Lack of appropriate maintenance to maintain required clearances, due to inadequate procedures, resulted in excessive clearances within the pump and the lower shaft sleeve failing directly above the flange where the shaft sleeve attached to the guide vane. The failure of the shaft sleeve caused increased vibration which resulted in low stress, high cycle fatigue of the coupling bolts.
When the coupling bolts sheared, a rapid loss of condenser vacuum occurred and the operators initiated a manual reactor trip in anticipation of a total loss of vacuum.
The intermediate term corrective action was to perform a root cause evaluation for the failure mechanism and repair CW pump 1P-30B. Repair included replacement of the coupling and coupling bolts. The licensee completed the root cause evaluation and identified several actions to prevent recurrence.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 2 of 14 Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Potential Common Mode Failure Mechanism Due to Overdutied Circuit Breakers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving electrical system short circuit studies. Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensee failed to identify or analyze the potential consequences of faults on non-seismically protected circuits, or the potential for degradation of redundant trains due to a fault on a non-safety circuit that is routed in raceways associated with both redundant trains.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because the failure to identify and analyze unacceptable consequences of overdutied circuit breakers could impact their safety function. In the evaluation, The inspectors determined that the finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action for this issue, the licensee performed an operability evaluation that determined that despite the failure to properly analyze the consequences of overdutied circuit breakers, there was sufficient cable impedance to assure that loss of redundant buses due to postulated faults would not occur.
Inspection Report# : 2006006(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative EDG Loading Calculation The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control. Specifically, Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) Room exhaust fans, EDG diesel air start compressors, and additional loading caused by the EDG operating at frequencies above 60 Hertz (Hz) were not considered in the licensees EDG loading calculation. The licensee determined that this issue was not an operability concern, because these additional loads did not cause the EDG to be overloaded during design basis accident conditions.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to identify loads that would be supplied during an accident condition could result in eventual overloading of the EDG. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
After performing a calculation to support operability, it was determined that there were conservatisms and other unnecessary loads in the EDG loading calculation that served to counteract the non-conservatisms that were identified by the inspection team resulting in the EDG not exceeding any vendor load limitations Inspection Report# : 2006006(pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Lack of a 4 Hour SBO Coping Duration Heat-Up Calculation for the AFP Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR 50.63, Loss of all Alternating Current Power. Specifically, the licensee never performed a calculation that evaluated the effects of loss of ventilation on the Auxiliary Feedwater Pump (AFP) room during a Station Blackout (SBO). The AFP rooms, which each house a turbine driven AFP (TDAFP), had not been evaluated for the heatup that would occur during the SBO 4 hour coping duration. In response to the inspectors concerns, the licensee performed informal calculations to provide reasonable assurance that the heatup in the room during an SBO would not adversely affect the equipment.
The issue was more than minor because the licensee had not maintained a heatup calculation for the TDAFP room that assessed the effects of heatup on safe shutdown equipment as required for station blackout. The finding screened as having
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 3 of 14 very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Condensate Storage Tank Vortexing Calculation Did Not Bound Station Blackout Scenario The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) involving the useable volume in the condensate storage tank (CST). Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensees calculation to show that there would not be vortexing in the CST was not bounding for the station blackout scenario, which was the basis for the CST volume stated in the Technical Specifications. The licensees corrective actions included verifying the CST contained a sufficient volume to prevent vortexing in support of a station blackout scenario, and initiated actions to perform a formal calculation and to established an administrative limit to increase the available margin from the Technical Specification limit.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to adequately evaluate the CST vortex limit could have led to an insufficient useable volume in the CST preventing the auxiliary feedwater system from performing its function during a station blackout scenario and could have affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of design control. The finding was of very low safety significance based on the results of the licensees analysis and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unverified Fouling Factor Assumption for Containment Fan Coolers The team identified a Green non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, relating to the safety-related Containment Fan Coolers (CFC) for not assuring that the fouling factor inside the tubes was not maintained above the minimum specified analytical limit to prevent boiling of Service Water inside the coolers' tubes during accident conditions. Specifically, the licensee visually inspected the coolers and did not establish a specific criterion for accepting a fouling factor not lower than the established minimum of 0.0003 ft2-hr-&#xba;F/Btu to prevent boiling inside the tubes.
This finding was greater than minor because the current method of testing the fan coolers did not demonstrate that the existing fouling was such to prevent boiling. The finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action, the licensee demonstrated through an evaluation that if boiling occurred, it will occur first in the upper tubes before the condition of the water in the lower tubes will cause boiling. This would result in excess service water flow to the lower tubes such that the fan coolers could still perform their safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2006006(pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool Pipe Support Calculation Deficiencies The team identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving a modification that upgraded the Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool recirculation loop small bore piping and the Units 1 and 2 Reactor Water Storage Tank cross connect branches from the loop to Seismic Class I piping. Specifically, the inspection team found numerous non-conservative technical errors and calculation omissions in seismic design basis analysis calculations that supported this modification. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action system.
The issue was more than minor because the presence of these non-conservative calculational deficiencies resulted in seismic design basis analysis calculations to be re-performed to assure that the pipe supports would function as required
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 4 of 14 during the design basis seismic event. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Specifically, after re-performing the calculations for the supports that were called into question by the inspection team, the licensee was able to show that enough margin was still available to support the loads that would be seen during the design basis seismic event.
Inspection Report# : 2006006(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Measures Described in Operability Recommendation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensees failure to perform an evaluation for compensatory actions taken to maintain the closed function of the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) containment sump isolation valves. Specifically, the licensee established compensatory actions in the event remote operation from the control room of the containment sump recirculation isolation valves (1SI-850A, 1SI-850B, 2SI-850A and 2SI-850B) was ineffective during plant minimum or degraded voltage conditions. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue had been implemented.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain and Implement Adequate Procedures for Control Room Ventilation Testing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have adequately established, implemented, and maintained procedures for Technical Specification Surveillance testing of the control room emergency filtration system. The inspectors observed the performance of the 18-month surveillance for testing of the control room emergency filtration system, per procedure HPIP-115.4. The inspectors noted that the visual inspection, charcoal sampling, collection of the fan flow data, and the compilation/evaluation of fan flow measurement data were conducted but not as specified in the procedure.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. The last performance of this test, conducted 18 months prior, revealed numerous performance deficiencies, which included an inadequate procedure and the failure to properly implement portions of the procedure.
However, the corrective actions taken for the deficiencies identified during the last performance failed to correct the procedure maintenance and implementation issues associated with procedure HPIP-11.54. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, the licensee had implemented remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the procedure quality attribute for maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated this finding using the significance determination process and determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 5 of 14 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Update and Maintain the Final Safety Analysis Report as Required by 10 CFR 50.71(e)
The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50.71(e) for the self-revealed failure to update the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) to assure that the information in the report was the latest information developed and contained all changes necessary to reflect information and analyses submitted to the NRC. This finding was self-revealed following the inspectors' identification of numerous FSAR inaccuracies concerning licensee responses to generic docketed correspondence to the commission. This was further corroborated by a follow-up licensee self-assessment and streaming analysis conducted by the licensee. As a result, the licensee initiated a root cause evaluation which also identified the failure to update the FSAR in response to licensee credited actions, new NRC regulations, programmatic licensee commitments, and certain license amendment safety evaluation reports.
The inspectors determined that a primary cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of human performance due to the failure to have processes and procedures to maintain the current licensing basis and a lack of knowledge by plant staff of regulatory requirements. The licensee has taken immediate remedial corrective actions to address several issues, including the development of a site policy and procedures which defined the current licensing basis.
In addition, the licensee has planned comprehensive corrective actions, including a detailed project scope to update the FSAR.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.71(e) affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because a failure to update the FSAR could have had a material impact on safety or licensed activities. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Leak Detection Capability The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to maintain the design basis and configuration control for the detection of recirculation system leakage from the containment sump isolation valve cylinders (valves SI-850A and SI-850B for Units 1 and 2). This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design basis of the facility. During a review of a request for additional information from the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation regarding a November 8, 2005, 10 CFR 50.72 report, the licensee subsequently determined that, in fact, leakage detection of the containment sump isolation valve cylinders through the pipe sleeve into the auxiliary building was part of the systems design and licensing basis.
At the end of the inspection, the licensee had not completed a causal evaluation; however, several interim actions were in place to address the operable, but non-conforming condition. The licensee had established a corrective action to determine how to resolve this non-conforming issue.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Safety Function for SI-850 Valves in the Closed Direction
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 6 of 14 The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to ensure the safety function of the containment sump isolation valves was maintained and tested in accordance with the design and licensing basis. This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design and licensing basis of the facility. The licensee subsequently determined that the design and licensing basis for the closed safety function of these valves was not properly implemented in accordance with the facilitys license and required codes or standards.
The licensee performed a causal evaluation and developed several interim and long-term corrective actions. Those corrective actions included: revision of the inservice testing program documents for testing the valves; revision of the design basis document (DBD) for the residual heat removal system; reinforcement of the expectations with engineering staff on the use of DBDs and inservice testing background documents; and development of a project plan to update the inservice test background document.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control, equipment performance and maintenance and testing procedure quality attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in a loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Effects of Elevated Temperatures on Control Room Instruments The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies following a design basis loss-of-coolant accident, which could potentially affect mitigation of the event. During the Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection documented in NRC Inspection Report 2005012, the inspectors identified an unresolved item (URI) related to the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument accuracies and accident mitigation during a design basis loss of coolant accident. Subsequent review and root cause evaluation determined that the licensee had failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies for a calculation associated with the reconstitution project.
The licensee entered the issue in its corrective action system and performed a root cause analysis. Corrective actions to prevent recurrence included strengthening review requirements for the 30 percent, 60 percent and Owner Acceptance Review of vendor-supplied calculations for the calculation reconstitution project.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was greater than minor, as the finding represented a programmatic deficiency associated with the calculation reconstitution project that, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant concern due to calculation errors. The design deficiency did not result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18 as sufficient emergency diesel generators remained available through administrative controls to provide electrical power for operators to promptly restart the control room ventilation system, hence the finding screened as very low safety significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Safety Evaluations on Safety-Related Motors A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with the replacement of the 1P-10A residual heat removal pump (RHR) motor. A Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified for the failure to perform an equivalency evaluation for exceptions taken to motor specifications in the refurbishment of safety-related equipment. Specifically, the licensee failed to perform a technical evaluation for exceptions taken by the vendor to the licensee's motor specification for the 1P-10A RHR pump motor. Once identified, the
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 7 of 14 licensee initiated a corrective action program document (CAP) to perform an engineering evaluation before placing 1P-10A in service. The licensee also initiated an extent of condition review to ensure that other equipment was not subject to the same issues.
The inspectors determined that the finding was greater than minor because it: (1) involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and (2) affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Phase 1 Screening, and determined that Checklist 4, "PWR Refueling Operation: RCS level > 23' OR PWR Shutdown Operation with Time to Boil > 2 hours And Inventory in the Pressurizer," applied, specifically Section I.C, "Core Heat Removal Guidelines - Equipment." However, because the A' RHR loop was not in operation and the B' train RHR loop was operable and in operation with support systems available, the inspectors determined that Section I.C was not affected. Additionally, the finding did not meet the Checklist 4 criteria for Phase 2 or Phase 3 quantitative analysis because the finding did not: increase the likelihood of a loss of reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, including a loss of RCS level instrumentation; degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path or add RCS inventory when needed; or degrade the licensee's ability to recover decay heat removal once it was lost.
The inspectors also determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because no event occurred that could be characterized as a loss of control as listed in Table 1 of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Implement Procedures Related to Containment Debris Near ECCS Sump A finding associated with a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors when the licensee failed, on two different occasions during the refueling outage, to perform adequate containment walkdowns to verify that no debris was present in the vicinity of the Emergency Core Cooling System Containment Sump which could potentially impact operability. Failure to identify and remove the debris that were missed on the licensee walkdowns could have potentially challenged emergency core cooling system sump operability.
This finding is more than minor significance in that, the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Additionally, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, debris left in the vicinity of the emergency core cooling system sump screen could partially impede flow to the RHR pumps, or result in head loss across a blocked sump screen affecting the net positive suction head available to the RHR pumps, during the recirculation phase and long term cooling following a loss-of-coolant accident or following a reactor vessel head drop event.
However, the finding is of very low safety significance as the finding did not increase the likelihood that a loss of RHR reactor coolant system (RCS) inventory, RCS level control, or power would occur. The finding did not degrade the licensee's ability to terminate a leak path, add RCS inventory, recover RHR once lost, establish an alternate core cooling path if RHR could not be re-established, or degrade the ability of containment to remain intact following a severe accident.
Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. The licensee failed to perform a causal analysis or extent of condition review, for the first instance of an inadequate ECCS sump debris inspection identified by the inspectors on October 4, 2005.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Verification Testing of SI 850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," having very low safety significance for failure to complete testing, to demonstrate that the containment sump isolation valves (SI-850s) would remain open during post loss of coolant accident containment recirculation. This finding
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 8 of 14 was entered into the licensee's corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance, because it affected the design control; and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone; and affected the equipment reliability objective for this cornerstone.
Equipment reliability was affected because, as these valves begin to drift shut, the post loss of coolant accident recirculation flow would be affected and require operator actions to compensate for valve drift to ensure adequate long term core cooling. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet, which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency, confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18.
Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Corrective Actions for Potential Boric Acid Corrosion of SI-850 Valves The inspectors identified a finding involving a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action" having very low safety significance for failure to implement prompt corrective actions and inspect carbon steel hydraulic operating cylinder components on the 1(2) SI-850(A)(B) valve actuators after becoming aware of the nonconforming and potentially degraded conditions involving boric acid deposits and associated corrosion. The licensee implemented actions to clean up boric acid deposits and entered this finding into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor significance because absent NRC intervention, this issue could have become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the licensee would have allowed an acidic environment (boric acid deposits) or aqueous environment (submerged fasteners) for these carbon steel components to continue for an indefinite period of time which could have resulted in corrosion induced failures of the SI-850 valve actuators and it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of equipment reliability. The inspectors answered "yes" to the question in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone worksheet which asked if the finding was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding was a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of problem identification and resolution.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple Examples of the Failure to Notify the NRC Within 8 Hours as Required by 10 CFR 50.72 A finding of very low safety significance (with three examples) was identified by the inspectors for failure to notify the NRC within 8 hours in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), following the identification that the nuclear power plant was in an unanalyzed condition that significantly degraded plant safety. Each occurrence was reported by the licensee following repeated questioning by the inspectors which occurred in April, September and November 2005. Following the November occurrence, the inspectors reviewed the licensee's previous causal evaluations and corrective actions. The inspectors noted that while the licensee had appropriately evaluated and initiated corrective actions for the technical issues in April and September 2005, the licensee had not appropriately evaluated or developed any corrective actions to address the failure to adequately report these issues to the NRC in a timely manner. Therefore, the inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to appropriately evaluate and take adequate corrective actions for the reportability aspect of these issues.
Because this issue affects the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The inspectors determined that this violation is of very low safety significance and because the licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program (CAP068938), this violation is being treated as an NCV consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. The licensee has taken actions to perform a causal evaluation and address the knowledge, and procedural aspects of this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2005
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                            Page 9 of 14 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Potential Crimping Vulnerability of AFW Recirculation Line A Non-Cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," having very low safety significance was identified by the inspector. Specifically, the licensee failed to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality, the potential for the auxiliary feedwater (AFW) recirculation line to crimp during a design basis earthquake (DBE) or design basis tornado (DBT) event. The licensee missed prior opportunities to correct the adverse condition: 1) as a result of the two Red findings related to the AFW System, the licensee reviewed the AFW system for the effects of high energy line break, DBE, and DBT events and identified crimping of the non-safety related portion of the common AFW recirculation line as a potential common mode failure; and 2) an external self-assessment in mid-2003 also concluded that crimping of the AFW recirculation line was credible and a potential common mode failure.
The licensee corrected this adverse condition by: 1) installing a pretested replacement for AFW pump recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 that was manufactured to meet ASME Code Section VIII requirements; and 2) having commitments to periodically replace AFW recirculation line relief valve AF-4035 with a pretested valve. These actions provided reasonable assurance that AF-4035 would provide the required flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The licensee planned to supplement CAP066199 to address the inadequate corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that mitigate transients and the reactor accidents, and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, if left uncorrected the AFW recirculation line relief valve could have deteriorated over time, failed to open as designed, and not provided the required recirculation line flowpath to protect the AFW pumps if the recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The finding was of very low safety significance because testing of the original AFW recirculation line relief valve demonstrated that the relief valve would have opened as designed and would have provided the required AFW recirculation flowpath if the AFW recirculation line crimped during a DBE or DBT event. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution, because the licensee failed to take adequate corrective actions.
Inspection Report# : 2005013(pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Actions Associated with Letdown Line Automatic Isolation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensee's failure to perform a safety evaluation for compensatory actions taken for an activity associated with a degraded plant condition.
Specifically, the licensee "screened out" an activity which replaced an automatic action for Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) letdown isolation on low pressurizer level with a manual action to isolate letdown on low pressurizer level, while replacing the Unit 2 pressurizer low level bistables with Unit 2 online at power. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee planned to perform a safety evaluation in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50.59 for the compensatory actions taken for the activity associated with the degraded plant condition.
Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors, at the time of the inspection, could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have ultimately required NRC approval. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Phase 1 screening for the mitigating systems cornerstone and determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency that was confirmed to result in a loss of operability or functionality per "Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment."
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 10 of 14 Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Apply Adequate Design Controls During Replacement of Service Water (SW) Valves SW-360 and SW-322 A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control." During replacement of the Service Water outlet valves for the Component Cooling Water (CCW) heat exchangers, the licensee failed to evaluate design differences between the original valves and the replacement valves. These differences led to the eventual failure of the stems in both valves.
The issue was more than minor because it affected the mitigating system cornerstone attribute of "Design Control." The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) using IMC 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for the At-Power Situations," because the inspectors answered "no" to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. While the design deficiency led to failure of the valves, the failures occurred during a plant shutdown; therefore, the valves would not have been required to function as designed.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Corrective Action Violation for Failure to Enter a Potential Condition Adverse to Quality into the Corrective Action Program The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," for failure to enter into the corrective action program vendor information with the potential to degrade safety-related equipment. Specifically, in June 2005, no corrective action program document was written after the licensee was notified by the reactor head vendor about potential problems resulting from the method of storage in the containment. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee counseled plant personnel in the reactor head replacement project about the need to enter such issues into the corrective action program.
This finding was more than minor because a more significant safety concern could occur if similar vendor issues were not entered into the corrective action program. The finding was of very low safety significance because the vendor subsequently determined that the head storage had been acceptable, no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of identification, because the licensee failed to promptly identify a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance:        Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Design Control Violation for Failure to Incorporate Diesel Information into Procedures The team identified a Green Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," for the failure, from around 1994 to the date of the inspection, to translate emergency diesel generator licensing and design bases into emergency and abnormal operating procedures. One emergency operating procedure and one abnormal operating procedure on each unit did not contain the diesel generator ratings and directed operators to place loads on the diesel generators that could exceed the licensing basis load limit. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee revised the procedures to incorporate the appropriate information.
This finding was more than minor because it involved the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective. Exceeding the licensing basis limit for diesel generator loading could affect the capability of the diesel generator to respond to a design basis accident, concurrent with a loss of offsite power and a single failure. The finding was of very low safety significance because this was a design deficiency with no loss of safety function Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 11 of 14 Significance:      Oct 06, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Evaluation for an Inadequate Abnormal Operating Procedure The team identified a Green finding for the failure, in around July 2005, to perform an adequate extent-of-condition review following problems with auxiliary feedwater local control stations. After the apparent cause evaluation determined ineffective procedure validation had occurred, the extent-of-condition review did not check other procedures for similar problems. The licensee subsequently entered the issue into its corrective action program. As part of the corrective actions, the licensee was reviewing other procedures for similar problems.
This finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, it could eventually result in failing to promptly identify conditions adverse to quality. The finding was of very low safety significance because no safety function was lost, no technical specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there were no external event concerns. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting aspect of problem identification and resolution in the area of evaluation, because the licensee failed to adequately evaluate a condition adverse to quality.
Inspection Report# : 2005012(pdf)
Significance: N/A Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation The failure to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions for the AFW/IA issue, a significant condition adverse to quality, so as to prevent recurrence.
A violation was identified for the licensee's failure to implement adequate corrective actions to effectively address a previous Red finding and preclude recurrence (Inspection Report 50-266/01-17; 50-301/01-17). Specifically, the licensee failed to identify potential common mode failures that existed involving power supplies to the recirculation line air-operated valve and other system components. In addition, the licensee's corrective actions for the potential common mode failure associated with a loss of instrument air did not preclude repetition. Specifically, the licensee's corrective actions, to upgrade the safety function of the air-operated recirculation valve, failed to ensure that successful operation of the recirculation line air-operated valve was dependent only on safety-related support systems. Following the corrective actions, successful operation of the valve was still dependent upon nonsafety-related power to an interposing relay.
Additionally, the corrective actions failed to discover a single failure mechanism involving a system orifice modification.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to implement appropriate corrective actions resulted in the auxiliary feedwater system continuing to rely on nonsafety-related support systems and to be susceptible to a single event causing a total system failure. The failure of nonsafety-related support systems and single event failures are an expected condition during several design basis accidents and should not cause a safety system to fail. The failure of the licensee to implement adequate corrective actions is a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action."
This violation is associated with a previously identified RED finding (IR 50-266;50-30/01-17).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:      Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 12 of 14 inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage.
The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
Inspection Report# : 2002015(pdf)
Significance:      Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
Inspection Report# : 2001017(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003(pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance: SL-IV Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Updated Final Safety Analysis Report Change to Replace ASME Class II, Seismic Class I, Piping with a Freeze Seal The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation associated with the failure to perform an adequate safety evaluation review as required by 10 CFR 50.59 for changes made to the facility as described in the UFSAR. In their safety evaluation, EVAL 2004-003, the licensee failed to provide a basis for the determination that on-line repairs to the excess letdown line with a freeze seal in place as a boundary for Reactor Coolant System (RCS) effluent from the Reactor Coolant Pumps (RCPs) was acceptable without a license amendment. Specifically, for this freeze seal evolution, the licensee would have replaced the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Class II, Seismic Class I piping in the excess letdown line with a freeze plug while the plant was still on-line. Within the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation, the licensee failed to provide a basis for why this freeze seal evolution did not present more than a minimal increase in the likelihood of occurrence of a malfunction of a Structure, System and Component (SSC) important to safety.
Because the issue affected the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The finding was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the UFSAR change, which adversely affected equipment important to safety, would not have
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 13 of 14 ultimately required NRC approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green), because the inspectors answered "no" to all three questions under the Containment Barriers Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2005018(pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:        Dec 16, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Observation and Review of Emergency Preparedness Drill, August 1, 2002 On December 16, 2005, the staff issued a WHITE finding and NOV of 10 CFR 50.47. The WHITE finding was associated with the failure to self-identify the untimely declaration of an Alert classification during an August 2002 Emergency Preparedness drill. The inspection finding was assessed using the Significance Determination Process and was preliminarily characterized as WHITE.
In a January, 2006 telephone call, the licensee was informed that the NRC would be taking a one-time deviation from the Action Matrix process. Normally, a supplemental 95001 inspection would be performed after a WHITE finding is determined; however, in this case, the effectiveness of the licensee's corrective actions to improve the capability to identify, track, and resolve critique items associated with EP drills and exercises was demonstrated with no findings or PIs greater than GREEN identified by NRC since August 2003. Additionally, both individuals involved with providing inaccurate information had their employments terminated on December 20, 2002. The WHITE finding will not be considered indicative of current performance in the EP cornerstone, and will not be considered in formulating a regulatory course of action should a new WHITE finding occur in the EP cornerstone.
Inspection Report# : 2002010(pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
Significance: SL-III Nov 30, 2005 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Provide Complete and Accurate Information from August 1, 2002 EP drill On December 16, 2005, the staff proposed a severity level III NOV of 10 CFR 50.9, and $60,000 civil penalty. The violation involved inaccurate information provided to the NRC associated with a critique of the August 2002 EP drill.
In summary, on or about November 20, 2002, the licensee provided the Commission with information that was not complete and accurate in all material respects, concerning the results of post-drill critiques of an August 1, 2002 EP drill.
Specifically, during an NRC inspection, the former Point Beach EP Manager provided NRC inspectors with a "Drill and Exercise Performance - Performance Indicator Evaluation Form", which indicated that the licensee had self-identified an untimely declaration of an Alert classification during the post-drill critique. In fact, the licensee had not identified the drill weakness during the August 2002 critique. The original document was date August 2, 2002, and stated that the licensee had declared the Alert classification 5 minutes after plant parameters reached the Emergency Action Level, and within the 15 minute limit. However, on or about November 15, 2002, the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator altered the document to indicate that the Alert classification was made after the 15 minute limit had been exceeded. The EP Manager and former EP Coordinator also backdated the document to August 23, 2002, in order to give the appearance that the licensee, and not the NRC, had identified the drill weakness. Information on the "Drill and Exercise Performance -
Performance Indicator Evaluation Form" is material to the NRC as it is used to determine whether weaknesses during an EP drill are identified, evaluated and corrected. The actions of the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator, both licensee officials, resulted in the submission of materially inaccurate information to both NMC and the NRC, a violation of 10 CFR 50.9. The violation is categorized in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy at Severity Level III (EA 191). Additionally, the actions of the former EP Manager and former EP Coordinator were deliberate and violated 10 CFR 50.5, "Deliberate Misconduct."
Inspection Report# : 2005017(pdf)
 
3Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                    Page 14 of 14 Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation of Increased Design Loads on the Auxiliary Building The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for failure to perform a written evaluation of increased design loads on the crane and the auxiliary building. The licensee performed a calculation to demonstrate the capability of the auxiliary building to hold a single-failure-proof crane with a 125-ton load during a seismic event. After the inspectors identified that no written evaluation has been performed, the licensee completed the evaluation and concluded that a license amendment was not required as a result of increased design loads.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004(pdf)
Last modified : December 21, 2006
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 1 of 13 Point Beach 1 4Q/2006 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance: SL-III Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Update FSAR With Reactor Head Drop Analysis and Obtain NRC Approval The inspectors identified an apparent violation for the failure of the licensee in 1983 to incorporate the results of an 1982 analysis of a postulated drop of the reactor vessel head on the vessel into the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR). The apparent violation is subject to the NRCs traditional enforcement process because it had the potential for impacting the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function. After the problem was identified in early 2005, the licensee submitted a revised head drop analysis that the NRC reviewed and subsequently approved; evaluated the Unit 2 replacement vessel head against that analysis; updated its FSAR; and conducted a review to identify other instances where the FSAR may not have been updated.
This finding is considered greater than minor because the failure to update the FSAR as required by 10 CFR 50.71(e) resulted in the licensee not obtaining the necessary review and approval of the 1982 analysis, and in the removal and reinstallation of the original reactor heads from 1983 to 2004 without administrative controls similar to those established for head moves in 2005 and after. Also, the finding is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Because findings involving 10 CFR 50.71(e) potentially affect the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, and reactor vessel head drop analysis issues are not suitable for Significance Determination Process analysis, this finding is being evaluated using the traditional enforcement process.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 29, 2007|text=letter dated January 29, 2007}}, a Notice of Violation was issued for a Severity Level III violation of 10 CFR 50.71(e).
There is no civil penalty.
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Replacement Reactor Vessel Head Design Deficiencies The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to assure from October 2002 to April 2005 that deviations in weight, a specific value used in analysis of the effects of a postulated accident, of the Unit 2 replacement reactor vessel head and head assembly upgrade package were controlled in accordance with the original design bases. One result of this failure was that the licensees 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation completed in February 2005 for the replacement head was inadequate. The licensee entered the finding into its corrective action program, and revised head replacement project documents and the station design bases to account for the differences between the Unit 2 replacement vessel head and the original head. In addition, the licensee completed an adequate 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation. These actions were taken prior to the actual lift of the new head that occurred in June 2005.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Consultation with the Region III Senior Reactor Analysts determined that reactor vessel head drop issues were not suitable for the Significance Determination Process analysis. Therefore, this finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                          Page 2 of 13 Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedural Controis for Manually Operated Breakers Located in Certain Control Panels A finding and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance was self-revealed on October 16, 2006, during the out-of-service tagging of a manually operated breaker (MOB) in the Unit 2 control panel. The reactor was shutdown at the time of the event but at normal operating pressure and temperature. During the tagging, an adjacent breaker was inadvertently repositioned resulting in the opening of the pressurizer power-operated relief valve (PORV). About 63 gallons of reactor coolant were released through the valve to the pressurizer relief tank before operators repositioned the breaker and the valve re-closed.
The released was categorized as a Notification of Unusual Event. The mispositioning was caused by a lack of adequate procedural controls for working in the control panels and a lack of knowledge by personnel as to the minimal force required to open the MOBs. As part of corrective actions, the licensee replaced or protected the most risk significant MOBs, trained workers on the operating sensitivity of the breakers, and established controls governing work in the control panels around sensitive equipment. The issue was entered into the corrective action program and the licensee performed a root cause evaluation for this event.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected it would become a more significant safety concern in that the inadvertent re-positioning of other similar breakers in the main control room control panels would significantly upset plant stability. In addition, the finding is associated with the procedure quality and human performance attribute of the Initiating Events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Because attributes such as core heat removal, inventory control, power availability, containment control, and reactivity guidelines were met, the finding screened as (Green) having very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensees control of work failed to incorporate into planned work activities job site conditions, including environmental conditions which may impact human performance, and the human-system interface, that is, the operator interface with the breakers in the close confines of the control panels.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Take Adequate Actions for Potential High Wind Conditions A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to control loose materials in the protected area in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. No violation of NRC requirements occurred. Failure to take action to remove loose material in the protected area has problem identification and resolution cross-cutting aspects involving failure of assigned personnel to identify and correct potential tornado missiles that could be generated from such loose material in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. Once identified, the licensee initiated a corrective action program document to develop a surveillance procedure to remove loose materials before summer months when potential adverse weather was possible, performed walkdowns of the affected areas, and removed material which could become a potential hazard in high velocity winds and tornadoes.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the loose items adjacent to the main and auxiliary transformers would become a more significant safety concern. The issue is of very low safety significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss of coolant accident initiator; the finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal or external flooding. The issue is not considered a violation of regulatory requirements because the finding did not affect safety-related structures, systems, or components.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                            Page 3 of 13 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Self-Revealed Failure of Unit 1 Circulating Water Pump 1P-30B Due to Indadequate Maintenance A finding of very low safety significance was self-revealed when the failure of circulating water (CW) pump 1P-30B and subsequent reactor trip occurred on December 13, 2005. This Green finding with no associated violation was identified for the licensees failure to provide an adequate maintenance procedure for CW pump 1P-30B. Lack of appropriate maintenance to maintain required clearances, due to inadequate procedures, resulted in excessive clearances within the pump and the lower shaft sleeve failing directly above the flange where the shaft sleeve attached to the guide vane. The failure of the shaft sleeve caused increased vibration which resulted in low stress, high cycle fatigue of the coupling bolts.
When the coupling bolts sheared, a rapid loss of condenser vacuum occurred and the operators initiated a manual reactor trip in anticipation of a total loss of vacuum.
The intermediate term corrective action was to perform a root cause evaluation for the failure mechanism and repair CW pump 1P-30B. Repair included replacement of the coupling and coupling bolts. The licensee completed the root cause evaluation and identified several actions to prevent recurrence.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure for Identifying Degraded Piping The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving areas of service water piping where microbiologically induced corrosion was identified but the wall thicknesses of the pipe in those areas were not measured.
An NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," was associated with this finding for failure to prescribe directions to ensure all areas of degradation identified were characterized. The licensee performed radiographic examination of safety-related piping in the service water system to identify and determine the extent of degradation and to take appropriate corrective action to maintain operability. However, the radiographic technique used did not provide information on the most severe (deepest) degradation in the section of pipe examined. Without this information, the licensees evaluation of the piping integrity, actions to perform inspections of additional pipe segments, and actions to perform more frequent inspection on the same section could be inappropriate. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the procedure did not require adequate characterization of the extent of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in service water (SW) piping to ensure that MIC degradation would not result in failure of the SW piping pressure boundary. Because there were no active through-wall leaks in this system and no known degradation which exceeded the Code minimum wall thickness, the finding is of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 4 of 13 Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Review The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance with no associated violation for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid leakage found in the last quarter of 2005 on the safety injection-850 valves (containment recirculation sump isolation valves). During the current inspection, the inspectors identified boric acid leakage on other valves that the licensee had not evaluated. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program.
This finding is greater than minor because failing to evaluate boric acid leakage would lead to component failure and had the potential to become a more significant safety concern. Because no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there was no external event concerns. The finding is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of PI&R within the component of the corrective action program and the aspect of thorough evaluation of problems.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Core Cooling System Sump Flow Design Control Deficiencies The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance when the licensee did not correctly interpret the results of calculations of the head available to drive flow across the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) sump screens and also did not identify and did not analyze for a postulated sump plugging condition as it affected net positive suction head (NPSH) for the residual heat removal (RHR) pumps. As a result, the licensee failed to maintain design margins for ECCS sump flow. The licensee completed a causal evaluation and developed corrective actions, including the implementation of compensatory measures to ensure sump outlet flow was limited to eliminate flashing and to ensure that adequate NSPH was available.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). This design control deficiency was confirmed not to result in loss of operability per Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment. Hence, the finding screened as of very low risk significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
The lack of engineering rigor associated with review of this calculation involved the cross-cutting component of resources in that personnel, procedures, and supervisory resources were not adequate to assure nuclear safety, and the cross-cutting aspect of maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins specified in calculations. The licensee did not maintain adequate NPSH margin or preclude air intrusion, as the ECCS sump flow parameter (RHR pump flow during phase 2 recirculation following a postulated loss of coolant accident was not appropriately limited in the emergency operating procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Coatings Program Weaknesses The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance when the licensee failed to assure that the limits of unqualified and degraded coatings within the containment sump zone of influence, as documented in the 1999 analyses of record, were correctly translated into specifications and plant procedures and that deviations since 1999 were appropriately controlled. Subsequently, the inspectors identified that the licensee had exceeded the design analysis limits associated with the quantities of degraded and unqualified coatings in containment. The licensee completed a causal evaluation and developed corrective actions, including the removal of degraded coatings and the revision of site procedures to include limits for degraded and unqualified coatings The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 5 of 13 of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). This design control deficiency was confirmed not to result in a loss of operability per Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment. Hence, the finding screened of as very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. The failure to appropriately maintain the amount of unqualified and degraded coatings in accordance with the analyses of record involved the cross-cutting component of resources for the failure to ensure that personnel, procedures, and supervisory resources were adequate to assure nuclear safety, and the cross-cutting aspect of maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins specified in calculations supporting the design basis accidents.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Potential Common Mode Failure Mechanism Due to Overdutied Circuit Breakers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving electrical system short circuit studies. Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensee failed to identify or analyze the potential consequences of faults on non-seismically protected circuits, or the potential for degradation of redundant trains due to a fault on a non-safety circuit that is routed in raceways associated with both redundant trains.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because the failure to identify and analyze unacceptable consequences of overdutied circuit breakers could impact their safety function. In the evaluation, The inspectors determined that the finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action for this issue, the licensee performed an operability evaluation that determined that despite the failure to properly analyze the consequences of overdutied circuit breakers, there was sufficient cable impedance to assure that loss of redundant buses due to postulated faults would not occur.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative EDG Loading Calculation The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control. Specifically, Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) Room exhaust fans, EDG diesel air start compressors, and additional loading caused by the EDG operating at frequencies above 60 Hertz (Hz) were not considered in the licensees EDG loading calculation. The licensee determined that this issue was not an operability concern, because these additional loads did not cause the EDG to be overloaded during design basis accident conditions.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to identify loads that would be supplied during an accident condition could result in eventual overloading of the EDG. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
After performing a calculation to support operability, it was determined that there were conservatisms and other unnecessary loads in the EDG loading calculation that served to counteract the non-conservatisms that were identified by the inspection team resulting in the EDG not exceeding any vendor load limitations Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Lack of a 4 Hour SBO Coping Duration Heat-Up Calculation for the AFP Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR 50.63, Loss of all Alternating Current Power. Specifically, the licensee never performed a calculation that evaluated the effects of loss of ventilation on the Auxiliary Feedwater Pump (AFP) room during a Station Blackout (SBO). The AFP rooms, which each house a turbine driven AFP (TDAFP), had not been evaluated for the heatup that would occur during the SBO 4 hour
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 6 of 13 coping duration. In response to the inspectors concerns, the licensee performed informal calculations to provide reasonable assurance that the heatup in the room during an SBO would not adversely affect the equipment.
The issue was more than minor because the licensee had not maintained a heatup calculation for the TDAFP room that assessed the effects of heatup on safe shutdown equipment as required for station blackout. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Condensate Storage Tank Vortexing Calculation Did Not Bound Station Blackout Scenario The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) involving the useable volume in the condensate storage tank (CST). Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensees calculation to show that there would not be vortexing in the CST was not bounding for the station blackout scenario, which was the basis for the CST volume stated in the Technical Specifications. The licensees corrective actions included verifying the CST contained a sufficient volume to prevent vortexing in support of a station blackout scenario, and initiated actions to perform a formal calculation and to established an administrative limit to increase the available margin from the Technical Specification limit.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to adequately evaluate the CST vortex limit could have led to an insufficient useable volume in the CST preventing the auxiliary feedwater system from performing its function during a station blackout scenario and could have affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of design control. The finding was of very low safety significance based on the results of the licensees analysis and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unverified Fouling Factor Assumption for Containment Fan Coolers The team identified a Green non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, relating to the safety-related Containment Fan Coolers (CFC) for not assuring that the fouling factor inside the tubes was not maintained above the minimum specified analytical limit to prevent boiling of Service Water inside the coolers' tubes during accident conditions. Specifically, the licensee visually inspected the coolers and did not establish a specific criterion for accepting a fouling factor not lower than the established minimum of 0.0003 ft2-hr-&#xba;F/Btu to prevent boiling inside the tubes.
This finding was greater than minor because the current method of testing the fan coolers did not demonstrate that the existing fouling was such to prevent boiling. The finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action, the licensee demonstrated through an evaluation that if boiling occurred, it will occur first in the upper tubes before the condition of the water in the lower tubes will cause boiling. This would result in excess service water flow to the lower tubes such that the fan coolers could still perform their safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool Pipe Support Calculation Deficiencies The team identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving a modification that upgraded the Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool recirculation loop small bore piping and the Units 1 and 2 Reactor Water Storage Tank cross connect branches from the loop to Seismic Class I piping. Specifically, the inspection team found numerous non-conservative technical errors and
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 7 of 13 calculation omissions in seismic design basis analysis calculations that supported this modification. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action system.
The issue was more than minor because the presence of these non-conservative calculational deficiencies resulted in seismic design basis analysis calculations to be re-performed to assure that the pipe supports would function as required during the design basis seismic event. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Specifically, after re-performing the calculations for the supports that were called into question by the inspection team, the licensee was able to show that enough margin was still available to support the loads that would be seen during the design basis seismic event.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Measures Described in Operability Recommendation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensees failure to perform an evaluation for compensatory actions taken to maintain the closed function of the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) containment sump isolation valves. Specifically, the licensee established compensatory actions in the event remote operation from the control room of the containment sump recirculation isolation valves (1SI-850A, 1SI-850B, 2SI-850A and 2SI-850B) was ineffective during plant minimum or degraded voltage conditions. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue had been implemented.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain and Implement Adequate Procedures for Control Room Ventilation Testing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have adequately established, implemented, and maintained procedures for Technical Specification Surveillance testing of the control room emergency filtration system. The inspectors observed the performance of the 18-month surveillance for testing of the control room emergency filtration system, per procedure HPIP-115.4. The inspectors noted that the visual inspection, charcoal sampling, collection of the fan flow data, and the compilation/evaluation of fan flow measurement data were conducted but not as specified in the procedure.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. The last performance of this test, conducted 18 months prior, revealed numerous performance deficiencies, which included an inadequate procedure and the failure to properly implement portions of the procedure.
However, the corrective actions taken for the deficiencies identified during the last performance failed to correct the procedure maintenance and implementation issues associated with procedure HPIP-11.54. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, the licensee had implemented remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the procedure quality attribute for maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated this finding using the significance determination process and determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 8 of 13 Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Update and Maintain the Final Safety Analysis Report as Required by 10 CFR 50.71(e)
The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50.71(e) for the self-revealed failure to update the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) to assure that the information in the report was the latest information developed and contained all changes necessary to reflect information and analyses submitted to the NRC. This finding was self-revealed following the inspectors' identification of numerous FSAR inaccuracies concerning licensee responses to generic docketed correspondence to the commission. This was further corroborated by a follow-up licensee self-assessment and streaming analysis conducted by the licensee. As a result, the licensee initiated a root cause evaluation which also identified the failure to update the FSAR in response to licensee credited actions, new NRC regulations, programmatic licensee commitments, and certain license amendment safety evaluation reports.
The inspectors determined that a primary cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of human performance due to the failure to have processes and procedures to maintain the current licensing basis and a lack of knowledge by plant staff of regulatory requirements. The licensee has taken immediate remedial corrective actions to address several issues, including the development of a site policy and procedures which defined the current licensing basis.
In addition, the licensee has planned comprehensive corrective actions, including a detailed project scope to update the FSAR.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.71(e) affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because a failure to update the FSAR could have had a material impact on safety or licensed activities. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Leak Detection Capability The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to maintain the design basis and configuration control for the detection of recirculation system leakage from the containment sump isolation valve cylinders (valves SI-850A and SI-850B for Units 1 and 2). This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design basis of the facility. During a review of a request for additional information from the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation regarding a November 8, 2005, 10 CFR 50.72 report, the licensee subsequently determined that, in fact, leakage detection of the containment sump isolation valve cylinders through the pipe sleeve into the auxiliary building was part of the systems design and licensing basis.
At the end of the inspection, the licensee had not completed a causal evaluation; however, several interim actions were in place to address the operable, but non-conforming condition. The licensee had established a corrective action to determine how to resolve this non-conforming issue.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control and the equipment performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002 (pdf)
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 9 of 13 Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Maintain Safety Function for SI-850 Valves in the Closed Direction The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to ensure the safety function of the containment sump isolation valves was maintained and tested in accordance with the design and licensing basis. This issue was initially identified by the inspectors during walkdowns and reviews of the containment sump recirculation piping in November/December 2005; however, at that time, the issue was not recognized by the licensee as part of the design and licensing basis of the facility. The licensee subsequently determined that the design and licensing basis for the closed safety function of these valves was not properly implemented in accordance with the facilitys license and required codes or standards.
The licensee performed a causal evaluation and developed several interim and long-term corrective actions. Those corrective actions included: revision of the inservice testing program documents for testing the valves; revision of the design basis document (DBD) for the residual heat removal system; reinforcement of the expectations with engineering staff on the use of DBDs and inservice testing background documents; and development of a project plan to update the inservice test background document.
The inspectors concluded that this finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control, equipment performance and maintenance and testing procedure quality attributes of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding is a design or qualification deficiency confirmed to not result in a loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Effects of Elevated Temperatures on Control Room Instruments The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies following a design basis loss-of-coolant accident, which could potentially affect mitigation of the event. During the Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection documented in NRC Inspection Report 2005012, the inspectors identified an unresolved item (URI) related to the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument accuracies and accident mitigation during a design basis loss of coolant accident. Subsequent review and root cause evaluation determined that the licensee had failed to consider the effects of elevated control room temperatures on instrument inaccuracies for a calculation associated with the reconstitution project.
The licensee entered the issue in its corrective action system and performed a root cause analysis. Corrective actions to prevent recurrence included strengthening review requirements for the 30 percent, 60 percent and Owner Acceptance Review of vendor-supplied calculations for the calculation reconstitution project.
The inspectors concluded that the finding was greater than minor, as the finding represented a programmatic deficiency associated with the calculation reconstitution project that, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant concern due to calculation errors. The design deficiency did not result in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18 as sufficient emergency diesel generators remained available through administrative controls to provide electrical power for operators to promptly restart the control room ventilation system, hence the finding screened as very low safety significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 24, 2003 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III for the failure to establish appropriate design
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 10 of 13 control measures for the installation of orifices to the AFW recirculation lines An apparent violation was identified, in part, through a self-revealing event when decreased auxiliary feedwater pump recirculation flow was noted during post-maintenance testing. Subsequent licensee and NRC review of the event determined that the licensee had installed incorrectly designed orifices in each of the pump recirculation lines. The orifices, due to small clearances, were susceptible to plugging. The primary causes of this finding were inadequacies in the licensee's design process and the licensee's implementation of the process, including the identification of system design requirements and the development of supporting safety evaluations.
The issue has been preliminarily determined to have high safety significance (Red). Following installation of the inadequately designed orifices, the entire auxiliary feedwater system was susceptible to a common mode failure during operations using service water. Failure of auxiliary feedwater during several initiating events could lead to core damage.
The installation of the incorrectly designed orifices in the recirculation lines is an apparent violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control."
On December 11, 2003, the final significance determination letter was issued for this finding. It was determined that this is a RED finding for Unit 2 and a YELLOW finding for Unit 1. For tracking purposes, identical findings were opened for Unit 1 (designated as YELLOW) and Unit 2 (designated as RED).
As indicated in a letter to the licensee dated November 30, 2006 (ADAMS Accession Number ML063350059) closing out Confirmatory Action Letter 3-04-001, Revision 1, the NRC has completed its inspection followup of this issue, which had been categorized as a Yellow inspection finding for Unit 1.
Inspection Report# : 2002015 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Significance:      Feb 28, 2002 Identified By: Licensee Item Type: VIO Violation POTENTIAL COMMON MODE FAILURE OF AUXILIARY FEEDWATER PUMPS DUE TO INADEQUATE PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE Units 1 and 2. The licensee identified a potential common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps due to operator actions specified in plant procedures. The team identified that procedural guidance provided to operators was inadequate to prevent such a common mode failure. In addition, the team identified that the licensee had seven opportunities, from 1981 through 1997, to identifiy the problem and take appropriate corrective actions. After considering the information developed during the inspection and the information the licensee provided at the April 29, 2002, regulatory conference, the NRC concluded that a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, was appropriate for two of the originally proposed seven examples. The failures to provide adequate procedural guidance and to take appropriate corrective actions are both a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criteria V and XVI. This issue has been determined to have high safety significance (Red). A common mode failure of the auxiliary feedwater pumps would result in substantially reduced mitigation capability for safely shutting down the plant in response to certain transients. The significance was determined to be high largely due to the relatively high initiating event frequencies associated with the involved transients and the high likelihood of improper operator actions due to the procedural inadequacies. The final significance determination for the Red finding and Notice of Violation were issued to the licensee in a {{letter dated|date=July 12, 2002|text=letter dated July 12, 2002}}.
Inspection Report 50-266/02-15; 50-301/02-15, issued April 2, 2003, documented the NRC decision that this finding is not an Old Design Issue.
As indicated in a letter to the licensee dated November 30, 2006 (ADAMS Accession Number ML063350059) closing out Confirmatory Action Letter 3-04-001, Revision 1, the NRC has completed its inspection followup of this issue, which had been categorized as a Red inspection finding for Units 1 and 2.
Inspection Report# : 2001017 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2003003 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                      Page 11 of 13 Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Untimely Completion of Three RCEs Involving Radiation Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the licensees untimely completion of three root cause evaluations in the radiation protection area. The 3 evaluations were completed in 8-9 months instead of the 30 days stated in the corrective action program administrative procedure. Several due date extensions had been approved by station management early in the conduct of the evaluations and they eventually went overdue before they were completed. No violation of NRC requirements was identified. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
The inspectors concluded that the issue of allowing the completion time for the three root cause evaluations to exceed the 30-day limit in the procedure is a finding that if left uncorrected would become a more significant safety concern, and thus, is a finding that is greater than minor. Because the finding did not involve an overexposure, a substantial potential for an overexposure, and a compromise of the ability to assess dose, it is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance within the component of work control and the aspect of coordinating work activities.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Conditional Release of Radioactively Contaminated Material, a Check Source Mechanism A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance that was a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1501 was identified for the licensees failure to perform a survey prior to unconditionally releasing a radioactively contaminated Check Source Mechanism (CSM-1) from the plant. Corrective actions taken by the licensee for this finding included updating the model work orders to include radiological controls for secondary systems.
The issue is greater than minor because it was associated with the program/process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive materials released into the public domain as a result of routine civilian nuclear reactor operation. The inspectors determined that the finding did not involve a radioactive transportation shipment, that public exposure did not exceed 0.005 rem, and there were less than five such occurrences. Consequently, the inspectors concluded that this finding was of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1                                                                        Page 12 of 13 Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection The team concluded that the licensees program for the identification and resolutions of problems was functioning appropriately and had improved since the previous NRC PI&R expanded team inspection conducted in late 2005. The licensee was identifying plant problems at an appropriately low level, although, the inspectors noted that the threshold for entering wall thinning issues into the program was high relative to the level at which other issues were entered. The inspectors identified three findings in the area of prioritization and evaluation of issues: one for an inadequate procedure for inspection of service water pipe, one for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid corrosion on valves; and one for untimely completion of three root cause evaluations. In the area of effectiveness of corrective actions, the inspectors concluded that a licensee-developed training course on engineer rigor was well developed and implemented and that corrective actions for three previous issues may need additional management attention to ensure timely completion. The licensees use of operating experience and self-assessments and audits was found to be appropriate. From interviews conducted during this inspection, the inspectors concluded that workers at Point Beach felt free to input nuclear safety findings into the corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation of Increased Design Loads on the Auxiliary Building The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for failure to perform a written evaluation of increased design loads on the crane and the auxiliary building. The licensee performed a calculation to demonstrate the capability of the auxiliary building to hold a single-failure-proof crane with a 125-ton load during a seismic event. After the inspectors identified that no written evaluation has been performed, the licensee completed the evaluation and concluded that a license amendment was not required as a result of increased design loads.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
 
4Q/2006 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 Page 13 of 13 Last modified : March 01, 2007
 
Point Beach 1 1Q/2007 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance: SL-III Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Update FSAR With Reactor Head Drop Analysis and Obtain NRC Approval The inspectors identified an apparent violation for the failure of the licensee in 1983 to incorporate the results of an 1982 analysis of a postulated drop of the reactor vessel head on the vessel into the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR). The apparent violation is subject to the NRCs traditional enforcement process because it had the potential for impacting the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function. After the problem was identified in early 2005, the licensee submitted a revised head drop analysis that the NRC reviewed and subsequently approved; evaluated the Unit 2 replacement vessel head against that analysis; updated its FSAR; and conducted a review to identify other instances where the FSAR may not have been updated.
This finding is considered greater than minor because the failure to update the FSAR as required by 10 CFR 50.71(e) resulted in the licensee not obtaining the necessary review and approval of the 1982 analysis, and in the removal and reinstallation of the original reactor heads from 1983 to 2004 without administrative controls similar to those established for head moves in 2005 and after. Also, the finding is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Because findings involving 10 CFR 50.71(e) potentially affect the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, and reactor vessel head drop analysis issues are not suitable for Significance Determination Process analysis, this finding is being evaluated using the traditional enforcement process.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 29, 2007|text=letter dated January 29, 2007}}, a Notice of Violation was issued for a Severity Level III violation of 10 CFR 50.71(e).
There is no civil penalty.
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Replacement Reactor Vessel Head Design Deficiencies The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to assure from October 2002 to April 2005 that deviations in weight, a specific value used in analysis of the effects of a postulated accident, of the Unit 2 replacement reactor vessel head and head assembly upgrade package were controlled in accordance with the original design bases. One result of this failure was that the licensees 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation completed in February 2005 for the replacement head was inadequate. The licensee entered the finding into its corrective action program, and revised head replacement project documents and the station design bases to account for the differences between the Unit 2 replacement vessel head and the original head. In addition, the licensee completed an adequate 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation. These actions were taken prior to the actual lift of the new head that occurred in June 2005.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Consultation with the Region III Senior Reactor Analysts determined that reactor vessel head drop issues were not suitable for the Significance Determination Process analysis. Therefore, this finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedural Controis for Manually Operated Breakers Located in Certain Control Panels A finding and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance was self-revealed on October 16, 2006, during the out-of-service tagging of a manually operated breaker (MOB) in the Unit 2 control panel. The reactor was shutdown at the time of the event but at normal operating pressure and temperature. During the tagging, an adjacent breaker was inadvertently repositioned resulting in the opening of the pressurizer power-operated relief valve (PORV). About 63 gallons of reactor coolant were released through the valve to the pressurizer relief tank before operators repositioned the breaker and the valve re-closed.
The released was categorized as a Notification of Unusual Event. The mispositioning was caused by a lack of adequate procedural controls for working in the control panels and a lack of knowledge by personnel as to the minimal force required to open the MOBs. As part of corrective actions, the licensee replaced or protected the most risk significant MOBs, trained workers on the operating sensitivity of the breakers, and established controls governing work in the control panels around sensitive equipment. The issue was entered into the corrective action program and the licensee performed a root cause evaluation for this event.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected it would become a more significant safety concern in that the inadvertent re-positioning of other similar breakers in the main control room control panels would significantly upset plant stability. In addition, the finding is associated with the procedure quality and human performance attribute of the Initiating Events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Because attributes such as core heat removal, inventory control, power availability, containment control, and reactivity guidelines were met, the finding screened as (Green) having very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensees control of work failed to incorporate into planned work activities job site conditions, including environmental conditions which may impact human performance, and the human-system interface, that is, the operator interface with the breakers in the close confines of the control panels.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Take Adequate Actions for Potential High Wind Conditions A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for failure to control loose materials in the protected area in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. No violation of NRC requirements occurred. Failure to take action to remove loose material in the protected area has problem identification and resolution cross-cutting aspects involving failure of assigned personnel to identify and correct potential tornado missiles that could be generated from such loose material in the vicinity of the main and auxiliary transformers. Once identified, the licensee initiated a corrective action program document to develop a surveillance procedure to remove loose materials before summer months when potential adverse weather was possible, performed walkdowns of the affected areas, and removed material which could become a potential hazard in high velocity winds and tornadoes.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the loose items adjacent to the main and auxiliary transformers would become a more significant safety concern. The issue is of very low safety significance because the finding did not contribute to the likelihood of a primary or secondary system loss of coolant accident initiator; the finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available; and the finding did not increase the likelihood of a fire or internal or external flooding. The issue is not considered a violation of regulatory requirements because the finding did not affect safety-related structures, systems, or components.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems
 
Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure for Identifying Degraded Piping The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving areas of service water piping where microbiologically induced corrosion was identified but the wall thicknesses of the pipe in those areas were not measured.
An NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," was associated with this finding for failure to prescribe directions to ensure all areas of degradation identified were characterized. The licensee performed radiographic examination of safety-related piping in the service water system to identify and determine the extent of degradation and to take appropriate corrective action to maintain operability. However, the radiographic technique used did not provide information on the most severe (deepest) degradation in the section of pipe examined.
Without this information, the licensees evaluation of the piping integrity, actions to perform inspections of additional pipe segments, and actions to perform more frequent inspection on the same section could be inappropriate. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the procedure did not require adequate characterization of the extent of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in service water (SW) piping to ensure that MIC degradation would not result in failure of the SW piping pressure boundary. Because there were no active through-wall leaks in this system and no known degradation which exceeded the Code minimum wall thickness, the finding is of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Review The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance with no associated violation for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid leakage found in the last quarter of 2005 on the safety injection-850 valves (containment recirculation sump isolation valves). During the current inspection, the inspectors identified boric acid leakage on other valves that the licensee had not evaluated. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program.
This finding is greater than minor because failing to evaluate boric acid leakage would lead to component failure and had the potential to become a more significant safety concern. Because no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there was no external event concerns. The finding is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of PI&R within the component of the corrective action program and the aspect of thorough evaluation of problems.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Core Cooling System Sump Flow Design Control Deficiencies The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance when the licensee did not correctly interpret the results of calculations of the head available to drive flow across the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) sump screens and also did not identify and did not analyze for a postulated sump plugging condition as it affected net positive suction head (NPSH) for the residual heat removal (RHR) pumps. As a result, the licensee failed to maintain design margins for ECCS sump flow. The licensee completed a causal evaluation and developed corrective actions, including the implementation of compensatory measures to ensure sump outlet flow was limited to eliminate flashing and to ensure that adequate NSPH was available.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). This design control
 
deficiency was confirmed not to result in loss of operability per Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment. Hence, the finding screened as of very low risk significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
The lack of engineering rigor associated with review of this calculation involved the cross-cutting component of resources in that personnel, procedures, and supervisory resources were not adequate to assure nuclear safety, and the cross-cutting aspect of maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins specified in calculations. The licensee did not maintain adequate NPSH margin or preclude air intrusion, as the ECCS sump flow parameter (RHR pump flow during phase 2 recirculation following a postulated loss of coolant accident was not appropriately limited in the emergency operating procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Coatings Program Weaknesses The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance when the licensee failed to assure that the limits of unqualified and degraded coatings within the containment sump zone of influence, as documented in the 1999 analyses of record, were correctly translated into specifications and plant procedures and that deviations since 1999 were appropriately controlled. Subsequently, the inspectors identified that the licensee had exceeded the design analysis limits associated with the quantities of degraded and unqualified coatings in containment. The licensee completed a causal evaluation and developed corrective actions, including the removal of degraded coatings and the revision of site procedures to include limits for degraded and unqualified coatings The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). This design control deficiency was confirmed not to result in a loss of operability per Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment. Hence, the finding screened of as very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. The failure to appropriately maintain the amount of unqualified and degraded coatings in accordance with the analyses of record involved the cross-cutting component of resources for the failure to ensure that personnel, procedures, and supervisory resources were adequate to assure nuclear safety, and the cross-cutting aspect of maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins specified in calculations supporting the design basis accidents.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Potential Common Mode Failure Mechanism Due to Overdutied Circuit Breakers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving electrical system short circuit studies. Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensee failed to identify or analyze the potential consequences of faults on non-seismically protected circuits, or the potential for degradation of redundant trains due to a fault on a non-safety circuit that is routed in raceways associated with both redundant trains.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because the failure to identify and analyze unacceptable consequences of overdutied circuit breakers could impact their safety function. In the evaluation, The inspectors determined that the finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action for this issue, the licensee performed an operability evaluation that determined that despite the failure to properly analyze the consequences of overdutied circuit breakers, there was sufficient cable impedance to assure that loss of redundant buses due to postulated faults would not occur.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative EDG Loading Calculation The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control. Specifically, Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) Room exhaust fans, EDG diesel air start compressors, and additional loading caused by the EDG operating at frequencies above 60 Hertz (Hz) were not considered in the licensees EDG loading calculation. The licensee determined that this issue was not an operability concern, because these additional loads did not cause the EDG to be overloaded during design basis accident conditions.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to identify loads that would be supplied during an accident condition could result in eventual overloading of the EDG. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
After performing a calculation to support operability, it was determined that there were conservatisms and other unnecessary loads in the EDG loading calculation that served to counteract the non-conservatisms that were identified by the inspection team resulting in the EDG not exceeding any vendor load limitations Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Lack of a 4 Hour SBO Coping Duration Heat-Up Calculation for the AFP Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR 50.63, Loss of all Alternating Current Power. Specifically, the licensee never performed a calculation that evaluated the effects of loss of ventilation on the Auxiliary Feedwater Pump (AFP) room during a Station Blackout (SBO). The AFP rooms, which each house a turbine driven AFP (TDAFP), had not been evaluated for the heatup that would occur during the SBO 4 hour coping duration. In response to the inspectors concerns, the licensee performed informal calculations to provide reasonable assurance that the heatup in the room during an SBO would not adversely affect the equipment.
The issue was more than minor because the licensee had not maintained a heatup calculation for the TDAFP room that assessed the effects of heatup on safe shutdown equipment as required for station blackout. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Condensate Storage Tank Vortexing Calculation Did Not Bound Station Blackout Scenario The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) involving the useable volume in the condensate storage tank (CST). Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensees calculation to show that there would not be vortexing in the CST was not bounding for the station blackout scenario, which was the basis for the CST volume stated in the Technical Specifications. The licensees corrective actions included verifying the CST contained a sufficient volume to prevent vortexing in support of a station blackout scenario, and initiated actions to perform a formal calculation and to established an administrative limit to increase the available margin from the Technical Specification limit.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to adequately evaluate the CST vortex limit could have led to an insufficient useable volume in the CST preventing the auxiliary feedwater system from performing its function during a station blackout scenario and could have affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of design control. The finding was of very low safety significance based on the results of the licensees analysis and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unverified Fouling Factor Assumption for Containment Fan Coolers The team identified a Green non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, relating to the safety-related Containment Fan Coolers (CFC) for not assuring that the fouling factor inside the tubes was not maintained above the minimum specified analytical limit to prevent boiling of Service Water inside the coolers' tubes during accident conditions. Specifically, the licensee visually inspected the coolers and did not establish a specific criterion for accepting a fouling factor not lower than the established minimum of 0.0003 ft2-hr-&#xba;F/Btu to prevent boiling inside the tubes.
This finding was greater than minor because the current method of testing the fan coolers did not demonstrate that the existing fouling was such to prevent boiling. The finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action, the licensee demonstrated through an evaluation that if boiling occurred, it will occur first in the upper tubes before the condition of the water in the lower tubes will cause boiling. This would result in excess service water flow to the lower tubes such that the fan coolers could still perform their safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool Pipe Support Calculation Deficiencies The team identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving a modification that upgraded the Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool recirculation loop small bore piping and the Units 1 and 2 Reactor Water Storage Tank cross connect branches from the loop to Seismic Class I piping. Specifically, the inspection team found numerous non-conservative technical errors and calculation omissions in seismic design basis analysis calculations that supported this modification. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action system.
The issue was more than minor because the presence of these non-conservative calculational deficiencies resulted in seismic design basis analysis calculations to be re-performed to assure that the pipe supports would function as required during the design basis seismic event. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Specifically, after re-performing the calculations for the supports that were called into question by the inspection team, the licensee was able to show that enough margin was still available to support the loads that would be seen during the design basis seismic event.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation for Compensatory Measures Described in Operability Recommendation The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for the licensees failure to perform an evaluation for compensatory actions taken to maintain the closed function of the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) containment sump isolation valves. Specifically, the licensee established compensatory actions in the event remote operation from the control room of the containment sump recirculation isolation valves (1SI-850A, 1SI-850B, 2SI-850A and 2SI-850B) was ineffective during plant minimum or degraded voltage conditions. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue had been implemented.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain and Implement Adequate Procedures for Control Room Ventilation Testing The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to have adequately established, implemented, and maintained procedures for Technical Specification Surveillance testing of the control room emergency filtration system. The inspectors observed the performance of the 18-month surveillance for testing of the control room emergency filtration system, per procedure HPIP-115.4. The inspectors noted that the visual inspection, charcoal sampling, collection of the fan flow data, and the compilation/evaluation of fan flow measurement data were conducted but not as specified in the procedure.
The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. The last performance of this test, conducted 18 months prior, revealed numerous performance deficiencies, which included an inadequate procedure and the failure to properly implement portions of the procedure.
However, the corrective actions taken for the deficiencies identified during the last performance failed to correct the procedure maintenance and implementation issues associated with procedure HPIP-11.54. The licensee had not completed a causal evaluation by the end of the inspection period; however, the licensee had implemented remedial corrective actions to address certain aspects of this issue.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the procedure quality attribute for maintenance and testing (pre-event) procedures of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated this finding using the significance determination process and determined that this finding is a licensee performance deficiency of very low risk significance (Green).
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Update and Maintain the Final Safety Analysis Report as Required by 10 CFR 50.71(e)
The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50.71(e) for the self-revealed failure to update the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) to assure that the information in the report was the latest information developed and contained all changes necessary to reflect information and analyses submitted to the NRC. This finding was self-revealed following the inspectors' identification of numerous FSAR inaccuracies concerning licensee responses to generic docketed correspondence to the commission. This was further corroborated by a follow-up licensee self-assessment and streaming analysis conducted by the licensee. As a result, the licensee initiated a root cause evaluation which also identified the failure to update the FSAR in response to licensee credited actions, new NRC regulations, programmatic licensee commitments, and certain license amendment safety evaluation reports.
The inspectors determined that a primary cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element of human performance due to the failure to have processes and procedures to maintain the current licensing basis and a lack of knowledge by plant staff of regulatory requirements. The licensee has taken immediate remedial corrective actions to address several issues, including the development of a site policy and procedures which defined the current licensing basis.
In addition, the licensee has planned comprehensive corrective actions, including a detailed project scope to update the FSAR.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.71(e) affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because a failure to update the FSAR could have had a material impact on safety or licensed activities. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
 
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Mar 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Design Margin for Control Room Emergency Filtration Fan Thermal Overload Trips A non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance was self-revealed for the failure to maintain sufficient design margin for the expected running currents of the control room emergency filtration system fans to their thermal overload trip settings. This occurred due to design errors in a modification that replaced the fans in October 2006. Control Room Emergency Filtration System (CREFS) Fan W-1-B tripped on a breaker thermal overload during surveillance testing in February 2007 with low outside ambient air temperature (approximately negative 11&deg;Fahrenheit). Licensee analyses also demonstrated that a trip of fan W-14A could have occurred for the combination of low ambient temperature and degraded grid voltage. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the breaker thermal overloads with thermal overloads of a higher setting as a result of troubleshooting and evaluations performed following the trip of the W-14B fan. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program and a root cause evaluation was subsequently performed.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the attribute of maintaining radiological barrier functionality of the control room and affected the Barrier Integrity cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Loss of CREFS fans during a release could result in increased dose to the operators in the control room potentially affecting control room habitability.
Although the finding involved a potential failure of the CREFS to provide its filtration function, the simultaneous occurrence of low outside air temperature, degraded grid voltage, and a radiological release is of very low probability. The finding for the failure to provide the correct thermal overload trip setting is a design deficiency that has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that resources were not effective in maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins.
Inspection Report# : 2007002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Untimely Completion of Three RCEs Involving Radiation Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the licensees untimely completion of three root cause evaluations in the radiation protection area. The 3 evaluations were completed in 8-9 months instead of the 30 days stated in the corrective action program administrative procedure. Several due date extensions had been approved by station management early in the conduct of the evaluations and they eventually went overdue before they were completed. No violation of NRC requirements was identified. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
The inspectors concluded that the issue of allowing the completion time for the three root cause evaluations to exceed the 30-day limit in the procedure is a finding that if left uncorrected would become a more significant safety concern, and thus, is a finding that is greater than minor. Because the finding did not involve an overexposure, a substantial potential for an overexposure, and a compromise of the ability to assess dose, it is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance within the component of work control and the aspect of coordinating work activities.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
 
Public Radiation Safety Significance:      Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Conditional Release of Radioactively Contaminated Material, a Check Source Mechanism A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance that was a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1501 was identified for the licensees failure to perform a survey prior to unconditionally releasing a radioactively contaminated Check Source Mechanism (CSM-1) from the plant. Corrective actions taken by the licensee for this finding included updating the model work orders to include radiological controls for secondary systems.
The issue is greater than minor because it was associated with the program/process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive materials released into the public domain as a result of routine civilian nuclear reactor operation. The inspectors determined that the finding did not involve a radioactive transportation shipment, that public exposure did not exceed 0.005 rem, and there were less than five such occurrences. Consequently, the inspectors concluded that this finding was of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Physical Protection information not publicly available.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection The team concluded that the licensees program for the identification and resolutions of problems was functioning appropriately and had improved since the previous NRC PI&R expanded team inspection conducted in late 2005. The licensee was identifying plant problems at an appropriately low level, although, the inspectors noted that the threshold for entering wall thinning issues into the program was high relative to the level at which other issues were entered. The inspectors identified three findings in the area of prioritization and evaluation of issues: one for an inadequate procedure for inspection of service water pipe, one for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid corrosion on valves; and one for untimely completion of three root cause evaluations. In the area of effectiveness of corrective actions, the inspectors concluded that a licensee-developed training course on engineer rigor was well developed and implemented and
 
that corrective actions for three previous issues may need additional management attention to ensure timely completion.
The licensees use of operating experience and self-assessments and audits was found to be appropriate. From interviews conducted during this inspection, the inspectors concluded that workers at Point Beach felt free to input nuclear safety findings into the corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 50.59 Evaluation of Increased Design Loads on the Auxiliary Building The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV, Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1) for failure to perform a written evaluation of increased design loads on the crane and the auxiliary building. The licensee performed a calculation to demonstrate the capability of the auxiliary building to hold a single-failure-proof crane with a 125-ton load during a seismic event. After the inspectors identified that no written evaluation has been performed, the licensee completed the evaluation and concluded that a license amendment was not required as a result of increased design loads.
Because violations of 10 CFR 50.59 affect the NRC's ability to perform its regulatory function, this finding was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, this finding is determined to be more than minor because there was a reasonable likelihood that the change requiring the 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation would require NRC review and approval prior to implementation. This finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006004 (pdf)
Last modified : June 01, 2007
 
Point Beach 1 2Q/2007 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Appropriate Maintenance on Air-Operated Valve Positioner Linkage A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions , Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for maintenance on air-operated valve positioners, when hardware attaching the connecting link between the Unit 1 B feedwater regulating valve positioner and actuator became disconnected resulting in loss of control of the valve. Specifically, there were no procedures that ensured that positioner arm hardware was properly secured. The licensee repaired valve positioners as required, performed an extent-of-condition review for similar valve positioners and is performing a root cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2.(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date procedures and work packages for work on air-operated valve positioners were available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance: SL-III Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Update FSAR With Reactor Head Drop Analysis and Obtain NRC Approval The inspectors identified an apparent violation for the failure of the licensee in 1983 to incorporate the results of an 1982 analysis of a postulated drop of the reactor vessel head on the vessel into the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR). The apparent violation is subject to the NRCs traditional enforcement process because it had the potential for impacting the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function. After the problem was identified in early 2005, the licensee submitted a revised head drop analysis that the NRC reviewed and subsequently approved; evaluated the Unit 2 replacement vessel head against that analysis; updated its FSAR; and conducted a review to identify other instances where the FSAR may not have been updated.
This finding is considered greater than minor because the failure to update the FSAR as required by 10 CFR 50.71(e) resulted in the licensee not obtaining the necessary review and approval of the 1982 analysis, and in the removal and reinstallation of the original reactor heads from 1983 to 2004 without administrative controls similar to those established for head moves in 2005 and after. Also, the finding is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Because findings involving 10 CFR 50.71(e) potentially affect the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, and reactor vessel head drop analysis issues are not suitable for Significance Determination Process analysis, this finding is being evaluated using the traditional enforcement process.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 29, 2007|text=letter dated January 29, 2007}}, a Notice of Violation was issued for a Severity Level III violation of 10 CFR 50.71 (e). There is no civil penalty.
 
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Replacement Reactor Vessel Head Design Deficiencies The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to assure from October 2002 to April 2005 that deviations in weight, a specific value used in analysis of the effects of a postulated accident, of the Unit 2 replacement reactor vessel head and head assembly upgrade package were controlled in accordance with the original design bases. One result of this failure was that the licensees 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation completed in February 2005 for the replacement head was inadequate. The licensee entered the finding into its corrective action program, and revised head replacement project documents and the station design bases to account for the differences between the Unit 2 replacement vessel head and the original head. In addition, the licensee completed an adequate 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation. These actions were taken prior to the actual lift of the new head that occurred in June 2005.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Consultation with the Region III Senior Reactor Analysts determined that reactor vessel head drop issues were not suitable for the Significance Determination Process analysis. Therefore, this finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedural Controis for Manually Operated Breakers Located in Certain Control Panels A finding and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance was self-revealed on October 16, 2006, during the out-of-service tagging of a manually operated breaker (MOB) in the Unit 2 control panel. The reactor was shutdown at the time of the event but at normal operating pressure and temperature. During the tagging, an adjacent breaker was inadvertently repositioned resulting in the opening of the pressurizer power-operated relief valve (PORV). About 63 gallons of reactor coolant were released through the valve to the pressurizer relief tank before operators repositioned the breaker and the valve re-closed. The released was categorized as a Notification of Unusual Event. The mispositioning was caused by a lack of adequate procedural controls for working in the control panels and a lack of knowledge by personnel as to the minimal force required to open the MOBs. As part of corrective actions, the licensee replaced or protected the most risk significant MOBs, trained workers on the operating sensitivity of the breakers, and established controls governing work in the control panels around sensitive equipment. The issue was entered into the corrective action program and the licensee performed a root cause evaluation for this event.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected it would become a more significant safety concern in that the inadvertent re-positioning of other similar breakers in the main control room control panels would significantly upset plant stability. In addition, the finding is associated with the procedure quality and human performance attribute of the Initiating Events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Because attributes such as core heat removal, inventory control, power availability, containment control, and reactivity guidelines were met, the finding screened as (Green) having very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensees control of work failed to incorporate into planned work activities job site conditions, including environmental conditions which may impact human performance, and the human-system interface, that is, the operator interface with the breakers in the close confines of the control panels.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
 
Mitigating Systems Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Work Instructions for Preventive Maintenance on Safety-Related Battery Chargers The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for failure to accomplish required preventive maintenance resulting in the D-108 Station Battery output becoming unstable on several occasions. In January 2007, the D-09 Battery Charger also failed as a result of failure to perform scheduled preventive maintenance. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions to repair the chargers and is performing an apparent cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, failures of safety-related battery chargers can significantly challenge the vital 125V DC system. In addition, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, (such as, core damage).
Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(b)). Specifically, the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities to support long-term equipment reliability and maintenance scheduling, which was not more preventive than reactive, as critical preventative maintenance for battery chargers was not performed.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately manage an Orange Risk Condition The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, after the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with the installation of the Unit 1 Steam Generator Nozzle Dams, which is a reduced inventory and Orange Qualitative Risk Condition. Specifically, the contingency plan stated, in part, that an uncontrolled reactor coolant system inventory loss would be mitigated with the use of Shutdown Emergency Procedure SEP-2, Cold Shutdown LOCA. However, the inspectors noted that certain critical equipment required in SEP-2 was not available and no contingencies were established for the unavailable equipment. The licensee initiated condition reports and took immediate corrective actions and planned additional corrective actions based on a causal evaluation.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding affected the cornerstone objective, to ensure the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, and the attributes of configuration control and equipment performance, due to the shutdown equipment lineup and unavailability of equipment. In addition, the finding was related to the licensees failure to effectively manage significant compensatory measures for this Orange Risk condition. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, PWR Hot Shutdown Operation: time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(a)). Specifically, under the component of work control, the licensee did not appropriately plan work activities by incorporating the need for planned contingencies and compensatory actions, ensuring that equipment relied upon for contingencies remained available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Inadequate Program for Preventive Maintenance of Breaker Mechanism Operated Control Switches The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50.65, Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, of very low safety significance (Green), for the failure to incorporate available internal and external Operating Experience (OE) pertaining to 4.16kV switchgear cubicle Mechanism Operated Control (MOC) switch assemblies. Preventive maintenance procedures for Westinghouse 4.16kV switchgear cubicles had not been revised to incorporate important MOC switch linkage measurements, adjustments and verification of contact position. The licensee initiated condition reports and is revising procedures to incorporate required preventive maintenance.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor, because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding also affects the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (such as, core damage). Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). Additionally, the inspectors determined that the contributing cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution within the component of OE (P.2(b)). The licensee did not implement and institutionalize OE through changes to station processes and procedures, as appropriate preventive maintenance procedures and routines were not established.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Identify and Correct Previous Indications of High Bearing Temperatures The inspectors identified a finding involving a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licensees failure to identify and implement prompt corrective actions for the conditions which caused outboard bearing high temperature alarms during: the Unit 1 Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater (TDAFW) pump post-maintenance test (PMT) performed on May 1, 2007; the Unit 1 TDAFW pump PMT performed on May 6, 2007; and the Unit 2 TDAFW pump PMT performed on November 17, 2006. The licensee performed trouble shooting and repair of the Unit 1 TDAFW pump and confirmed operability of the Unit 2 TDAFW pump with needed compensatory actions. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to identify and investigate the cause of the high bearing temperature alarms could potentially result in failure of the TDAFW pumps. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Failure to identify and promptly correct the conditions which caused the high bearing temperature alarms was a condition adverse to quality and was a corrective action program issue that was determined to be a licensee performance deficiency of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution for the failure to implement a corrective action program with a low threshold for identifying issues completely, accurately and in a timely manner commensurate with their safety significance (P.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Assess the Operability of the Unit 1 Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump on June 9, 2007 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately assess Operability in accordance with plant procedures. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural requirements regarding the immediate assessment of operability on June 9, 2007 for the Unit 1 TDAFW pump
 
outboard turbine bearing high temperatures. The licensee took corrective actions which included re-performing testing to evaluate bearing stabilization temperatures and briefing of the operations crews on this issue. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to properly assess operability could result in the TDAFW pump being degraded, and possibly inoperable for more than the allowed outage time in accordance with Technical Specifications with no action being taken. The finding is of very low safety significance since the inadequate operability call did not result in exceeding the allowed outage time of Technical Specifications before action was taken. The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to demonstrate that nuclear safety was an overriding priority. Specifically, the licensee failed to make safety-significant or risk-significant decisions using a systematic process for operability determinations, especially when faced with uncertain or unexpected plant conditions, to ensure safety is maintained (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to ensure that procedures associated with the maintenance of the TDAFW turbines were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance overhaul procedure did not address the following significant issues: 1) specify acceptance criteria and as-left requirements for thrust bearing axial clearance; 2) specify instructions to ensure the proper setting and critical dimensions for the proper pump to turbine coupling stretch; 3) correctly establish the turbine to wheel nozzle lap setting; and 4) specify proper placement of insulation on the turbine. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to have Specific Formal Training for Maintenance Craft on Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation for the failure to provide appropriate training for maintenance personnel performing overhauls on the TDAFW pump turbines.
Specifically, while maintenance personnel received training on some of the individual components associated with a turbine, the mechanic-electrician (mechanical) training program did not require specialty task training for turbine overhauls. In addition, this was contrary to standard industry guidelines for training and qualification of maintenance personnel. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions.
At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and
 
reliability, and to pre-event human error, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to assure that training of personnel was adequate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for the Analysis and Sampling of Safety-Related Turbine and Pump Oil The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately implement an oil analysis program for the TDAFW pump. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement sampling guidelines using industry standards or provide an adequate justification for not performing the samples at reasonable intervals. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to have an adequate procedure for lubrication could result in the TDAFW pump being degraded without the knowledge of the licensee. The inspectors determined the finding did not result in an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment; therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Quarantining Process The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately quarantine a component for subsequent causal analysis. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural controls to quarantine degraded components during troubleshooting and maintenance activities which resulted in the loss of evidence for causal analysis. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program, implemented interim quarantine controls, and issued a new Procedure, NP 1.1.17 Quarantine of Areas, Equipment, and Records.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to properly quarantine items could become a more significant safety concern, since the failure to do so could impede the identification of causes for conditions adverse to quality and prevent the implementation of appropriate corrective actions. The inspectors determined the finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Inadequate Procedure for Identifying Degraded Piping The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving areas of service water piping where microbiologically induced corrosion was identified but the wall thicknesses of the pipe in those areas were not measured. An NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," was associated with this finding for failure to prescribe directions to ensure all areas of degradation identified were characterized. The licensee performed radiographic examination of safety-related piping in the service water system to identify and determine the extent of degradation and to take appropriate corrective action to maintain operability.
However, the radiographic technique used did not provide information on the most severe (deepest) degradation in the section of pipe examined. Without this information, the licensees evaluation of the piping integrity, actions to perform inspections of additional pipe segments, and actions to perform more frequent inspection on the same section could be inappropriate. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the procedure did not require adequate characterization of the extent of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in service water (SW) piping to ensure that MIC degradation would not result in failure of the SW piping pressure boundary. Because there were no active through-wall leaks in this system and no known degradation which exceeded the Code minimum wall thickness, the finding is of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Review The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance with no associated violation for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid leakage found in the last quarter of 2005 on the safety injection-850 valves (containment recirculation sump isolation valves). During the current inspection, the inspectors identified boric acid leakage on other valves that the licensee had not evaluated. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program.
This finding is greater than minor because failing to evaluate boric acid leakage would lead to component failure and had the potential to become a more significant safety concern. Because no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there was no external event concerns. The finding is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of PI&R within the component of the corrective action program and the aspect of thorough evaluation of problems.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Emergency Core Cooling System Sump Flow Design Control Deficiencies The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance when the licensee did not correctly interpret the results of calculations of the head available to drive flow across the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) sump screens and also did not identify and did not analyze for a postulated sump plugging condition as it affected net positive suction head (NPSH) for the residual heat removal (RHR) pumps. As a result, the licensee failed to maintain design margins for ECCS sump flow.
The licensee completed a causal evaluation and developed corrective actions, including the implementation of compensatory measures to ensure sump outlet flow was limited to eliminate flashing and to ensure that adequate NSPH was available.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). This design control deficiency was confirmed not to result in loss of operability per Part 9900, Technical Guidance,
 
Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment. Hence, the finding screened as of very low risk significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. The lack of engineering rigor associated with review of this calculation involved the cross-cutting component of resources in that personnel, procedures, and supervisory resources were not adequate to assure nuclear safety, and the cross-cutting aspect of maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins specified in calculations. The licensee did not maintain adequate NPSH margin or preclude air intrusion, as the ECCS sump flow parameter (RHR pump flow during phase 2 recirculation following a postulated loss of coolant accident was not appropriately limited in the emergency operating procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Coatings Program Weaknesses The inspectors identified a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance when the licensee failed to assure that the limits of unqualified and degraded coatings within the containment sump zone of influence, as documented in the 1999 analyses of record, were correctly translated into specifications and plant procedures and that deviations since 1999 were appropriately controlled.
Subsequently, the inspectors identified that the licensee had exceeded the design analysis limits associated with the quantities of degraded and unqualified coatings in containment. The licensee completed a causal evaluation and developed corrective actions, including the removal of degraded coatings and the revision of site procedures to include limits for degraded and unqualified coatings The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). This design control deficiency was confirmed not to result in a loss of operability per Part 9900, Technical Guidance, Operability Determination Process for Operability and Functional Assessment. Hence, the finding screened of as very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. The failure to appropriately maintain the amount of unqualified and degraded coatings in accordance with the analyses of record involved the cross-cutting component of resources for the failure to ensure that personnel, procedures, and supervisory resources were adequate to assure nuclear safety, and the cross-cutting aspect of maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins specified in calculations supporting the design basis accidents.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Potential Common Mode Failure Mechanism Due to Overdutied Circuit Breakers The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving electrical system short circuit studies. Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensee failed to identify or analyze the potential consequences of faults on non-seismically protected circuits, or the potential for degradation of redundant trains due to a fault on a non-safety circuit that is routed in raceways associated with both redundant trains.
The inspectors determined that the finding was more than minor because the failure to identify and analyze unacceptable consequences of overdutied circuit breakers could impact their safety function. In the evaluation, The inspectors determined that the finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action for this issue, the licensee performed an operability evaluation that determined that despite the failure to properly analyze the consequences of overdutied circuit breakers, there was sufficient cable impedance to assure that loss of redundant buses due to postulated faults would not occur.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative EDG Loading Calculation The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control. Specifically, Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) Room exhaust fans, EDG diesel air start compressors, and additional loading caused by the EDG operating at frequencies above 60 Hertz (Hz) were not considered in the licensees EDG loading calculation. The licensee determined that this issue was not an operability concern, because these additional loads did not cause the EDG to be overloaded during design basis accident conditions.
The issue was more than minor because the failure to identify loads that would be supplied during an accident condition could result in eventual overloading of the EDG. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. After performing a calculation to support operability, it was determined that there were conservatisms and other unnecessary loads in the EDG loading calculation that served to counteract the non-conservatisms that were identified by the inspection team resulting in the EDG not exceeding any vendor load limitations Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Lack of a 4 Hour SBO Coping Duration Heat-Up Calculation for the AFP Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance associated with a violation of 10 CFR 50.63, Loss of all Alternating Current Power. Specifically, the licensee never performed a calculation that evaluated the effects of loss of ventilation on the Auxiliary Feedwater Pump (AFP) room during a Station Blackout (SBO). The AFP rooms, which each house a turbine driven AFP (TDAFP), had not been evaluated for the heatup that would occur during the SBO 4 hour coping duration. In response to the inspectors concerns, the licensee performed informal calculations to provide reasonable assurance that the heatup in the room during an SBO would not adversely affect the equipment.
The issue was more than minor because the licensee had not maintained a heatup calculation for the TDAFP room that assessed the effects of heatup on safe shutdown equipment as required for station blackout. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Condensate Storage Tank Vortexing Calculation Did Not Bound Station Blackout Scenario The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) involving the useable volume in the condensate storage tank (CST).
Specifically, the inspectors identified that the licensees calculation to show that there would not be vortexing in the CST was not bounding for the station blackout scenario, which was the basis for the CST volume stated in the Technical Specifications. The licensees corrective actions included verifying the CST contained a sufficient volume to prevent vortexing in support of a station blackout scenario, and initiated actions to perform a formal calculation and to established an administrative limit to increase the available margin from the Technical Specification limit.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to adequately evaluate the CST vortex limit could have led to an insufficient useable volume in the CST preventing the auxiliary feedwater system from performing its function during a station blackout scenario and could have affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of design control.
The finding was of very low safety significance based on the results of the licensees analysis and screened as Green using the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unverified Fouling Factor Assumption for Containment Fan Coolers The team identified a Green non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, relating to the safety-related Containment Fan Coolers (CFC) for not assuring that the fouling factor inside the tubes was not maintained above the minimum specified analytical limit to prevent boiling of Service Water inside the coolers' tubes during accident conditions. Specifically, the licensee visually inspected the coolers and did not establish a specific criterion for accepting a fouling factor not lower than the established minimum of 0.0003 ft2-hr-&#xba;F/Btu to prevent boiling inside the tubes.
This finding was greater than minor because the current method of testing the fan coolers did not demonstrate that the existing fouling was such to prevent boiling. The finding screened as Green because, as an immediate corrective action, the licensee demonstrated through an evaluation that if boiling occurred, it will occur first in the upper tubes before the condition of the water in the lower tubes will cause boiling. This would result in excess service water flow to the lower tubes such that the fan coolers could still perform their safety function.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 29, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool Pipe Support Calculation Deficiencies The team identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance involving a modification that upgraded the Reactor Water Storage Tank/Spent Fuel Pool recirculation loop small bore piping and the Units 1 and 2 Reactor Water Storage Tank cross connect branches from the loop to Seismic Class I piping. Specifically, the inspection team found numerous non-conservative technical errors and calculation omissions in seismic design basis analysis calculations that supported this modification. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action system.
The issue was more than minor because the presence of these non-conservative calculational deficiencies resulted in seismic design basis analysis calculations to be re-performed to assure that the pipe supports would function as required during the design basis seismic event. The finding screened as having very low significance (Green) because the inspectors answered no to all five questions under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. Specifically, after re-performing the calculations for the supports that were called into question by the inspection team, the licensee was able to show that enough margin was still available to support the loads that would be seen during the design basis seismic event.
Inspection Report# : 2006006 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Establish Appropriate Test conditions for Leak-Rate Testing Outside Containment The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances, which established the appropriate test conditions for primary coolant sources testing outside containment. Specifically, testing procedures, which satisfied Technical Specification 5.5.2, Primary Coolant Sources Outside Containment, did not ensure that residual deposits of boric acid on the containment spray, high head and low head safety injection systems were removed, so that active system fluid leaks could be identified as required during the tests. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP), the licensee took immediate corrective actions, and performed a causal evaluation at the end of this inspection.
 
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Determining the Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not: represent the degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building; represent a degradation of the barrier function of the control room; and did not represent an actual open pathway in the physical integrity of reactor containment. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Design Margin for Control Room Emergency Filtration Fan Thermal Overload Trips A non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance was self-revealed for the failure to maintain sufficient design margin for the expected running currents of the control room emergency filtration system fans to their thermal overload trip settings. This occurred due to design errors in a modification that replaced the fans in October 2006. Control Room Emergency Filtration System (CREFS)
Fan W-1-B tripped on a breaker thermal overload during surveillance testing in February 2007 with low outside ambient air temperature (approximately negative 11&deg;Fahrenheit). Licensee analyses also demonstrated that a trip of fan W-14A could have occurred for the combination of low ambient temperature and degraded grid voltage. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the breaker thermal overloads with thermal overloads of a higher setting as a result of troubleshooting and evaluations performed following the trip of the W-14B fan. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program and a root cause evaluation was subsequently performed.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the attribute of maintaining radiological barrier functionality of the control room and affected the Barrier Integrity cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events.
Loss of CREFS fans during a release could result in increased dose to the operators in the control room potentially affecting control room habitability. Although the finding involved a potential failure of the CREFS to provide its filtration function, the simultaneous occurrence of low outside air temperature, degraded grid voltage, and a radiological release is of very low probability. The finding for the failure to provide the correct thermal overload trip setting is a design deficiency that has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that resources were not effective in maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins.
Inspection Report# : 2007002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Untimely Completion of Three RCEs Involving Radiation Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the licensees untimely completion of three root cause evaluations in the radiation protection area. The 3 evaluations were completed in 8-9 months instead of the 30 days stated in the corrective action program administrative procedure. Several due date extensions had been approved by station management early in the conduct of the evaluations and they eventually went overdue before they were completed. No violation of NRC requirements was identified. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
 
The inspectors concluded that the issue of allowing the completion time for the three root cause evaluations to exceed the 30-day limit in the procedure is a finding that if left uncorrected would become a more significant safety concern, and thus, is a finding that is greater than minor. Because the finding did not involve an overexposure, a substantial potential for an overexposure, and a compromise of the ability to assess dose, it is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance within the component of work control and the aspect of coordinating work activities.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Sep 30, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Conditional Release of Radioactively Contaminated Material, a Check Source Mechanism A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance that was a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1501 was identified for the licensees failure to perform a survey prior to unconditionally releasing a radioactively contaminated Check Source Mechanism (CSM-1) from the plant. Corrective actions taken by the licensee for this finding included updating the model work orders to include radiological controls for secondary systems.
The issue is greater than minor because it was associated with the program/process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive materials released into the public domain as a result of routine civilian nuclear reactor operation. The inspectors determined that the finding did not involve a radioactive transportation shipment, that public exposure did not exceed 0.005 rem, and there were less than five such occurrences. Consequently, the inspectors concluded that this finding was of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
 
Significance: N/A Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection The team concluded that the licensees program for the identification and resolutions of problems was functioning appropriately and had improved since the previous NRC PI&R expanded team inspection conducted in late 2005. The licensee was identifying plant problems at an appropriately low level, although, the inspectors noted that the threshold for entering wall thinning issues into the program was high relative to the level at which other issues were entered.
The inspectors identified three findings in the area of prioritization and evaluation of issues: one for an inadequate procedure for inspection of service water pipe, one for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid corrosion on valves; and one for untimely completion of three root cause evaluations. In the area of effectiveness of corrective actions, the inspectors concluded that a licensee-developed training course on engineer rigor was well developed and implemented and that corrective actions for three previous issues may need additional management attention to ensure timely completion. The licensees use of operating experience and self-assessments and audits was found to be appropriate. From interviews conducted during this inspection, the inspectors concluded that workers at Point Beach felt free to input nuclear safety findings into the corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Last modified : August 24, 2007
 
Point Beach 1 3Q/2007 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadvertent Chemical and Volume Control System Letdown Isolation Due to Inadequate Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for modifying the Unit 1 Charging Pump 1P-2B wiring as part of Modification MR 04-013*B, CVCS [Chemical and Volume Control System] Charging Pump Variable Frequency Drives. Specifically, instructions were not provided to prevent isolation of reactor coolant letdown flow while performing wiring modifications for the 1P-2B Charging Pump. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the design control and procedural quality attributes of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objectives to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Additionally, the inadequate design review process that caused this problem, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the letdown isolation that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date installation workplans for modification of the 1P-2B Charging Pump wiring Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Appropriate Maintenance on Air-Operated Valve Positioner Linkage A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions , Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for maintenance on air-operated valve positioners, when hardware attaching the connecting link between the Unit 1 B feedwater regulating valve positioner and actuator became disconnected resulting in loss of control of the valve. Specifically, there were no procedures that ensured that positioner arm hardware was properly secured. The licensee repaired valve positioners as required, performed an extent-of-condition review for similar valve positioners and is performing a root cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2.(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date procedures and work packages for work on air-operated valve positioners were available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
 
Significance: SL-III Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Update FSAR With Reactor Head Drop Analysis and Obtain NRC Approval The inspectors identified an apparent violation for the failure of the licensee in 1983 to incorporate the results of an 1982 analysis of a postulated drop of the reactor vessel head on the vessel into the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR). The apparent violation is subject to the NRCs traditional enforcement process because it had the potential for impacting the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function. After the problem was identified in early 2005, the licensee submitted a revised head drop analysis that the NRC reviewed and subsequently approved; evaluated the Unit 2 replacement vessel head against that analysis; updated its FSAR; and conducted a review to identify other instances where the FSAR may not have been updated.
This finding is considered greater than minor because the failure to update the FSAR as required by 10 CFR 50.71(e) resulted in the licensee not obtaining the necessary review and approval of the 1982 analysis, and in the removal and reinstallation of the original reactor heads from 1983 to 2004 without administrative controls similar to those established for head moves in 2005 and after. Also, the finding is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Because findings involving 10 CFR 50.71(e) potentially affect the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, and reactor vessel head drop analysis issues are not suitable for Significance Determination Process analysis, this finding is being evaluated using the traditional enforcement process.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 29, 2007|text=letter dated January 29, 2007}}, a Notice of Violation was issued for a Severity Level III violation of 10 CFR 50.71 (e). There is no civil penalty.
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Replacement Reactor Vessel Head Design Deficiencies The inspectors identified a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance (Green) when the licensee failed to assure from October 2002 to April 2005 that deviations in weight, a specific value used in analysis of the effects of a postulated accident, of the Unit 2 replacement reactor vessel head and head assembly upgrade package were controlled in accordance with the original design bases. One result of this failure was that the licensees 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation completed in February 2005 for the replacement head was inadequate. The licensee entered the finding into its corrective action program, and revised head replacement project documents and the station design bases to account for the differences between the Unit 2 replacement vessel head and the original head. In addition, the licensee completed an adequate 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation. These actions were taken prior to the actual lift of the new head that occurred in June 2005.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Consultation with the Region III Senior Reactor Analysts determined that reactor vessel head drop issues were not suitable for the Significance Determination Process analysis. Therefore, this finding has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a Green finding, of very low significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedural Controis for Manually Operated Breakers Located in Certain Control Panels A finding and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance was self-revealed on October 16, 2006, during the out-of-service
 
tagging of a manually operated breaker (MOB) in the Unit 2 control panel. The reactor was shutdown at the time of the event but at normal operating pressure and temperature. During the tagging, an adjacent breaker was inadvertently repositioned resulting in the opening of the pressurizer power-operated relief valve (PORV). About 63 gallons of reactor coolant were released through the valve to the pressurizer relief tank before operators repositioned the breaker and the valve re-closed. The released was categorized as a Notification of Unusual Event. The mispositioning was caused by a lack of adequate procedural controls for working in the control panels and a lack of knowledge by personnel as to the minimal force required to open the MOBs. As part of corrective actions, the licensee replaced or protected the most risk significant MOBs, trained workers on the operating sensitivity of the breakers, and established controls governing work in the control panels around sensitive equipment. The issue was entered into the corrective action program and the licensee performed a root cause evaluation for this event.
This finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected it would become a more significant safety concern in that the inadvertent re-positioning of other similar breakers in the main control room control panels would significantly upset plant stability. In addition, the finding is associated with the procedure quality and human performance attribute of the Initiating Events cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Because attributes such as core heat removal, inventory control, power availability, containment control, and reactivity guidelines were met, the finding screened as (Green) having very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensees control of work failed to incorporate into planned work activities job site conditions, including environmental conditions which may impact human performance, and the human-system interface, that is, the operator interface with the breakers in the close confines of the control panels.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:      Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Service Water System Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion through-Wall Leak Due to Inadequate Corrective Actions A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, was identified for the failure to take prompt corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the service water (SW) piping. Specifically, the SW Inservice Inspection Program failed to identify SW pipe thinning prior to MIC causing a through-wall leak because the non-destructive examination method used, specifically radiography, was inadequate for detecting MIC. The limited ability for identifying MIC with radiography was a known problem and was previously documented in the licensees corrective action program in 2005; however, prompt corrective actions were not taken. For the 2007 leak, the licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the leaking SW pipe and proposed changes to the SW Inservice Inspection Program that would enhance the sites ability to identify potential sources of MIC in the SW system and correct the program issues initially identified in 2005.
The issue is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correct Previous Indication of Degraded Oil in Component Cooling Water Pump The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded oil conditions initially identified with safety-related Component Cooling Water (CCW) Pump 1P-11B in March 2007. Following an additional oil sample with anomalous results in July 2007, the licensee declared the pump inoperable and performed troubleshooting and repair of CCW Pump 1P-11B. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to promptly correct the cause of the oil degradation in a timely manner in March 2007 could have resulted in the failure of the CCW pump. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Calibration Methods for Engineered Safeguards Actuation System Instrumentation, Lead/Lag Time Constants for Steam Line Pressure A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for performing calibration of the Engineered Safeguards Feature Actuation System (ESFAS) instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules.
Specifically, instructions were not correct or sufficiently detailed to determine mathematical values from graphical displays of circuit output used in performing the subject calibrations.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate and up-to-date procedures for calibration of the ESFAS instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Account for MOV Stalling Delays for ECCS Response Time Analysis Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 13, 2007
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Non-Compliant Sprinkler Heads in the EDG Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV of the PBNPs Operating License for failure to take prompt corrective action for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in July 2002, the licensee identified that four sprinkler heads located in Fire Zones 308 and 309 (i.e., emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms G-01 and G-02, respectively) were not in compliance with the NFPA 13-1966 Code, Section 3066. The violation was entered into the licensees CAP as 01101421, Untimely Corrective Actions, dated July 12, 2007, to increase the priority of the modification that was to correct the sprinkler heads non-compliant condition. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective action to address the safety issue in a timely manner commensurate with its safety significance and complexity.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e.,
fire) attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensees failure to promptly correct the lack of return bends condition for four sprinklers heads in the EDG rooms and take appropriate action to restore the operability of these sprinkler heads in a timely manner could have affected the suppression capability of the fire suppression systems in these rooms. The finding was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 2, SDP evaluation completed in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process. (Section 1R05.4b)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Jul 13, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Meet Separation Requirements for Redundant Trains The inspectors identified a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2, involving the licensees failure to ensure, in the event of a severe fire, that one redundant train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown (HSD) conditions was free of fire damage. Specifically, in the event of a severe fire in Fire Zone 151 in Fire Area A02, the licensee failed to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected by a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles. The violation was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP) as 01101444, Compliance with Appendix R, Section III.G.2 in Fire Zone 151, dated July 12, 2007. The licensee initiated compensatory measures and will evaluate the violation during transition to NFPA 805. The inspectors determined there was no cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, the licensees failure to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected, by maintaining a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles, left the charging pumps cables and/or circuits vulnerable to fire damage and did not ensure the availability and reliability of systems that respond to initiating events. Because the NRC-identified violation was a circuit-related finding that was not associated with a finding of high safety significance (Red), the inspectors evaluated the violation in accordance with the four criteria established by Section A of the NRCs Interim Enforcement Policy Regarding Enforcement Discretion for Certain Fire Protection Issues (10 CFR Part 50.48) for a licensee in NFPA 805 transition. The inspectors determined that for this violation: (1) the licensee would have identified the violation during the scheduled transition to 10 CFR Part 50, Section 48(c); (2) the licensee had established adequate compensatory measures within a reasonable time frame following identification and would correct the violation as a result of completing the NFPA 805 transition; (3) the violation was not likely to have been previously identified by routine licensee efforts; and (4) the violation was not willful. As a result, the inspectors concluded that the violation met all four criteria established by Section A, and the NRC is exercising enforcement discretion to not cite this violation in accordance with the NRCs Enforcement Policy.
(Section 1R05.2b.1)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Work Instructions for Preventive Maintenance on Safety-Related Battery Chargers The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for failure to accomplish required preventive maintenance resulting in the D-108 Station Battery output becoming unstable on several occasions. In January 2007, the D-09 Battery Charger also failed as a result of failure to perform scheduled preventive maintenance. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions to repair the chargers and is performing an apparent cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, failures of safety-related battery chargers can significantly challenge the vital 125V DC system. In addition, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, (such as, core damage).
Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(b)). Specifically, the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities to support long-term equipment reliability and maintenance scheduling, which was not more preventive than reactive, as critical preventative maintenance for battery chargers was not performed.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately manage an Orange Risk Condition The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, after the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with the installation of the Unit 1 Steam Generator Nozzle Dams, which is a reduced inventory and Orange Qualitative Risk Condition. Specifically, the contingency plan stated, in part, that an uncontrolled reactor coolant system inventory loss would be mitigated with the use of Shutdown Emergency Procedure SEP-2, Cold Shutdown LOCA. However, the inspectors noted that certain critical equipment required in SEP-2 was not available and no contingencies were established for the unavailable equipment. The licensee initiated condition reports and took immediate corrective actions and planned additional corrective actions based on a causal evaluation.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding affected the cornerstone objective, to ensure the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, and the attributes of configuration control and equipment performance, due to the shutdown equipment lineup and unavailability of equipment. In addition, the finding was related to the licensees failure to effectively manage significant compensatory measures for this Orange Risk condition. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, PWR Hot Shutdown Operation: time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(a)). Specifically, under the component of work control, the licensee did not appropriately plan work activities by incorporating the need for planned contingencies and compensatory actions, ensuring that equipment relied upon for contingencies remained available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Program for Preventive Maintenance of Breaker Mechanism Operated Control Switches The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50.65, Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, of very low safety significance (Green), for the failure to incorporate available internal and external Operating Experience (OE) pertaining to 4.16kV switchgear cubicle Mechanism Operated Control (MOC) switch assemblies. Preventive maintenance procedures for Westinghouse 4.16kV switchgear cubicles had not been revised to incorporate important MOC switch linkage measurements, adjustments and verification of
 
contact position. The licensee initiated condition reports and is revising procedures to incorporate required preventive maintenance.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor, because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding also affects the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (such as, core damage). Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). Additionally, the inspectors determined that the contributing cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution within the component of OE (P.2(b)). The licensee did not implement and institutionalize OE through changes to station processes and procedures, as appropriate preventive maintenance procedures and routines were not established.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Identify and Correct Previous Indications of High Bearing Temperatures The inspectors identified a finding involving a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licensees failure to identify and implement prompt corrective actions for the conditions which caused outboard bearing high temperature alarms during: the Unit 1 Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater (TDAFW) pump post-maintenance test (PMT) performed on May 1, 2007; the Unit 1 TDAFW pump PMT performed on May 6, 2007; and the Unit 2 TDAFW pump PMT performed on November 17, 2006. The licensee performed trouble shooting and repair of the Unit 1 TDAFW pump and confirmed operability of the Unit 2 TDAFW pump with needed compensatory actions. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to identify and investigate the cause of the high bearing temperature alarms could potentially result in failure of the TDAFW pumps. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Failure to identify and promptly correct the conditions which caused the high bearing temperature alarms was a condition adverse to quality and was a corrective action program issue that was determined to be a licensee performance deficiency of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution for the failure to implement a corrective action program with a low threshold for identifying issues completely, accurately and in a timely manner commensurate with their safety significance (P.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Assess the Operability of the Unit 1 Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump on June 9, 2007 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately assess Operability in accordance with plant procedures. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural requirements regarding the immediate assessment of operability on June 9, 2007 for the Unit 1 TDAFW pump outboard turbine bearing high temperatures. The licensee took corrective actions which included re-performing testing to evaluate bearing stabilization temperatures and briefing of the operations crews on this issue. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to properly assess operability could result in
 
the TDAFW pump being degraded, and possibly inoperable for more than the allowed outage time in accordance with Technical Specifications with no action being taken. The finding is of very low safety significance since the inadequate operability call did not result in exceeding the allowed outage time of Technical Specifications before action was taken. The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to demonstrate that nuclear safety was an overriding priority. Specifically, the licensee failed to make safety-significant or risk-significant decisions using a systematic process for operability determinations, especially when faced with uncertain or unexpected plant conditions, to ensure safety is maintained (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to ensure that procedures associated with the maintenance of the TDAFW turbines were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance overhaul procedure did not address the following significant issues: 1) specify acceptance criteria and as-left requirements for thrust bearing axial clearance; 2) specify instructions to ensure the proper setting and critical dimensions for the proper pump to turbine coupling stretch; 3) correctly establish the turbine to wheel nozzle lap setting; and 4) specify proper placement of insulation on the turbine. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to have Specific Formal Training for Maintenance Craft on Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation for the failure to provide appropriate training for maintenance personnel performing overhauls on the TDAFW pump turbines.
Specifically, while maintenance personnel received training on some of the individual components associated with a turbine, the mechanic-electrician (mechanical) training program did not require specialty task training for turbine overhauls. In addition, this was contrary to standard industry guidelines for training and qualification of maintenance personnel. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions.
At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and to pre-event human error, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed
 
to assure that training of personnel was adequate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for the Analysis and Sampling of Safety-Related Turbine and Pump Oil The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately implement an oil analysis program for the TDAFW pump. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement sampling guidelines using industry standards or provide an adequate justification for not performing the samples at reasonable intervals. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to have an adequate procedure for lubrication could result in the TDAFW pump being degraded without the knowledge of the licensee. The inspectors determined the finding did not result in an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment; therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Quarantining Process The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately quarantine a component for subsequent causal analysis. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural controls to quarantine degraded components during troubleshooting and maintenance activities which resulted in the loss of evidence for causal analysis. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program, implemented interim quarantine controls, and issued a new Procedure, NP 1.1.17 Quarantine of Areas, Equipment, and Records.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to properly quarantine items could become a more significant safety concern, since the failure to do so could impede the identification of causes for conditions adverse to quality and prevent the implementation of appropriate corrective actions. The inspectors determined the finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedure for Identifying Degraded Piping The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving areas of service water piping where microbiologically induced corrosion was identified but the wall thicknesses of the pipe in those areas were not measured. An NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures and Drawings," was associated with this finding for failure to prescribe directions to ensure all areas of degradation identified were characterized. The licensee performed radiographic examination of safety-related piping in the service water system to
 
identify and determine the extent of degradation and to take appropriate corrective action to maintain operability.
However, the radiographic technique used did not provide information on the most severe (deepest) degradation in the section of pipe examined. Without this information, the licensees evaluation of the piping integrity, actions to perform inspections of additional pipe segments, and actions to perform more frequent inspection on the same section could be inappropriate. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
This finding is greater than minor because it was associated with the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the procedure did not require adequate characterization of the extent of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in service water (SW) piping to ensure that MIC degradation would not result in failure of the SW piping pressure boundary. Because there were no active through-wall leaks in this system and no known degradation which exceeded the Code minimum wall thickness, the finding is of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Extent-of-Condition Review The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance with no associated violation for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid leakage found in the last quarter of 2005 on the safety injection-850 valves (containment recirculation sump isolation valves). During the current inspection, the inspectors identified boric acid leakage on other valves that the licensee had not evaluated. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program.
This finding is greater than minor because failing to evaluate boric acid leakage would lead to component failure and had the potential to become a more significant safety concern. Because no safety function was lost, no Technical Specification train or maintenance rule safety function was lost, and there was no external event concerns. The finding is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of PI&R within the component of the corrective action program and the aspect of thorough evaluation of problems.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Establish Appropriate Test conditions for Leak-Rate Testing Outside Containment The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances, which established the appropriate test conditions for primary coolant sources testing outside containment. Specifically, testing procedures, which satisfied Technical Specification 5.5.2, Primary Coolant Sources Outside Containment, did not ensure that residual deposits of boric acid on the containment spray, high head and low head safety injection systems were removed, so that active system fluid leaks could be identified as required during the tests. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP), the licensee took immediate corrective actions, and performed a causal evaluation at the end of this inspection.
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Determining the Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not: represent the degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building; represent a degradation of the barrier function of the control room; and did not represent an actual open pathway in the physical integrity of reactor containment. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is
 
related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Design Margin for Control Room Emergency Filtration Fan Thermal Overload Trips A non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance was self-revealed for the failure to maintain sufficient design margin for the expected running currents of the control room emergency filtration system fans to their thermal overload trip settings. This occurred due to design errors in a modification that replaced the fans in October 2006. Control Room Emergency Filtration System (CREFS)
Fan W-1-B tripped on a breaker thermal overload during surveillance testing in February 2007 with low outside ambient air temperature (approximately negative 11&deg;Fahrenheit). Licensee analyses also demonstrated that a trip of fan W-14A could have occurred for the combination of low ambient temperature and degraded grid voltage. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the breaker thermal overloads with thermal overloads of a higher setting as a result of troubleshooting and evaluations performed following the trip of the W-14B fan. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program and a root cause evaluation was subsequently performed.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the attribute of maintaining radiological barrier functionality of the control room and affected the Barrier Integrity cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events.
Loss of CREFS fans during a release could result in increased dose to the operators in the control room potentially affecting control room habitability. Although the finding involved a potential failure of the CREFS to provide its filtration function, the simultaneous occurrence of low outside air temperature, degraded grid voltage, and a radiological release is of very low probability. The finding for the failure to provide the correct thermal overload trip setting is a design deficiency that has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that resources were not effective in maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins.
Inspection Report# : 2007002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Untimely Completion of Three RCEs Involving Radiation Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the licensees untimely completion of three root cause evaluations in the radiation protection area. The 3 evaluations were completed in 8-9 months instead of the 30 days stated in the corrective action program administrative procedure. Several due date extensions had been approved by station management early in the conduct of the evaluations and they eventually went overdue before they were completed. No violation of NRC requirements was identified. The licensee entered this finding into its corrective action program for evaluation.
The inspectors concluded that the issue of allowing the completion time for the three root cause evaluations to exceed the 30-day limit in the procedure is a finding that if left uncorrected would become a more significant safety concern, and thus, is a finding that is greater than minor. Because the finding did not involve an overexposure, a substantial potential for an overexposure, and a compromise of the ability to assess dose, it is of very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that a primary cause of this finding was related to the cross-cutting area of human performance within the component of work control and the aspect of coordinating work activities.
 
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 15, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection The team concluded that the licensees program for the identification and resolutions of problems was functioning appropriately and had improved since the previous NRC PI&R expanded team inspection conducted in late 2005. The licensee was identifying plant problems at an appropriately low level, although, the inspectors noted that the threshold for entering wall thinning issues into the program was high relative to the level at which other issues were entered.
The inspectors identified three findings in the area of prioritization and evaluation of issues: one for an inadequate procedure for inspection of service water pipe, one for an inadequate extent-of-condition review for boric acid corrosion on valves; and one for untimely completion of three root cause evaluations. In the area of effectiveness of corrective actions, the inspectors concluded that a licensee-developed training course on engineer rigor was well developed and implemented and that corrective actions for three previous issues may need additional management attention to ensure timely completion. The licensees use of operating experience and self-assessments and audits was found to be appropriate. From interviews conducted during this inspection, the inspectors concluded that workers at Point Beach felt free to input nuclear safety findings into the corrective action program.
Inspection Report# : 2006015 (pdf)
Last modified : December 07, 2007
 
Point Beach 1 4Q/2007 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadvertent Chemical and Volume Control System Letdown Isolation Due to Inadequate Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for modifying the Unit 1 Charging Pump 1P-2B wiring as part of Modification MR 04-013*B, CVCS [Chemical and Volume Control System] Charging Pump Variable Frequency Drives. Specifically, instructions were not provided to prevent isolation of reactor coolant letdown flow while performing wiring modifications for the 1P-2B Charging Pump. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the design control and procedural quality attributes of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objectives to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Additionally, the inadequate design review process that caused this problem, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the letdown isolation that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date installation workplans for modification of the 1P-2B Charging Pump wiring Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Appropriate Maintenance on Air-Operated Valve Positioner Linkage A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions , Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for maintenance on air-operated valve positioners, when hardware attaching the connecting link between the Unit 1 B feedwater regulating valve positioner and actuator became disconnected resulting in loss of control of the valve. Specifically, there were no procedures that ensured that positioner arm hardware was properly secured. The licensee repaired valve positioners as required, performed an extent-of-condition review for similar valve positioners and is performing a root cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2.(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date procedures and work packages for work on air-operated valve positioners were available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
 
Significance: SL-III Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Update FSAR With Reactor Head Drop Analysis and Obtain NRC Approval The inspectors identified an apparent violation for the failure of the licensee in 1983 to incorporate the results of an 1982 analysis of a postulated drop of the reactor vessel head on the vessel into the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR). The apparent violation is subject to the NRCs traditional enforcement process because it had the potential for impacting the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function. After the problem was identified in early 2005, the licensee submitted a revised head drop analysis that the NRC reviewed and subsequently approved; evaluated the Unit 2 replacement vessel head against that analysis; updated its FSAR; and conducted a review to identify other instances where the FSAR may not have been updated.
This finding is considered greater than minor because the failure to update the FSAR as required by 10 CFR 50.71(e) resulted in the licensee not obtaining the necessary review and approval of the 1982 analysis, and in the removal and reinstallation of the original reactor heads from 1983 to 2004 without administrative controls similar to those established for head moves in 2005 and after. Also, the finding is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Because findings involving 10 CFR 50.71(e) potentially affect the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, and reactor vessel head drop analysis issues are not suitable for Significance Determination Process analysis, this finding is being evaluated using the traditional enforcement process.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 29, 2007|text=letter dated January 29, 2007}}, a Notice of Violation was issued for a Severity Level III violation of 10 CFR 50.71 (e). There is no civil penalty.
Inspection Report# : 2006011 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 14, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Factor of Safety Specified in Design Evaluation of Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, that was of very low safety significance involving a calculation that designed the Unit 1 Steam Generator Blowdown (SGBD) Heat Exchanger (HX) Platform to withstand a load from a postulated pipe whip of the condensate return line resulting from a High-Energy Line Break (HELB). The load from a postulated pipe whip applied to the platform was evaluated in calculation PBNP-994-10-S01, SGBD HX Platform Mod. For Addition of Pipe Rupture Restraint for Condensate Return Line which was approved on April 28, 2007. As a result of this calculation, the design function of the Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform was revised to hold and maintain the steam generator blowdown heat exchangers and condensate return line in position and assure that the platform did not fall onto the safety related Refueling Water Storage Tank (RWST) during a safe shutdown earthquake and a HELB simultaneously. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in the supporting calculation. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as condition report CAP 1118144.
The issue was more than minor because the calculation error would be expected to necessitate extensive calculation rework and possibly a modification in order to demonstrate that the platform meets design acceptance limits commensurate with those applied to original design. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors answered yes to question 1 under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. Specifically, the platform remained operable but degraded. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element in Human Performance, Work Practices because the licensee did not ensure supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety is supported (item H.4(c) of IMC 0305). The licensee had failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in all three revisions of the design basis calculation.
 
Inspection Report# : 2007007 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Service Water System Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion through-Wall Leak Due to Inadequate Corrective Actions A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, was identified for the failure to take prompt corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the service water (SW) piping. Specifically, the SW Inservice Inspection Program failed to identify SW pipe thinning prior to MIC causing a through-wall leak because the non-destructive examination method used, specifically radiography, was inadequate for detecting MIC. The limited ability for identifying MIC with radiography was a known problem and was previously documented in the licensees corrective action program in 2005; however, prompt corrective actions were not taken. For the 2007 leak, the licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the leaking SW pipe and proposed changes to the SW Inservice Inspection Program that would enhance the sites ability to identify potential sources of MIC in the SW system and correct the program issues initially identified in 2005.
The issue is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correct Previous Indication of Degraded Oil in Component Cooling Water Pump The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded oil conditions initially identified with safety-related Component Cooling Water (CCW) Pump 1P-11B in March 2007. Following an additional oil sample with anomalous results in July 2007, the licensee declared the pump inoperable and performed troubleshooting and repair of CCW Pump 1P-11B. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to promptly correct the cause of the oil degradation in a timely manner in March 2007 could have resulted in the failure of the CCW pump. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Calibration Methods for Engineered Safeguards Actuation System Instrumentation, Lead/Lag Time Constants for Steam Line Pressure A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for performing calibration of the Engineered Safeguards Feature Actuation System (ESFAS) instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules.
Specifically, instructions were not correct or sufficiently detailed to determine mathematical values from graphical displays of circuit output used in performing the subject calibrations.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate and up-to-date procedures for calibration of the ESFAS instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Account for MOV Stalling Delays for ECCS Response Time Analysis Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 13, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Non-Compliant Sprinkler Heads in the EDG Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV of the PBNPs Operating License for failure to take prompt corrective action for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in July 2002, the licensee identified that four sprinkler heads located in Fire Zones 308 and 309 (i.e., emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms G-01 and G-02, respectively) were not in compliance with the NFPA 13-1966 Code, Section 3066. The violation was entered into the licensees CAP as 01101421, Untimely Corrective Actions, dated July 12, 2007, to increase the priority of the modification that was to correct the sprinkler heads non-compliant condition. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective action to address the safety issue in a timely manner commensurate with its safety significance and complexity.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e.,
fire) attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensees failure to promptly correct the lack of return bends condition for four sprinklers heads in the EDG rooms and take appropriate action to restore the operability of these sprinkler heads in a timely manner could have affected the suppression capability of the fire suppression systems in these rooms. The finding was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 2, SDP evaluation completed in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process. (Section 1R05.4b)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Jul 13, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding
 
Failure to Meet Separation Requirements for Redundant Trains The inspectors identified a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2, involving the licensees failure to ensure, in the event of a severe fire, that one redundant train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown (HSD) conditions was free of fire damage. Specifically, in the event of a severe fire in Fire Zone 151 in Fire Area A02, the licensee failed to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected by a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles. The violation was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP) as 01101444, Compliance with Appendix R, Section III.G.2 in Fire Zone 151, dated July 12, 2007. The licensee initiated compensatory measures and will evaluate the violation during transition to NFPA 805. The inspectors determined there was no cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, the licensees failure to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected, by maintaining a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles, left the charging pumps cables and/or circuits vulnerable to fire damage and did not ensure the availability and reliability of systems that respond to initiating events. Because the NRC-identified violation was a circuit-related finding that was not associated with a finding of high safety significance (Red), the inspectors evaluated the violation in accordance with the four criteria established by Section A of the NRCs Interim Enforcement Policy Regarding Enforcement Discretion for Certain Fire Protection Issues (10 CFR Part 50.48) for a licensee in NFPA 805 transition. The inspectors determined that for this violation: (1) the licensee would have identified the violation during the scheduled transition to 10 CFR Part 50, Section 48(c); (2) the licensee had established adequate compensatory measures within a reasonable time frame following identification and would correct the violation as a result of completing the NFPA 805 transition; (3) the violation was not likely to have been previously identified by routine licensee efforts; and (4) the violation was not willful. As a result, the inspectors concluded that the violation met all four criteria established by Section A, and the NRC is exercising enforcement discretion to not cite this violation in accordance with the NRCs Enforcement Policy.
(Section 1R05.2b.1)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Work Instructions for Preventive Maintenance on Safety-Related Battery Chargers The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for failure to accomplish required preventive maintenance resulting in the D-108 Station Battery output becoming unstable on several occasions. In January 2007, the D-09 Battery Charger also failed as a result of failure to perform scheduled preventive maintenance. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions to repair the chargers and is performing an apparent cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, failures of safety-related battery chargers can significantly challenge the vital 125V DC system. In addition, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, (such as, core damage).
Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(b)). Specifically, the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities to support long-term equipment reliability and maintenance scheduling, which was not more preventive than reactive, as critical preventative maintenance for battery chargers was not performed.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately manage an Orange Risk Condition
 
The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, after the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with the installation of the Unit 1 Steam Generator Nozzle Dams, which is a reduced inventory and Orange Qualitative Risk Condition. Specifically, the contingency plan stated, in part, that an uncontrolled reactor coolant system inventory loss would be mitigated with the use of Shutdown Emergency Procedure SEP-2, Cold Shutdown LOCA. However, the inspectors noted that certain critical equipment required in SEP-2 was not available and no contingencies were established for the unavailable equipment. The licensee initiated condition reports and took immediate corrective actions and planned additional corrective actions based on a causal evaluation.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding affected the cornerstone objective, to ensure the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, and the attributes of configuration control and equipment performance, due to the shutdown equipment lineup and unavailability of equipment. In addition, the finding was related to the licensees failure to effectively manage significant compensatory measures for this Orange Risk condition. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, PWR Hot Shutdown Operation: time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(a)). Specifically, under the component of work control, the licensee did not appropriately plan work activities by incorporating the need for planned contingencies and compensatory actions, ensuring that equipment relied upon for contingencies remained available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Program for Preventive Maintenance of Breaker Mechanism Operated Control Switches The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50.65, Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, of very low safety significance (Green), for the failure to incorporate available internal and external Operating Experience (OE) pertaining to 4.16kV switchgear cubicle Mechanism Operated Control (MOC) switch assemblies. Preventive maintenance procedures for Westinghouse 4.16kV switchgear cubicles had not been revised to incorporate important MOC switch linkage measurements, adjustments and verification of contact position. The licensee initiated condition reports and is revising procedures to incorporate required preventive maintenance.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor, because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding also affects the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (such as, core damage). Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). Additionally, the inspectors determined that the contributing cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution within the component of OE (P.2(b)). The licensee did not implement and institutionalize OE through changes to station processes and procedures, as appropriate preventive maintenance procedures and routines were not established.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Identify and Correct Previous Indications of High Bearing Temperatures The inspectors identified a finding involving a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licensees failure to identify and implement prompt corrective actions for the conditions which caused outboard bearing high temperature alarms during: the Unit 1 Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater (TDAFW) pump post-maintenance test (PMT) performed on May 1, 2007; the Unit 1 TDAFW pump PMT performed on May 6, 2007; and the Unit 2 TDAFW pump PMT performed on November 17, 2006. The licensee performed trouble shooting and repair of the Unit 1 TDAFW pump and confirmed operability of the Unit 2 TDAFW pump with needed compensatory actions. The licensee entered the
 
issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to identify and investigate the cause of the high bearing temperature alarms could potentially result in failure of the TDAFW pumps. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Failure to identify and promptly correct the conditions which caused the high bearing temperature alarms was a condition adverse to quality and was a corrective action program issue that was determined to be a licensee performance deficiency of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution for the failure to implement a corrective action program with a low threshold for identifying issues completely, accurately and in a timely manner commensurate with their safety significance (P.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Assess the Operability of the Unit 1 Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump on June 9, 2007 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately assess Operability in accordance with plant procedures. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural requirements regarding the immediate assessment of operability on June 9, 2007 for the Unit 1 TDAFW pump outboard turbine bearing high temperatures. The licensee took corrective actions which included re-performing testing to evaluate bearing stabilization temperatures and briefing of the operations crews on this issue. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to properly assess operability could result in the TDAFW pump being degraded, and possibly inoperable for more than the allowed outage time in accordance with Technical Specifications with no action being taken. The finding is of very low safety significance since the inadequate operability call did not result in exceeding the allowed outage time of Technical Specifications before action was taken. The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to demonstrate that nuclear safety was an overriding priority. Specifically, the licensee failed to make safety-significant or risk-significant decisions using a systematic process for operability determinations, especially when faced with uncertain or unexpected plant conditions, to ensure safety is maintained (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to ensure that procedures associated with the maintenance of the TDAFW turbines were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance overhaul procedure did not address the following significant issues: 1) specify acceptance criteria and as-left requirements for thrust bearing axial clearance; 2) specify instructions to ensure the proper setting and critical dimensions for the proper pump to turbine coupling stretch; 3) correctly establish the turbine to wheel nozzle lap setting; and 4) specify proper placement of insulation on the turbine. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety
 
concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to have Specific Formal Training for Maintenance Craft on Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation for the failure to provide appropriate training for maintenance personnel performing overhauls on the TDAFW pump turbines.
Specifically, while maintenance personnel received training on some of the individual components associated with a turbine, the mechanic-electrician (mechanical) training program did not require specialty task training for turbine overhauls. In addition, this was contrary to standard industry guidelines for training and qualification of maintenance personnel. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions.
At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and to pre-event human error, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to assure that training of personnel was adequate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for the Analysis and Sampling of Safety-Related Turbine and Pump Oil The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately implement an oil analysis program for the TDAFW pump. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement sampling guidelines using industry standards or provide an adequate justification for not performing the samples at reasonable intervals. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to have an adequate procedure for lubrication could result in the TDAFW pump being degraded without the knowledge of the licensee. The inspectors determined the finding did not result in an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment; therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Quarantining Process The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately quarantine a component for subsequent causal analysis. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural controls to quarantine degraded components during troubleshooting and maintenance activities which resulted in the loss of evidence for causal analysis. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program, implemented interim quarantine controls, and issued a new Procedure, NP 1.1.17 Quarantine of Areas, Equipment, and Records.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to properly quarantine items could become a more significant safety concern, since the failure to do so could impede the identification of causes for conditions adverse to quality and prevent the implementation of appropriate corrective actions. The inspectors determined the finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Establish Appropriate Test conditions for Leak-Rate Testing Outside Containment The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances, which established the appropriate test conditions for primary coolant sources testing outside containment. Specifically, testing procedures, which satisfied Technical Specification 5.5.2, Primary Coolant Sources Outside Containment, did not ensure that residual deposits of boric acid on the containment spray, high head and low head safety injection systems were removed, so that active system fluid leaks could be identified as required during the tests. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP), the licensee took immediate corrective actions, and performed a causal evaluation at the end of this inspection.
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Determining the Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not: represent the degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building; represent a degradation of the barrier function of the control room; and did not represent an actual open pathway in the physical integrity of reactor containment. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Design Margin for Control Room Emergency Filtration Fan Thermal Overload Trips A non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance was self-revealed for the failure to maintain sufficient design margin for the expected running currents of
 
the control room emergency filtration system fans to their thermal overload trip settings. This occurred due to design errors in a modification that replaced the fans in October 2006. Control Room Emergency Filtration System (CREFS)
Fan W-1-B tripped on a breaker thermal overload during surveillance testing in February 2007 with low outside ambient air temperature (approximately negative 11&deg;Fahrenheit). Licensee analyses also demonstrated that a trip of fan W-14A could have occurred for the combination of low ambient temperature and degraded grid voltage. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the breaker thermal overloads with thermal overloads of a higher setting as a result of troubleshooting and evaluations performed following the trip of the W-14B fan. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program and a root cause evaluation was subsequently performed.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the attribute of maintaining radiological barrier functionality of the control room and affected the Barrier Integrity cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events.
Loss of CREFS fans during a release could result in increased dose to the operators in the control room potentially affecting control room habitability. Although the finding involved a potential failure of the CREFS to provide its filtration function, the simultaneous occurrence of low outside air temperature, degraded grid voltage, and a radiological release is of very low probability. The finding for the failure to provide the correct thermal overload trip setting is a design deficiency that has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that resources were not effective in maintaining long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins.
Inspection Report# : 2007002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in
 
the Confirmatory Order.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Last modified : February 04, 2008
 
Point Beach 1 1Q/2008 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Recurring Cold Weather Issues The inspectors identified a finding and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licenses failure to take prompt corrective actions to address recurring cold weather issues in the facade building which again occurred in January 2008. The failure to take prompt corrective actions led to the formation of ice on offsite power and plant equipment cable trays and cabling, which supplied offsite power to both Units busses. The sheets of ice were also in proximity to the Unit 2 refueling water storage tank level indicators and outlet piping. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions, and was performing a causal evaluation at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern in that the formation of ice in the facade building in this case could have affected safety related equipment.
Because the ice buildup in the Unit 2 facade was an external factor and transient initiator contributor that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Cable Test Program The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an Non Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, for the licensees failure to establish a test program that adequately demonstrated that medium voltage cables subjected to submersion would perform satisfactorily in service.
Specifically, the on line, energized partial discharge testing methodology that Point Beach adopted through the 2003 Excellence Plan, to periodically assess the condition of power cables that had been submerged, failed to provide any indication of declining cable performance or indication of an imminent failure of the 1X 04 transformer cables before the actual failure on January 15, 2008. All previous test results for the 1X 04 transformer cables showed only low levels of deterioration.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone attribute of equipment performance reliability as well as the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution.
Specifically, the licensee failed to use operating experience information, including internally generated lessons learned, to support plant safety by collecting and evaluation relevant internal and external operation experience Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions to Address Cable Submergence A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and an NCV was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Actions, for the licensees failure develop effective corrective actions to maintain the design environment for the underground cables at Point Beach.
Specifically, since 1997, numerous corrective action documents were generated to capture concerns associated with cable submergence and water ingress through underground cableways and manholes. However, adequate corrective actions to address the groundwater issue were not implemented for all the manholes and cableways with a known history of flooding. The failure to implement timely corrective actions to address a long term solution to the site-submerged cable issues, identified since 1997, led to the January 15, 2008, failure of the 1X-04 transformer cables due to prolonged exposure to water.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because the finding could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely minor could potentially lead to other cable failures as a result of continued degradation of submerged cables. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 -
Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The 1X-04 cable failure that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available.
Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Control Loose Materials Classified as Tornado Hazards The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance with no associated violation of regulatory requirements for the licensees failure to control loose materials in the protected area. Specifically, the inspectors identified materials that were classified as tornado hazards per station procedure PC 99 near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main and auxiliary transformers and the switchyard boundary. Once notified, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and removed the materials. In addition, a procedure change request was initiated to incorporate tornado hazard walkdowns into the abnormal operating procedure for severe weather response.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution in that the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadvertent Chemical and Volume Control System Letdown Isolation Due to Inadequate Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for modifying the
 
Unit 1 Charging Pump 1P-2B wiring as part of Modification MR 04-013*B, CVCS [Chemical and Volume Control System] Charging Pump Variable Frequency Drives. Specifically, instructions were not provided to prevent isolation of reactor coolant letdown flow while performing wiring modifications for the 1P-2B Charging Pump. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the design control and procedural quality attributes of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objectives to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Additionally, the inadequate design review process that caused this problem, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the letdown isolation that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance. Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date installation workplans for modification of the 1P-2B Charging Pump wiring Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Appropriate Maintenance on Air-Operated Valve Positioner Linkage A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions , Procedures, and Drawings, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for maintenance on air-operated valve positioners, when hardware attaching the connecting link between the Unit 1 B feedwater regulating valve positioner and actuator became disconnected resulting in loss of control of the valve. Specifically, there were no procedures that ensured that positioner arm hardware was properly secured. The licensee repaired valve positioners as required, performed an extent-of-condition review for similar valve positioners and is performing a root cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded the finding is greater than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The transient initiator contributor was a reactor trip that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Consequently, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2.(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date procedures and work packages for work on air-operated valve positioners were available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:      Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures Resulted in Inadvertent Draining of Unit 1 SI Accumulator A self-revealed finding and an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for the licenses failure to implement procedures associated with conduct of operations for plant systems. Specifically, on January 4, 2008, control room operators responded to a Unit 1 A Safety Injection Accumulator Level High Alarm and initiated actions to drain the accumulator, without utilizing the redundant or backup indication for the draining evolution required by plant procedure. This resulted in the inadvertent draining and inoperability of the accumulator with respect to the minimum Technical Specification required accumulator pressure, because the level accumulator channel used to drain the accumulator had failed in the as is position, causing the initial alarm. The licensee took immediate corrective actions which included restoration
 
of the Unit 1 Safety Injection (SI) accumulator to an operable status, repair of the level indicator, and establishment of a new conduct of operations procedure. In addition, the licensee completed an apparent cause evaluation and developed additional corrective actions to correct this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, human error prevention techniques were not utilized following the receipt of the accumulator level alarm and during the draindown evolution.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Relay Setpoint Selection A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and an NCV was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to assure that the design basis, associated with the ABB-GKT 50G relays, was correctly translated into specifications for the relays setpoints. As a result, the high frequency transients caused by the repeated grounding of the non-safety-related 1X-04 cables on January 15, 2008, caused the unintended actuation of the 50G/A52-84 Relay and the isolation of power to safety-related bus 1B 04.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of design control of plant modifications and equipment performance availability and reliability. This finding also affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings.
The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in IMC 0609.04 Table 4a - Characterization Worksheet for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone were answered No. Additionally, there was no cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Adequately Assess Operability of Service Water Pump P-32C A self-revealed finding with no associated violation of regulatory requirements was identified for an inadequate operability evaluation performed in June 2007 for service water pump P-32C. Specifically, the pump failed its inservice test (IST) on high vibrations after approximately six hours of operation, but the operability evaluation had concluded the pump vibrations would not reach the out-of-service limit until after 120 hours of continuous operation.
Contributing to the unanticipated early failure was the use of non-conservative decision-making and the use of a non-conservative assumption in the pumps vibration prediction model. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program and P-32C was subsequently repaired and returned to service.
The finding is more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making affecting operability of safety-related equipment (H.1(b)).
 
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Have Adequate Procedures for the Refueling Water Storage Tank A self-revealed finding and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, were identified for the failure to have adequate procedures to allow operators to properly set the thermostat of the Unit 2 refueling water storage tank (RWST) heaters and to ensure the RWST was recirculated frequently enough for the temperature indicator to accurately measure bulk temperature. On September 18, 2007, the Unit 2 RWST was found to be at 105 &deg;F. This temperature exceeded the TS-maximum allowable limit of 100 &deg;F (97 &deg; F parametric) and could not be restored to acceptable limits before the eight-hour TS action statement expired. As a result, a shutdown of Unit 2 was commenced. At 20 percent power, a return to full power began after the RWST temperature was restored to within acceptable limits. It was later identified that the undesired heat-up was caused by the incorrect setting of the controlling thermostat for the RWST heaters.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the procedure quality and human performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the elevated temperature of the RWST and subsequent shutdown sequence did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, human error prevention techniques were not utilized prior to and during the thermostat setting task and personnel proceeded in the face of uncertainty and unexpected circumstances (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Adquate Post-Maintenance Testing for the Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to conduct adequate post-maintenance testing of the Unit 1 1P-29 turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater (TDAFW) pump following a ten-year overhaul of the turbine in May 2007. Specifically, the ten-year overhaul maintenance included bearing replacement, but the TDAFW pump was not run long enough during testing for bearing temperature to stabilize. The appropriate post-maintenance test would have detected that the bearing temperatures were rising and required evaluation prior to declaring the TDAFW pump operable. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. Additionally, the licensee initiated changes to the inadequate procedures.
The finding is more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. The inspectors determined this finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event.
Therefore, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Provide Adequate Guidance to Ensure the Operability of the Main Steam System During a Steam
 
Generator Tube Rupture The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of Technical Specification 5.4, Procedures, for the failure to have adequate procedures to ensure the continued operation of the steam dumps to the condenser to maintain a Reactor Coolant System (RCS) cooldown during a Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) event. Specifically, the procedures permitted the operators to lock in a Safety Injection (SI) signal and then reset SI more than once, which could cause an automatic closure of the Main Steam Isolation Valves (MSIVs) and a loss of steam dump to the condenser, which could result in a delay in terminating the Primary-To-Secondary Leakage. The licensee has initiated procedure change requests to the SGTR emergency operating procedures as a corrective action for this finding.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the attribute of procedure quality, which affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of the Main Steam (MS) system to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Steam dump to the condenser is the preferred means of cooling the RCS during a SGTR because it minimizes radiological releases, conserves feedwater, and provides the most rapid cooldown capability. The finding is of very low safety significance based on the results of the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet. The inspectors concluded that this finding was cross-cutting in the area of human performance, resources (H.2(c)), in that the licensee failed to have complete, accurate, and up-to-date procedures for the response to a SGTR event. This item was described in NRC Inspection Report 2007301, dated August 21, 2007, as Item Numbers 05000266/2007301-01 and 05000301/2007301-01.
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 14, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Factor of Safety Specified in Design Evaluation of Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, that was of very low safety significance involving a calculation that designed the Unit 1 Steam Generator Blowdown (SGBD) Heat Exchanger (HX) Platform to withstand a load from a postulated pipe whip of the condensate return line resulting from a High-Energy Line Break (HELB). The load from a postulated pipe whip applied to the platform was evaluated in calculation PBNP-994-10-S01, SGBD HX Platform Mod. For Addition of Pipe Rupture Restraint for Condensate Return Line which was approved on April 28, 2007. As a result of this calculation, the design function of the Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform was revised to hold and maintain the steam generator blowdown heat exchangers and condensate return line in position and assure that the platform did not fall onto the safety related Refueling Water Storage Tank (RWST) during a safe shutdown earthquake and a HELB simultaneously. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in the supporting calculation. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as condition report CAP 1118144.
The issue was more than minor because the calculation error would be expected to necessitate extensive calculation rework and possibly a modification in order to demonstrate that the platform meets design acceptance limits commensurate with those applied to original design. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors answered yes to question 1 under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. Specifically, the platform remained operable but degraded. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element in Human Performance, Work Practices because the licensee did not ensure supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety is supported (item H.4(c) of IMC 0305). The licensee had failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in all three revisions of the design basis calculation.
Inspection Report# : 2007007 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Service Water System Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion through-Wall Leak Due to Inadequate Corrective Actions A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, was identified for the failure to take prompt corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the service water (SW) piping. Specifically, the SW Inservice Inspection Program failed to identify SW pipe thinning prior to MIC causing a through-wall leak because the non-destructive examination method used, specifically
 
radiography, was inadequate for detecting MIC. The limited ability for identifying MIC with radiography was a known problem and was previously documented in the licensees corrective action program in 2005; however, prompt corrective actions were not taken. For the 2007 leak, the licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the leaking SW pipe and proposed changes to the SW Inservice Inspection Program that would enhance the sites ability to identify potential sources of MIC in the SW system and correct the program issues initially identified in 2005.
The issue is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correct Previous Indication of Degraded Oil in Component Cooling Water Pump The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded oil conditions initially identified with safety-related Component Cooling Water (CCW) Pump 1P-11B in March 2007. Following an additional oil sample with anomalous results in July 2007, the licensee declared the pump inoperable and performed troubleshooting and repair of CCW Pump 1P-11B. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to promptly correct the cause of the oil degradation in a timely manner in March 2007 could have resulted in the failure of the CCW pump. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Calibration Methods for Engineered Safeguards Actuation System Instrumentation, Lead/Lag Time Constants for Steam Line Pressure A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for performing calibration of the Engineered Safeguards Feature Actuation System (ESFAS) instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules.
Specifically, instructions were not correct or sufficiently detailed to determine mathematical values from graphical displays of circuit output used in performing the subject calibrations.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety
 
significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate and up-to-date procedures for calibration of the ESFAS instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Account for MOV Stalling Delays for ECCS Response Time Analysis Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 13, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Non-Compliant Sprinkler Heads in the EDG Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV of the PBNPs Operating License for failure to take prompt corrective action for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in July 2002, the licensee identified that four sprinkler heads located in Fire Zones 308 and 309 (i.e., emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms G-01 and G-02, respectively) were not in compliance with the NFPA 13-1966 Code, Section 3066. The violation was entered into the licensees CAP as 01101421, Untimely Corrective Actions, dated July 12, 2007, to increase the priority of the modification that was to correct the sprinkler heads non-compliant condition. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective action to address the safety issue in a timely manner commensurate with its safety significance and complexity.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e.,
fire) attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensees failure to promptly correct the lack of return bends condition for four sprinklers heads in the EDG rooms and take appropriate action to restore the operability of these sprinkler heads in a timely manner could have affected the suppression capability of the fire suppression systems in these rooms. The finding was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 2, SDP evaluation completed in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process. (Section 1R05.4b)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Jul 13, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Meet Separation Requirements for Redundant Trains The inspectors identified a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2, involving the licensees failure to ensure, in the event of a severe fire, that one redundant train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown (HSD) conditions was free of fire damage. Specifically, in the event of a severe fire in Fire Zone 151 in Fire Area A02, the licensee failed to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected by a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles. The violation was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP) as 01101444, Compliance with Appendix R, Section III.G.2 in Fire Zone 151, dated July 12, 2007. The licensee initiated compensatory measures and will evaluate the violation during transition to NFPA 805. The inspectors determined there was no cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, the licensees failure to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected, by maintaining a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles, left the charging pumps cables and/or circuits vulnerable to fire damage and did not ensure the availability and reliability of systems that
 
respond to initiating events. Because the NRC-identified violation was a circuit-related finding that was not associated with a finding of high safety significance (Red), the inspectors evaluated the violation in accordance with the four criteria established by Section A of the NRCs Interim Enforcement Policy Regarding Enforcement Discretion for Certain Fire Protection Issues (10 CFR Part 50.48) for a licensee in NFPA 805 transition. The inspectors determined that for this violation: (1) the licensee would have identified the violation during the scheduled transition to 10 CFR Part 50, Section 48(c); (2) the licensee had established adequate compensatory measures within a reasonable time frame following identification and would correct the violation as a result of completing the NFPA 805 transition; (3) the violation was not likely to have been previously identified by routine licensee efforts; and (4) the violation was not willful. As a result, the inspectors concluded that the violation met all four criteria established by Section A, and the NRC is exercising enforcement discretion to not cite this violation in accordance with the NRCs Enforcement Policy.
(Section 1R05.2b.1)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement Work Instructions for Preventive Maintenance on Safety-Related Battery Chargers The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for failure to accomplish required preventive maintenance resulting in the D-108 Station Battery output becoming unstable on several occasions. In January 2007, the D-09 Battery Charger also failed as a result of failure to perform scheduled preventive maintenance. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions to repair the chargers and is performing an apparent cause evaluation.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor because if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, failures of safety-related battery chargers can significantly challenge the vital 125V DC system. In addition, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone and affects the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, (such as, core damage).
Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(b)). Specifically, the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities to support long-term equipment reliability and maintenance scheduling, which was not more preventive than reactive, as critical preventative maintenance for battery chargers was not performed.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately manage an Orange Risk Condition The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, after the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with the installation of the Unit 1 Steam Generator Nozzle Dams, which is a reduced inventory and Orange Qualitative Risk Condition. Specifically, the contingency plan stated, in part, that an uncontrolled reactor coolant system inventory loss would be mitigated with the use of Shutdown Emergency Procedure SEP-2, Cold Shutdown LOCA. However, the inspectors noted that certain critical equipment required in SEP-2 was not available and no contingencies were established for the unavailable equipment. The licensee initiated condition reports and took immediate corrective actions and planned additional corrective actions based on a causal evaluation.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding affected the cornerstone objective, to ensure the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences, and the attributes of configuration control and equipment performance, due to the shutdown equipment lineup and unavailability of equipment. In addition, the finding was related to the licensees failure to effectively manage significant compensatory measures for this Orange Risk condition. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, PWR Hot Shutdown Operation: time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.3(a)). Specifically, under the
 
component of work control, the licensee did not appropriately plan work activities by incorporating the need for planned contingencies and compensatory actions, ensuring that equipment relied upon for contingencies remained available.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Program for Preventive Maintenance of Breaker Mechanism Operated Control Switches The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50.65, Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, of very low safety significance (Green), for the failure to incorporate available internal and external Operating Experience (OE) pertaining to 4.16kV switchgear cubicle Mechanism Operated Control (MOC) switch assemblies. Preventive maintenance procedures for Westinghouse 4.16kV switchgear cubicles had not been revised to incorporate important MOC switch linkage measurements, adjustments and verification of contact position. The licensee initiated condition reports and is revising procedures to incorporate required preventive maintenance.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is greater than minor, because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding also affects the procedure quality attribute of the Mitigating System cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (such as, core damage). Since the finding is not a loss of system safety function and is not an actual loss of safety function of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). Additionally, the inspectors determined that the contributing cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of Problem Identification and Resolution within the component of OE (P.2(b)). The licensee did not implement and institutionalize OE through changes to station processes and procedures, as appropriate preventive maintenance procedures and routines were not established.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Identify and Correct Previous Indications of High Bearing Temperatures The inspectors identified a finding involving a non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licensees failure to identify and implement prompt corrective actions for the conditions which caused outboard bearing high temperature alarms during: the Unit 1 Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater (TDAFW) pump post-maintenance test (PMT) performed on May 1, 2007; the Unit 1 TDAFW pump PMT performed on May 6, 2007; and the Unit 2 TDAFW pump PMT performed on November 17, 2006. The licensee performed trouble shooting and repair of the Unit 1 TDAFW pump and confirmed operability of the Unit 2 TDAFW pump with needed compensatory actions. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to identify and investigate the cause of the high bearing temperature alarms could potentially result in failure of the TDAFW pumps. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Failure to identify and promptly correct the conditions which caused the high bearing temperature alarms was a condition adverse to quality and was a corrective action program issue that was determined to be a licensee performance deficiency of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution for the failure to implement a corrective action program with a low threshold for identifying issues completely, accurately and in a timely manner commensurate with their safety significance (P.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Assess the Operability of the Unit 1 Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump on June 9, 2007 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately assess Operability in accordance with plant procedures. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural requirements regarding the immediate assessment of operability on June 9, 2007 for the Unit 1 TDAFW pump outboard turbine bearing high temperatures. The licensee took corrective actions which included re-performing testing to evaluate bearing stabilization temperatures and briefing of the operations crews on this issue. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to properly assess operability could result in the TDAFW pump being degraded, and possibly inoperable for more than the allowed outage time in accordance with Technical Specifications with no action being taken. The finding is of very low safety significance since the inadequate operability call did not result in exceeding the allowed outage time of Technical Specifications before action was taken. The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to demonstrate that nuclear safety was an overriding priority. Specifically, the licensee failed to make safety-significant or risk-significant decisions using a systematic process for operability determinations, especially when faced with uncertain or unexpected plant conditions, to ensure safety is maintained (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to ensure that procedures associated with the maintenance of the TDAFW turbines were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance overhaul procedure did not address the following significant issues: 1) specify acceptance criteria and as-left requirements for thrust bearing axial clearance; 2) specify instructions to ensure the proper setting and critical dimensions for the proper pump to turbine coupling stretch; 3) correctly establish the turbine to wheel nozzle lap setting; and 4) specify proper placement of insulation on the turbine. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to have Specific Formal Training for Maintenance Craft on Terry Turbine Overhauls The inspectors identified a finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation for the failure to provide appropriate training for maintenance personnel performing overhauls on the TDAFW pump turbines.
Specifically, while maintenance personnel received training on some of the individual components associated with a turbine, the mechanic-electrician (mechanical) training program did not require specialty task training for turbine
 
overhauls. In addition, this was contrary to standard industry guidelines for training and qualification of maintenance personnel. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions.
At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and to pre-event human error, as well as the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this programmatic finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to assure that training of personnel was adequate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to have Procedures Appropriate to the Circumstances for the Analysis and Sampling of Safety-Related Turbine and Pump Oil The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately implement an oil analysis program for the TDAFW pump. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement sampling guidelines using industry standards or provide an adequate justification for not performing the samples at reasonable intervals. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. At the end of the inspection period the licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to have an adequate procedure for lubrication could result in the TDAFW pump being degraded without the knowledge of the licensee. The inspectors determined the finding did not result in an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment; therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Implement a Quarantining Process The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately quarantine a component for subsequent causal analysis. The inspectors identified that the licensee failed to implement procedural controls to quarantine degraded components during troubleshooting and maintenance activities which resulted in the loss of evidence for causal analysis. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program, implemented interim quarantine controls, and issued a new Procedure, NP 1.1.17 Quarantine of Areas, Equipment, and Records.
The finding was more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to properly quarantine items could become a more significant safety concern, since the failure to do so could impede the identification of causes for conditions adverse to quality and prevent the implementation of appropriate corrective actions. The inspectors determined the finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee did not ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
 
Inspection Report# : 2007008 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Conditions Adverse to Quality Associated with the PAB Crane The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the licenses failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded conditions initially identified with the single failure proof primary auxiliary building crane by maintenance personnel on January 17, 2008. As a result, on March 4, while a new fuel storage canister was being lowered in a laydown area after traversing the width of the spent fuel pool, the crane failed to the safe position with the load suspended approximately one foot off the floor. In a review of work order and corrective action history, the inspectors determined that all of the degraded conditions from January were not corrected during maintenance on February 21. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions, including repair of the crane. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to correct the degraded condition of the primary auxiliary building crane resulted in the failure of the single failure proof crane while in use to move loads over the spent fuel pool. The finding affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and is of very low safety significance (Green) because this spent fuel pool issue did not result in the loss of spent fuel pool cooling, did not result in damage to fuel clad integrity in the spent fuel pool, and did not result in a loss of spent fuel pool inventory. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Piping Anchor Design not in Conformance with Design Basis Code Requirements The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to evaluate service water piping to pipe anchor integral welded attachments in conformance with the design requirements of the design basis American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding is more than minor because its associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to maintain the structural integrity of the service water system, structures, and components and the operational capability of the containment fan coolers. The finding was of very low safety significance (Green) based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and Appendix H, Containment Integrity Significance Determination Process, because pressurized water reactor containment fan coolers impact late containment failure and source terms, but not large early release frequency. There was not a cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Failure to Establish Appropriate Test conditions for Leak-Rate Testing Outside Containment The inspectors identified a NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances, which established the appropriate test conditions for primary coolant sources testing outside containment. Specifically, testing procedures, which satisfied Technical Specification 5.5.2, Primary Coolant Sources Outside Containment, did not ensure that residual deposits of boric acid on the containment spray, high head and low head safety injection systems were removed, so that active system fluid leaks could be identified as required during the tests. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP), the licensee took immediate corrective actions, and performed a causal evaluation at the end of this inspection.
The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Determining the Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not: represent the degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building; represent a degradation of the barrier function of the control room; and did not represent an actual open pathway in the physical integrity of reactor containment. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance (H.2(c)). Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety.
Inspection Report# : 2007003 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate 10 CFR 72.48 Screening to Evaluate Possible Thermal Effects on Fuel Cladding The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 72.48(c)(1) for the licensees failure to obtain a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) amendment pursuant to 10 CFR 72.244, for changes made in the spent fuel storage cask operating procedures during the 2004 loading campaign as described in the Final Safety Analysis Report. The procedure changes constituted a change in the terms, conditions, or specifications incorporated in the CoC. Although the procedures were contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report, the licensee failed to identify that TS 1.2.17a, 32PT Dry Storage Canister (DSC) Vacuum Drying Duration Limit, was also affected by the procedure change and required prior NRC approval. The licensee implemented corrective actions, which included revising the loading procedure to reflect the sequence described in the FSAR prior to the next cask loading campaign.
 
This finding is more than minor because it had the potential to impact the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, since the licensee failed to receive NRC approval for a change in this licensed activity. The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the noncompliance involved 10 CFR Part 72 dry fuel storage activities. Therefore, this finding was reviewed by regional management and dispositioned using traditional enforcement. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Last modified : June 05, 2008
 
Point Beach 1 2Q/2008 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Properly Store or Secure Tornado Missile Hazards in the Protected Area The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials within the protected area that were classified as tornado hazards per station Procedure PC 99. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main and auxiliary transformers, as well as the switchyard boundary.
Once notified, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and removed or secured the materials appropriately. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution in that the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Implement Appropriate Design and Configuration Control for the Unit Polar Crane A self-revealed finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements was identified for the failure to implement appropriate design and configuration control for the Unit 2 polar crane upgrade project, which resulted in issues associated with reliable operation of the polar crane during the first reactor vessel head lift. Specifically, a lack of configuration control on the crane radio system resulted in a loss of radio communications during the initial reactor vessel head lift over the reactor vessel head stand, which resulted in unreliable crane operation. The licensee implemented remedial corrective actions to address the design issues with the polar crane bridge drive motors which resulted in unavailability at the beginning of the outage and ensured the radio receivers were appropriately configured and installed. The licensee performed a root cause analysis to determine the cause of the design and configuration control issues associated with the polar crane and developed additional corrective actions to address this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, Pressurized Water Reactor Hot Shutdown Operation: Time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Recurring Cold Weather Issues The inspectors identified a finding and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licenses failure to take prompt corrective actions to address recurring cold weather issues in the facade building which again occurred in January 2008. The failure to take prompt corrective actions led to the formation of ice on offsite power and plant equipment cable trays and cabling, which supplied offsite power to both Units busses. The sheets of ice were also in proximity to the Unit 2 refueling water storage tank level indicators and outlet piping. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions, and was performing a causal evaluation at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern in that the formation of ice in the facade building in this case could have affected safety related equipment.
Because the ice buildup in the Unit 2 facade was an external factor and transient initiator contributor that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Cable Test Program The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an Non Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, for the licensees failure to establish a test program that adequately demonstrated that medium voltage cables subjected to submersion would perform satisfactorily in service.
Specifically, the on line, energized partial discharge testing methodology that Point Beach adopted through the 2003 Excellence Plan, to periodically assess the condition of power cables that had been submerged, failed to provide any indication of declining cable performance or indication of an imminent failure of the 1X 04 transformer cables before the actual failure on January 15, 2008. All previous test results for the 1X 04 transformer cables showed only low levels of deterioration.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone attribute of equipment performance reliability as well as the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution.
Specifically, the licensee failed to use operating experience information, including internally generated lessons learned, to support plant safety by collecting and evaluation relevant internal and external operation experience Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions to Address Cable Submergence A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and an NCV was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Actions, for the licensees failure develop effective corrective actions to maintain the design environment for the underground cables at Point Beach.
Specifically, since 1997, numerous corrective action documents were generated to capture concerns associated with cable submergence and water ingress through underground cableways and manholes. However, adequate corrective actions to address the groundwater issue were not implemented for all the manholes and cableways with a known history of flooding. The failure to implement timely corrective actions to address a long term solution to the site-submerged cable issues, identified since 1997, led to the January 15, 2008, failure of the 1X-04 transformer cables due
 
to prolonged exposure to water.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because the finding could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely minor could potentially lead to other cable failures as a result of continued degradation of submerged cables. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 -
Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The 1X-04 cable failure that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available.
Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Control Loose Materials Classified as Tornado Hazards The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance with no associated violation of regulatory requirements for the licensees failure to control loose materials in the protected area. Specifically, the inspectors identified materials that were classified as tornado hazards per station procedure PC 99 near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main and auxiliary transformers and the switchyard boundary. Once notified, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and removed the materials. In addition, a procedure change request was initiated to incorporate tornado hazard walkdowns into the abnormal operating procedure for severe weather response.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution in that the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadvertent Chemical and Volume Control System Letdown Isolation Due to Inadequate Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for modifying the Unit 1 Charging Pump 1P-2B wiring as part of Modification MR 04-013*B, CVCS [Chemical and Volume Control System] Charging Pump Variable Frequency Drives. Specifically, instructions were not provided to prevent isolation of reactor coolant letdown flow while performing wiring modifications for the 1P-2B Charging Pump. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the design control and procedural quality attributes of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objectives to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Additionally, the inadequate design review process that caused this problem, if left uncorrected, would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the letdown isolation that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting
 
area of human performance. Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate, and up-to-date installation workplans for modification of the 1P-2B Charging Pump wiring Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Sprinkler Head Obstructions in 'B' Train EDG Rooms
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of License Condition 4.F for the failure to address fire suppression sprinkler head obstructions in the B train emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms. The inspectors identified that five sprinkler heads were obstructed in the B train EDG rooms. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13-1991, Installation of Sprinkler Systems was the applicable standard for sprinkler systems installed in the two rooms. The inspectors determined that failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was contrary to NFPA 13-1991 and was a performance deficiency.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Factors (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the identified obstructions to sprinkler heads would affect the sprinkler spray patterns and distribution thereby impacting the sprinkler systems capability to control a fire. In accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, 609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process, the inspectors considered the finding to represent a moderate degradation of the water based suppression system for both rooms. As such, the inspectors performed a Phase 2 SDP.
The inspectors concluded that potential fire scenarios associated with the finding were effectively FDS0 fire scenarios as described in Section 2.2 of IMC 609, Appendix F, and that the issue was of very low safety significance (i.e.,
Green). The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Manage Online Risk for Breaker 1A52-16C Work The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, when the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with work on the 480-VAC Breaker 1B52 16C, coincident with a large number of other out-of-service components, which resulted in an unplanned risk condition for Unit 1 without the appropriate risk management actions. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly assumed that planned work on Breaker 1B52 16C did not render the breaker unavailable, and that the breaker was not utilized in Modes 1, 2, or 3.
Consequently, the component was not factored into the Safety Monitor online risk model. However, Breaker 1B52 16C was in fact unavailable and also utilized in abnormal operating procedures for Modes 1, 2 and 3. Therefore, unavailability of the breaker was required to have been factored into Safety Monitor with appropriate risk management actions taken. The licensee took corrective actions to perform an apparent cause evaluation that identified the apparent cause of the issue and recommended a number of corrective actions to address the procedural and human performance deficiencies that were identified.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding was based on incorrect assumptions that changed the outcome of the risk assessment. The inspectors evaluated this finding using the Appendix K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process worksheets of Manual Chapter 0609 because the finding is a maintenance risk assessment issue. Flowchart 1, Assessment of Risk Deficit, requires the inspectors to determine the risk deficit associated with this issue. This finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the incremental core damage probability deficit was less than 1E 6. The inspectors also determined that the
 
finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate procedures for DY-0C Inverter Maintenance A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place to identify improperly installed components prior to the attempted restoration of the DY-0C white channel instrument inverter. Specifically, the routine maintenance procedure did not contain instructions to check for direct current (DC) grounds following maintenance and prior to restoration, which allowed a ground to go undetected and cause a number of unplanned Technical Specification Action Condition (TSAC) entries as well as the unplanned inoperability of the G 01 and G 02 EDGs and the 2PI 9046 Containment Pressure Indicator. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the Procedure Quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Attachment 1, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that installation errors would be detected prior to restoration of the DY-0C inverter Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedures for Reduced Inventory with an Intact Reactor Coolant System The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, for the failure to implement operations procedures to remain above the 3/4 pipe level indications for draining the RCS while in reduced inventory. Specifically, during the second planned orange risk condition of the Unit 2 refueling outage to facilitate removal of the SG nozzle dams, operators drained the RCS below the procedurally required 22 percent level, as indicated by the most conservative reactor vessel level indication. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue and was performing a causal evaluation and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3, PWR Cold Shutdown Operation RCS Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23 or RCS Closed and No Inventory in Pressurizer Time to Boiling < 2 hours. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain RCS within Procedurally Allowed level During Reduced Inventory The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, for the failure to protect all of the safety equipment necessary for safe shutdown while in reduced inventory with the reactor coolant system (RCS) intact. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that an auxiliary feedwater source and steam generator (SG) were available for decay heat removal when a reduced inventory condition was entered and the RCS was intact. The licensees responses to Generic Letter 88-17, Loss of Decay Heat Removal, indicated that the first drain of the RCS to reduced inventory following shutdown could be accomplished with the RCS intact and reflux cooling (with a SG and auxiliary feedwater source) as an alternate decay heat removal path. The licensee was performing a causal evaluation and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3, Pressurized-Water Reactor (PWR) Cold Shutdown Operation Reactor Coolant System (RCS) Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23 or RCS Closed and No Inventory in Pressurizer Time to Boiling < 2 hours. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Maintenance Procedure for Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump 2P-29 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to ensure that procedures associated with the maintenance of the turbine for the turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance procedures did not address the following significant issues: 1) proper application of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 2) proper cure time of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 3) prescribed methods for tightening of the oil deflector ring set screw was not discussed; and 4) acceptable clearances between the turbine shaft and the inner diameter of the oil deflector ring were not specified. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue, conducted a root cause evaluation, and developed corrective actions to address the root causes, contributing causes and extent of condition associated with this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures Resulted in Inadvertent Draining of Unit 1 SI Accumulator A self-revealed finding and an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for the licenses failure to implement procedures associated with conduct of operations for plant systems. Specifically, on January 4, 2008, control room operators responded to a Unit 1 A Safety Injection Accumulator Level High Alarm and initiated actions to drain the accumulator, without utilizing
 
the redundant or backup indication for the draining evolution required by plant procedure. This resulted in the inadvertent draining and inoperability of the accumulator with respect to the minimum Technical Specification required accumulator pressure, because the level accumulator channel used to drain the accumulator had failed in the as is position, causing the initial alarm. The licensee took immediate corrective actions which included restoration of the Unit 1 Safety Injection (SI) accumulator to an operable status, repair of the level indicator, and establishment of a new conduct of operations procedure. In addition, the licensee completed an apparent cause evaluation and developed additional corrective actions to correct this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, human error prevention techniques were not utilized following the receipt of the accumulator level alarm and during the draindown evolution.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Relay Setpoint Selection A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and an NCV was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to assure that the design basis, associated with the ABB-GKT 50G relays, was correctly translated into specifications for the relays setpoints. As a result, the high frequency transients caused by the repeated grounding of the non-safety-related 1X-04 cables on January 15, 2008, caused the unintended actuation of the 50G/A52-84 Relay and the isolation of power to safety-related bus 1B 04.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of design control of plant modifications and equipment performance availability and reliability. This finding also affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings.
The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in IMC 0609.04 Table 4a - Characterization Worksheet for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone were answered No. Additionally, there was no cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Adequately Assess Operability of Service Water Pump P-32C A self-revealed finding with no associated violation of regulatory requirements was identified for an inadequate operability evaluation performed in June 2007 for service water pump P-32C. Specifically, the pump failed its inservice test (IST) on high vibrations after approximately six hours of operation, but the operability evaluation had concluded the pump vibrations would not reach the out-of-service limit until after 120 hours of continuous operation.
Contributing to the unanticipated early failure was the use of non-conservative decision-making and the use of a non-conservative assumption in the pumps vibration prediction model. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program and P-32C was subsequently repaired and returned to service.
The finding is more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety
 
function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making affecting operability of safety-related equipment (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Have Adequate Procedures for the Refueling Water Storage Tank A self-revealed finding and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, were identified for the failure to have adequate procedures to allow operators to properly set the thermostat of the Unit 2 refueling water storage tank (RWST) heaters and to ensure the RWST was recirculated frequently enough for the temperature indicator to accurately measure bulk temperature. On September 18, 2007, the Unit 2 RWST was found to be at 105 &deg;F. This temperature exceeded the TS-maximum allowable limit of 100 &deg;F (97 &deg; F parametric) and could not be restored to acceptable limits before the eight-hour TS action statement expired. As a result, a shutdown of Unit 2 was commenced. At 20 percent power, a return to full power began after the RWST temperature was restored to within acceptable limits. It was later identified that the undesired heat-up was caused by the incorrect setting of the controlling thermostat for the RWST heaters.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the procedure quality and human performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the elevated temperature of the RWST and subsequent shutdown sequence did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, human error prevention techniques were not utilized prior to and during the thermostat setting task and personnel proceeded in the face of uncertainty and unexpected circumstances (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Adquate Post-Maintenance Testing for the Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to conduct adequate post-maintenance testing of the Unit 1 1P-29 turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater (TDAFW) pump following a ten-year overhaul of the turbine in May 2007. Specifically, the ten-year overhaul maintenance included bearing replacement, but the TDAFW pump was not run long enough during testing for bearing temperature to stabilize. The appropriate post-maintenance test would have detected that the bearing temperatures were rising and required evaluation prior to declaring the TDAFW pump operable. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. Additionally, the licensee initiated changes to the inadequate procedures.
The finding is more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. The inspectors determined this finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event.
Therefore, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Provide Adequate Guidance to Ensure the Operability of the Main Steam System During a Steam Generator Tube Rupture The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of Technical Specification 5.4, Procedures, for the failure to have adequate procedures to ensure the continued operation of the steam dumps to the condenser to maintain a Reactor Coolant System (RCS) cooldown during a Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) event. Specifically, the procedures permitted the operators to lock in a Safety Injection (SI) signal and then reset SI more than once, which could cause an automatic closure of the Main Steam Isolation Valves (MSIVs) and a loss of steam dump to the condenser, which could result in a delay in terminating the Primary-To-Secondary Leakage. The licensee has initiated procedure change requests to the SGTR emergency operating procedures as a corrective action for this finding.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the attribute of procedure quality, which affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of the Main Steam (MS) system to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Steam dump to the condenser is the preferred means of cooling the RCS during a SGTR because it minimizes radiological releases, conserves feedwater, and provides the most rapid cooldown capability. The finding is of very low safety significance based on the results of the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet. The inspectors concluded that this finding was cross-cutting in the area of human performance, resources (H.2(c)), in that the licensee failed to have complete, accurate, and up-to-date procedures for the response to a SGTR event. This item was described in NRC Inspection Report 2007301, dated August 21, 2007, as Item Numbers 05000266/2007301-01 and 05000301/2007301-01.
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 14, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Factor of Safety Specified in Design Evaluation of Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, that was of very low safety significance involving a calculation that designed the Unit 1 Steam Generator Blowdown (SGBD) Heat Exchanger (HX) Platform to withstand a load from a postulated pipe whip of the condensate return line resulting from a High-Energy Line Break (HELB). The load from a postulated pipe whip applied to the platform was evaluated in calculation PBNP-994-10-S01, SGBD HX Platform Mod. For Addition of Pipe Rupture Restraint for Condensate Return Line which was approved on April 28, 2007. As a result of this calculation, the design function of the Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform was revised to hold and maintain the steam generator blowdown heat exchangers and condensate return line in position and assure that the platform did not fall onto the safety related Refueling Water Storage Tank (RWST) during a safe shutdown earthquake and a HELB simultaneously. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in the supporting calculation. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as condition report CAP 1118144.
The issue was more than minor because the calculation error would be expected to necessitate extensive calculation rework and possibly a modification in order to demonstrate that the platform meets design acceptance limits commensurate with those applied to original design. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors answered yes to question 1 under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. Specifically, the platform remained operable but degraded. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element in Human Performance, Work Practices because the licensee did not ensure supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety is supported (item H.4(c) of IMC 0305). The licensee had failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in all three revisions of the design basis calculation.
Inspection Report# : 2007007 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Service Water System Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion through-Wall Leak Due to Inadequate Corrective
 
Actions A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, was identified for the failure to take prompt corrective action for microbiologically-induced corrosion (MIC) of the service water (SW) piping. Specifically, the SW Inservice Inspection Program failed to identify SW pipe thinning prior to MIC causing a through-wall leak because the non-destructive examination method used, specifically radiography, was inadequate for detecting MIC. The limited ability for identifying MIC with radiography was a known problem and was previously documented in the licensees corrective action program in 2005; however, prompt corrective actions were not taken. For the 2007 leak, the licensee took immediate corrective actions to replace the leaking SW pipe and proposed changes to the SW Inservice Inspection Program that would enhance the sites ability to identify potential sources of MIC in the SW system and correct the program issues initially identified in 2005.
The issue is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. In addition, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Correct Previous Indication of Degraded Oil in Component Cooling Water Pump The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded oil conditions initially identified with safety-related Component Cooling Water (CCW) Pump 1P-11B in March 2007. Following an additional oil sample with anomalous results in July 2007, the licensee declared the pump inoperable and performed troubleshooting and repair of CCW Pump 1P-11B. The licensee entered the issue into their corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is greater than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to promptly correct the cause of the oil degradation in a timely manner in March 2007 could have resulted in the failure of the CCW pump. Additionally, the finding is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the primary cause of the finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Calibration Methods for Engineered Safeguards Actuation System Instrumentation, Lead/Lag Time Constants for Steam Line Pressure A self-revealing finding and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for performing calibration of the Engineered Safeguards Feature Actuation System (ESFAS) instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules.
Specifically, instructions were not correct or sufficiently detailed to determine mathematical values from graphical
 
displays of circuit output used in performing the subject calibrations.
The finding is greater than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the TS allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause of this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of human performance.
Specifically, under the component of resources, the licensee failed to ensure complete, accurate and up-to-date procedures for calibration of the ESFAS instrumentation steam pressure compensator modules Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Account for MOV Stalling Delays for ECCS Response Time Analysis Inspection Report# : 2007004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 13, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Promptly Correct Non-Compliant Sprinkler Heads in the EDG Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV of the PBNPs Operating License for failure to take prompt corrective action for a condition adverse to quality. Specifically, in July 2002, the licensee identified that four sprinkler heads located in Fire Zones 308 and 309 (i.e., emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms G-01 and G-02, respectively) were not in compliance with the NFPA 13-1966 Code, Section 3066. The violation was entered into the licensees CAP as 01101421, Untimely Corrective Actions, dated July 12, 2007, to increase the priority of the modification that was to correct the sprinkler heads non-compliant condition. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective action to address the safety issue in a timely manner commensurate with its safety significance and complexity.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the protection against external factors (i.e.,
fire) attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensees failure to promptly correct the lack of return bends condition for four sprinklers heads in the EDG rooms and take appropriate action to restore the operability of these sprinkler heads in a timely manner could have affected the suppression capability of the fire suppression systems in these rooms. The finding was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 2, SDP evaluation completed in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process. (Section 1R05.4b)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Jul 13, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Meet Separation Requirements for Redundant Trains The inspectors identified a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2, involving the licensees failure to ensure, in the event of a severe fire, that one redundant train of systems necessary to achieve and maintain hot shutdown (HSD) conditions was free of fire damage. Specifically, in the event of a severe fire in Fire Zone 151 in Fire Area A02, the licensee failed to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected by a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles. The violation was entered into the licensees corrective action program (CAP) as 01101444, Compliance with Appendix R, Section III.G.2 in Fire Zone 151, dated July 12, 2007. The licensee initiated compensatory measures and will evaluate the violation during transition to NFPA 805. The inspectors determined there was no cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
This finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the
 
Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, the licensees failure to ensure that cables and/or circuits of one redundant train of charging pumps were adequately protected, by maintaining a 20-foot separation with no intervening combustibles, left the charging pumps cables and/or circuits vulnerable to fire damage and did not ensure the availability and reliability of systems that respond to initiating events. Because the NRC-identified violation was a circuit-related finding that was not associated with a finding of high safety significance (Red), the inspectors evaluated the violation in accordance with the four criteria established by Section A of the NRCs Interim Enforcement Policy Regarding Enforcement Discretion for Certain Fire Protection Issues (10 CFR Part 50.48) for a licensee in NFPA 805 transition. The inspectors determined that for this violation: (1) the licensee would have identified the violation during the scheduled transition to 10 CFR Part 50, Section 48(c); (2) the licensee had established adequate compensatory measures within a reasonable time frame following identification and would correct the violation as a result of completing the NFPA 805 transition; (3) the violation was not likely to have been previously identified by routine licensee efforts; and (4) the violation was not willful. As a result, the inspectors concluded that the violation met all four criteria established by Section A, and the NRC is exercising enforcement discretion to not cite this violation in accordance with the NRCs Enforcement Policy.
(Section 1R05.2b.1)
Inspection Report# : 2007006 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Control of Containment Penetration Status The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to maintain adequate control over the status of containment penetrations during the Unit 2 core reload evolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately track the open and closed status of two isolation valves, such that, an unexpected pathway from containment to the atmosphere existed. The containment closure checklist indicated that the valves were closed and secured; however, they were in fact open during a period of fuel movement inside containment. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to maintain the accuracy of the containment closure checklist affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of Configuration Control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents. Specifically, in the event of a fuel handling accident inside containment, the unknown position of these two vent valves could have resulted in the inability to restore containment closure in a timely manor. In accordance with IMC 0609, App G, Shutdown Operations Significance Determination Process, the inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because at the time that the open pathway existed, the fuel being reloaded into the core had not recently (within the previous 65 hours) been irradiated in a critical core, and because of the relatively small diameter of the pathway. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision making Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Conditions Adverse to Quality Associated with the PAB Crane The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the licenses failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded conditions initially identified with the single failure proof primary auxiliary building crane by maintenance personnel on January 17, 2008. As a result, on March 4, while a new fuel storage canister was being
 
lowered in a laydown area after traversing the width of the spent fuel pool, the crane failed to the safe position with the load suspended approximately one foot off the floor. In a review of work order and corrective action history, the inspectors determined that all of the degraded conditions from January were not corrected during maintenance on February 21. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions, including repair of the crane. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to correct the degraded condition of the primary auxiliary building crane resulted in the failure of the single failure proof crane while in use to move loads over the spent fuel pool. The finding affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and is of very low safety significance (Green) because this spent fuel pool issue did not result in the loss of spent fuel pool cooling, did not result in damage to fuel clad integrity in the spent fuel pool, and did not result in a loss of spent fuel pool inventory. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Piping Anchor Design not in Conformance with Design Basis Code Requirements The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to evaluate service water piping to pipe anchor integral welded attachments in conformance with the design requirements of the design basis American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding is more than minor because its associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to maintain the structural integrity of the service water system, structures, and components and the operational capability of the containment fan coolers. The finding was of very low safety significance (Green) based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and Appendix H, Containment Integrity Significance Determination Process, because pressurized water reactor containment fan coolers impact late containment failure and source terms, but not large early release frequency. There was not a cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Adequate Total Effective Dose Equivalent ALARA Evaluations The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1501 for the failure to perform an adequate survey (evaluation) to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment and/or engineering controls so as to maintain the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) As-Low-As-Is-Reasonably-Achievable (ALARA). Specifically, TEDE ALARA evaluations completed in April 2008 prior to SG maintenance and maintenance support activities did not adequately assess the planned use of engineering controls to reduce the concentration of radioactive material in air. As a result, respirators were specified to be used when not
 
warranted. As corrective actions, the licensee planned to reevaluate its TEDE ALARA evaluations for pending SG work activities, planned to develop a procedure specific to the performance of these evaluations, and was considering the need for supervisory or health physics staff review of these evaluations. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program as action request (AR) 01125284.
The finding is more than minor because it impacted the program and process attribute of the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone and potentially affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that not performing adequate evaluations to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment consistent with the engineering controls for the work would result in additional dose to workers.
The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it was not an ALARA planning issue, there was no overexposure nor potential for overexposure, and the licensees ability to assess dose was not compromised.
The finding was determined to have a cross-cutting aspect in the resource component of the Human Performance area, because procedures were not adequate to ensure that TEDE ALARA evaluations were performed properly Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure Completion of New Supervisory Training The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of Confirmatory Order EA 06-178 having very low safety significance (Green) for the licensees failure to ensure that new employees holding supervisory positions and higher were trained on safety conscious work environment (SCWE) principles within nine months of their hire dates, unless they have had the same or equivalent SCWE training within the previous two years of the hire dates. Specifically, the inspectors identified that four new employees holding supervisory positions for greater than nine months of their hire dates as supervisors, had not received SCWE training, nor the same or equivalent training within the previous two years. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had an action by the new supervisor resulted in a violation of 10 CFR Part 50.7 against an employee. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting area aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that supervisory and management oversight of the Confirmatory Order actions, such that nuclear safety was supported Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Corrective Actions to Address Licensee Action Plans The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to take timely and effective corrective actions to address four of the nine nuclear safety culture action plans and the quick hitter plans.
Specifically, the licensee developed the action plans and quick hitter plans in response to the Confirmatory Order in the first quarter of 2007, to correct long standing safety culture issues identified by the licensees comprehensive safety culture assessments conducted in 2004 and 2006. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had the failure to take corrective actions resulted in a more safety significant issue as a result of the incomplete action plans. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting area aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate 10 CFR 72.48 Screening to Evaluate Possible Thermal Effects on Fuel Cladding The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 72.48(c)(1) for the licensees failure to obtain a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) amendment pursuant to 10 CFR 72.244, for changes made in the spent fuel storage cask operating procedures during the 2004 loading campaign as described in the Final Safety Analysis Report. The procedure changes constituted a change in the terms, conditions, or specifications incorporated in the CoC. Although the procedures were contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report, the licensee failed to identify that TS 1.2.17a, 32PT Dry Storage Canister (DSC) Vacuum Drying Duration Limit, was also affected by the procedure change and required prior NRC approval. The licensee implemented corrective actions, which included revising the loading procedure to reflect the sequence described in the FSAR prior to the next cask loading campaign.
This finding is more than minor because it had the potential to impact the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, since the licensee failed to receive NRC approval for a change in this licensed activity. The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the noncompliance involved 10 CFR Part 72 dry fuel storage activities. Therefore, this finding was reviewed by regional management and dispositioned using traditional enforcement. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
NOTE: All of the specific items from this AV are also tracked as ORDER items in RPS/IR.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Last modified : August 29, 2008
 
Point Beach 1 3Q/2008 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Properly Store or Secure Tornado Missile Hazards in the Protected Area The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials within the protected area that were classified as tornado hazards per station Procedure PC 99. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main and auxiliary transformers, as well as the switchyard boundary. Once notified, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and removed or secured the materials appropriately. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution in that the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Implement Appropriate Design and Configuration Control for the Unit Polar Crane A self-revealed finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements was identified for the failure to implement appropriate design and configuration control for the Unit 2 polar crane upgrade project, which resulted in issues associated with reliable operation of the polar crane during the first reactor vessel head lift. Specifically, a lack of configuration control on the crane radio system resulted in a loss of radio communications during the initial reactor vessel head lift over the reactor vessel head stand, which resulted in unreliable crane operation. The licensee implemented remedial corrective actions to address the design issues with the polar crane bridge drive motors which resulted in unavailability at the beginning of the outage and ensured the radio receivers were appropriately configured and installed. The licensee performed a root cause analysis to determine the cause of the design and configuration control issues associated with the polar crane and developed additional corrective actions to address this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, Pressurized Water Reactor Hot Shutdown Operation:
Time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Recurring Cold Weather Issues The inspectors identified a finding and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licenses failure to take prompt corrective actions to address recurring cold weather issues in the facade building which again occurred in January 2008. The failure to take prompt corrective actions led to the formation of ice on offsite power and plant equipment cable trays and cabling, which supplied offsite power to both Units busses. The sheets of ice were also in proximity to the Unit 2 refueling water storage tank level indicators and outlet piping. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions, and was performing a causal evaluation at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern in that the formation of ice in the facade building in this case could have affected safety related equipment. Because the ice buildup in the Unit 2 facade was an external factor and transient initiator contributor that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). This finding
 
has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Cable Test Program The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an Non Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, for the licensees failure to establish a test program that adequately demonstrated that medium voltage cables subjected to submersion would perform satisfactorily in service. Specifically, the on line, energized partial discharge testing methodology that Point Beach adopted through the 2003 Excellence Plan, to periodically assess the condition of power cables that had been submerged, failed to provide any indication of declining cable performance or indication of an imminent failure of the 1X 04 transformer cables before the actual failure on January 15, 2008. All previous test results for the 1X 04 transformer cables showed only low levels of deterioration.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone attribute of equipment performance reliability as well as the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available.
Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to use operating experience information, including internally generated lessons learned, to support plant safety by collecting and evaluation relevant internal and external operation experience Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions to Address Cable Submergence A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and an NCV was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Actions, for the licensees failure develop effective corrective actions to maintain the design environment for the underground cables at Point Beach. Specifically, since 1997, numerous corrective action documents were generated to capture concerns associated with cable submergence and water ingress through underground cableways and manholes. However, adequate corrective actions to address the groundwater issue were not implemented for all the manholes and cableways with a known history of flooding. The failure to implement timely corrective actions to address a long term solution to the site-submerged cable issues, identified since 1997, led to the January 15, 2008, failure of the 1X-04 transformer cables due to prolonged exposure to water.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because the finding could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely minor could potentially lead to other cable failures as a result of continued degradation of submerged cables. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The 1X-04 cable failure that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Control Loose Materials Classified as Tornado Hazards The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance with no associated violation of regulatory requirements for the licensees failure to control loose materials in the protected area. Specifically, the inspectors identified materials that were classified as tornado hazards per station procedure PC 99 near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main and auxiliary transformers and the switchyard boundary. Once notified, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and removed the materials. In addition, a procedure change request was initiated to incorporate tornado hazard walkdowns into the abnormal operating procedure for severe weather response.
 
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution in that the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50 , Appendix B, Criteriod V NCV for the Failure to have Adequate Maintenance Procedures for Service Water Pump Replacements
. A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to properly rig and install the P-32E service water pump shaft on June 7, 2006. The bent pump shaft subsequently led to high pump vibrations and pump inoperability in excess of Technical Specification Action Condition completion time in February 2008. Specifically, the licensee determined that Routine Maintenance Procedure (RMP), RMP 9216-2, Service Water Pump Removal, Installation, and Maintenance, lacked adequate installation and rigging instructions to ensure excessive force was not applied to the shaft during installation. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the RMP to include proper installation and rigging instructions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the SDP in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Tables 3b and 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, because licensee procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that the P-32E pump shaft was rigged and installed without damage to the shaft.
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Equalizing Charge Voltage Not Bounded by Battery Room Hydrogen Generation Calculation Green. A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, ADesign Control,@ was identified by the team for the failure to ensure that the design limit established in a design basis calculation, used to determine SR batteries hydrogen generation rate, bounded the value used in a maintenance procedure for a safety related component. During the inspection, the licensee evaluated and determined that the effect of the higher hydrogen gas generation did not have an impact on the operability of the batteries and the ventilation system.
The finding was greater than minor because the lack of adequate design control process resulted in increase of hydrogen generation levels and in a reasonable doubt of operability of the 125Vdc system. The finding was determined to be of very low significance, because it was a design deficiency that did not result in actual loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it is not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Design Basis for Primary Auxiliary Building Heat-up
* Green. A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, ADesign Control,@ was identified by the team for the failure to verify the accuracy of design using alternative or simplified calculational methods or by the performance of a suitable testing program. Specifically, the licensee used non-conservative field test data as a basis for the design temperatures given in the equipment qualification (EQ) manual for components in the Primary Auxiliary Building (PAB), resulting in
 
specified design temperatures for some safety related components that may be as much as approximately 40 oF less than calculated worst case accident condition temperatures. The licensee re-evaluated the consequences of the higher temperatures and concluded the equipment remained operable.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if the EQ design temperatures were left uncorrected, this deficiency could lead to inadequately qualified replacement parts or inadequately designed plant modifications in the future. The finding was determined to be of very low significance because, by the end of the inspection, the licensee was able to show that all affected components were capable of performing their safety related functions under the higher than previously anticipated temperatures. The team did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Ability to Transfer Fuel Oil between EDG Fuel Oil Tanks T-175A/B has not been demonstrated by Testing
* Green. A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, ATest Control,@ was identified by the team for the failure to test the components used for transfer of fuel oil between two underground storage tanks that support EDG operation. Specifically, the licensee has not demonstrated the transfer of fuel between tanks T-175A and T-175B as credited in the Technical Specification (TS) Basis and UFSAR. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and prepared to test these components.
This finding was determined to be more than miner because the failure to verify the transfer capability affected the ability to ensure emergency power availability for greater than two days. This finding was screened as very low safety significance because it was a deficiency that did not result in the loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation RHR Pump Suction Pressure Gages Repeatedly Found To Be Out Of Tolerance A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XII, AControl of Measuring and Test Equipment,@ was identified by the team for the failure to correct a known trend of out of tolerance (OOT) test pressure gauge which were used in a critical In Service Test (IST) Program performance test of the residual heat removal (RHR) pumps for Units 1 and 2. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and confirmed operability of the RHR pumps.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern.
Specifically, since the cause of the high frequency OOT conditions for these pressure gauges has not been identified, it could be assumed that this instrumentation could be out of tolerance in a non-conservative manner. The finding was determined to be of very low significance because the comprehensive IST performance test conducted during the 2008 refueling outage showed that the actual test results were within the acceptable band, thereby confirming that operability and functionality of the RHR pumps had not been lost. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate resources were available to minimize long-standing equipment issues. (H.2(a))
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Sprinkler Head Obstructions in 'B' Train EDG Rooms
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of License Condition 4.F for the failure to address fire suppression sprinkler head obstructions in the B train emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms. The inspectors identified that five sprinkler heads were obstructed in the B train EDG rooms. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13-1991, Installation of Sprinkler Systems was the applicable standard for sprinkler systems installed in the two rooms. The inspectors determined that failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was contrary to NFPA 13-1991 and was a performance deficiency.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Factors (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the identified obstructions to sprinkler heads would affect the sprinkler spray patterns and distribution thereby impacting the sprinkler systems capability to control a fire. In accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process, the inspectors considered the finding to represent a moderate degradation of the water based suppression system for both rooms. As such, the inspectors performed a Phase 2 SDP. The inspectors concluded that potential fire scenarios associated with the finding were effectively FDS0 fire scenarios as described in Section 2.2 of IMC 609, Appendix F, and that the issue was of very low safety significance (i.e., Green). The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
 
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Manage Online Risk for Breaker 1A52-16C Work The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4),
Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, when the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with work on the 480-VAC Breaker 1B52 16C, coincident with a large number of other out-of-service components, which resulted in an unplanned risk condition for Unit 1 without the appropriate risk management actions. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly assumed that planned work on Breaker 1B52 16C did not render the breaker unavailable, and that the breaker was not utilized in Modes 1, 2, or 3. Consequently, the component was not factored into the Safety Monitor online risk model. However, Breaker 1B52 16C was in fact unavailable and also utilized in abnormal operating procedures for Modes 1, 2 and 3. Therefore, unavailability of the breaker was required to have been factored into Safety Monitor with appropriate risk management actions taken. The licensee took corrective actions to perform an apparent cause evaluation that identified the apparent cause of the issue and recommended a number of corrective actions to address the procedural and human performance deficiencies that were identified.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding was based on incorrect assumptions that changed the outcome of the risk assessment.
The inspectors evaluated this finding using the Appendix K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process worksheets of Manual Chapter 0609 because the finding is a maintenance risk assessment issue. Flowchart 1, Assessment of Risk Deficit, requires the inspectors to determine the risk deficit associated with this issue. This finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the incremental core damage probability deficit was less than 1E 6. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate procedures for DY-0C Inverter Maintenance A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place to identify improperly installed components prior to the attempted restoration of the DY-0C white channel instrument inverter.
Specifically, the routine maintenance procedure did not contain instructions to check for direct current (DC) grounds following maintenance and prior to restoration, which allowed a ground to go undetected and cause a number of unplanned Technical Specification Action Condition (TSAC) entries as well as the unplanned inoperability of the G 01 and G 02 EDGs and the 2PI 9046 Containment Pressure Indicator. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the Procedure Quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Appendix A, Attachment 1, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance.
Specifically, procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that installation errors would be detected prior to restoration of the DY-0C inverter Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedures for Reduced Inventory with an Intact Reactor Coolant System The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, for the failure to implement operations procedures to remain above the 3/4 pipe level indications for draining the RCS while in reduced inventory. Specifically, during the second planned orange risk condition of the Unit 2 refueling outage to facilitate removal of the SG nozzle dams, operators drained the RCS below the procedurally required 22 percent level, as indicated by the most conservative reactor vessel level indication. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue and was performing a causal evaluation and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and
 
affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3, PWR Cold Shutdown Operation RCS Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23 or RCS Closed and No Inventory in Pressurizer Time to Boiling < 2 hours. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain RCS within Procedurally Allowed level During Reduced Inventory The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, for the failure to protect all of the safety equipment necessary for safe shutdown while in reduced inventory with the reactor coolant system (RCS) intact. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that an auxiliary feedwater source and steam generator (SG) were available for decay heat removal when a reduced inventory condition was entered and the RCS was intact. The licensees responses to Generic Letter 88-17, Loss of Decay Heat Removal, indicated that the first drain of the RCS to reduced inventory following shutdown could be accomplished with the RCS intact and reflux cooling (with a SG and auxiliary feedwater source) as an alternate decay heat removal path. The licensee was performing a causal evaluation and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3, Pressurized-Water Reactor (PWR) Cold Shutdown Operation Reactor Coolant System (RCS) Open and Refueling Cavity Level <23 or RCS Closed and No Inventory in Pressurizer Time to Boiling < 2 hours. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Maintenance Procedure for Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump 2P-29 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to ensure that procedures associated with the maintenance of the turbine for the turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance procedures did not address the following significant issues: 1) proper application of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 2) proper cure time of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 3) prescribed methods for tightening of the oil deflector ring set screw was not discussed; and
: 4) acceptable clearances between the turbine shaft and the inner diameter of the oil deflector ring were not specified. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue, conducted a root cause evaluation, and developed corrective actions to address the root causes, contributing causes and extent of condition associated with this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of systems. The inspectors determined this finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green).
The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures Resulted in Inadvertent Draining of Unit 1 SI Accumulator A self-revealed finding and an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for the licenses failure to implement procedures associated with conduct of operations for plant systems.
Specifically, on January 4, 2008, control room operators responded to a Unit 1 A Safety Injection Accumulator Level High Alarm and initiated actions to drain the accumulator, without utilizing the redundant or backup indication for the draining evolution required by plant procedure. This resulted in the inadvertent draining and inoperability of the accumulator with respect to the minimum Technical Specification required accumulator pressure, because the level accumulator channel used to drain the accumulator had failed in the as is position, causing
 
the initial alarm. The licensee took immediate corrective actions which included restoration of the Unit 1 Safety Injection (SI) accumulator to an operable status, repair of the level indicator, and establishment of a new conduct of operations procedure. In addition, the licensee completed an apparent cause evaluation and developed additional corrective actions to correct this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, human error prevention techniques were not utilized following the receipt of the accumulator level alarm and during the draindown evolution.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Relay Setpoint Selection A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and an NCV was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to assure that the design basis, associated with the ABB-GKT 50G relays, was correctly translated into specifications for the relays setpoints. As a result, the high frequency transients caused by the repeated grounding of the non-safety-related 1X-04 cables on January 15, 2008, caused the unintended actuation of the 50G/A52-84 Relay and the isolation of power to safety-related bus 1B 04.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of design control of plant modifications and equipment performance availability and reliability. This finding also affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in IMC 0609.04 Table 4a - Characterization Worksheet for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone were answered No. Additionally, there was no cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Adequately Assess Operability of Service Water Pump P-32C A self-revealed finding with no associated violation of regulatory requirements was identified for an inadequate operability evaluation performed in June 2007 for service water pump P-32C. Specifically, the pump failed its inservice test (IST) on high vibrations after approximately six hours of operation, but the operability evaluation had concluded the pump vibrations would not reach the out-of-service limit until after 120 hours of continuous operation. Contributing to the unanticipated early failure was the use of non-conservative decision-making and the use of a non-conservative assumption in the pumps vibration prediction model. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program and P-32C was subsequently repaired and returned to service.
The finding is more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making affecting operability of safety-related equipment (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Have Adequate Procedures for the Refueling Water Storage Tank A self-revealed finding and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, were identified for the failure to have adequate procedures to allow operators to properly set the thermostat of the Unit 2 refueling water storage tank (RWST) heaters and to ensure the RWST was recirculated frequently enough for the temperature indicator to accurately measure bulk temperature. On September 18, 2007, the Unit 2 RWST was found to be at 105 &deg;F. This temperature exceeded the TS-maximum allowable limit of 100 &deg;F (97 &deg;F parametric) and could not be restored to acceptable limits before the eight-hour TS action statement expired.
 
As a result, a shutdown of Unit 2 was commenced. At 20 percent power, a return to full power began after the RWST temperature was restored to within acceptable limits. It was later identified that the undesired heat-up was caused by the incorrect setting of the controlling thermostat for the RWST heaters.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the procedure quality and human performance attributes of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the elevated temperature of the RWST and subsequent shutdown sequence did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, human error prevention techniques were not utilized prior to and during the thermostat setting task and personnel proceeded in the face of uncertainty and unexpected circumstances (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Adquate Post-Maintenance Testing for the Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to conduct adequate post-maintenance testing of the Unit 1 1P-29 turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater (TDAFW) pump following a ten-year overhaul of the turbine in May 2007. Specifically, the ten-year overhaul maintenance included bearing replacement, but the TDAFW pump was not run long enough during testing for bearing temperature to stabilize. The appropriate post-maintenance test would have detected that the bearing temperatures were rising and required evaluation prior to declaring the TDAFW pump operable. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions. Additionally, the licensee initiated changes to the inadequate procedures.
The finding is more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. The inspectors determined this finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per NRC Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Provide Adequate Guidance to Ensure the Operability of the Main Steam System During a Steam Generator Tube Rupture The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of Technical Specification 5.4, Procedures, for the failure to have adequate procedures to ensure the continued operation of the steam dumps to the condenser to maintain a Reactor Coolant System (RCS) cooldown during a Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) event. Specifically, the procedures permitted the operators to lock in a Safety Injection (SI) signal and then reset SI more than once, which could cause an automatic closure of the Main Steam Isolation Valves (MSIVs) and a loss of steam dump to the condenser, which could result in a delay in terminating the Primary-To-Secondary Leakage. The licensee has initiated procedure change requests to the SGTR emergency operating procedures as a corrective action for this finding.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the attribute of procedure quality, which affected the mitigating systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of the Main Steam (MS) system to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Steam dump to the condenser is the preferred means of cooling the RCS during a SGTR because it minimizes radiological releases, conserves feedwater, and provides the most rapid cooldown capability. The finding is of very low safety significance based on the results of the SDP Phase 1 screening worksheet. The inspectors concluded that this finding was cross-cutting in the area of human performance, resources (H.2(c)), in that the licensee failed to have complete, accurate, and up-to-date procedures for the response to a SGTR event. This item was described in NRC Inspection Report 2007301, dated August 21, 2007, as Item Numbers 05000266/2007301-01 and 05000301/2007301-01.
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 14, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Incorrect Factor of Safety Specified in Design Evaluation of Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform The inspectors identified an NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, that was of very low safety significance involving a calculation that designed the Unit 1 Steam Generator Blowdown (SGBD) Heat Exchanger (HX) Platform to withstand a load from
 
a postulated pipe whip of the condensate return line resulting from a High-Energy Line Break (HELB). The load from a postulated pipe whip applied to the platform was evaluated in calculation PBNP-994-10-S01, SGBD HX Platform Mod. For Addition of Pipe Rupture Restraint for Condensate Return Line which was approved on April 28, 2007. As a result of this calculation, the design function of the Unit 1 SGBD HX Platform was revised to hold and maintain the steam generator blowdown heat exchangers and condensate return line in position and assure that the platform did not fall onto the safety related Refueling Water Storage Tank (RWST) during a safe shutdown earthquake and a HELB simultaneously. Specifically, the licensee failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in the supporting calculation. This issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as condition report CAP 1118144.
The issue was more than minor because the calculation error would be expected to necessitate extensive calculation rework and possibly a modification in order to demonstrate that the platform meets design acceptance limits commensurate with those applied to original design.
The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors answered yes to question 1 under the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Phase 1 worksheet. Specifically, the platform remained operable but degraded. The cause of the finding was related to the cross-cutting element in Human Performance, Work Practices because the licensee did not ensure supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety is supported (item H.4(c) of IMC 0305). The licensee had failed to correctly use the original design anchor bolt safety factor in all three revisions of the design basis calculation.
Inspection Report# : 2007007 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance: SL-IV Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluations for New Feedwater Heaters A finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV NCV of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to perform a written evaluation that provided the bases for the determination that the installation of new feedwater heaters did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee performed a written evaluation in June 2008 for the replacement of the feedwater heaters that inappropriately linked two elements of the modification by treating two discrete elements of the modification as interdependent. This resulted in the inappropriate evaluation of both elements together. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and implemented several remedial corrective actions, including the revision of the feedwater heater modification package to keep feedwater temperature in the currently approved range.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, changes made to the plant may inappropriately conclude that prior NRC approval is not required. The finding is not suitable for SDP evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The finding would have had greater than very low safety significance if the failure resulted in a change in which the consequence was evaluated as having low to moderate or greater safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, in that, the licensee failed to appropriately coordinate work activities by incorporating actions to address the need for work groups to maintain interfaces with offsite organizations and communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with each other during activities in which interdepartmental coordination is necessary to assure plant and human performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B Criterion V NCV for the Failure to Follow Procedures for Use of the Containment Hatch Doors A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to follow system operating procedure requirements to visually inspect and remove debris from the Unit 1 lower containment airlock door sealing surface upon exit from the airlock, which resulted in the failure of the airlock to meet its post maintenance testing acceptance criteria on September 9, 2008. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee reinforced with the hatch operators the procedural requirements.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the SDP in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO. The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because personnel did not follow procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Control of Containment Penetration Status The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to maintain adequate control over the status of containment penetrations during the Unit 2 core reload evolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately track the open and closed status of two isolation valves, such that, an unexpected pathway from containment to the atmosphere existed. The containment closure checklist indicated that the valves were closed and secured; however, they were in fact open during a period of fuel movement inside containment. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to maintain the accuracy of the containment closure checklist affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of Configuration Control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents. Specifically, in the event of a fuel handling accident inside containment, the unknown position of these two vent valves could have resulted in the inability to restore containment closure in a timely manor. In accordance with IMC 0609, App G, Shutdown Operations Significance Determination Process, the inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because at the time that the open pathway existed, the fuel being reloaded into the core had not recently (within the previous 65 hours) been irradiated in a critical core, and because of the relatively small diameter of the pathway. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision making Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Conditions Adverse to Quality Associated with the PAB Crane The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the licenses failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded conditions initially identified with the single failure proof primary auxiliary building crane by maintenance personnel on January 17, 2008. As a result, on March 4, while a new fuel storage canister was being lowered in a laydown area after traversing the width of the spent fuel pool, the crane failed to the safe position with the load suspended approximately one foot off the floor. In a review of work order and corrective action history, the inspectors determined that all of the degraded conditions from January were not corrected during maintenance on February 21. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions, including repair of the crane. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event. Specifically, the failure to correct the degraded condition of the primary auxiliary building crane resulted in the failure of the single failure proof crane while in use to move loads over the spent fuel pool. The finding affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and is of very low safety significance (Green) because this spent fuel pool issue did not result in the loss of spent fuel pool cooling, did not result in damage to fuel clad integrity in the spent fuel pool, and did not result in a loss of spent fuel pool inventory. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Piping Anchor Design not in Conformance with Design Basis Code Requirements The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to evaluate service water piping to pipe anchor integral welded attachments in conformance with the design requirements of the design basis American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding is more than minor because its associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to maintain the structural integrity of the service water system, structures, and components and the operational capability of the containment fan coolers. The finding was of very low safety significance (Green) based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and Appendix H, Containment Integrity Significance Determination Process, because pressurized water reactor containment fan coolers impact late containment failure and source terms, but not large early release frequency. There was not a cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
 
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Adequate Total Effective Dose Equivalent ALARA Evaluations The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1501 for the failure to perform an adequate survey (evaluation) to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment and/or engineering controls so as to maintain the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) As-Low-As-Is-Reasonably-Achievable (ALARA). Specifically, TEDE ALARA evaluations completed in April 2008 prior to SG maintenance and maintenance support activities did not adequately assess the planned use of engineering controls to reduce the concentration of radioactive material in air. As a result, respirators were specified to be used when not warranted. As corrective actions, the licensee planned to reevaluate its TEDE ALARA evaluations for pending SG work activities, planned to develop a procedure specific to the performance of these evaluations, and was considering the need for supervisory or health physics staff review of these evaluations. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program as action request (AR) 01125284.
The finding is more than minor because it impacted the program and process attribute of the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone and potentially affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that not performing adequate evaluations to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment consistent with the engineering controls for the work would result in additional dose to workers. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it was not an ALARA planning issue, there was no overexposure nor potential for overexposure, and the licensees ability to assess dose was not compromised. The finding was determined to have a cross-cutting aspect in the resource component of the Human Performance area, because procedures were not adequate to ensure that TEDE ALARA evaluations were performed properly Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Changes to SI System Valve Back-Seating Procedures
* Severity Level IV. The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV NCV, having very low safety significance, of 10 CFR 50.59, AChanges, Tests, and Experiments@, for the licensee=s failure to provide documented basis for determining that changes to procedures did not require prior NRC approval. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly concluded that a 10 CFR 50.59 screening was not required when procedures were revised to eliminate the practice of back-seating normally open gate/globe valves even though the UFSAR stated that normally open gate/globe valves in the Safety Injection (SI) system are back-seated to limit valve stem leakage.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the team could not reasonably determine that the change to the plant procedure which had removed a barrier to release radioactivity into the PAB would not have ultimately required NRC prior approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it only represented a degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Decision Making, because during performance of the 10 CFR 50.59 applicability determination for a procedural change, in March 2008, the licensee made an inappropriate decision by failing to require a screen or full 50.59 evaluation. (H.1.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure Completion of New Supervisory Training The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of Confirmatory Order EA 06-178 having very low safety significance (Green) for the licensees failure to ensure that new employees holding supervisory positions and higher were trained on safety conscious work environment (SCWE) principles within nine months of their hire dates, unless they have had the same or equivalent SCWE training within the previous two years of the hire dates. Specifically, the inspectors identified that four new employees holding supervisory positions for greater than nine months of their hire dates as supervisors, had not received SCWE training, nor the same or equivalent training within the previous two years.
At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The inspectors concluded that the finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had an action by the new supervisor resulted in a violation of 10 CFR Part 50.7 against an employee. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting area aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that supervisory and management oversight of the Confirmatory Order actions, such that nuclear safety was supported Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Corrective Actions to Address Licensee Action Plans The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) for the failure to take timely and effective corrective actions to address four of the nine nuclear safety culture action plans and the quick hitter plans. Specifically, the licensee developed the action plans and quick hitter plans in response to the Confirmatory Order in the first quarter of 2007, to correct long standing safety culture issues identified by the licensees comprehensive safety culture assessments conducted in 2004 and 2006. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had the failure to take corrective actions resulted in a more safety significant issue as a result of the incomplete action plans. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting area aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2007 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate 10 CFR 72.48 Screening to Evaluate Possible Thermal Effects on Fuel Cladding The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 72.48(c)(1) for the licensees failure to obtain a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) amendment pursuant to 10 CFR 72.244, for changes made in the spent fuel storage cask operating procedures during the 2004 loading campaign as described in the Final Safety Analysis Report. The procedure changes constituted a change in the terms, conditions, or specifications incorporated in the CoC. Although the procedures were contained in the Final Safety Analysis Report, the licensee failed to identify that TS 1.2.17a, 32PT Dry Storage Canister (DSC) Vacuum Drying Duration Limit, was also affected by the procedure change and required prior NRC approval. The licensee implemented corrective actions, which included revising the loading procedure to reflect the sequence described in the FSAR prior to the next cask loading campaign.
This finding is more than minor because it had the potential to impact the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, since the licensee failed to receive NRC approval for a change in this licensed activity. The inspectors determined that the finding was not suitable for SDP evaluation because the noncompliance involved 10 CFR Part 72 dry fuel storage activities. Therefore, this finding was reviewed by regional management and dispositioned using traditional enforcement. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance.
Inspection Report# : 2007005 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. The NRC investigated an alleged violation of
 
10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
NOTE: All of the specific items from this AV are also tracked as ORDER items in RPS/IR.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Last modified : November 26, 2008
 
Point Beach 1 4Q/2008 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Evaluations on Boric Acid Leaks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately perform boric acid leak evaluations for boric acid leaks as required by the Boric Acid Program. The licensee entered this issue into its CAP and was evaluating corrective actions at the end of the inspection period.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The inspectors used IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 4, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008, and determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in exceeding the Technical Specification (TS) limit for identified reactor coolant system (RCS) leakage or affect other mitigating systems resulting in a total loss of their safety function. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee did not effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance and personnel following procedures [H.4(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Inspection Procedure for Containment Polar Crane Structures A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have inspection procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 containment polar cranes and their integral support structures.
Specifically, station routine maintenance procedure 1(2) RMP 9118 1(2), Containment Building Crane OSHA Operability Inspections, did not require that the polar crane lateral restraint bolts be inspected to ensure that they do not show signs of degradation or movement, e.g., flaking paint or being backed out of position. As a result, improperly installed bolts went undiscovered by the licensee until a failed bolt was found on October 16, 2008, lying on the containment floor. The discovery prompted further inspection of the entire crane support structure and led to the de rating of the polar cranes lifting capacity from 100 tons to 40 tons. In addition to conducting an extent-of-condition inspection, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program (CAP), replaced all degraded bolts, and performed an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Specifically, failing to visually inspect critical bolting locations on crane supports could have allowed the use of the polar crane for heavy load lifts while in a degraded condition, increasing the likelihood of a load drop. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP, dated February 28, 2005. The issue did not need a quantitative assessment and screened as Green using Figure 1. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, for the failure to have complete and accurate procedures in place.
 
Specifically, the vague and insufficient detail in the crane inspection procedures contributed to the licensees failure to perform an adequate inspection to identify degraded components prior to their failure [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Properly Store or Secure Tornado Missile Hazards in the Protected Area The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials within the protected area that were classified as tornado hazards per station Procedure PC 99. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main and auxiliary transformers, as well as the switchyard boundary.
Once notified, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and removed or secured the materials appropriately. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution in that the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Implement Appropriate Design and Configuration Control for the Unit Polar Crane A self-revealed finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements was identified for the failure to implement appropriate design and configuration control for the Unit 2 polar crane upgrade project, which resulted in issues associated with reliable operation of the polar crane during the first reactor vessel head lift. Specifically, a lack of configuration control on the crane radio system resulted in a loss of radio communications during the initial reactor vessel head lift over the reactor vessel head stand, which resulted in unreliable crane operation. The licensee implemented remedial corrective actions to address the design issues with the polar crane bridge drive motors which resulted in unavailability at the beginning of the outage and ensured the radio receivers were appropriately configured and installed. The licensee performed a root cause analysis to determine the cause of the design and configuration control issues associated with the polar crane and developed additional corrective actions to address this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, Pressurized Water Reactor Hot Shutdown Operation: Time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Recurring Cold Weather Issues The inspectors identified a finding and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, having very low safety significance (Green) for the licenses failure to take prompt corrective actions to address recurring cold weather issues in the facade building which again occurred in January 2008. The failure to take prompt corrective actions led to the formation of ice on offsite power and plant equipment cable trays and cabling, which supplied offsite power to both Units busses. The sheets of ice were also in proximity to the Unit 2 refueling water storage tank level indicators and outlet piping. The licensee initiated condition reports, took immediate corrective actions, and was performing a causal evaluation at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern in that the formation of ice in the facade building in this case could have affected safety related equipment.
Because the ice buildup in the Unit 2 facade was an external factor and transient initiator contributor that did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available, the finding is considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity (P.1(d)). (Section 1R01)
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Cable Test Program The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an Non-Cited Violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, for the licensees failure to establish a test program that adequately demonstrated that medium voltage cables subjected to submersion would perform satisfactorily in service.
Specifically, the on line, energized partial discharge testing methodology that Point Beach adopted through the 2003 Excellence Plan, to periodically assess the condition of power cables that had been submerged, failed to provide any indication of declining cable performance or indication of an imminent failure of the 1X04 transformer cables before the actual failure on January 15, 2008. All previous test results for the 1X04 transformer cables showed only low levels of deterioration.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone attribute of equipment performance reliability as well as the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to use operating experience information, including internally generated lessons learned, to support plant safety by collecting and evaluation relevant internal and external operation experience (P.2(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate and Untimely Corrective Actions to Address Cable Submergence A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and a Non-Cited Violation was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the licensees failure develop effective corrective actions to maintain the design environment for the underground cables at Point Beach.
 
Specifically, since 1997, numerous corrective action documents were generated to capture concerns associated with cable submergence and water ingress through underground cableways and manholes. However, adequate corrective actions to address the groundwater issue were not implemented for all the manholes and cableways with a known history of flooding. The failure to implement timely corrective actions to address a long term solution to the site-submerged cable issues, identified since 1997, led to the January 15, 2008, failure of the 1X04 transformer cables due to prolonged exposure to water.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because the finding could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event and if left uncorrected, the finding could become a more significant safety concern. In addition, it affected the Initiating Events cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely minor could potentially lead to other cable failures as a result of continued degradation of submerged cables. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The 1X04 cable failure that occurred did not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions would not be available. Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance. The inspectors also determined that the primary cause for this finding is related to the cross-cutting area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, under the component of corrective action program, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Draindown of Reactor Coolant System with Inaccurate Pressurizer Level Indication Due to Inadequate Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the draindown of the reactor coolant system (RCS) from a solid plant condition. Specifically, procedure OP-4D, Draining the Reactor Coolant System, did not require that the pressurizer level instrumentation reference line be filled within a defined period of time to ensure that the pressurizer level instrumentation functioned properly prior to draining the RCS. This resulted in the licensee draining approximately 2,000 gallons of RCS from the pressurizer without a valid control room indication of pressurizer level. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the procedure deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of operating procedure quality and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the pressurizer level instrumentation is utilized during shutdowns to detect and manually initiate mitigating actions for uncontrolled RCS inventory reductions. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP
[Significance Determination Process], dated February 28, 2005. The inspectors used Checklist 2 contained in  and determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding increased the likelihood of loss of RCS inventory based on level deviation in the control room (Section II.A. of Checklist 2). The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends associated with the pressurizer level instrumentation in a
 
timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Install Unit 1 Debris Interceptors in Accordance with Installation Work Order The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to appropriately implement work orders for the installation of the Z-296-B3 debris interceptor. As a result, this portion of the modification was not installed as designed when the modification was completed and the Unit 1 reactor transitioned to Mode 3. The licensee took remedial corrective actions to correct the installation deficiency and at the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attributes of initial modification design control and human performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the SDP in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of safety function, or represent a single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification-allowed outage time, and was not potentially risk-significant for external events. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because personnel work practices for the installation did not utilize the available human error prevention techniques, specifically self and peer checking, and the use of a questioning attitude [H.4(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50 , Appendix B, Criteriod V NCV for the Failure to have Adequate Maintenance Procedures for Service Water Pump Replacements A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to properly rig and install the P-32E service water pump shaft on June 7, 2006. The bent pump shaft subsequently led to high pump vibrations and pump inoperability in excess of Technical Specification Action Condition completion time in February 2008. Specifically, the licensee determined that Routine Maintenance Procedure (RMP), RMP 9216-2, Service Water Pump Removal, Installation, and Maintenance, lacked adequate installation and rigging instructions to ensure excessive force was not applied to the shaft during installation. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the RMP to include proper installation and rigging instructions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the SDP in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Tables 3b and 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, because licensee procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that the P-32E pump shaft was rigged and installed without damage to the shaft. [H.2 (c)] (Section 4OA3.1)
 
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:      Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Equalizing Charge Voltage Not Bounded by Battery Room Hydrogen Generation Calculation A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, ADesign Control, was identified by the team for the failure to ensure that the design limit established in a design basis calculation, used to determine safety-related batteries hydrogen generation rate, bounded the value used in a maintenance procedure for a safety related component. During the inspection, the licensee evaluated and determined that the effect of the higher hydrogen gas generation did not have an impact on the operability of the batteries and the ventilation system.
The finding was greater than minor because the lack of adequate design control process resulted in increase of hydrogen generation levels and in a reasonable doubt of operability of the 125-Volts direct current system. The finding was determined to be of very low significance, because it was a design deficiency that did not result in actual loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it is not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:      Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Design Basis for Primary Auxiliary Building Heat-up A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the team for the failure to verify the accuracy of design using alternative or simplified calculational methods or by the performance of a suitable testing program. Specifically, the licensee used non-conservative field test data as a basis for the design temperatures given in the equipment qualification (EQ) manual for components in the auxiliary building, resulting in specified design temperatures for some safety related components that may be as much as approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit less than calculated worst case accident condition temperatures. The licensee re-evaluated the consequences of the higher temperatures and concluded the equipment remained operable.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if the EQ design temperatures were left uncorrected, this deficiency could lead to inadequately qualified replacement parts or inadequately designed plant modifications in the future. The finding was determined to be of very low significance because, by the end of the inspection, the licensee was able to show that all affected components were capable of performing their safety related functions under the higher than previously anticipated temperatures. The team did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:      Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Ability to Transfer Fuel Oil Between EDG Fuel Oil Tanks T-175A/B Has Not Been Demonstrated by Testing A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, was identified by the team for the failure to test the components used for transfer of fuel oil between two underground storage tanks that support emergency diesel generator (EDG) operation. Specifically, the licensee has not demonstrated the transfer of fuel between tanks T-175A and T-175B as credited in the Technical Specification (TS) Basis and Updated Safety Analysis Report. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and prepared to test these components.
 
This finding was determined to be more than miner because the failure to verify the transfer capability affected the ability to ensure emergency power availability for greater than two days. This finding was screened as very low safety significance because it was a deficiency that did not result in the loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation RHR Pump Suction Pressure Gages Repeatedly Found To Be Out Of Tolerance A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XII, AControl of Measuring and Test Equipment,@ was identified by the team for the failure to correct a known trend of out of tolerance (OOT) test pressure gauge which were used in a critical In Service Test (IST) Program performance test of the residual heat removal (RHR) pumps for Units 1 and 2. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and confirmed operability of the RHR pumps.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, since the cause of the high frequency OOT conditions for these pressure gauges has not been identified, it could be assumed that this instrumentation could be out of tolerance in a non-conservative manner.
The finding was determined to be of very low significance because the comprehensive IST performance test conducted during the 2008 refueling outage showed that the actual test results were within the acceptable band, thereby confirming that operability and functionality of the RHR pumps had not been lost. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate resources were available to minimize long-standing equipment issues. (H.2(a))
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Sprinkler Head Obstructions in 'B' Train EDG Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of License Condition 4.F for the failure to address fire suppression sprinkler head obstructions in the B train emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms. The inspectors identified that five sprinkler heads were obstructed in the B train EDG rooms. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13-1991, Installation of Sprinkler Systems was the applicable standard for sprinkler systems installed in the two rooms. The inspectors determined that failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was contrary to NFPA 13-1991 and was a performance deficiency.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Factors (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the identified obstructions to sprinkler heads would affect the sprinkler spray patterns and distribution thereby impacting the sprinkler systems capability to control a fire. In accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process [SDP], the inspectors considered the finding to represent a moderate degradation of the water based suppression system for both rooms. As such, the inspectors performed a Phase 2 SDP. The inspectors concluded that potential fire scenarios associated with the finding were effectively FDS0 fire scenarios as described in Section 2.2 of IMC 609, Appendix F, and that the issue was of very low safety significance (i.e., Green). The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Manage Online Risk for Breaker 1B52-16C Work The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, when the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with work on the 480-volt alternating current breaker 1B52 16C, coincident with a large number of other out-of-service components, which resulted in an unplanned risk condition for Unit 1 without the appropriate risk management actions. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly assumed that planned work on breaker 1B52 16C did not render the breaker unavailable, and that the breaker was not utilized in Modes 1, 2, or 3. Consequently, the component was not factored into the Safety Monitor online risk model.
However, breaker 1B52 16C was in fact unavailable and also utilized in abnormal operating procedures for Modes 1, 2 and 3. Therefore, unavailability of the breaker was required to have been factored into Safety Monitor with appropriate risk management actions taken. The licensee took corrective actions to perform an apparent cause evaluation that identified the apparent cause of the issue and recommended a number of corrective actions to address the procedural and human performance deficiencies that were identified.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding was based on incorrect assumptions that changed the outcome of the risk assessment. The inspectors evaluated this finding using the Appendix K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process worksheets of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 because the finding is a maintenance risk assessment issue. Flowchart 1, Assessment of Risk Deficit, requires the inspectors to determine the risk deficit associated with this issue. This finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the incremental core damage probability deficit was less than 1E-6. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action [H.1(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedures for DY-0C Inverter Maintenance A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place to identify improperly installed components prior to the attempted restoration of the DY-0C white channel instrument inverter. Specifically, the routine maintenance procedure did not contain instructions to check for direct current (DC) grounds following maintenance and prior to restoration, which allowed a ground to go undetected and cause a number of unplanned Technical Specification Action Condition (TSAC) entries as well as the unplanned inoperability of the G-01 and G-02 emergency diesel generators and the 2PI 9046 containment pressure indicator. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long-term corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the Procedure Quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors evaluated the finding using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, Attachment 1, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that installation errors would be detected prior to restoration of the DY-0C inverter [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedures for Reduced Inventory with an Intact Reactor Coolant System A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to protect all of the safety equipment necessary for safe shutdown while in reduced inventory with the reactor coolant system (RCS) intact. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that an auxiliary feedwater source and steam generator (SG) were available for decay heat removal when a reduced inventory condition was entered and the RCS was intact. The licensees responses to Generic Letter 88-17, Loss of Decay Heat Removal, indicated that the first drain of the RCS to reduced inventory following shutdown could be accomplished with the RCS intact and reflux cooling (with a SG and auxiliary feedwater source) as an alternate decay heat removal path. The licensee was performing a causal evaluation of this issue and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain RCS within Procedurally Allowed level During Reduced Inventory A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to implement operations procedures to remain above the 3/4 pipe level indications for draining the RCS while in reduced inventory. Specifically, during the second planned orange risk condition of the Unit 2 refueling outage to facilitate removal of the SG nozzle dams, operators drained the RCS below the procedurally required 22 percent level, as indicated by the most conservative reactor vessel level indication. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue and was performing a causal evaluation and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it is associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action
[H.1(b)]. (Section 1R20.2)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Maintenance Procedure for Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump 2P-29 A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to ensure that procedures
 
associated with the maintenance of the turbine for the turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance procedures did not address the following significant issues: 1) proper application of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 2) proper cure time of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 3) prescribed methods for tightening of the oil deflector ring set screw was not discussed; and 4) acceptable clearances between the turbine shaft and the inner diameter of the oil deflector ring were not specified. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue, conducted a root cause evaluation, and developed corrective actions to address the root causes, contributing causes, and extent of condition associated with this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of systems. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The inspectors determined this finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety [H.2(c)]. (Section 4OA5.1)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures Resulted in Inadvertent Draining of Unit 1 SI Accumulator A self-revealed finding and an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1, Procedures, having very low safety significance (Green), was identified for the licenses failure to implement procedures associated with conduct of operations for plant systems. Specifically, on January 4, 2008, control room operators responded to a Unit 1 A Safety Injection Accumulator Level High Alarm and initiated actions to drain the accumulator, without utilizing the redundant or backup indication for the draining evolution required by plant procedure. This resulted in the inadvertent draining and inoperability of the accumulator with respect to the minimum Technical Specification required accumulator pressure, because the level accumulator channel used to drain the accumulator had failed in the as is position, causing the initial alarm. The licensee took immediate corrective actions which included restoration of the Unit 1 Safety Injection (SI) accumulator to an operable status, repair of the level indicator, and establishment of a new conduct of operations procedure. In addition, the licensee completed an apparent cause evaluation and developed additional corrective actions to correct this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the human performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, human error prevention techniques were not utilized following the receipt of the accumulator level alarm and during the draindown evolution (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 07, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Relay Setpoint Selection A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance and a Non-Cited Violation was identified for the licensees failure to comply with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to assure that the design basis, associated with the ABB-GKT 50G relays, was correctly translated into specifications for the relays setpoints. As a result, the high frequency transients caused by the repeated grounding of the non-safety-
 
related 1X-04 cables on January 15, 2008, caused the unintended actuation of the 50G/A52-84 Relay and the isolation of power to safety-related bus 1B 04.
This finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because, if left uncorrected, the issue would have become a more significant safety concern. In addition, the finding affected the Mitigating Systems attributes of design control of plant modifications and equipment performance availability and reliability. This finding also affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with IMC 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in IMC 0609.04 Table 4a - Characterization Worksheet for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone were answered No. Additionally, there was no cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008007 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints
. A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was self revealed upon discovery of the use of a non-conservative setpoint for the Low Temperature Overpressure Protection (LTOP) systems for Units 1 and 2. Specifically, licensee calculation 2000-0001, RCS
[Reactor Coolant System] Pressure and Temperature Limits and Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints Applicable through 32.2 EFPY - Unit 1 and 34.0 EFPY - Unit 2, established an LTOP setpoint of 500 pounds per square inch - gauge (psig). However, by using the setpoint calculation methodology of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix G, the resulting LTOP setpoint was calculated to be 420 psig. Therefore, the 500 psig setpoint was found to be non conservative and the LTOP systems were declared inoperable. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the LTOP setpoints from 500 psig to 420 psig and made changes to operating procedures to delineate the acceptable operating conditions of the reactor coolant pumps and charging pumps during low temperature conditions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the human performance attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the non-conservative LTOP setpoint provided reasonable doubt that the integrity of the RCS pressure boundary would be maintained during low temperature conditions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the SDP in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO and the actual setpoint of the power operated relief valves was 415 psig, below the revised LTOP setpoint. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Violation of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c) - Pressure and Temperature Limits Report Not Submitted
 
The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV NCV of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c), Reactor Coolant System Pressure and Temperature Limits Report (PTLR), for the failure to submit a revised PTLR to the NRC for a new fluence period. Specifically, TS 5.6.5(c) required the PTLR be provided to the NRC for each reactor fluence period. Based on the references in TS 5.6.5(b), the fluence period for revision 1 of the PTLR could not be extended past February 2004. The licensee inappropriately extended the existing PTLR applicability limit past this date and did not submit a revised PTLR as required. Corrective actions included submittal of the revised PTLR (revision 2) on November 15, 2007.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the curve used to define plant operating limits for acceptable pressure and temperature conditions for protection against failure of the reactor vessel was not valid after February 2004. The finding is not suitable for SDP evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. Specifically, subsequent calculations using an NRC approved methodology determined that the Point Beach Unit 1 reactor vessel was not outside of the safety limits and was fully capable of performing the required service. The inspectors determined that the finding does not have an associated cross cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluations for New Feedwater Heaters A finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV NCV of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to perform a written evaluation that provided the bases for the determination that the installation of new feedwater heaters did not require a license amendment.
Specifically, the licensee performed a written evaluation in June 2008 for the replacement of the feedwater heaters that inappropriately linked two elements of the modification by treating two discrete elements of the modification as interdependent. This resulted in the inappropriate evaluation of both elements together. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and implemented several remedial corrective actions, including the revision of the feedwater heater modification package to keep feedwater temperature in the currently approved range.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, changes made to the plant may inappropriately conclude that prior NRC approval is not required. The finding is not suitable for SDP evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The finding would have had greater than very low safety significance if the failure resulted in a change in which the consequence was evaluated as having low to moderate or greater safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, in that, the licensee failed to appropriately coordinate work activities by incorporating actions to address the need for work groups to maintain interfaces with offsite organizations and communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with each other during activities in which interdepartmental coordination is necessary to assure plant and human performance. [H.3(b)] (Section 1R18.1)
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation 10 CFR 50, Appendix B Criterion V NCV for the Failure to Follow Procedures for Use of the Containment Hatch Doors A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to follow system operating procedure requirements to visually inspect and remove debris from the Unit 1 lower containment airlock door sealing surface upon exit from the airlock, which resulted in the failure of the airlock to meet its post maintenance testing acceptance criteria on September 9, 2008. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee reinforced with the hatch operators the
 
procedural requirements.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the SDP in accordance with IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO. The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because personnel did not follow procedures. [H.4(b)] (Section 1R19.1)
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Control of Containment Penetration Status A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to maintain adequate control over the status of containment penetrations during the Unit 2 core reload evolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately track the open and closed status of two isolation valves, such that an unexpected pathway from containment to the atmosphere existed. The containment closure checklist indicated that the valves were closed and secured; however, they were in fact open during a period of fuel movement inside containment. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long-term corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the failure to maintain the accuracy of the containment closure checklist affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of configuration control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents. Specifically, in the event of a fuel handling accident inside containment, the unknown position of these two vent valves could have resulted in the inability to restore containment closure in a timely manor. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in IMC 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 4.
Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making [H.1(b)]. (Section 1R20.3)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Take Prompt Corrective Actions for Conditions Adverse to Quality Associated with the PAB Crane The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the licenses failure to implement prompt corrective actions for the degraded conditions initially identified with the single failure proof primary auxiliary building crane by maintenance personnel on January 17, 2008. As a result, on March 4, while a new fuel storage canister was being lowered in a laydown area after traversing the width of the spent fuel pool, the crane failed to the safe position with the load suspended approximately one foot off the floor. In a review of work order and corrective action history, the inspectors determined that all of the degraded conditions from January were not corrected during maintenance on February 21. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and took immediate corrective actions, including repair of the crane. The licensee continued to evaluate the causes and corrective actions to address this finding at the end of the inspection period.
The finding is more than minor because it could reasonably be viewed as a precursor to a significant event.
Specifically, the failure to correct the degraded condition of the primary auxiliary building crane resulted in the failure
 
of the single failure proof crane while in use to move loads over the spent fuel pool. The finding affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and is of very low safety significance (Green) because this spent fuel pool issue did not result in the loss of spent fuel pool cooling, did not result in damage to fuel clad integrity in the spent fuel pool, and did not result in a loss of spent fuel pool inventory. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution because the licensee did not take appropriate corrective actions in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Piping Anchor Design not in Conformance with Design Basis Code Requirements The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the licensees failure to evaluate service water piping to pipe anchor integral welded attachments in conformance with the design requirements of the design basis American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding is more than minor because its associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to maintain the structural integrity of the service water system, structures, and components and the operational capability of the containment fan coolers. The finding was of very low safety significance (Green) based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and Appendix H, Containment Integrity Significance Determination Process, because pressurized water reactor containment fan coolers impact late containment failure and source terms, but not large early release frequency. There was not a cross-cutting aspect to this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Adequate Total Effective Dose Equivalent ALARA Evaluations A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR 20.1501 was identified by the inspectors for the failure to perform an adequate survey (evaluation) to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment and/or engineering controls so as to maintain the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) ALARA. Specifically, TEDE ALARA evaluations completed in April 2008 prior to SG maintenance and maintenance support activities did not adequately assess the planned use of engineering controls to reduce the concentration of radioactive material in air. As a result, respirators were specified to be used when not warranted based on the engineering controls to be implemented. As corrective actions, the licensee planned to reevaluate its TEDE ALARA evaluations for pending SG work activities, planned to develop a procedure specific to the performance of these evaluations, and was considering the need for supervisory or health physics staff review of these evaluations. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program as action request (AR) 01125284.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it impacted the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone attribute of program and process and potentially affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate
 
protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that not performing adequate evaluations to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment consistent with the engineering controls for the work would result in additional dose to workers. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it was not an ALARA planning issue, there was no overexposure nor potential for overexposure, and the licensees ability to assess dose was not compromised. The finding was determined to have a cross-cutting aspect in the resource component of the human performance area, because procedures were not adequate to ensure that TEDE ALARA evaluations were performed properly [H.2(c)]. (Section 2OS2.2)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Establish Written Procedures to Implement the Effluent Control Program as Provided in the ODCM The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV of TS 5.4.1 for the failure to establish written procedures to implement the radioactive effluent control program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual to ensure effluent sample analyses satisfied required detection criteria. Specifically, no process was established to ensure that effluent analysis capabilities for chemistry analytical equipment were periodically demonstrated to meet required lower levels of detection (LLDs). As corrective actions, the licensee subsequently performed LLD determinations for its analytical equipment (gamma spectroscopy system) and developed procedures to ensure LLDs were periodically verified consistent with industry standards.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it affected the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive material released into the public domain. Specifically, given the instability in the licensees gamma spectroscopy system since 2007, as evidenced by repetitive performance check failures, the ability of the equipment to achieve required LLDs could have been impacted or necessitated changes in analysis parameters (such as count times) resulting in non-conservative effluent quantification. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not represent a substantial failure to implement the effluent release program or result in public dose that exceeded specified criterion. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, in that the licensee failed to develop procedures to fully implement its effluent program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM) [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Changes to SI System Valve Back-Seating Procedures
* Severity Level IV. The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV NCV, having very low safety significance, of 10 CFR 50.59, AChanges, Tests, and Experiments@, for the licensee=s failure to provide documented basis for determining that changes to procedures did not require prior NRC approval. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly concluded that a 10 CFR 50.59 screening was not required when procedures were revised to eliminate the practice of back-seating normally open gate/globe valves even though the UFSAR stated that normally open gate/globe valves in the Safety Injection (SI) system are back-seated to limit valve stem leakage.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the team could not reasonably determine that the change to the plant procedure which had removed a barrier to release radioactivity into the PAB would not have ultimately required NRC prior approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it only represented a degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Decision Making, because during performance of the 10 CFR 50.59 applicability determination for a procedural change, in March 2008, the licensee made an inappropriate decision by failing to require a screen or full 50.59 evaluation. (H.1.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure Completion of New Supervisory Training A NCV of Confirmatory Order EA 06-178 having very low safety significance (Green) was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to ensure that new employees holding supervisory positions and higher were trained on safety conscious work environment (SCWE) principles within nine months of their hire dates, unless they have had the same or equivalent SCWE training within the previous two years of the hire dates. Specifically, the inspectors identified that four new employees holding supervisory positions for greater than nine months of their hire dates as supervisors, had not received SCWE training, nor the same or equivalent training within the previous two years. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had an action by the new supervisor resulted in a violation of 10 CFR 50.7 against an employee. The finding is not suitable for SDP evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting area aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that supervisory and management oversight of the Confirmatory Order actions, such that nuclear safety was supported [H.4(c)]. (Section 4OA5.2)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Corrective Actions to Address Licensee Action Plans A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the failure to take timely and effective corrective actions to address four of nine nuclear safety culture action plans and the quick hitter plans. Specifically, the licensee developed the action plans and quick hitter plans in response to the Confirmatory Order in the first quarter of 2007, to correct longstanding safety culture issues identified by the licensees comprehensive safety culture assessments conducted in 2004 and 2006. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had the failure to take corrective actions resulted in a more safety significant issue as a result of the incomplete action plans. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-
 
cutting area aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
NOTE: All of the specific items from this AV are also tracked as ORDER items in RPS/IR.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Last modified : April 07, 2009
 
Point Beach 1 1Q/2009 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Adequately Control High Winds/Tornado Hazards A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials, within the risk significant areas of the outdoors protected area, that were classified as high winds/tornado hazards in accordance with station procedures PC 99, Tornado Hazards Inspection Checklist, and NP 1.9.6, Plant Cleanliness and Storage. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main transformer lines, auxiliary transformers, and the G 03/G 04 emergency diesel generator building. Once notified, the licensee removed or secured the materials appropriately and entered the issue into its corrective action program. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a root cause evaluation and develop long-term corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee failed to ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of the implementation and follow through of the corrective actions from previous related issues (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Evaluations on Boric Acid Leaks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately perform boric acid leak evaluations for boric acid leaks as required by the Boric Acid Program. The licensee entered this issue into its CAP and was evaluating corrective actions at the end of the inspection period.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The inspectors used Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 4, Phase 1 -
Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008, and determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in exceeding the Technical Specification (TS) limit for identified reactor coolant system (RCS) leakage or affect other mitigating systems resulting in a total loss of their safety function. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee did not effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance and personnel following procedures [H.4(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Inspection Procedure for Containment Polar Crane Structures A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have inspection procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 containment polar cranes and their integral support structures. Specifically, station routine maintenance procedure 1(2) RMP 9118 1(2), Containment Building Crane OSHA Operability Inspections, did not require that the polar crane lateral restraint bolts be inspected to ensure that they do not show signs of degradation or movement, e.g., flaking paint or being backed out of position. As a result, improperly installed bolts went undiscovered by the licensee until a failed bolt was found on October 16, 2008, lying on the containment floor. The discovery prompted further inspection of the entire crane support structure and led to the de rating of the polar cranes lifting capacity from 100 tons to 40 tons. In addition to conducting an extent-of-condition inspection, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program (CAP), replaced all degraded bolts, and performed an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Specifically, failing to visually inspect critical bolting locations on crane supports could have allowed the use of the polar crane for heavy load lifts while in a degraded condition, increasing the likelihood of a load drop. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP
[Significance Determination Process], dated February 28, 2005. The issue did not need a quantitative assessment and screened as Green using Figure 1. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, for the failure to have complete and accurate procedures in place. Specifically, the vague and insufficient detail in the crane inspection procedures contributed to the licensees failure to perform an adequate inspection to identify degraded components prior to their failure [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Properly Store or Secure Tornado Missile Hazards in the Protected Area The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials within the protected area that were classified as tornado hazards per station Procedure PC 99. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main and auxiliary transformers, as well as the switchyard boundary.
Once notified, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and removed or secured the materials appropriately. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long term corrective actions.
The finding is more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution in that the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding
 
Failure to Implement Appropriate Design and Configuration Control for the Unit Polar Crane A self-revealed finding of very low significance (Green) with no associated violation of regulatory requirements was identified for the failure to implement appropriate design and configuration control for the Unit 2 polar crane upgrade project, which resulted in issues associated with reliable operation of the polar crane during the first reactor vessel head lift. Specifically, a lack of configuration control on the crane radio system resulted in a loss of radio communications during the initial reactor vessel head lift over the reactor vessel head stand, which resulted in unreliable crane operation. The licensee implemented remedial corrective actions to address the design issues with the polar crane bridge drive motors which resulted in unavailability at the beginning of the outage and ensured the radio receivers were appropriately configured and installed. The licensee performed a root cause analysis to determine the cause of the design and configuration control issues associated with the polar crane and developed additional corrective actions to address this performance deficiency.
The finding is more than minor because it is associated with the design control attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 1, Pressurized Water Reactor Hot Shutdown Operation: Time to Core Boiling < 2 Hours. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Of Diesel Fuel Oil Tank Vent For Tornado Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to fully incorporate applicable tornado missile protection design requirements into the design of the A train diesel fuel oil storage and transfer system. Specifically, the T-175A underground fuel oil storage tank vent line was found not capable of withstanding the effects of a design basis tornado missile strike without resulting in the subsequent loss of capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety functions. The licensee performed a prompt operability determination, concluded that the system was operable but non conforming, and put in place compensatory measures until the design deficiency had been resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Design Control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, closure of the T 175A vent path would adversely affect the availability, reliability, and capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety-related functions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding as the performance deficiency occurred in the 1990s and was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Recognize Unit 1 Component Cooling Water Pump Was Inoperable On January 1, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.7, Component Cooling Water (CCW) System, for the failure to recognize that the Unit 1 1P-11B CCW pump was inoperable. Consequently, the licensee failed to take actions in accordance with TS for an inoperable CCW pump. Specifically, on January 1, 2009, auxiliary operators added a full reservoir (bubbler) of oil to the inboard bearing for the second time in 24 hours, due to an oil leak. This abnormal condition was not appropriately characterized by the licensee until after two more oil additions, when a condition report was written to document the oil addition on January 5, 2009. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008.
The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its TS allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues.
Specifically, licensee personnel failed on three occasions to enter the oil additions into the corrective action program which would have required a Senior Reactor Operator to screen the condition for operability [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Promptly Correct Component Cooling Water Pump Oil Leak On January 27, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality associated with an inboard oil leak on the Unit 1 1P11-B component cooling water (CCW) pump identified on January 27, 2009. Consequently, the CCW pump operated in a degraded condition until the pump was taken out-of-service to address inboard bearing oil leaks on January 31 and February 1, 2009. Specifically, on January 27, 2009, a condition report was written documenting an inboard bearing leak; however, the immediate operability screening was incorrect and the licensees screening process failed to ensure prompt corrective actions were taken to address this condition adverse to quality. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination
 
Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the identified problem while classifying, prioritizing and evaluating for operability and reportability of this condition adverse to quality. Specifically, licensee personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the condition adverse to quality associated with the 1P-11B CCW pump on January 27, 2009, such that the prompt corrective actions were appropriately prioritized and evaluated [P.1(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Adequately Input Mechanism Operated Control Switch Failure Evaluations and Recommendations Into Maintenance Procedures A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V,  Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures for Mechanism Operated Cell (MOC) switches. Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the MOC switch preventative maintenance procedures for specific inspection and verification actions at the frequency, and with actions, recommended by causal evaluations and the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program and was evaluating corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the issue would lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the failure to identify degraded hardware on a MOC switch could lead to the failure of associated safety related equipment and alarms. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate problems such that the resolutions addressed causes and extent of condition as necessary (P.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inverter Maintenance Procedures Did Not Include Steps For Capacitor Replacement
. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place for certain safety-related inverters.
Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the routine maintenance procedure (RMP) 9036 series maintenance procedures for periodic replacement of the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI-model inverters as recommended by the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program, scheduled replacement of the capacitors, and was further evaluating the vendor recommendation.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more safety significant concern. Not replacing the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI inverters based on the vendor recommended life could result in the failure of the inverter to perform their safety function and respond to initiating events. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations," dated January 10, 2008. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to implement and institutionalize operating experience, including
 
vendor recommendations, through changes to station procedures (P.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance: TBD Mar 09, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation Failure to Notify the NRC of a Permanent Illness or Disability of a Licensed Operator.
Prior to becoming a licensed reactor operator (RO) in 1999, a non-licensed operator notified the stations medical staff that he began taking a prescribed medication for a potentially disqualifying medical condition in 1993. The NRC was not notified of the senior reactor operator's (SROs) potentially disqualifying medical condition until October 20, 2008. Title 10 CFR 50.74(c), Notification of Change in Operator or Senior Operator Status, requires the licensee to notify the NRC within 30 days of the licensee being informed of a permanent change in a licensed operators medical condition. The licensee should have notified the NRC of the operators potentially disqualifying medical condition when the operator applied for an NRC operating license in 1999. The time period between May 1999 and November 2008 exceeded the 30-day notification requirement. The licensee conducted a review of all licensed operator medical records to determine the extent of condition and initiated other compensatory measures to prevent recurrence of this condition.
Because the issue affected the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function it was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The finding was determined to be of low safety significance because the SRO was taking the medications as prescribed and had not made any operational errors during any emergency condition. The regulatory significance was important because plant staff failed to notify the NRC of a permanent disability or illness of an SRO within 30 days. This was preliminarily determined to be an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.74(c). The cause of the apparent violation is related to the cross-cutting element of problem identification and resolution in the area of operating experience (P.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2009008 (pdf)
Significance: TBD Mar 09, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation Failure to Provide Complete Information to the NRC which Impacted a Licensing Decision.
Every six years an operators NRC operating license must be renewed. When the licensee submits the request for license renewal, the licensee must certify to the NRC that the operator is medically capable of performing license duties. This is done by completing an NRC Form 396, Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee.
When signed by senior station management, the NRC Form 396 certifies that an operator is able to perform operator duties. The form contains several standard license conditions that restrict operator activities to ensure their ability to perform license duties. In this senior reactor operator's (SROs) case, the licensee certified to the NRC in a {{letter dated|date=January 23, 2008|text=letter dated January 23, 2008}}, that the operator was capable of performing license duties with no restrictions. The licensee provided incomplete and inaccurate information on the accompanying NRC Form 396 in that the licensee failed to inform the NRC that the SRO was taking medication for a potentially disqualifying medical condition so the NRC could properly restrict the SROs operating license to have a Must Take Medication as Prescribed to Maintain Qualifications license restriction.
Because the issue affected the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function, it was evaluated using the traditional enforcement process. The finding was determined to be of low safety significance because the SRO had taken medications as prescribed and had not made errors during any emergency condition prior to the license being amended. However, the regulatory significance was important because the incomplete and inaccurate information was provided under a signed statement to the NRC and impacted a licensing decision for the SRO. This was preliminarily determined to be an apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.9, Completeness and Accuracy of Information. The cause of the apparent violation is related to the cross-cutting element of problem identification and resolution in the ara of operating experience (P.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2009008 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Draindown of Reactor Coolant System with Inaccurate Pressurizer Level Indication Due to Inadequate Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the draindown of the reactor coolant system (RCS) from a solid plant condition. Specifically, procedure OP-4D, Draining the Reactor Coolant System, did not require that the pressurizer level instrumentation reference line be filled within a defined period of time to ensure that the pressurizer level instrumentation functioned properly prior to draining the RCS. This resulted in the licensee draining approximately 2,000 gallons of RCS from the pressurizer without a valid control room indication of pressurizer level. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the procedure deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of operating procedure quality and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the pressurizer level instrumentation is utilized during shutdowns to detect and manually initiate mitigating actions for uncontrolled RCS inventory reductions. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP
[Significance Determination Process], dated February 28, 2005. The inspectors used Checklist 2 contained in  and determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding increased the likelihood of loss of RCS inventory based on level deviation in the control room (Section II.A. of Checklist 2). The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends associated with the pressurizer level instrumentation in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Install Unit 1 Debris Interceptors in Accordance with Installation Work Order The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to appropriately implement work orders for the installation of the Z-296-B3 debris interceptor. As a result, this portion of the modification was not installed as designed when the modification was completed and the Unit 1 reactor transitioned to Mode 3. The licensee took remedial corrective actions to correct the installation deficiency and at the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attributes of initial modification design control and human performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of safety function, or represent a single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification-allowed outage time, and was not potentially risk-significant for external events. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because personnel work practices for the installation did not utilize the available human error prevention techniques, specifically self and peer checking, and the use of a questioning attitude [H.4(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Have Adequate Maintenance Procedures for Service Water Pump Replacements A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to properly rig and install the P-32E service water pump shaft on June 7, 2006. The bent pump shaft subsequently led to high pump vibrations and pump inoperability in excess of Technical Specification Action Condition completion time in February 2008.
Specifically, the licensee determined that Routine Maintenance Procedure (RMP), RMP 9216-2, Service Water Pump Removal, Installation, and Maintenance, lacked adequate installation and rigging instructions to ensure excessive force was not applied to the shaft during installation. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the RMP to include proper installation and rigging instructions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Tables 3b and 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, because licensee procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that the P-32E pump shaft was rigged and installed without damage to the shaft. [H.2(c)]
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Equalizing Charge Voltage Not Bounded by Battery Room Hydrogen Generation Calculation A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the team for the failure to ensure that the design limit established in a design basis calculation, used to determine safety-related batteries hydrogen generation rate, bounded the value used in a maintenance procedure for a safety related component. During the inspection, the licensee evaluated and determined that the effect of the higher hydrogen gas generation did not have an impact on the operability of the batteries and the ventilation system.
The finding was greater than minor because the lack of adequate design control process resulted in increase of hydrogen generation levels and in a reasonable doubt of operability of the 125-Volt direct current system. The finding was determined to be of very low significance, because it was a design deficiency that did not result in actual loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it is not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Design Basis for Primary Auxiliary Building Heat-up A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the team for the failure to verify the accuracy of design using alternative or simplified calculational methods or by the performance of a suitable testing program. Specifically, the licensee used
 
non-conservative field test data as a basis for the design temperatures given in the equipment qualification (EQ) manual for components in the auxiliary building, resulting in specified design temperatures for some safety related components that may be as much as approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit less than calculated worst case accident condition temperatures. The licensee re-evaluated the consequences of the higher temperatures and concluded the equipment remained operable.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if the EQ design temperatures were left uncorrected, this deficiency could lead to inadequately qualified replacement parts or inadequately designed plant modifications in the future. The finding was determined to be of very low significance because, by the end of the inspection, the licensee was able to show that all affected components were capable of performing their safety related functions under the higher than previously anticipated temperatures. The team did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Ability to Transfer Fuel Oil Between EDG Fuel Oil Tanks T-175A/B Has Not Been Demonstrated by Testing A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, was identified by the team for the failure to test the components used for transfer of fuel oil between two underground storage tanks that support emergency diesel generator (EDG) operation. Specifically, the licensee has not demonstrated the transfer of fuel between tanks T-175A and T-175B as credited in the Technical Specification (TS) Basis and Updated Safety Analysis Report. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and prepared to test these components.
This finding was determined to be more than miner because the failure to verify the transfer capability affected the ability to ensure emergency power availability for greater than two days. This finding was screened as very low safety significance because it was a deficiency that did not result in the loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation RHR Pump Suction Pressure Gages Repeatedly Found To Be Out Of Tolerance A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XII, Control of Measuring and Test Equipment, was identified by the team for the failure to correct a known trend of out of tolerance (OOT) test pressure gauge which were used in a critical In Service Test (IST) Program performance test of the residual heat removal (RHR) pumps for Units 1 and 2. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and confirmed operability of the RHR pumps.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, since the cause of the high frequency OOT conditions for these pressure gauges has not been identified, it could be assumed that this instrumentation could be out of tolerance in a non-conservative manner.
The finding was determined to be of very low significance because the comprehensive IST performance test conducted during the 2008 refueling outage showed that the actual test results were within the acceptable band, thereby confirming that operability and functionality of the RHR pumps had not been lost. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate resources were available to minimize long-standing equipment issues (H.2(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Address Sprinkler Head Obstructions in 'B' Train EDG Rooms The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of License Condition 4.F for the failure to address fire suppression sprinkler head obstructions in the B train emergency diesel generator (EDG) rooms. The inspectors identified that five sprinkler heads were obstructed in the B train EDG rooms. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13-1991, Installation of Sprinkler Systems was the applicable standard for sprinkler systems installed in the two rooms. The inspectors determined that failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was contrary to NFPA 13-1991 and was a performance deficiency.
The finding was more than minor because the failure to address sprinkler head obstructions was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Factors (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events. Specifically, the identified obstructions to sprinkler heads would affect the sprinkler spray patterns and distribution thereby impacting the sprinkler systems capability to control a fire. In accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, and IMC 0609, Appendix F, Fire Protection Significance Determination Process [SDP], the inspectors considered the finding to represent a moderate degradation of the water based suppression system for both rooms. As such, the inspectors performed a Phase 2 SDP. The inspectors concluded that potential fire scenarios associated with the finding were effectively FDS0 fire scenarios as described in Section 2.2 of IMC 609, Appendix F, and that the issue was of very low safety significance (i.e., Green). The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Adequately Manage Online Risk for Breaker 1B52-16C Work The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), Requirements for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants, when the licensee failed to adequately manage the risk associated with work on the 480-volt alternating current breaker 1B52 16C, coincident with a large number of other out-of-service components, which resulted in an unplanned risk condition for Unit 1 without the appropriate risk management actions. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly assumed that planned work on breaker 1B52 16C did not render the breaker unavailable, and that the breaker was not utilized in Modes 1, 2, or 3. Consequently, the component was not factored into the Safety Monitor online risk model.
However, breaker 1B52 16C was in fact unavailable and also utilized in abnormal operating procedures for Modes 1, 2 and 3. Therefore, unavailability of the breaker was required to have been factored into Safety Monitor with appropriate risk management actions taken. The licensee took corrective actions to perform an apparent cause evaluation that identified the apparent cause of the issue and recommended a number of corrective actions to address the procedural and human performance deficiencies that were identified.
The finding was greater than minor because the finding was based on incorrect assumptions that changed the outcome of the risk assessment. The inspectors evaluated this finding using the Appendix K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process worksheets of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 because the finding is a maintenance risk assessment issue. Flowchart 1, Assessment of Risk Deficit, requires the inspectors to determine the risk deficit associated with this issue. This finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the incremental core damage probability deficit was less than 1E-6. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action [H.1(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedures for DY-0C Inverter Maintenance A self-revealing finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place to identify improperly installed components prior to the attempted restoration of the DY-0C white channel instrument inverter. Specifically, the routine maintenance procedure did not contain instructions to check for direct current (DC) grounds following maintenance and prior to restoration, which allowed a ground to go undetected and cause a number of unplanned Technical Specification Action Condition (TSAC) entries as well as the unplanned inoperability of the G-01 and G-02 emergency diesel generators and the 2PI 9046 containment pressure indicator. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long-term corrective actions.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the Procedure Quality attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors evaluated the finding using Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, Attachment 1, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification (TS) allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that installation errors would be detected prior to restoration of the DY-0C inverter [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedures for Reduced Inventory With an Intact Reactor Coolant System A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to protect all of the safety equipment necessary for safe shutdown while in reduced inventory with the reactor coolant system (RCS) intact. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that an auxiliary feedwater source and steam generator (SG) were available for decay heat removal when a reduced inventory condition was entered and the RCS was intact. The licensees responses to Generic Letter 88-17, Loss of Decay Heat Removal, indicated that the first drain of the RCS to reduced inventory following shutdown could be accomplished with the RCS intact and reflux cooling (with a SG and auxiliary feedwater source) as an alternate decay heat removal path. The licensee was performing a causal evaluation of this issue and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain RCS Within Procedurally Allowed Level During Reduced Inventory A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of TS 5.4.1, Procedures, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to implement operations procedures to remain above the 3/4 pipe level indications for draining the Reactor Coolant System (RCS) while in reduced inventory. Specifically, during the second planned orange risk condition of the Unit 2 refueling outage to facilitate removal of the Steam Generator nozzle dams, operators drained the RCS below the procedurally required 22 percent level, as indicated by the most conservative reactor vessel level indication. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue and was performing a causal evaluation and developing corrective actions at the end of the assessment period.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it is associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 3. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making and adopt a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed rather than a requirement to demonstrate that it is unsafe in order to disapprove the action [H.1(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Maintenance Procedure for Turbine-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump 2P-29 A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to ensure that procedures associated with the maintenance of the turbine for the turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump were appropriate to the circumstances. Specifically, the licensees maintenance procedures did not address the following significant issues: 1) proper application of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 2) proper cure time of sealant material used on turbine casing joints; 3) prescribed methods for tightening of the oil deflector ring set screw was not discussed; and 4) acceptable clearances between the turbine shaft and the inner diameter of the oil deflector ring were not specified. The licensee took immediate corrective actions to address the issue, conducted a root cause evaluation, and developed corrective actions to address the root causes, contributing causes, and extent of condition associated with this finding.
The finding was more than minor because it affected the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attributes of equipment performance availability and reliability, and maintenance procedure quality, as well as the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of systems. The inspectors evaluated the finding in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The inspectors determined this finding was not a design qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of function per Generic Letter 91-18, did not represent an actual loss of safety function of a system or train of equipment, and was not potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, fire, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. Therefore, the finding was considered to be of very low safety significance (Green). The primary cause of this finding was related to a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance because the licensee failed to ensure that procedures were adequate and accurate to assure nuclear safety [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Dec 31, 2008
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was self revealed upon discovery of the use of a non-conservative setpoint for the Low Temperature Overpressure Protection (LTOP) systems for Units 1 and 2. Specifically, licensee calculation 2000-0001, RCS
[Reactor Coolant System] Pressure and Temperature Limits and Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints Applicable through 32.2 EFPY[Effective Full Power Years] - Unit 1 and 34.0 EFPY - Unit 2, established an LTOP setpoint of 500 pounds per square inch - gauge (psig). However, by using the setpoint calculation methodology of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix G, the resulting LTOP setpoint was calculated to be 420 psig. Therefore, the 500 psig setpoint was found to be non conservative and the LTOP systems were declared inoperable. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the LTOP setpoints from 500 psig to 420 psig and made changes to operating procedures to delineate the acceptable operating conditions of the reactor coolant pumps and charging pumps during low temperature conditions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the human performance attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the non-conservative LTOP setpoint provided reasonable doubt that the integrity of the RCS pressure boundary would be maintained during low temperature conditions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO and the actual setpoint of the power operated relief valves was 415 psig, below the revised LTOP setpoint. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Violation of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c) - Pressure and Temperature Limits Report Not Submitted The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c), Reactor Coolant System Pressure and Temperature Limits Report (PTLR), for the failure to submit a revised PTLR to the NRC for a new fluence period. Specifically, TS 5.6.5(c) required the PTLR be provided to the NRC for each reactor fluence period. Based on the references in TS 5.6.5(b), the fluence period for revision 1 of the PTLR could not be extended past February 2004. The licensee inappropriately extended the existing PTLR applicability limit past this date and did not submit a revised PTLR as required.
Corrective actions included submittal of the revised PTLR (revision 2) on November 15, 2007.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the curve used to define plant operating limits for acceptable pressure and temperature conditions for protection against failure of the reactor vessel was not valid after February 2004. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. Specifically, subsequent calculations using an NRC approved methodology determined that the Point Beach Unit 1 reactor vessel was not outside of the safety limits and was fully capable of performing the required service. The inspectors determined that the finding does not have an associated cross cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
 
Significance: SL-IV Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluations for New Feedwater Heaters A finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)
(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to perform a written evaluation that provided the bases for the determination that the installation of new feedwater heaters did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee performed a written evaluation in June 2008 for the replacement of the feedwater heaters that inappropriately linked two elements of the modification by treating two discrete elements of the modification as interdependent. This resulted in the inappropriate evaluation of both elements together. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and implemented several remedial corrective actions, including the revision of the feedwater heater modification package to keep feedwater temperature in the currently approved range.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, changes made to the plant may inappropriately conclude that prior NRC approval is not required. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The finding would have had greater than very low safety significance if the failure resulted in a change in which the consequence was evaluated as having low to moderate or greater safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, in that, the licensee failed to appropriately coordinate work activities by incorporating actions to address the need for work groups to maintain interfaces with offsite organizations and communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with each other during activities in which interdepartmental coordination is necessary to assure plant and human performance. [H.3 (b)]
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures for Use of the Containment Hatch Doors A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to follow system operating procedure requirements to visually inspect and remove debris from the Unit 1 lower containment airlock door sealing surface upon exit from the airlock, which resulted in the failure of the airlock to meet its post maintenance testing acceptance criteria on September 9, 2008. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee reinforced with the hatch operators the procedural requirements.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO. The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because personnel did not follow procedures. [H.4(b)]
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Maintain Control of Containment Penetration Status A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to maintain adequate control over the status of containment penetrations during the Unit 2 core reload evolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately track the open and closed status of two isolation valves, such that an unexpected pathway from containment to the atmosphere existed. The containment closure checklist indicated that the valves were closed and secured; however, they were in fact open during a period of fuel movement inside containment. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and develop additional long-term corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the failure to maintain the accuracy of the containment closure checklist affected the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of configuration control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents. Specifically, in the event of a fuel handling accident inside containment, the unknown position of these two vent valves could have resulted in the inability to restore containment closure in a timely manor. The finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not meet the criteria for a Phase 2 or Phase 3 Analysis, as specified in Inspection Manual Chapter 0609 Appendix G, Attachment 1, Checklist 4. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in that the licensee failed to use conservative assumptions in decision-making [H.1(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:      Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Adequate Total Effective Dose Equivalent ALARA Evaluations A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1501 was identified by the inspectors for the failure to perform an adequate survey (evaluation) to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment and/or engineering controls so as to maintain the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) as-low-as-is-reasonably achievable (ALARA). Specifically, TEDE ALARA evaluations completed in April 2008 prior to steam generator (SG) maintenance and maintenance support activities did not adequately assess the planned use of engineering controls to reduce the concentration of radioactive material in air. As a result, respirators were specified to be used when not warranted based on the engineering controls to be implemented. As corrective actions, the licensee planned to reevaluate its TEDE ALARA evaluations for pending SG work activities, planned to develop a procedure specific to the performance of these evaluations, and was considering the need for supervisory or health physics staff review of these evaluations. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program as action request (AR) 01125284.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it impacted the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone attribute of program and process and potentially affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that not performing adequate evaluations to determine the use of respiratory protection equipment consistent with the engineering controls for the work would result in additional dose to workers. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it was not an ALARA planning issue, there was no overexposure nor potential for overexposure, and the licensees ability to assess dose was not compromised. The finding was determined to have a cross-cutting aspect in the resource component of the human performance area, because procedures were not adequate to ensure that TEDE ALARA
 
evaluations were performed properly [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Establish Written Procedures to Implement the Effluent Control Program The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to establish written procedures to implement the radioactive effluent control program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual to ensure effluent sample analyses satisfied required detection criteria. Specifically, no process was established to ensure that effluent analysis capabilities for chemistry analytical equipment were periodically demonstrated to meet required lower levels of detection (LLDs). As corrective actions, the licensee subsequently performed LLD determinations for its analytical equipment (gamma spectroscopy system) and developed procedures to ensure LLDs were periodically verified consistent with industry standards.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it affected the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive material released into the public domain. Specifically, given the instability in the licensees gamma spectroscopy system since 2007, as evidenced by repetitive performance check failures, the ability of the equipment to achieve required LLDs could have been impacted or necessitated changes in analysis parameters (such as count times) resulting in non-conservative effluent quantification. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not represent a substantial failure to implement the effluent release program or result in public dose that exceeded specified criterion. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, in that the licensee failed to develop procedures to fully implement its effluent program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM) [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identfication and Resolution Report Summary Based on the samples selected for review, the inspectors concluded that implementation of the corrective action program (CAP) was adequate. The inspectors noted that the licensee has a sufficiently low threshold for identifying issues and entering them in the CAP and established additional directions to ensure a lower threshold was consistently used. Prioritization of items entered in the CAP was adequate with recent improvements that have reduced the action item backlog and allowed the station to focus on higher priority items. The inspectors noted that the licensee entered
 
operating experience into the CAP but did not always fully evaluate the information for applicability to station components. Audits and self assessments were determined to be performed at an appropriate level to identify deficiencies. On the basis of licensee self-assessments and interviews conducted during the inspection, workers at the site expressed freedom to raise safety concerns Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Changes to SI System Valve Back-Seating Procedures The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation, having very low safety significance, of 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, Tests, and Experiments, for the licensee's failure to provide documented basis for determining that changes to procedures did not require prior NRC approval. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly concluded that a 10 CFR 50.59 screening was not required when procedures were revised to eliminate the practice of back-seating normally open gate/globe valves even though the Final Safety Analysis Report stated that normally open gate/globe valves in the Safety Injection (SI) system are back-seated to limit valve stem leakage.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the team could not reasonably determine that the change to the plant procedure which had removed a barrier to release radioactivity into the auxiliary building would not have ultimately required NRC prior approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it only represented a degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Decision Making, because during performance of the 10 CFR 50.59 applicability determination for a procedural change, in March 2008, the licensee made an inappropriate decision by failing to require a screen or full 50.59 evaluation (H.1.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure Completion of New Supervisory Training A Non-Cited Violation of Confirmatory Order EA 06-178 having very low safety significance (Green) was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to ensure that new employees holding supervisory positions and higher were trained on safety conscious work environment (SCWE) principles within nine months of their hire dates, unless they have had the same or equivalent SCWE training within the previous two years of the hire dates. Specifically, the inspectors identified that four new employees holding supervisory positions for greater than nine months of their hire dates as supervisors, had not received SCWE training, nor the same or equivalent training within the previous two years. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had an action by the new supervisor resulted in a violation of 10 CFR 50.7 against an employee. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting area aspect in the area of human performance. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that supervisory and management oversight of the Confirmatory Order actions, such that nuclear safety was supported [H.4(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Corrective Actions to Address Licensee Action Plans A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the failure to take timely and effective
 
corrective actions to address four of nine nuclear safety culture action plans and the quick hitter plans. Specifically, the licensee developed the action plans and quick hitter plans in response to the Confirmatory Order in the first quarter of 2007, to correct longstanding safety culture issues identified by the licensees comprehensive safety culture assessments conducted in 2004 and 2006. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee was performing a causal analysis and developing corrective actions to address the issues identified by the inspectors.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern. The finding would have been greater than very low significance had the failure to take corrective actions resulted in a more safety significant issue as a result of the incomplete action plans. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting area aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution. Specifically, the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
NOTE: All of the specific items from this AV are also tracked as ORDER items in RPS/IR.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Last modified : May 28, 2009
 
Point Beach 1 2Q/2009 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Adequately Control High Winds/Tornado Hazards A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials, within the risk significant areas of the outdoors protected area, that were classified as high winds/tornado hazards in accordance with station procedures PC 99, Tornado Hazards Inspection Checklist, and NP 1.9.6, Plant Cleanliness and Storage. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main transformer lines, auxiliary transformers, and the G 03/G 04 emergency diesel generator building. Once notified, the licensee removed or secured the materials appropriately and entered the issue into its corrective action program. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a root cause evaluation and develop long-term corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee failed to ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of the implementation and follow through of the corrective actions from previous related issues (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Evaluations on Boric Acid Leaks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately perform boric acid leak evaluations for boric acid leaks as required by the Boric Acid Program. The licensee entered this issue into its CAP and was evaluating corrective actions at the end of the inspection period.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The inspectors used Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 4, Phase 1 -
Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008, and determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in exceeding the Technical Specification (TS) limit for identified reactor coolant system (RCS) leakage or affect other mitigating systems resulting in a total loss of their safety function. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee did not effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance and personnel following procedures [H.4(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Inspection Procedure for Containment Polar Crane Structures A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have inspection procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 containment polar cranes and their integral support structures. Specifically, station routine maintenance procedure 1(2) RMP 9118 1(2), Containment Building Crane OSHA Operability Inspections, did not require that the polar crane lateral restraint bolts be inspected to ensure that they do not show signs of degradation or movement, e.g., flaking paint or being backed out of position. As a result, improperly installed bolts went undiscovered by the licensee until a failed bolt was found on October 16, 2008, lying on the containment floor. The discovery prompted further inspection of the entire crane support structure and led to the de rating of the polar cranes lifting capacity from 100 tons to 40 tons. In addition to conducting an extent-of-condition inspection, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program (CAP), replaced all degraded bolts, and performed an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Specifically, failing to visually inspect critical bolting locations on crane supports could have allowed the use of the polar crane for heavy load lifts while in a degraded condition, increasing the likelihood of a load drop. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP
[Significance Determination Process], dated February 28, 2005. The issue did not need a quantitative assessment and screened as Green using Figure 1. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, for the failure to have complete and accurate procedures in place. Specifically, the vague and insufficient detail in the crane inspection procedures contributed to the licensees failure to perform an adequate inspection to identify degraded components prior to their failure [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Seismic Assessment Of Temporary Cable Installations Above Motor-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 4160-volt cables installed for proposed auxiliary feedwater (AFW) pump motor replacements were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, no seismic design evaluation was completed prior to the installation of the cable coils suspended above the existing motor-driven AFW pumps for over 6 months. In response to the issue, the licensee installed a new restraint designed to meet seismic criteria and completed calculations that showed the as-left condition of the modification did not challenge operability.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies
 
into work plans (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Technical Specification Limit Value For The 48-Hour Diesel Fuel Oil Storage Volume The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the diesel fuel oil storage volume for the emergency diesel generators (EDGs). Specifically, the licensee failed to account for the fuel consumption of a second EDG when establishing the value for the Technical Specification limit for the 48-hour diesel fuel oil storage volume.
In response to the issue, the licensee implemented compensatory actions to maintain an adequate fuel volume.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring availability of the EDG to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors determined that the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality and the finding screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet. The inspectors did not identify a cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency occurred many years ago.
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Work Instructions For South Service Water Header Work
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criteria V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have work instructions and procedures commensurate with the risk associated with maintenance on the south service water (SW) system header. Specifically, the licensee did not have work instructions and procedures that assigned appropriate operator actions and contained contingency plans to rapidly restore the header to service if directed by the shift manager. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action system and made procedure changes for work affecting the operability of a SW header.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of procedure quality and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the work instructions for the maintenance activity did not incorporate the risk associated with the loss of all SW, since this system is the only safety-related system that provides cooling water to plant systems required to respond to initiating events. The inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies into work plans (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Of Diesel Fuel Oil Tank Vent For Tornado Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to fully incorporate applicable tornado missile
 
protection design requirements into the design of the A train diesel fuel oil storage and transfer system. Specifically, the T-175A underground fuel oil storage tank vent line was found not capable of withstanding the effects of a design basis tornado missile strike without resulting in the subsequent loss of capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety functions. The licensee performed a prompt operability determination, concluded that the system was operable but non conforming, and put in place compensatory measures until the design deficiency had been resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Design Control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, closure of the T 175A vent path would adversely affect the availability, reliability, and capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety-related functions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding as the performance deficiency occurred in the 1990s and was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Recognize Unit 1 Component Cooling Water Pump Was Inoperable On January 1, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.7, Component Cooling Water (CCW) System, for the failure to recognize that the Unit 1 1P-11B CCW pump was inoperable. Consequently, the licensee failed to take actions in accordance with TS for an inoperable CCW pump. Specifically, on January 1, 2009, auxiliary operators added a full reservoir (bubbler) of oil to the inboard bearing for the second time in 24 hours, due to an oil leak. This abnormal condition was not appropriately characterized by the licensee until after two more oil additions, when a condition report was written to document the oil addition on January 5, 2009. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008.
The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its TS allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues.
Specifically, licensee personnel failed on three occasions to enter the oil additions into the corrective action program which would have required a Senior Reactor Operator to screen the condition for operability [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Promptly Correct Component Cooling Water Pump Oil Leak On January 27, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality associated with an inboard oil leak on the Unit 1 1P11-B component cooling water (CCW) pump identified on January 27, 2009. Consequently, the CCW pump operated in a degraded condition until the pump was taken out-of-service to address inboard bearing oil leaks on January 31 and February 1, 2009. Specifically, on January 27, 2009, a condition report was written documenting an inboard bearing leak; however, the immediate operability screening was incorrect and the licensees screening process failed to ensure prompt corrective actions were taken to address this condition adverse to quality. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the identified problem while classifying, prioritizing and evaluating for operability and reportability of this condition adverse to quality. Specifically, licensee personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the condition adverse to quality associated with the 1P-11B CCW pump on January 27, 2009, such that the prompt corrective actions were appropriately prioritized and evaluated [P.1(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Adequately Input Mechanism Operated Control Switch Failure Evaluations and Recommendations Into Maintenance Procedures A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V,  Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures for Mechanism Operated Cell (MOC) switches. Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the MOC switch preventative maintenance procedures for specific inspection and verification actions at the frequency, and with actions, recommended by causal evaluations and the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program and was evaluating corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the issue would lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the failure to identify degraded hardware on a MOC switch could lead to the failure of associated safety related equipment and alarms. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate problems such that the resolutions addressed causes and extent of condition as necessary (P.1(c)).
 
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inverter Maintenance Procedures Did Not Include Steps For Capacitor Replacement
. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place for certain safety-related inverters.
Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the routine maintenance procedure (RMP) 9036 series maintenance procedures for periodic replacement of the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI-model inverters as recommended by the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program, scheduled replacement of the capacitors, and was further evaluating the vendor recommendation.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more safety significant concern. Not replacing the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI inverters based on the vendor recommended life could result in the failure of the inverter to perform their safety function and respond to initiating events. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations," dated January 10, 2008. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to implement and institutionalize operating experience, including vendor recommendations, through changes to station procedures (P.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance: SL-III Mar 09, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Notify NRC of Licensed Operator Medical Restrictions in accordance with 10 CFR 50.9 and 55.23.
During a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection conducted on November 25, 2008 through March 9, 2009, violations of NRC requirements were identified. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, the violations are listed below:
: 1. Title 10 CFR 50.74(c) requires that each licensee notify the appropriate NRC Regional Administrator within 30 days of a permanent disability or illness, as described in 10 CFR 55.25, of a licensed operator or a senior operator.
Contrary to the above, from May 1999 until October 20, 2008, a period greater than 30 days, the licensee failed to notify the NRC Region III Regional Administrator of a permanent disability or illness of a licensed operator. Specifically, the licensee was informed in February 1993 that the non-licensed operator was taking prescribed medication for hypertension, a permanent disability or illness. The non-licensed operator applied for an NRC operating license in May 1999. The NRC issued the operator a reactor operator license August 27, 1999, and a senior reactor operator license on February 22, 2002, with no restrictions. The licensee did not inform the NRC of the operators medical condition until October 20, 2008.
: 2. Title 10 CFR 50.9 requires, in part, that information provided to the Commission by an applicant for a license or by a licensee or information required by statute or by the Commissions regulations, Orders, or license conditions to be maintained by the applicant or the licensee shall be complete and accurate in all material respects. Title 10 CFR 55.23 requires, in part, that to certify the medical fitness of the applicant, an authorized representative of the facility licensee shall complete and sign NRC Form 396, "Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee." The NRC Form 396, when signed by an authorized representative of the facility licensee, certifies that a physician conducted a medical examination of the applicant and that the guidance contained in American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society (ANSI/ANS) Standard 3.4-1996, Medical Certification and Monitoring of Personnel Requiring Operator Licenses for Nuclear Power Plants was followed in conducting the examination and making the determination of medical qualification.
The ANSI/ANS 3.4-1996, Section 5.3, provides, in part, that the presence of certain medical conditions, unless adequately compensated by the methods specified in Subsections 5.3.1 through 5.3.9, shall disqualify the individual.
 
Contrary to the above, on January 28, 2008, the facility licensee provided information to the NRC that was not complete and accurate in all material respects. Specifically, the licensee submitted an NRC Form 396 for renewal of a senior reactor operators license and the NRC Form 396 certified that the applicant met the medical requirements of ANSI/ANS 3.4 1996 with no restrictions. However, In February 1993, the operator was prescribed medication to adequately compensate for a disqualifying medical condition. The certification by the senior licensee facility representative was material to the NRC because the NRC relied upon this certification to renew the senior reactor operators license pursuant to 10 CFR Part 55 when the license should have been modified with a restriction that the senior reactor operator was required to take medication as prescribed to maintain his qualification.
This is a Severity Level III problem (Supplement VII).
The associated two AVs 2009-008-01 and 2009-008-02 were combined to form this one SLiii Problem.
Inspection Report# : 2009009 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Draindown of Reactor Coolant System with Inaccurate Pressurizer Level Indication Due to Inadequate Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the draindown of the reactor coolant system (RCS) from a solid plant condition. Specifically, procedure OP-4D, Draining the Reactor Coolant System, did not require that the pressurizer level instrumentation reference line be filled within a defined period of time to ensure that the pressurizer level instrumentation functioned properly prior to draining the RCS. This resulted in the licensee draining approximately 2,000 gallons of RCS from the pressurizer without a valid control room indication of pressurizer level. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the procedure deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of operating procedure quality and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the pressurizer level instrumentation is utilized during shutdowns to detect and manually initiate mitigating actions for uncontrolled RCS inventory reductions. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP
[Significance Determination Process], dated February 28, 2005. The inspectors used Checklist 2 contained in  and determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding increased the likelihood of loss of RCS inventory based on level deviation in the control room (Section II.A. of Checklist 2). The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends associated with the pressurizer level instrumentation in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Install Unit 1 Debris Interceptors in Accordance with Installation Work Order The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to appropriately implement work orders for the installation of the Z-296-B3 debris interceptor. As a result, this portion of the modification was not installed as designed when the modification was completed and the Unit 1 reactor transitioned to Mode 3. The licensee took remedial corrective actions to correct the installation deficiency and at the end of the inspection period,
 
the licensee continued to perform an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attributes of initial modification design control and human performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of safety function, or represent a single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification-allowed outage time, and was not potentially risk-significant for external events. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because personnel work practices for the installation did not utilize the available human error prevention techniques, specifically self and peer checking, and the use of a questioning attitude [H.4(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Have Adequate Maintenance Procedures for Service Water Pump Replacements A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to properly rig and install the P-32E service water pump shaft on June 7, 2006. The bent pump shaft subsequently led to high pump vibrations and pump inoperability in excess of Technical Specification Action Condition completion time in February 2008.
Specifically, the licensee determined that Routine Maintenance Procedure (RMP), RMP 9216-2, Service Water Pump Removal, Installation, and Maintenance, lacked adequate installation and rigging instructions to ensure excessive force was not applied to the shaft during installation. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the RMP to include proper installation and rigging instructions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Tables 3b and 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, there was no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, because licensee procedures were not complete or adequate to ensure that the P-32E pump shaft was rigged and installed without damage to the shaft. [H.2(c)]
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Equalizing Charge Voltage Not Bounded by Battery Room Hydrogen Generation Calculation A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the team for the failure to ensure that the design limit established in a design basis calculation, used to determine safety-related batteries hydrogen generation rate, bounded the value used in a maintenance procedure for a safety related component. During the inspection, the licensee evaluated and
 
determined that the effect of the higher hydrogen gas generation did not have an impact on the operability of the batteries and the ventilation system.
The finding was greater than minor because the lack of adequate design control process resulted in increase of hydrogen generation levels and in a reasonable doubt of operability of the 125-Volt direct current system. The finding was determined to be of very low significance, because it was a design deficiency that did not result in actual loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it is not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:      Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Design Basis for Primary Auxiliary Building Heat-up A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the team for the failure to verify the accuracy of design using alternative or simplified calculational methods or by the performance of a suitable testing program. Specifically, the licensee used non-conservative field test data as a basis for the design temperatures given in the equipment qualification (EQ) manual for components in the auxiliary building, resulting in specified design temperatures for some safety related components that may be as much as approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit less than calculated worst case accident condition temperatures. The licensee re-evaluated the consequences of the higher temperatures and concluded the equipment remained operable.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if the EQ design temperatures were left uncorrected, this deficiency could lead to inadequately qualified replacement parts or inadequately designed plant modifications in the future. The finding was determined to be of very low significance because, by the end of the inspection, the licensee was able to show that all affected components were capable of performing their safety related functions under the higher than previously anticipated temperatures. The team did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:      Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Ability to Transfer Fuel Oil Between EDG Fuel Oil Tanks T-175A/B Has Not Been Demonstrated by Testing A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, was identified by the team for the failure to test the components used for transfer of fuel oil between two underground storage tanks that support emergency diesel generator (EDG) operation. Specifically, the licensee has not demonstrated the transfer of fuel between tanks T-175A and T-175B as credited in the Technical Specification (TS) Basis and Updated Safety Analysis Report. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and prepared to test these components.
This finding was determined to be more than miner because the failure to verify the transfer capability affected the ability to ensure emergency power availability for greater than two days. This finding was screened as very low safety significance because it was a deficiency that did not result in the loss of safety function. This finding does not have a cross-cutting aspect because it was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance:      Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation RHR Pump Suction Pressure Gages Repeatedly Found To Be Out Of Tolerance A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B,
 
Criterion XII, Control of Measuring and Test Equipment, was identified by the team for the failure to correct a known trend of out of tolerance (OOT) test pressure gauge which were used in a critical In Service Test (IST) Program performance test of the residual heat removal (RHR) pumps for Units 1 and 2. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action and confirmed operability of the RHR pumps.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, since the cause of the high frequency OOT conditions for these pressure gauges has not been identified, it could be assumed that this instrumentation could be out of tolerance in a non-conservative manner.
The finding was determined to be of very low significance because the comprehensive IST performance test conducted during the 2008 refueling outage showed that the actual test results were within the acceptable band, thereby confirming that operability and functionality of the RHR pumps had not been lost. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate resources were available to minimize long-standing equipment issues (H.2(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was self revealed upon discovery of the use of a non-conservative setpoint for the Low Temperature Overpressure Protection (LTOP) systems for Units 1 and 2. Specifically, licensee calculation 2000-0001, RCS
[Reactor Coolant System] Pressure and Temperature Limits and Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints Applicable through 32.2 EFPY[Effective Full Power Years] - Unit 1 and 34.0 EFPY - Unit 2, established an LTOP setpoint of 500 pounds per square inch - gauge (psig). However, by using the setpoint calculation methodology of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix G, the resulting LTOP setpoint was calculated to be 420 psig. Therefore, the 500 psig setpoint was found to be non conservative and the LTOP systems were declared inoperable. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the LTOP setpoints from 500 psig to 420 psig and made changes to operating procedures to delineate the acceptable operating conditions of the reactor coolant pumps and charging pumps during low temperature conditions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the human performance attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the non-conservative LTOP setpoint provided reasonable doubt that the integrity of the RCS pressure boundary would be maintained during low temperature conditions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO and the actual setpoint of the power operated relief valves was 415 psig, below the revised LTOP setpoint. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Violation of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c) - Pressure and Temperature Limits Report Not Submitted The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c), Reactor Coolant System Pressure and Temperature Limits Report (PTLR), for the failure to submit a revised PTLR to the NRC for a new fluence period. Specifically, TS 5.6.5(c) required the PTLR be provided to the NRC for each reactor fluence period. Based on the references in TS 5.6.5(b), the fluence period for revision 1 of the PTLR could not be extended past February 2004. The licensee inappropriately extended the existing PTLR applicability limit past this date and did not submit a revised PTLR as required.
Corrective actions included submittal of the revised PTLR (revision 2) on November 15, 2007.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the curve used to define plant operating limits for acceptable pressure and temperature conditions for protection against failure of the reactor vessel was not valid after February 2004. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. Specifically, subsequent calculations using an NRC approved methodology determined that the Point Beach Unit 1 reactor vessel was not outside of the safety limits and was fully capable of performing the required service. The inspectors determined that the finding does not have an associated cross cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluations for New Feedwater Heaters A finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)
(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to perform a written evaluation that provided the bases for the determination that the installation of new feedwater heaters did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee performed a written evaluation in June 2008 for the replacement of the feedwater heaters that inappropriately linked two elements of the modification by treating two discrete elements of the modification as interdependent. This resulted in the inappropriate evaluation of both elements together. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a causal evaluation and implemented several remedial corrective actions, including the revision of the feedwater heater modification package to keep feedwater temperature in the currently approved range.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the finding would become a more significant safety concern, in that, changes made to the plant may inappropriately conclude that prior NRC approval is not required. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. The finding would have had greater than very low safety significance if the failure resulted in a change in which the consequence was evaluated as having low to moderate or greater safety significance. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, in that, the licensee failed to appropriately coordinate work activities by incorporating actions to address the need for work groups to maintain interfaces with offsite organizations and communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with each other during activities in which interdepartmental coordination is necessary to assure plant and human performance. [H.3 (b)]
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Procedures for Use of the Containment Hatch Doors A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B,
 
Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to follow system operating procedure requirements to visually inspect and remove debris from the Unit 1 lower containment airlock door sealing surface upon exit from the airlock, which resulted in the failure of the airlock to meet its post maintenance testing acceptance criteria on September 9, 2008. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee reinforced with the hatch operators the procedural requirements.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of human performance and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO. The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because personnel did not follow procedures. [H.4(b)]
Inspection Report# : 2008004 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Establish Written Procedures to Implement the Effluent Control Program The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to establish written procedures to implement the radioactive effluent control program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual to ensure effluent sample analyses satisfied required detection criteria. Specifically, no process was established to ensure that effluent analysis capabilities for chemistry analytical equipment were periodically demonstrated to meet required lower levels of detection (LLDs). As corrective actions, the licensee subsequently performed LLD determinations for its analytical equipment (gamma spectroscopy system) and developed procedures to ensure LLDs were periodically verified consistent with industry standards.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it affected the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive material released into the public domain. Specifically, given the instability in the licensees gamma spectroscopy system since 2007, as evidenced by repetitive performance check failures, the ability of the equipment to achieve required LLDs could have been impacted or necessitated changes in analysis parameters (such as count times) resulting in non-conservative effluent quantification. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not represent a substantial failure to implement the effluent release program or result in public dose that exceeded specified criterion. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, in that the licensee failed to develop procedures to fully implement its effluent program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM) [H.2(c)].
 
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identfication and Resolution Report Summary Based on the samples selected for review, the inspectors concluded that implementation of the corrective action program (CAP) was adequate. The inspectors noted that the licensee has a sufficiently low threshold for identifying issues and entering them in the CAP and established additional directions to ensure a lower threshold was consistently used. Prioritization of items entered in the CAP was adequate with recent improvements that have reduced the action item backlog and allowed the station to focus on higher priority items. The inspectors noted that the licensee entered operating experience into the CAP but did not always fully evaluate the information for applicability to station components. Audits and self assessments were determined to be performed at an appropriate level to identify deficiencies. On the basis of licensee self-assessments and interviews conducted during the inspection, workers at the site expressed freedom to raise safety concerns Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Jul 25, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation for Changes to SI System Valve Back-Seating Procedures The inspectors identified a Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation, having very low safety significance, of 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, Tests, and Experiments, for the licensee's failure to provide documented basis for determining that changes to procedures did not require prior NRC approval. Specifically, the licensee incorrectly concluded that a 10 CFR 50.59 screening was not required when procedures were revised to eliminate the practice of back-seating normally open gate/globe valves even though the Final Safety Analysis Report stated that normally open gate/globe valves in the Safety Injection (SI) system are back-seated to limit valve stem leakage.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the team could not reasonably determine that the change to the plant procedure which had removed a barrier to release radioactivity into the auxiliary building would not have ultimately required NRC prior approval. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because it only represented a degradation of the radiological barrier function provided for the auxiliary building. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Decision Making, because during performance of the 10 CFR 50.59 applicability determination for a procedural change, in March 2008, the licensee made an inappropriate decision by failing to require a screen or full 50.59 evaluation (H.1.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2008009 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order
 
to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
NOTE: All of the specific items from this AV are also tracked as ORDER items in RPS/IR.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Last modified : August 31, 2009
 
Point Beach 1 3Q/2009 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Adequately Control High Winds/Tornado Hazards A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials, within the risk significant areas of the outdoors protected area, that were classified as high winds/tornado hazards in accordance with station procedures PC 99, Tornado Hazards Inspection Checklist, and NP 1.9.6, Plant Cleanliness and Storage. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main transformer lines, auxiliary transformers, and the G 03/G 04 emergency diesel generator building. Once notified, the licensee removed or secured the materials appropriately and entered the issue into its corrective action program. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a root cause evaluation and develop long-term corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee failed to ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of the implementation and follow through of the corrective actions from previous related issues (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Evaluations on Boric Acid Leaks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to adequately perform boric acid leak evaluations for boric acid leaks as required by the Boric Acid Program. The licensee entered this issue into its CAP and was evaluating corrective actions at the end of the inspection period.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the human performance attribute of the Initiating Events Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The inspectors used Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 4, Phase 1 -
Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Initiating Events Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008, and determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in exceeding the Technical Specification (TS) limit for identified reactor coolant system (RCS) leakage or affect other mitigating systems resulting in a total loss of their safety function. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee did not effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance and personnel following procedures [H.4(b)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Inspection Procedure for Containment Polar Crane Structures A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have inspection procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 containment polar cranes and their integral support structures. Specifically, station routine maintenance procedure 1(2) RMP 9118 1(2), Containment Building Crane OSHA Operability Inspections, did not require that the polar crane lateral restraint bolts be inspected to ensure that they do not show signs of degradation or movement, e.g., flaking paint or being backed out of position. As a result, improperly installed bolts went undiscovered by the licensee until a failed bolt was found on October 16, 2008, lying on the containment floor. The discovery prompted further inspection of the entire crane support structure and led to the de rating of the polar cranes lifting capacity from 100 tons to 40 tons. In addition to conducting an extent-of-condition inspection, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program (CAP), replaced all degraded bolts, and performed an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that challenge critical safety functions during shutdown. Specifically, failing to visually inspect critical bolting locations on crane supports could have allowed the use of the polar crane for heavy load lifts while in a degraded condition, increasing the likelihood of a load drop. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP
[Significance Determination Process], dated February 28, 2005. The issue did not need a quantitative assessment and screened as Green using Figure 1. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, for the failure to have complete and accurate procedures in place. Specifically, the vague and insufficient detail in the crane inspection procedures contributed to the licensees failure to perform an adequate inspection to identify degraded components prior to their failure [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Seismic Assessment Of Temporary Cable Installations Above Motor-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 4160-volt cables installed for proposed auxiliary feedwater (AFW) pump motor replacements were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, no seismic design evaluation was completed prior to the installation of the cable coils suspended above the existing motor-driven AFW pumps for over 6 months. In response to the issue, the licensee installed a new restraint designed to meet seismic criteria and completed calculations that showed the as-left condition of the modification did not challenge operability.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies into work plans (H.3(a)).
 
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Technical Specification Limit Value For The 48-Hour Diesel Fuel Oil Storage Volume The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the diesel fuel oil storage volume for the emergency diesel generators (EDGs). Specifically, the licensee failed to account for the fuel consumption of a second EDG when establishing the value for the Technical Specification limit for the 48-hour diesel fuel oil storage volume.
In response to the issue, the licensee implemented compensatory actions to maintain an adequate fuel volume.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring availability of the EDG to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors determined that the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality and the finding screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet. The inspectors did not identify a cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency occurred many years ago.
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Work Instructions For South Service Water Header Work
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criteria V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have work instructions and procedures commensurate with the risk associated with maintenance on the south service water (SW) system header. Specifically, the licensee did not have work instructions and procedures that assigned appropriate operator actions and contained contingency plans to rapidly restore the header to service if directed by the shift manager. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action system and made procedure changes for work affecting the operability of a SW header.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of procedure quality and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the work instructions for the maintenance activity did not incorporate the risk associated with the loss of all SW, since this system is the only safety-related system that provides cooling water to plant systems required to respond to initiating events. The inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies into work plans (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Of Diesel Fuel Oil Tank Vent For Tornado Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to fully incorporate applicable tornado missile protection design requirements into the design of the A train diesel fuel oil storage and transfer system. Specifically, the T-175A underground fuel oil storage tank vent line was found not capable of withstanding the effects of a design
 
basis tornado missile strike without resulting in the subsequent loss of capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety functions. The licensee performed a prompt operability determination, concluded that the system was operable but non conforming, and put in place compensatory measures until the design deficiency had been resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Design Control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, closure of the T 175A vent path would adversely affect the availability, reliability, and capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety-related functions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding as the performance deficiency occurred in the 1990s and was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Recognize Unit 1 Component Cooling Water Pump Was Inoperable On January 1, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.7, Component Cooling Water (CCW) System, for the failure to recognize that the Unit 1 1P-11B CCW pump was inoperable. Consequently, the licensee failed to take actions in accordance with TS for an inoperable CCW pump. Specifically, on January 1, 2009, auxiliary operators added a full reservoir (bubbler) of oil to the inboard bearing for the second time in 24 hours, due to an oil leak. This abnormal condition was not appropriately characterized by the licensee until after two more oil additions, when a condition report was written to document the oil addition on January 5, 2009. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008.
The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its TS allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues.
Specifically, licensee personnel failed on three occasions to enter the oil additions into the corrective action program which would have required a Senior Reactor Operator to screen the condition for operability [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Promptly Correct Component Cooling Water Pump Oil Leak On January 27, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality associated with an inboard oil leak on the Unit 1 1P11-B component cooling water (CCW) pump identified on January 27, 2009. Consequently, the CCW pump operated in a degraded condition until the pump was taken out-of-service to address inboard bearing oil leaks on January 31 and February 1, 2009. Specifically, on January 27, 2009, a condition report was written documenting an inboard bearing leak; however, the immediate operability screening was incorrect and the licensees screening process failed to ensure prompt corrective actions were taken to address this condition adverse to quality. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the identified problem while classifying, prioritizing and evaluating for operability and reportability of this condition adverse to quality. Specifically, licensee personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the condition adverse to quality associated with the 1P-11B CCW pump on January 27, 2009, such that the prompt corrective actions were appropriately prioritized and evaluated [P.1(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Adequately Input Mechanism Operated Control Switch Failure Evaluations and Recommendations Into Maintenance Procedures A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V,  Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures for Mechanism Operated Cell (MOC) switches. Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the MOC switch preventative maintenance procedures for specific inspection and verification actions at the frequency, and with actions, recommended by causal evaluations and the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program and was evaluating corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the issue would lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the failure to identify degraded hardware on a MOC switch could lead to the failure of associated safety related equipment and alarms. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate problems such that the resolutions addressed causes and extent of condition as necessary (P.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 27, 2009
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inverter Maintenance Procedures Did Not Include Steps For Capacitor Replacement
. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place for certain safety-related inverters.
Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the routine maintenance procedure (RMP) 9036 series maintenance procedures for periodic replacement of the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI-model inverters as recommended by the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program, scheduled replacement of the capacitors, and was further evaluating the vendor recommendation.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more safety significant concern. Not replacing the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI inverters based on the vendor recommended life could result in the failure of the inverter to perform their safety function and respond to initiating events. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations," dated January 10, 2008. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to implement and institutionalize operating experience, including vendor recommendations, through changes to station procedures (P.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance: SL-III Mar 09, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Notify NRC of Licensed Operator Medical Restrictions in accordance with 10 CFR 50.9 and 55.23.
During a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection conducted on November 25, 2008 through March 9, 2009, violations of NRC requirements were identified. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, the violations are listed below:
: 1. Title 10 CFR 50.74(c) requires that each licensee notify the appropriate NRC Regional Administrator within 30 days of a permanent disability or illness, as described in 10 CFR 55.25, of a licensed operator or a senior operator.
Contrary to the above, from May 1999 until October 20, 2008, a period greater than 30 days, the licensee failed to notify the NRC Region III Regional Administrator of a permanent disability or illness of a licensed operator. Specifically, the licensee was informed in February 1993 that the non-licensed operator was taking prescribed medication for hypertension, a permanent disability or illness. The non-licensed operator applied for an NRC operating license in May 1999. The NRC issued the operator a reactor operator license August 27, 1999, and a senior reactor operator license on February 22, 2002, with no restrictions. The licensee did not inform the NRC of the operators medical condition until October 20, 2008.
: 2. Title 10 CFR 50.9 requires, in part, that information provided to the Commission by an applicant for a license or by a licensee or information required by statute or by the Commissions regulations, Orders, or license conditions to be maintained by the applicant or the licensee shall be complete and accurate in all material respects. Title 10 CFR 55.23 requires, in part, that to certify the medical fitness of the applicant, an authorized representative of the facility licensee shall complete and sign NRC Form 396, "Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee." The NRC Form 396, when signed by an authorized representative of the facility licensee, certifies that a physician conducted a medical examination of the applicant and that the guidance contained in American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society (ANSI/ANS) Standard 3.4-1996, Medical Certification and Monitoring of Personnel Requiring Operator Licenses for Nuclear Power Plants was followed in conducting the examination and making the determination of medical qualification.
The ANSI/ANS 3.4-1996, Section 5.3, provides, in part, that the presence of certain medical conditions, unless adequately compensated by the methods specified in Subsections 5.3.1 through 5.3.9, shall disqualify the individual.
Contrary to the above, on January 28, 2008, the facility licensee provided information to the NRC that was not complete and accurate in all material respects. Specifically, the licensee submitted an NRC Form 396 for renewal of a senior reactor operators license and the NRC Form 396 certified that the applicant met the medical requirements of ANSI/ANS 3.4 1996 with no restrictions. However, In February 1993, the operator was prescribed medication to adequately compensate for a disqualifying medical condition. The certification by the senior licensee facility
 
representative was material to the NRC because the NRC relied upon this certification to renew the senior reactor operators license pursuant to 10 CFR Part 55 when the license should have been modified with a restriction that the senior reactor operator was required to take medication as prescribed to maintain his qualification.
This is a Severity Level III problem (Supplement VII).
The associated two AVs 2009-008-01 and 2009-008-02 were combined to form this one SLiii Problem.
Inspection Report# : 2009004 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2009009 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Draindown of Reactor Coolant System with Inaccurate Pressurizer Level Indication Due to Inadequate Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self revealed for the failure to have procedures appropriate to the circumstances for the draindown of the reactor coolant system (RCS) from a solid plant condition. Specifically, procedure OP-4D, Draining the Reactor Coolant System, did not require that the pressurizer level instrumentation reference line be filled within a defined period of time to ensure that the pressurizer level instrumentation functioned properly prior to draining the RCS. This resulted in the licensee draining approximately 2,000 gallons of RCS from the pressurizer without a valid control room indication of pressurizer level. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the procedure deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of operating procedure quality and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the pressurizer level instrumentation is utilized during shutdowns to detect and manually initiate mitigating actions for uncontrolled RCS inventory reductions. The inspectors determined that the finding could be evaluated in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix G, Shutdown Operations SDP
[Significance Determination Process], dated February 28, 2005. The inspectors used Checklist 2 contained in  and determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding increased the likelihood of loss of RCS inventory based on level deviation in the control room (Section II.A. of Checklist 2). The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to take appropriate corrective actions to address safety issues and adverse trends associated with the pressurizer level instrumentation in a timely manner, commensurate with their safety significance and complexity [P.1(d)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Appropriately Install Unit 1 Debris Interceptors in Accordance with Installation Work Order The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the failure to appropriately implement work orders for the installation of the Z-296-B3 debris interceptor. As a result, this portion of the modification was not installed as designed when the modification was completed and the Unit 1 reactor transitioned to Mode 3. The licensee took remedial corrective actions to correct the installation deficiency and at the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform an apparent cause evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attributes of initial modification design control and human performance, and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent
 
undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent an actual loss of safety function, or represent a single train loss of safety function for greater than the Technical Specification-allowed outage time, and was not potentially risk-significant for external events. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because personnel work practices for the installation did not utilize the available human error prevention techniques, specifically self and peer checking, and the use of a questioning attitude [H.4(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints A finding of very low safety significance and associated NCV of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was self revealed upon discovery of the use of a non-conservative setpoint for the Low Temperature Overpressure Protection (LTOP) systems for Units 1 and 2. Specifically, licensee calculation 2000-0001, RCS
[Reactor Coolant System] Pressure and Temperature Limits and Low Temperature Overpressure Protection Setpoints Applicable through 32.2 EFPY[Effective Full Power Years] - Unit 1 and 34.0 EFPY - Unit 2, established an LTOP setpoint of 500 pounds per square inch - gauge (psig). However, by using the setpoint calculation methodology of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix G, the resulting LTOP setpoint was calculated to be 420 psig. Therefore, the 500 psig setpoint was found to be non conservative and the LTOP systems were declared inoperable. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee revised the LTOP setpoints from 500 psig to 420 psig and made changes to operating procedures to delineate the acceptable operating conditions of the reactor coolant pumps and charging pumps during low temperature conditions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the human performance attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, such as containment, protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the non-conservative LTOP setpoint provided reasonable doubt that the integrity of the RCS pressure boundary would be maintained during low temperature conditions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because all of the questions in the containment barrier column of Table 4a were answered NO and the actual setpoint of the power operated relief valves was 415 psig, below the revised LTOP setpoint. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Violation of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c) - Pressure and Temperature Limits Report Not Submitted The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Severity Level IV Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.6.5(c), Reactor Coolant System Pressure and Temperature Limits Report
 
(PTLR), for the failure to submit a revised PTLR to the NRC for a new fluence period. Specifically, TS 5.6.5(c) required the PTLR be provided to the NRC for each reactor fluence period. Based on the references in TS 5.6.5(b), the fluence period for revision 1 of the PTLR could not be extended past February 2004. The licensee inappropriately extended the existing PTLR applicability limit past this date and did not submit a revised PTLR as required.
Corrective actions included submittal of the revised PTLR (revision 2) on November 15, 2007.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the design control attribute of the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, the curve used to define plant operating limits for acceptable pressure and temperature conditions for protection against failure of the reactor vessel was not valid after February 2004. The finding is not suitable for Significance Determination Process evaluation under the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, but has been reviewed by NRC management and is determined to be a finding of very low safety significance. Specifically, subsequent calculations using an NRC approved methodology determined that the Point Beach Unit 1 reactor vessel was not outside of the safety limits and was fully capable of performing the required service. The inspectors determined that the finding does not have an associated cross cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 31, 2008 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Establish Written Procedures to Implement the Effluent Control Program The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1 for the failure to establish written procedures to implement the radioactive effluent control program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual to ensure effluent sample analyses satisfied required detection criteria. Specifically, no process was established to ensure that effluent analysis capabilities for chemistry analytical equipment were periodically demonstrated to meet required lower levels of detection (LLDs). As corrective actions, the licensee subsequently performed LLD determinations for its analytical equipment (gamma spectroscopy system) and developed procedures to ensure LLDs were periodically verified consistent with industry standards.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it affected the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radioactive material released into the public domain. Specifically, given the instability in the licensees gamma spectroscopy system since 2007, as evidenced by repetitive performance check failures, the ability of the equipment to achieve required LLDs could have been impacted or necessitated changes in analysis parameters (such as count times) resulting in non-conservative effluent quantification. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not represent a substantial failure to implement the effluent release program or result in public dose that exceeded specified criterion. The inspectors also determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources component, in that the licensee failed to develop procedures to fully implement its effluent program as provided in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM) [H.2(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2008005 (pdf)
 
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identfication and Resolution Report Summary Based on the samples selected for review, the inspectors concluded that implementation of the corrective action program (CAP) was adequate. The inspectors noted that the licensee has a sufficiently low threshold for identifying issues and entering them in the CAP and established additional directions to ensure a lower threshold was consistently used. Prioritization of items entered in the CAP was adequate with recent improvements that have reduced the action item backlog and allowed the station to focus on higher priority items. The inspectors noted that the licensee entered operating experience into the CAP but did not always fully evaluate the information for applicability to station components. Audits and self assessments were determined to be performed at an appropriate level to identify deficiencies. On the basis of licensee self-assessments and interviews conducted during the inspection, workers at the site expressed freedom to raise safety concerns Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Dec 31, 2006 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation NRC to Review Items in Confirmatory Order Dated January 3, 2007, for Employment Discrimination Settlement.
In a {{letter dated|date=January 3, 2007|text=letter dated January 3, 2007}} (ADAMS Accession Number ML063630336), the NRC issued a Confirmatory Order to the licensee as part of a settlement agreement through the NRCs Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
The NRC investigated an alleged violation of 10 CFR 50.7, Employee Protection, to determine whether a senior reactor operator was the subject of retaliation for raising a nuclear safety concern in the licensees corrective action program. This issue was resolved through the NRCs ADR program and will be tracked as Apparent Violation (AV) 05000266/2006013-05; 05000301/2006013-05 pending NRC review of the licensees completion of items specified in the Confirmatory Order.
NOTE: All of the specific items from this AV are also tracked as ORDER items in RPS/IR.
Inspection Report# : 2006013 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2008003 (pdf)
Last modified : December 10, 2009
 
Point Beach 1 4Q/2009 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Adequately Control High Winds/Tornado Hazards A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials, within the risk significant areas of the outdoors protected area, that were classified as high winds/tornado hazards in accordance with station procedures PC 99, Tornado Hazards Inspection Checklist, and NP 1.9.6, Plant Cleanliness and Storage. Specifically, these unsecured items were identified near the Unit 1 and Unit 2 main transformer lines, auxiliary transformers, and the G 03/G 04 emergency diesel generator building. Once notified, the licensee removed or secured the materials appropriately and entered the issue into its corrective action program. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to perform a root cause evaluation and develop long-term corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected, the loose items would become a more significant safety concern. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008. The finding is 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. Additionally, the inspectors determined that the finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices component, because the licensee failed to ensure adequate supervisory and management oversight of the implementation and follow through of the corrective actions from previous related issues (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Meet Generic Letter 89-13 Program Requirement For Mussel Control The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the failure to meet a commitment made in the Generic Letter 89-13 program. Specifically, the program states that biocide treatments at Point Beach are performed at least annually and are directly applied to the service water system for mussel control and eradication to prevent fouling of safety related heat exchangers. However, the 2008 biocide treatment for mussel control was deferred until 2009. After the treatment in 2009, greater than expected tube blockage and reduced flow to safety-related heat exchangers due to mussels was identified. In response, the licensee adjusted flow through the affected heat exchangers and opened and cleaned the heat exchangers to remove mussels that caused the tube blockage. The licensee took corrective actions to ensure that future annual biocide treatments would be conducted annually.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process," Attachment 0609.04,
 
"Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings," Table 4a, for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. This finding did not involve a violation of NRC regulatory requirements.
The inspectors determined this performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance; therefore, no cross-cutting aspect was identified.
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 18, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Errors Found in the Room Ventilation Calculation for G-01 and G-02 A finding of very low safety-significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to adequately calculate the maximum room temperature for G-01 and G-02. Specifically, the licensees calculation 2005-0054 failed to incorporate the design basis described in Technical Specification (TS) bases 3.8.1 related to the numbers of fire dampers associated with G-01 and G-02 exhaust fans that must be opened to maintain room temperature. The calculation also failed to demonstrate that the temperature stratification close to the combustion air intake filter was acceptable. Instead, the calculation only considered the bulk air temperature in the room. The licensee subsequently entered these concerns into their corrective action program as AR 01162599 and AR 01162759.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was similar to IMC 0612, Appendix E, Example (3.J). The calculation errors were significant in that there was reasonable doubt that the maximum room temperature would not exceed the value of the Vendor Technical manual. The finding impacted the Mitigating System cornerstone of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee did not ensure that the maximum room temperature of EDG-1 and EDG-2 would not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit (F), which is required to be maintained to ensure that the EDGs will perform their safety function during a design basis accident when the outside air temperature was 95 degrees fahrenheit. The finding was of very low safety-significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix A, A Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations." This finding was not associated with a cross-cutting aspect because the finding was not indicative of the licensees current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009007 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Seismic Assessment Of Temporary Cable Installations Above Motor-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 4160-volt cables installed for proposed auxiliary feedwater (AFW) pump motor replacements were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, no seismic design evaluation was completed prior to the installation of the cable coils suspended above the existing motor-driven AFW pumps for over 6 months. In response to the issue, the licensee installed a new restraint designed to meet seismic criteria and completed calculations that showed the as-left condition of the modification did not challenge operability.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies
 
into work plans (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Technical Specification Limit Value For The 48-Hour Diesel Fuel Oil Storage Volume The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the diesel fuel oil storage volume for the emergency diesel generators (EDGs). Specifically, the licensee failed to account for the fuel consumption of a second EDG when establishing the value for the Technical Specification limit for the 48-hour diesel fuel oil storage volume.
In response to the issue, the licensee implemented compensatory actions to maintain an adequate fuel volume.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring availability of the EDG to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors determined that the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality and the finding screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet. The inspectors did not identify a cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency occurred many years ago.
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Work Instructions For South Service Water Header Work
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criteria V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have work instructions and procedures commensurate with the risk associated with maintenance on the south service water (SW) system header. Specifically, the licensee did not have work instructions and procedures that assigned appropriate operator actions and contained contingency plans to rapidly restore the header to service if directed by the shift manager. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action system and made procedure changes for work affecting the operability of a SW header.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of procedure quality and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the work instructions for the maintenance activity did not incorporate the risk associated with the loss of all SW, since this system is the only safety-related system that provides cooling water to plant systems required to respond to initiating events. The inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies into work plans (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Design Of Diesel Fuel Oil Tank Vent For Tornado Protection The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to fully incorporate applicable tornado missile protection design requirements into the design of the A train diesel fuel oil storage and transfer system. Specifically,
 
the T-175A underground fuel oil storage tank vent line was found not capable of withstanding the effects of a design basis tornado missile strike without resulting in the subsequent loss of capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety functions. The licensee performed a prompt operability determination, concluded that the system was operable but non conforming, and put in place compensatory measures until the design deficiency had been resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Design Control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, closure of the T 175A vent path would adversely affect the availability, reliability, and capability of the G 01 and G 02 emergency diesel generators to perform their safety-related functions. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding as the performance deficiency occurred in the 1990s and was not indicative of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Recognize Unit 1 Component Cooling Water Pump Was Inoperable On January 1, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.7, Component Cooling Water (CCW) System, for the failure to recognize that the Unit 1 1P-11B CCW pump was inoperable. Consequently, the licensee failed to take actions in accordance with TS for an inoperable CCW pump. Specifically, on January 1, 2009, auxiliary operators added a full reservoir (bubbler) of oil to the inboard bearing for the second time in 24 hours, due to an oil leak. This abnormal condition was not appropriately characterized by the licensee until after two more oil additions, when a condition report was written to document the oil addition on January 5, 2009. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008.
The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its TS allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not use a low threshold for identifying issues.
Specifically, licensee personnel failed on three occasions to enter the oil additions into the corrective action program which would have required a Senior Reactor Operator to screen the condition for operability [P.1(a)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2009
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Promptly Correct Component Cooling Water Pump Oil Leak On January 27, 2009 The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, Corrective Action, for the failure to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality associated with an inboard oil leak on the Unit 1 1P11-B component cooling water (CCW) pump identified on January 27, 2009. Consequently, the CCW pump operated in a degraded condition until the pump was taken out-of-service to address inboard bearing oil leaks on January 31 and February 1, 2009. Specifically, on January 27, 2009, a condition report was written documenting an inboard bearing leak; however, the immediate operability screening was incorrect and the licensees screening process failed to ensure prompt corrective actions were taken to address this condition adverse to quality. The licensee performed an apparent cause evaluation and implemented corrective actions to address the deficiencies and lessons learned from this finding.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 4, 2008, because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the CCW pump was degraded with an inboard bearing oil leak and may not have been able to fulfill the 30-day mission time of the pump. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, Table 4a for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The inspectors determined that the finding required a Phase 2 analysis since the finding represented an actual loss of a single train for greater than its Technical Specification allowed outage time. The inspectors and senior reactor analyst determined through Phase 2 analysis that this issue is best characterized as a finding of very low safety significance (Green). The inspectors also determined that this finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the identified problem while classifying, prioritizing and evaluating for operability and reportability of this condition adverse to quality. Specifically, licensee personnel did not thoroughly evaluate the condition adverse to quality associated with the 1P-11B CCW pump on January 27, 2009, such that the prompt corrective actions were appropriately prioritized and evaluated [P.1(c)].
Inspection Report# : 2009002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Adequately Input Mechanism Operated Control Switch Failure Evaluations and Recommendations Into Maintenance Procedures A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V,  Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures for Mechanism Operated Cell (MOC) switches. Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the MOC switch preventative maintenance procedures for specific inspection and verification actions at the frequency, and with actions, recommended by causal evaluations and the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program and was evaluating corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected the issue would lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the failure to identify degraded hardware on a MOC switch could lead to the failure of associated safety related equipment and alarms. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations, dated January 10, 2008. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate problems such that the resolutions addressed causes and extent of condition as necessary (P.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inverter Maintenance Procedures Did Not Include Steps For Capacitor Replacement
. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate maintenance procedures and work instructions in place for certain safety-related inverters.
Specifically, the licensee failed to have steps in the routine maintenance procedure (RMP) 9036 series maintenance procedures for periodic replacement of the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI-model inverters as recommended by the vendor. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program, scheduled replacement of the capacitors, and was further evaluating the vendor recommendation.
The finding was more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the finding would become a more safety significant concern. Not replacing the electrolytic capacitors in the SCI inverters based on the vendor recommended life could result in the failure of the inverter to perform their safety function and respond to initiating events. The issue was of very low safety significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix A, "Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations," dated January 10, 2008. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program component, because the licensee failed to implement and institutionalize operating experience, including vendor recommendations, through changes to station procedures (P.2(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Significance: SL-III Mar 09, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Failure to Notify NRC of Licensed Operator Medical Restrictions in accordance with 10 CFR 50.9 and 55.23.
During a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection conducted on November 25, 2008 through March 9, 2009, violations of NRC requirements were identified. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, the violations are listed below:
: 1. Title 10 CFR 50.74(c) requires that each licensee notify the appropriate NRC Regional Administrator within 30 days of a permanent disability or illness, as described in 10 CFR 55.25, of a licensed operator or a senior operator.
Contrary to the above, from May 1999 until October 20, 2008, a period greater than 30 days, the licensee failed to notify the NRC Region III Regional Administrator of a permanent disability or illness of a licensed operator. Specifically, the licensee was informed in February 1993 that the non-licensed operator was taking prescribed medication for hypertension, a permanent disability or illness. The non-licensed operator applied for an NRC operating license in May 1999. The NRC issued the operator a reactor operator license August 27, 1999, and a senior reactor operator license on February 22, 2002, with no restrictions. The licensee did not inform the NRC of the operators medical condition until October 20, 2008.
: 2. Title 10 CFR 50.9 requires, in part, that information provided to the Commission by an applicant for a license or by a licensee or information required by statute or by the Commissions regulations, Orders, or license conditions to be maintained by the applicant or the licensee shall be complete and accurate in all material respects. Title 10 CFR 55.23 requires, in part, that to certify the medical fitness of the applicant, an authorized representative of the facility licensee shall complete and sign NRC Form 396, "Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee." The NRC Form 396, when signed by an authorized representative of the facility licensee, certifies that a physician conducted a medical examination of the applicant and that the guidance contained in American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society (ANSI/ANS) Standard 3.4-1996, Medical Certification and Monitoring of Personnel Requiring Operator Licenses for Nuclear Power Plants was followed in conducting the examination and making the determination of medical qualification.
The ANSI/ANS 3.4-1996, Section 5.3, provides, in part, that the presence of certain medical conditions, unless adequately compensated by the methods specified in Subsections 5.3.1 through 5.3.9, shall disqualify the individual.
Contrary to the above, on January 28, 2008, the facility licensee provided information to the NRC that was not complete and accurate in all material respects. Specifically, the licensee submitted an NRC Form 396 for renewal of a senior reactor operators license and the NRC Form 396 certified that the applicant met the medical requirements of
 
ANSI/ANS 3.4 1996 with no restrictions. However, In February 1993, the operator was prescribed medication to adequately compensate for a disqualifying medical condition. The certification by the senior licensee facility representative was material to the NRC because the NRC relied upon this certification to renew the senior reactor operators license pursuant to 10 CFR Part 55 when the license should have been modified with a restriction that the senior reactor operator was required to take medication as prescribed to maintain his qualification.
This is a Severity Level III problem (Supplement VII).
The associated two AVs 2009-008-01 and 2009-008-02 were combined to form this one SLiii Problem.
Inspection Report# : 2009004 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2009009 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Proper Control Of Radioactive Material Within The Radiologically Controlled Area A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1101(b) was identified for the failure to adequately control radioactive material to prevent its migration outside the radiologically controlled area (RCA), as required by licensee procedures. On May 21, 2009, a contract worker performing inspections of the main electrical transformers located outside the RCA picked-up a wadded-ball of debris (unmarked tape) and placed it in his front pants pocket. The debris was later found to be radioactively contaminated when the worker alarmed the protected area exit radiation monitors a few hours later as he attempted to leave the site. The tape was likely used to cover contaminated hoses that were previously used within the Point Beach RCA, but had escaped the licensee's control and migrated (blew) into the transformer area outdoors where it was found by the worker. The licensee's storage of radioactive material in an outdoor satellite RCA and/or the licensee's radioactive material control practices during refueling outages when the containment building equipment hatch was open to the environment led to the escape of the material outside the RCA. The contractor's assigned work duties should not have involved exposure to radioactive material; consequently, the worker was unnecessarily exposed to radiation from the contaminated tape.
A dose evaluation completed by the licensee's consultant determined that the effective dose equivalent to the worker's thigh from exposure to the contaminated ball of tape was approximately one mrem. The licensee's corrective action called for expanded radiation protection oversight during movement of material in outdoor areas. Procedures were revised to include a post outage walkdown of outdoor areas near the RCA yard. Additionally, the licensee planned to construct an enclosure so that storage/transfer of contaminated materials could be performed indoors.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that, unnecessary radiation exposure was received by an individual from inadequately controlled radioactive material. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance
 
because: (1) it involved a radioactive material control problem that was contrary to NRC requirements and the licensee's procedure; and (2) the dose impact to a member of the public (the contract worker) within the licensee's restricted area was less than 5 millirem total effective dose equivalent. The cause of the radioactive material control problem involved a cross-cutting component in the human performance area for inadequate work control, in that, job site conditions including environmental conditions (high winds, night time work, etc.) impacted human performance and consequently, radiological safety, during movement of material/equipment in outdoor areas (H.3.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: N/A Mar 27, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Biennial Problem Identfication and Resolution Report Summary Based on the samples selected for review, the inspectors concluded that implementation of the corrective action program (CAP) was adequate. The inspectors noted that the licensee has a sufficiently low threshold for identifying issues and entering them in the CAP and established additional directions to ensure a lower threshold was consistently used. Prioritization of items entered in the CAP was adequate with recent improvements that have reduced the action item backlog and allowed the station to focus on higher priority items. The inspectors noted that the licensee entered operating experience into the CAP but did not always fully evaluate the information for applicability to station components. Audits and self assessments were determined to be performed at an appropriate level to identify deficiencies. On the basis of licensee self-assessments and interviews conducted during the inspection, workers at the site expressed freedom to raise safety concerns Inspection Report# : 2009006 (pdf)
Last modified : March 01, 2010
 
Point Beach 1 1Q/2010 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Corrective Actions To Address Longstanding Issue Of Submerged Cables A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to implement timely corrective actions to address the longstanding issue of submerged, medium voltage, underground cables at Point Beach.
Specifically, this issue was first identified in 1997, with numerous condition reports written since that time, and in January 2008, it was associated with a significant condition adverse to quality. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program. Corrective actions completed include increased monitoring and pumping of manholes; proposed actions include design changes to support automatic monitoring and/or water removal from the manholes.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely manner; if left uncorrected, would lead to other cable failures as a result of the continued cable degradation. The finding screened as having 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 would not be available. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not appropriately maintain long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins, minimization of longstanding equipment issues, minimizing preventive maintenance deferrals, and ensuring maintenance and engineering backlogs were managed low enough to support safety (H.2(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Application Of A Dedicated Operator During A System Venting Surveillance A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) was identified by the inspectors for the failure to properly assess risk that resulted from risk-significant maintenance being performed on the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems. Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied criteria for the use of a dedicated operator to meet availability requirements. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee stopped work that required the use of a dedicated operator pending further evaluation.
 
The issue was more than minor because the licensees risk assessment for January 12, 2010, failed to consider multiple systems unavailable during maintenance.
Specifically, the failure to account for the unavailability of the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems, resulted in an inadequate daily risk assessment and could affect the unavailability time of this system in related performance and maintenance rule indicators. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process, dated May 19, 2005, and determined the issue screened as having very low safety significance, because the incremental conditional core damage probability was less than 1E-6 due to the test condition lasting only four hours. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not have a process or use a systematic approach regarding facets of a dedicated operator (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Temporary Modification Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to follow the temporary modifications procedure FP-E-MOD-03, Revision 6. Specifically, the Applicability section of this procedure was not properly applied to the temporary condensate storage tank (CST) modification such that the system was not appropriately characterized as a temporary modification. As a result, the licensee failed to adequately document an evaluation of the potential impacts to operating equipment. As of the conclusion of the inspection, the licensee had entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied the exemption criteria of the temporary modification procedure to the fill point connected to the newly classified "vent" of the permanent CST and failed to assess the impact of the temporary CST system on plant design. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of functionality, did not represent a loss of system safety function or loss of a single train for greater than its allowed technical specification time, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating events. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not appropriately use conservative assumptions in decision-making and verify the validity of underlying assumptions for the temporary CST modification (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Establish Required Fire Watches A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1.h for Units 1 and 2 was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish appropriate fire watches required as compensatory
 
3 Enclosure measures to address identified fire protection impairments. Specifically, on three occasions, the licensee failed to issue, and properly implement, fire watch surveillances as required by procedure OM 3.27. The licensee had entered all instances into its corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors (fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the failure to implement fire watches required as compensatory measures degraded the defense-in-depth elements of the fire protection program that is necessary to ensure safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The issue was of very low safety significance based on the low degradation rating for the finding. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensees preliminary apparent cause evaluation attributed the underlying cause of these events to less than adequate procedures, or procedures that did not adequately link to each other, and pre-job briefing materials that did not address fire protection considerations (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Feb 17, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Inaccurate Information Relating to Signatures on Ignition Control Procedures A Severity Level IV, Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9(a) Completeness and Accuracy of Information, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain complete and accurate information required by the Commission. Specifically, a Point Beach Nuclear Plant employee and two contract employees from Day and Zimmermann Nuclear Power Services, signed Ignition Control Permits without the authorized person inspecting the areas as required by the ignition control procedure NP 1.9.13.
The violation affected the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function because it involved willfulness. Therefore, it was evaluated using Traditional Enforcement. The NRC determined that a Severity Level IV violation was appropriate due to the willful nature of some violation examples. The NRC determined that the violation should be cited because: (1) the violation was NRC-identified; and (2) it was willful; and (3) it involved a first-line supervisor.
Inspection Report# : 2010010 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Meet Generic Letter 89-13 Program Requirement For Mussel Control The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the failure to meet a commitment made in the Generic Letter 89-13 program. Specifically, the program states that biocide treatments at Point Beach are performed at least annually and are directly applied to the service water system for mussel control and eradication to prevent fouling of safety related heat exchangers. However, the 2008 biocide treatment for mussel control was deferred until 2009. After the treatment in 2009, greater than expected tube blockage and reduced flow to safety-related heat exchangers due to mussels was identified. In response, the licensee adjusted flow through the affected heat exchangers and opened and cleaned the heat exchangers to remove mussels that caused the tube blockage. The licensee took corrective actions to ensure that future annual biocide treatments would be conducted annually.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process," Attachment 0609.04, "Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings," Table 4a, for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone,
 
dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. This finding did not involve a violation of NRC regulatory requirements.
The inspectors determined this performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance; therefore, no cross-cutting aspect was identified.
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 18, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Errors Found in the Room Ventilation Calculation for G-01 and G-02 A finding of very low safety-significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to adequately calculate the maximum room temperature for G-01 and G-02. Specifically, the licensees calculation 2005-0054 failed to incorporate the design basis described in Technical Specification (TS) bases 3.8.1 related to the numbers of fire dampers associated with G-01 and G-02 exhaust fans that must be opened to maintain room temperature. The calculation also failed to demonstrate that the temperature stratification close to the combustion air intake filter was acceptable. Instead, the calculation only considered the bulk air temperature in the room. The licensee subsequently entered these concerns into their corrective action program as AR 01162599 and AR 01162759.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was similar to IMC 0612, Appendix E, Example (3.J). The calculation errors were significant in that there was reasonable doubt that the maximum room temperature would not exceed the value of the Vendor Technical manual. The finding impacted the Mitigating System cornerstone of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee did not ensure that the maximum room temperature of EDG-1 and EDG-2 would not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit (F), which is required to be maintained to ensure that the EDGs will perform their safety function during a design basis accident when the outside air temperature was 95 degrees fahrenheit. The finding was of very low safety-significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix A, A Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations." This finding was not associated with a cross-cutting aspect because the finding was not indicative of the licensees current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009007 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Seismic Assessment Of Temporary Cable Installations Above Motor-Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 4160-volt cables installed for proposed auxiliary feedwater (AFW) pump motor replacements were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, no seismic design evaluation was completed prior to the installation of the cable coils suspended above the existing motor-driven AFW pumps for over 6 months. In response to the issue, the licensee installed a new restraint designed to meet seismic criteria and completed calculations that showed the as-left condition of the modification did not challenge operability.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies into work plans (H.3(a)).
 
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Conservative Technical Specification Limit Value For The 48-Hour Diesel Fuel Oil Storage Volume The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the diesel fuel oil storage volume for the emergency diesel generators (EDGs). Specifically, the licensee failed to account for the fuel consumption of a second EDG when establishing the value for the Technical Specification limit for the 48-hour diesel fuel oil storage volume.
In response to the issue, the licensee implemented compensatory actions to maintain an adequate fuel volume.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring availability of the EDG to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the inspectors determined that the finding was a design deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality and the finding screened as Green using the Significance Determination Process Phase 1 screening worksheet. The inspectors did not identify a cross cutting aspect associated with this finding because the performance deficiency occurred many years ago.
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Work Instructions For South Service Water Header Work
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criteria V, Instructions, Procedures and Drawings, for the failure to have work instructions and procedures commensurate with the risk associated with maintenance on the south service water (SW) system header. Specifically, the licensee did not have work instructions and procedures that assigned appropriate operator actions and contained contingency plans to rapidly restore the header to service if directed by the shift manager. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action system and made procedure changes for work affecting the operability of a SW header.
This finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of procedure quality and adversely affected the cornerstone objectives of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems to respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences.
Specifically, the work instructions for the maintenance activity did not incorporate the risk associated with the loss of all SW, since this system is the only safety-related system that provides cooling water to plant systems required to respond to initiating events. The inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to incorporate risk insights and planned contingencies into work plans (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009003 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Evaluate Seismic Piping Interactions
 
A finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to evaluate seismic piping interactions. Specifically, for a plant configuration where the stem of a spent fuel pool cooling system valve contacted an adjacent service water pipe, the licensee's evaluation to demonstrate that the existing spent fuel pool cooling system piping and valves met the design basis acceptance criteria of United States of America Standard (USAS) B31.1-1967 used a method of analysis that did not evaluate the dynamic effect of impact forces as specified by the design basis piping code. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, compliance with the seismic Category I design basis requirements of United States of America Standard (USAS)
B31.1-1967 was to ensure valve SF-2, the valve connection between two sections of spent fuel pool cooling system piping, would function as required during a seismic Category I design basis event. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because it was a design deficiency of the structural integrity of the spent fuel pool cooling piping system that: did not result in loss of cooling to the spent fuel pool; did not result from fuel handling errors that caused damage to fuel clad integrity or a dropped assembly; and did not result in loss of spent fuel pool inventory greater than 10 percent of spent fuel pool volume. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect because it was a legacy design issue, not reflective of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:      Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Communications, Incomplete As-Low-As-Is-Reasonably-Achievable Job Planning And Ineffective Implementation Of Radiological Work Controls The inspectors identified a finding of very low-safety-significance for inadequate as-low-as-is-reasonably achievable (ALARA) job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls. This issue adversely impacted the licensees ability to minimize dose for the containment sump fibrous insulation removal project during the Unit 2 Refueling Outage (U2R30). Specifically, radiological controls were not effectively implemented to reduce ambient radiation levels and minimize in-field work hours for craft personnel. This resulted in an actual dose outcome that was not consistent with the planned, intended dose for work associated with the fibrous insulation removal project.
Corrective actions were implemented to address the organizational communication deficiencies that lead to the incomplete ALARA job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls for the project.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone objective for ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation in the attribute of program and process for ALARA planning, in that, incomplete ALARA job planning and radiological work control deficiencies contributed to an actual increase in worker doses in excess of 5 person-rem and exceeded the licensees initial intended dose estimates by more than 50 percent.
 
The finding did not involve: an overexposure; a substantial potential for an overexposure; or an impaired ability to assess dose. While the finding involved ALARA planning and controls, the 3-year rolling average dose for the Point Beach Nuclear Plant was less than the significance determination process threshold of 135-person-rem for pressurized water reactors at the time the performance deficiency occurred. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this is a finding of very low safety significance. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in decision-making, in that, the licensee did not communicate decisions and the basis for decisions to personnel who have a need to know the information in order to perform work safely in a timely manner (H.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Proper Control Of Radioactive Material Within The Radiologically Controlled Area A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1101(b) was identified for the failure to adequately control radioactive material to prevent its migration outside the radiologically controlled area (RCA), as required by licensee procedures. On May 21, 2009, a contract worker performing inspections of the main electrical transformers located outside the RCA picked-up a wadded-ball of debris (unmarked tape) and placed it in his front pants pocket. The debris was later found to be radioactively contaminated when the worker alarmed the protected area exit radiation monitors a few hours later as he attempted to leave the site. The tape was likely used to cover contaminated hoses that were previously used within the Point Beach RCA, but had escaped the licensee's control and migrated (blew) into the transformer area outdoors where it was found by the worker. The licensee's storage of radioactive material in an outdoor satellite RCA and/or the licensee's radioactive material control practices during refueling outages when the containment building equipment hatch was open to the environment led to the escape of the material outside the RCA. The contractor's assigned work duties should not have involved exposure to radioactive material; consequently, the worker was unnecessarily exposed to radiation from the contaminated tape.
A dose evaluation completed by the licensee's consultant determined that the effective dose equivalent to the worker's thigh from exposure to the contaminated ball of tape was approximately one mrem. The licensee's corrective action called for expanded radiation protection oversight during movement of material in outdoor areas. Procedures were revised to include a post outage walkdown of outdoor areas near the RCA yard. Additionally, the licensee planned to construct an enclosure so that storage/transfer of contaminated materials could be performed indoors.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that, unnecessary radiation exposure was received by an individual from inadequately controlled radioactive material. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because: (1) it involved a radioactive material control problem that was contrary to NRC requirements and the licensee's procedure; and (2) the dose impact to a member of the public (the contract worker) within the licensee's restricted area was less than 5 millirem total effective dose equivalent. The cause of the radioactive material control problem involved a cross-cutting component in the human performance area for inadequate work control, in that, job site conditions including environmental conditions (high winds, night time work, etc.) impacted human performance and consequently, radiological safety, during movement of material/equipment in outdoor areas (H.3.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Physical Protection
 
Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Last modified : May 26, 2010
 
Point Beach 1 2Q/2010 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT OPERABILITY WITH HAZARD BARRIERS OUT-OF-SERVICE.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to follow procedural/instructional guidance contained in a temporary procedure for the maintenance of high energy line break (HELB) barriers. Specifically, on June 25, 2010, the licensee placed a wedge under the control room door, a HELB barrier, contrary to the guidance contained in Operations Notebook procedure/instruction, HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance. The licensee entered this item into its corrective action program.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of equipment needed to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during power operations. Specifically, the failure to maintain the control room door available as a supporting structure, system, or component (SSC) for control room equipment availability/operability during a HELB impacted the reliability and the operability of affected control room SSCs. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because of its short exposure, approximately 0.5 hours. The finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensees staff was familiar with and had been briefed on , HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance in the Operations Notebook yet had failed to implement human error prevention techniques such as pre job briefing or peer checking, which, if performed, could have ensured that maintenance on the control room door was performed as required by the operations notebook procedure (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Corrective Actions To Address Longstanding Issue Of Submerged Cables A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to implement timely corrective actions to address the longstanding issue of submerged, medium voltage, underground cables at Point Beach.
Specifically, this issue was first identified in 1997, with numerous condition reports written since that time, and in January 2008, it was associated with a significant condition adverse to quality. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program. Corrective actions completed include increased monitoring and pumping of manholes; proposed actions include design changes to support automatic monitoring and/or water removal from the manholes.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely manner; if left uncorrected, would lead to other cable failures as a result of the continued cable degradation. The finding screened as having 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 would not be available. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not appropriately maintain long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins, minimization of longstanding equipment issues, minimizing preventive maintenance deferrals, and ensuring maintenance and engineering backlogs were managed low enough to support safety (H.2(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO ENTER ABNORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE DURING TORNADO WARNING.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to implement a required abnormal operating procedure (AOP) during a period of impending severe weather. Specifically, the licensee failed to enter AOP 13C, Severe Weather Conditions, during a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service for the specific location of the plant. The licensee immediately entered the issue into its corrective action program and conducted an apparent cause evaluation of the conditions.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve the loss or degradation of equipment or function specifically designed to mitigate a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event (e.g., seismic snubbers, flooding barriers, tornado doors), and did not involve the total loss of any safety function. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not ensure that personnel, equipment, procedures, and other resources were available and adequate to assure nuclear safety. Specifically, the entry conditions in AOP 13C were out of date and failed to provide an adequate nexus between the purpose and instructions of the procedure (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO CONTROL THE DESIGN OF PARTIALLY INSTALLED MODIFICATIONS FOR SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 480 volt cables, installed for the future repowering of various auxiliary feedwater (AFW) system motor operated valves, were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, a seismic design evaluation was not completed prior to the installation of a cable coil suspended above the 2MS 2020 valve, 2P 29 turbine driven AFW pump steam supply. In response to this issue, the licensee installed more robust restraints that satisfied seismic acceptability criteria and performed an evaluation that showed the interim condition of the modification did not challenge operability. At the conclusion of this inspection period, the licensee was in the process of conducting a root cause evaluation. The inspectors also noted that a very similar issue at this site resulted in the issuance of a NCV in the second quarter of 2009.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the
 
actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to implement appropriate corrective actions for a previous violation with the same performance deficiency (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation PROCEDURES WERE NOT APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY AND DOCUMENT THE DESIGN OF NEW OR MODIFIED SSCs WITH RESPECT TO SEISMIC II/I INTERACTIONS.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to provide procedures that were appropriate to verify and document the design of new or modified SSCs with respect to seismic II/I interactions. Specifically, the procedures used for seismic II/I interaction evaluations of new or modified SSCs did not provide guidance for evaluating equipment that was not represented in the earthquake experience or generic testing equipment classes under the scope of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group methodology. Also, no formal guidance was incorporated in modification and seismic procedures to document seismic II/I interaction evaluations.
As a result, the licensee did not perform an evaluation that was in accordance with the licensing basis to verify the design of the B containment sump strainers of Units 1 and 2 with respect to potential seismic II/I interactions. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it was a qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, self and independent assessments, because the licensee did not conduct self assessments of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group program (P.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Application Of A Dedicated Operator During A System Venting Surveillance A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) was identified by the inspectors for the failure to properly assess risk that resulted from risk-significant maintenance being performed on the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems. Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied criteria for the use of a dedicated operator to meet availability requirements. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee stopped work that required the use of a dedicated operator pending further evaluation.
The issue was more than minor because the licensees risk assessment for January 12, 2010, failed to consider multiple systems unavailable during maintenance.
Specifically, the failure to account for the unavailability of the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems, resulted in an inadequate daily risk assessment and could affect the unavailability time of this system in related performance and maintenance rule indicators. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process, dated May 19, 2005, and determined the issue screened as having very low safety significance, because the incremental conditional core damage probability was less than 1E-6 due to the test condition lasting only four hours. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not have a process or use a
 
systematic approach regarding facets of a dedicated operator (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Temporary Modification Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to follow the temporary modifications procedure FP-E-MOD-03, Revision 6. Specifically, the Applicability section of this procedure was not properly applied to the temporary condensate storage tank (CST) modification such that the system was not appropriately characterized as a temporary modification. As a result, the licensee failed to adequately document an evaluation of the potential impacts to operating equipment. As of the conclusion of the inspection, the licensee had entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied the exemption criteria of the temporary modification procedure to the fill point connected to the newly classified "vent" of the permanent CST and failed to assess the impact of the temporary CST system on plant design. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of functionality, did not represent a loss of system safety function or loss of a single train for greater than its allowed technical specification time, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating events. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not appropriately use conservative assumptions in decision-making and verify the validity of underlying assumptions for the temporary CST modification (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Establish Required Fire Watches A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1.h for Units 1 and 2 was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish appropriate fire watches required as compensatory 3 Enclosure measures to address identified fire protection impairments. Specifically, on three occasions, the licensee failed to issue, and properly implement, fire watch surveillances as required by procedure OM 3.27. The licensee had entered all instances into its corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors (fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the failure to implement fire watches required as compensatory measures degraded the defense-in-depth elements of the fire protection program that is necessary to ensure safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The issue was of very low safety significance based on the low degradation rating for the finding. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human
 
performance, resources, because the licensees preliminary apparent cause evaluation attributed the underlying cause of these events to less than adequate procedures, or procedures that did not adequately link to each other, and pre-job briefing materials that did not address fire protection considerations (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Feb 17, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Inaccurate Information Relating to Signatures on Ignition Control Procedures A Severity Level IV, Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9(a) Completeness and Accuracy of Information, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain complete and accurate information required by the Commission. Specifically, a Point Beach Nuclear Plant employee and two contract employees from Day and Zimmermann Nuclear Power Services, signed Ignition Control Permits without the authorized person inspecting the areas as required by the ignition control procedure NP 1.9.13.
The violation affected the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function because it involved willfulness. Therefore, it was evaluated using Traditional Enforcement. The NRC determined that a Severity Level IV violation was appropriate due to the willful nature of some violation examples. The NRC determined that the violation should be cited because: (1) the violation was NRC-identified; and (2) it was willful; and (3) it involved a first-line supervisor.
The inspectors determined that this violation was a performance deficiency, but because the underlying work was always completed with a fire watch present, that deficiency was minor in nature. As such, no cross-cutting aspect was evaluated for the minor performance deficiency.
Inspection Report# : 2010008 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2010010 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Meet Generic Letter 89-13 Program Requirement For Mussel Control The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the failure to meet a commitment made in the Generic Letter 89-13 program. Specifically, the program states that biocide treatments at Point Beach are performed at least annually and are directly applied to the service water system for mussel control and eradication to prevent fouling of safety related heat exchangers. However, the 2008 biocide treatment for mussel control was deferred until 2009. After the treatment in 2009, greater than expected tube blockage and reduced flow to safety-related heat exchangers due to mussels was identified. In response, the licensee adjusted flow through the affected heat exchangers and opened and cleaned the heat exchangers to remove mussels that caused the tube blockage. The licensee took corrective actions to ensure that future annual biocide treatments would be conducted annually.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process," Attachment 0609.04, "Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings," Table 4a, for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. This finding did not involve a violation of NRC regulatory requirements.
The inspectors determined this performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance; therefore, no cross-cutting aspect was identified.
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 18, 2009 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Errors Found in the Room Ventilation Calculation for G-01 and G-02 A finding of very low safety-significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to adequately calculate the maximum room temperature for G-01 and G-02. Specifically, the licensees calculation 2005-0054 failed to incorporate the design basis described in Technical Specification (TS) bases 3.8.1 related to the numbers of fire dampers associated with G-01 and G-02 exhaust fans that must be opened to maintain room temperature. The calculation also failed to demonstrate that the temperature stratification close to the combustion air intake filter was acceptable. Instead, the calculation only considered the bulk air temperature in the room. The licensee subsequently entered these concerns into their corrective action program as AR 01162599 and AR 01162759.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was similar to IMC 0612, Appendix E, Example (3.J). The calculation errors were significant in that there was reasonable doubt that the maximum room temperature would not exceed the value of the Vendor Technical manual. The finding impacted the Mitigating System cornerstone of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee did not ensure that the maximum room temperature of EDG-1 and EDG-2 would not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit (F), which is required to be maintained to ensure that the EDGs will perform their safety function during a design basis accident when the outside air temperature was 95 degrees fahrenheit. The finding was of very low safety-significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix A, A Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations." This finding was not associated with a cross-cutting aspect because the finding was not indicative of the licensees current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009007 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Evaluate Seismic Piping Interactions A finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to evaluate seismic piping interactions. Specifically, for a plant configuration where the stem of a spent fuel pool cooling system valve contacted an adjacent service water pipe, the licensee's evaluation to demonstrate that the existing spent fuel pool cooling system piping and valves met the design basis acceptance criteria of United States of America Standard (USAS) B31.1-1967 used a method of analysis that did not evaluate the dynamic effect of impact forces as specified by the design basis piping code. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, compliance with the seismic Category I design basis requirements of United States of America Standard (USAS)
B31.1-1967 was to ensure valve SF-2, the valve connection between two sections of spent fuel pool cooling system piping, would function as required during a seismic Category I design basis event. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because it was a design deficiency of the structural integrity of the spent fuel pool cooling piping system that: did not result in loss of cooling to the spent fuel pool; did not result from fuel handling errors that caused damage to fuel clad integrity or a dropped assembly; and did not result in loss of spent fuel pool inventory greater than 10 percent
 
of spent fuel pool volume. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect because it was a legacy design issue, not reflective of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Communications, Incomplete As-Low-As-Is-Reasonably-Achievable Job Planning And Ineffective Implementation Of Radiological Work Controls The inspectors identified a finding of very low-safety-significance for inadequate as-low-as-is-reasonably achievable (ALARA) job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls. This issue adversely impacted the licensees ability to minimize dose for the containment sump fibrous insulation removal project during the Unit 2 Refueling Outage (U2R30). Specifically, radiological controls were not effectively implemented to reduce ambient radiation levels and minimize in-field work hours for craft personnel. This resulted in an actual dose outcome that was not consistent with the planned, intended dose for work associated with the fibrous insulation removal project.
Corrective actions were implemented to address the organizational communication deficiencies that lead to the incomplete ALARA job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls for the project.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone objective for ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation in the attribute of program and process for ALARA planning, in that, incomplete ALARA job planning and radiological work control deficiencies contributed to an actual increase in worker doses in excess of 5 person-rem and exceeded the licensees initial intended dose estimates by more than 50 percent.
The finding did not involve: an overexposure; a substantial potential for an overexposure; or an impaired ability to assess dose. While the finding involved ALARA planning and controls, the 3-year rolling average dose for the Point Beach Nuclear Plant was less than the significance determination process threshold of 135-person-rem for pressurized water reactors at the time the performance deficiency occurred. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this is a finding of very low safety significance. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in decision-making, in that, the licensee did not communicate decisions and the basis for decisions to personnel who have a need to know the information in order to perform work safely in a timely manner (H.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Proper Control Of Radioactive Material Within The Radiologically Controlled Area A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1101(b) was identified for the failure to adequately control radioactive material to prevent its migration outside the radiologically
 
controlled area (RCA), as required by licensee procedures. On May 21, 2009, a contract worker performing inspections of the main electrical transformers located outside the RCA picked-up a wadded-ball of debris (unmarked tape) and placed it in his front pants pocket. The debris was later found to be radioactively contaminated when the worker alarmed the protected area exit radiation monitors a few hours later as he attempted to leave the site. The tape was likely used to cover contaminated hoses that were previously used within the Point Beach RCA, but had escaped the licensee's control and migrated (blew) into the transformer area outdoors where it was found by the worker. The licensee's storage of radioactive material in an outdoor satellite RCA and/or the licensee's radioactive material control practices during refueling outages when the containment building equipment hatch was open to the environment led to the escape of the material outside the RCA. The contractor's assigned work duties should not have involved exposure to radioactive material; consequently, the worker was unnecessarily exposed to radiation from the contaminated tape.
A dose evaluation completed by the licensee's consultant determined that the effective dose equivalent to the worker's thigh from exposure to the contaminated ball of tape was approximately one mrem. The licensee's corrective action called for expanded radiation protection oversight during movement of material in outdoor areas. Procedures were revised to include a post outage walkdown of outdoor areas near the RCA yard. Additionally, the licensee planned to construct an enclosure so that storage/transfer of contaminated materials could be performed indoors.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that, unnecessary radiation exposure was received by an individual from inadequately controlled radioactive material. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because: (1) it involved a radioactive material control problem that was contrary to NRC requirements and the licensee's procedure; and (2) the dose impact to a member of the public (the contract worker) within the licensee's restricted area was less than 5 millirem total effective dose equivalent. The cause of the radioactive material control problem involved a cross-cutting component in the human performance area for inadequate work control, in that, job site conditions including environmental conditions (high winds, night time work, etc.) impacted human performance and consequently, radiological safety, during movement of material/equipment in outdoor areas (H.3.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Last modified : September 02, 2010
 
Point Beach 1 3Q/2010 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT OPERABILITY WITH HAZARD BARRIERS OUT-OF-SERVICE.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to follow procedural/instructional guidance contained in a temporary procedure for the maintenance of high energy line break (HELB) barriers. Specifically, on June 25, 2010, the licensee placed a wedge under the control room door, a HELB barrier, contrary to the guidance contained in Operations Notebook procedure/instruction, HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance. The licensee entered this item into its corrective action program.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of equipment needed to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during power operations. Specifically, the failure to maintain the control room door available as a supporting structure, system, or component (SSC) for control room equipment availability/operability during a HELB impacted the reliability and the operability of affected control room SSCs. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because of its short exposure, approximately 0.5 hours. The finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensees staff was familiar with and had been briefed on , HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance in the Operations Notebook yet had failed to implement human error prevention techniques such as pre job briefing or peer checking, which, if performed, could have ensured that maintenance on the control room door was performed as required by the operations notebook procedure (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Corrective Actions To Address Longstanding Issue Of Submerged Cables A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to implement timely corrective actions to address the longstanding issue of submerged, medium voltage, underground cables at Point Beach.
Specifically, this issue was first identified in 1997, with numerous condition reports written since that time, and in January 2008, it was associated with a significant condition adverse to quality. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program. Corrective actions completed include increased monitoring and pumping of manholes; proposed actions include design changes to support automatic monitoring and/or water removal from the manholes.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely manner; if left uncorrected, would lead to other cable failures as a result of the continued cable degradation. The finding screened as having 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 would not be available. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not appropriately maintain long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins, minimization of longstanding equipment issues, minimizing preventive maintenance deferrals, and ensuring maintenance and engineering backlogs were managed low enough to support safety (H.2(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO ENTER ABNORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE DURING TORNADO WARNING.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to implement a required abnormal operating procedure (AOP) during a period of impending severe weather. Specifically, the licensee failed to enter AOP 13C, Severe Weather Conditions, during a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service for the specific location of the plant. The licensee immediately entered the issue into its corrective action program and conducted an apparent cause evaluation of the conditions.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve the loss or degradation of equipment or function specifically designed to mitigate a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event (e.g., seismic snubbers, flooding barriers, tornado doors), and did not involve the total loss of any safety function. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not ensure that personnel, equipment, procedures, and other resources were available and adequate to assure nuclear safety. Specifically, the entry conditions in AOP 13C were out of date and failed to provide an adequate nexus between the purpose and instructions of the procedure (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO CONTROL THE DESIGN OF PARTIALLY INSTALLED MODIFICATIONS FOR SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 480 volt cables, installed for the future repowering of various auxiliary feedwater (AFW) system motor operated valves, were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, a seismic design evaluation was not completed prior to the installation of a cable coil suspended above the 2MS 2020 valve, 2P 29 turbine driven AFW pump steam supply. In response to this issue, the licensee installed more robust restraints that satisfied seismic acceptability criteria and performed an evaluation that showed the interim condition of the modification did not challenge operability. At the conclusion of this inspection period, the licensee was in the process of conducting a root cause evaluation. The inspectors also noted that a very similar issue at this site resulted in the issuance of a NCV in the second quarter of 2009.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the
 
actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to implement appropriate corrective actions for a previous violation with the same performance deficiency (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation PROCEDURES WERE NOT APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY AND DOCUMENT THE DESIGN OF NEW OR MODIFIED SSCs WITH RESPECT TO SEISMIC II/I INTERACTIONS.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to provide procedures that were appropriate to verify and document the design of new or modified SSCs with respect to seismic II/I interactions. Specifically, the procedures used for seismic II/I interaction evaluations of new or modified SSCs did not provide guidance for evaluating equipment that was not represented in the earthquake experience or generic testing equipment classes under the scope of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group methodology. Also, no formal guidance was incorporated in modification and seismic procedures to document seismic II/I interaction evaluations.
As a result, the licensee did not perform an evaluation that was in accordance with the licensing basis to verify the design of the B containment sump strainers of Units 1 and 2 with respect to potential seismic II/I interactions. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it was a qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, self and independent assessments, because the licensee did not conduct self assessments of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group program (P.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Application Of A Dedicated Operator During A System Venting Surveillance A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) was identified by the inspectors for the failure to properly assess risk that resulted from risk-significant maintenance being performed on the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems. Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied criteria for the use of a dedicated operator to meet availability requirements. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee stopped work that required the use of a dedicated operator pending further evaluation.
The issue was more than minor because the licensees risk assessment for January 12, 2010, failed to consider multiple systems unavailable during maintenance.
Specifically, the failure to account for the unavailability of the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems, resulted in an inadequate daily risk assessment and could affect the unavailability time of this system in related performance and maintenance rule indicators. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process, dated May 19, 2005, and determined the issue screened as having very low safety significance, because the incremental conditional core damage probability was less than 1E-6 due to the test condition lasting only four hours. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not have a process or use a
 
systematic approach regarding facets of a dedicated operator (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Temporary Modification Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to follow the temporary modifications procedure FP-E-MOD-03, Revision 6. Specifically, the Applicability section of this procedure was not properly applied to the temporary condensate storage tank (CST) modification such that the system was not appropriately characterized as a temporary modification. As a result, the licensee failed to adequately document an evaluation of the potential impacts to operating equipment. As of the conclusion of the inspection, the licensee had entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied the exemption criteria of the temporary modification procedure to the fill point connected to the newly classified "vent" of the permanent CST and failed to assess the impact of the temporary CST system on plant design. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of functionality, did not represent a loss of system safety function or loss of a single train for greater than its allowed technical specification time, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating events. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not appropriately use conservative assumptions in decision-making and verify the validity of underlying assumptions for the temporary CST modification (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Establish Required Fire Watches A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1.h for Units 1 and 2 was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish appropriate fire watches required as compensatory 3 Enclosure measures to address identified fire protection impairments. Specifically, on three occasions, the licensee failed to issue, and properly implement, fire watch surveillances as required by procedure OM 3.27. The licensee had entered all instances into its corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors (fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the failure to implement fire watches required as compensatory measures degraded the defense-in-depth elements of the fire protection program that is necessary to ensure safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The issue was of very low safety significance based on the low degradation rating for the finding. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human
 
performance, resources, because the licensees preliminary apparent cause evaluation attributed the underlying cause of these events to less than adequate procedures, or procedures that did not adequately link to each other, and pre-job briefing materials that did not address fire protection considerations (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Feb 17, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Inaccurate Information Relating to Signatures on Ignition Control Procedures A Severity Level IV, Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9(a) Completeness and Accuracy of Information, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain complete and accurate information required by the Commission. Specifically, a Point Beach Nuclear Plant employee and two contract employees from Day and Zimmermann Nuclear Power Services, signed Ignition Control Permits without the authorized person inspecting the areas as required by the ignition control procedure NP 1.9.13.
The violation affected the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function because it involved willfulness. Therefore, it was evaluated using Traditional Enforcement. The NRC determined that a Severity Level IV violation was appropriate due to the willful nature of some violation examples. The NRC determined that the violation should be cited because: (1) the violation was NRC-identified; and (2) it was willful; and (3) it involved a first-line supervisor.
The inspectors determined that this violation was a performance deficiency, but because the underlying work was always completed with a fire watch present, that deficiency was minor in nature. As such, no cross-cutting aspect was evaluated for the minor performance deficiency.
Inspection Report# : 2010008 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2010010 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure To Meet Generic Letter 89-13 Program Requirement For Mussel Control The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the failure to meet a commitment made in the Generic Letter 89-13 program. Specifically, the program states that biocide treatments at Point Beach are performed at least annually and are directly applied to the service water system for mussel control and eradication to prevent fouling of safety related heat exchangers. However, the 2008 biocide treatment for mussel control was deferred until 2009. After the treatment in 2009, greater than expected tube blockage and reduced flow to safety-related heat exchangers due to mussels was identified. In response, the licensee adjusted flow through the affected heat exchangers and opened and cleaned the heat exchangers to remove mussels that caused the tube blockage. The licensee took corrective actions to ensure that future annual biocide treatments would be conducted annually.
This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the associated cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors determined the finding could be evaluated using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process," Attachment 0609.04, "Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings," Table 4a, for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated January 10, 2008. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. This finding did not involve a violation of NRC regulatory requirements.
The inspectors determined this performance deficiency was not indicative of current performance; therefore, no cross-cutting aspect was identified.
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 18, 2009 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Errors Found in the Room Ventilation Calculation for G-01 and G-02 A finding of very low safety-significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to adequately calculate the maximum room temperature for G-01 and G-02. Specifically, the licensees calculation 2005-0054 failed to incorporate the design basis described in Technical Specification (TS) bases 3.8.1 related to the numbers of fire dampers associated with G-01 and G-02 exhaust fans that must be opened to maintain room temperature. The calculation also failed to demonstrate that the temperature stratification close to the combustion air intake filter was acceptable. Instead, the calculation only considered the bulk air temperature in the room. The licensee subsequently entered these concerns into their corrective action program as AR 01162599 and AR 01162759.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because the finding was similar to IMC 0612, Appendix E, Example (3.J). The calculation errors were significant in that there was reasonable doubt that the maximum room temperature would not exceed the value of the Vendor Technical manual. The finding impacted the Mitigating System cornerstone of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee did not ensure that the maximum room temperature of EDG-1 and EDG-2 would not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit (F), which is required to be maintained to ensure that the EDGs will perform their safety function during a design basis accident when the outside air temperature was 95 degrees fahrenheit. The finding was of very low safety-significance based on a Phase 1 screening in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix A, A Significance Determination of Reactor Inspection Findings for At-Power Situations." This finding was not associated with a cross-cutting aspect because the finding was not indicative of the licensees current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2009007 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Evaluate Seismic Piping Interactions A finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to evaluate seismic piping interactions. Specifically, for a plant configuration where the stem of a spent fuel pool cooling system valve contacted an adjacent service water pipe, the licensee's evaluation to demonstrate that the existing spent fuel pool cooling system piping and valves met the design basis acceptance criteria of United States of America Standard (USAS) B31.1-1967 used a method of analysis that did not evaluate the dynamic effect of impact forces as specified by the design basis piping code. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, compliance with the seismic Category I design basis requirements of United States of America Standard (USAS)
B31.1-1967 was to ensure valve SF-2, the valve connection between two sections of spent fuel pool cooling system piping, would function as required during a seismic Category I design basis event. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because it was a design deficiency of the structural integrity of the spent fuel pool cooling piping system that: did not result in loss of cooling to the spent fuel pool; did not result from fuel handling errors that caused damage to fuel clad integrity or a dropped assembly; and did not result in loss of spent fuel pool inventory greater than 10 percent
 
of spent fuel pool volume. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect because it was a legacy design issue, not reflective of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Communications, Incomplete As-Low-As-Is-Reasonably-Achievable Job Planning And Ineffective Implementation Of Radiological Work Controls The inspectors identified a finding of very low-safety-significance for inadequate as-low-as-is-reasonably achievable (ALARA) job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls. This issue adversely impacted the licensees ability to minimize dose for the containment sump fibrous insulation removal project during the Unit 2 Refueling Outage (U2R30). Specifically, radiological controls were not effectively implemented to reduce ambient radiation levels and minimize in-field work hours for craft personnel. This resulted in an actual dose outcome that was not consistent with the planned, intended dose for work associated with the fibrous insulation removal project.
Corrective actions were implemented to address the organizational communication deficiencies that lead to the incomplete ALARA job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls for the project.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone objective for ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation in the attribute of program and process for ALARA planning, in that, incomplete ALARA job planning and radiological work control deficiencies contributed to an actual increase in worker doses in excess of 5 person-rem and exceeded the licensees initial intended dose estimates by more than 50 percent.
The finding did not involve: an overexposure; a substantial potential for an overexposure; or an impaired ability to assess dose. While the finding involved ALARA planning and controls, the 3-year rolling average dose for the Point Beach Nuclear Plant was less than the significance determination process threshold of 135-person-rem for pressurized water reactors at the time the performance deficiency occurred. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this is a finding of very low safety significance. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in decision-making, in that, the licensee did not communicate decisions and the basis for decisions to personnel who have a need to know the information in order to perform work safely in a timely manner (H.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Significance:        Dec 31, 2009 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Proper Control Of Radioactive Material Within The Radiologically Controlled Area A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 20.1101(b) was identified for the failure to adequately control radioactive material to prevent its migration outside the radiologically
 
controlled area (RCA), as required by licensee procedures. On May 21, 2009, a contract worker performing inspections of the main electrical transformers located outside the RCA picked-up a wadded-ball of debris (unmarked tape) and placed it in his front pants pocket. The debris was later found to be radioactively contaminated when the worker alarmed the protected area exit radiation monitors a few hours later as he attempted to leave the site. The tape was likely used to cover contaminated hoses that were previously used within the Point Beach RCA, but had escaped the licensee's control and migrated (blew) into the transformer area outdoors where it was found by the worker. The licensee's storage of radioactive material in an outdoor satellite RCA and/or the licensee's radioactive material control practices during refueling outages when the containment building equipment hatch was open to the environment led to the escape of the material outside the RCA. The contractor's assigned work duties should not have involved exposure to radioactive material; consequently, the worker was unnecessarily exposed to radiation from the contaminated tape.
A dose evaluation completed by the licensee's consultant determined that the effective dose equivalent to the worker's thigh from exposure to the contaminated ball of tape was approximately one mrem. The licensee's corrective action called for expanded radiation protection oversight during movement of material in outdoor areas. Procedures were revised to include a post outage walkdown of outdoor areas near the RCA yard. Additionally, the licensee planned to construct an enclosure so that storage/transfer of contaminated materials could be performed indoors.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the program and process attribute of the Public Radiation Safety Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of public health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that, unnecessary radiation exposure was received by an individual from inadequately controlled radioactive material. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because: (1) it involved a radioactive material control problem that was contrary to NRC requirements and the licensee's procedure; and (2) the dose impact to a member of the public (the contract worker) within the licensee's restricted area was less than 5 millirem total effective dose equivalent. The cause of the radioactive material control problem involved a cross-cutting component in the human performance area for inadequate work control, in that, job site conditions including environmental conditions (high winds, night time work, etc.) impacted human performance and consequently, radiological safety, during movement of material/equipment in outdoor areas (H.3.(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2009005 (pdf)
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Last modified : November 29, 2010
 
Point Beach 1 4Q/2010 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Power Operation to Hot Standby Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed when an auxiliary operator failed to correctly perform a procedure step. Specifically, OP 3A, Power Operation to Hot Standby Unit 1, step 5.11.7 directed the auxiliary operator to ensure the turbine crossover steam dump valves were closed. However, the auxiliary operator misread the position indication for the valves as closed, when, in fact, the valves were open. Because the valves were never closed, an uncontrolled lowering of condenser vacuum occurred, requiring licensed operators to trip the reactor. The licensee initiated a condition report, performed an apparent cause evaluation, and initiated corrective actions to address the issues identified in the causal evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of Human Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to follow the procedure resulted in a reactor trip. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered "no" to the Initiating Events Cornerstone Transient Initiator questions. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because operations personnel did not utilize human performance error prevention techniques. Specifically, operations personnel failed to follow standards for pre job briefs, verification and validation, and self checks (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT OPERABILITY WITH HAZARD BARRIERS OUT-OF-SERVICE.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to follow procedural/instructional guidance contained in a temporary procedure for the maintenance of high energy line break (HELB) barriers. Specifically, on June 25, 2010, the licensee placed a wedge under the control room door, a HELB barrier, contrary to the guidance contained in Operations Notebook procedure/instruction, HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance. The licensee entered this item into its corrective action program.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of equipment needed to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during power operations. Specifically, the failure to maintain the control room door available as a supporting structure, system, or component (SSC) for control room equipment availability/operability during a HELB impacted the reliability and the operability of affected control room SSCs. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because of its short exposure, approximately 0.5 hours. The finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensees staff was familiar with and had been briefed on , HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance in the Operations Notebook yet had failed to implement human error prevention techniques such as pre job briefing or peer checking, which, if performed, could have ensured that maintenance on the control room door was performed as required by the operations notebook procedure (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
 
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Untimely Corrective Actions To Address Longstanding Issue Of Submerged Cables A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVI, "Corrective Action," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to implement timely corrective actions to address the longstanding issue of submerged, medium voltage, underground cables at Point Beach.
Specifically, this issue was first identified in 1997, with numerous condition reports written since that time, and in January 2008, it was associated with a significant condition adverse to quality. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program. Corrective actions completed include increased monitoring and pumping of manholes; proposed actions include design changes to support automatic monitoring and/or water removal from the manholes.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors and affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to correct the submerged cable issue in a timely manner; if left uncorrected, would lead to other cable failures as a result of the continued cable degradation. The finding screened as having 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 would not be available. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not appropriately maintain long-term plant safety by maintenance of design margins, minimization of longstanding equipment issues, minimizing preventive maintenance deferrals, and ensuring maintenance and engineering backlogs were managed low enough to support safety (H.2(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Safety System Venting Procedure Void Assessment Requirements A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish adequate instructions or appropriate acceptance criteria to ensure that voids vented from safety related piping were evaluated for their effects on system operability. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program, performed a condition evaluation, and took actions to revise the deficient procedure.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The finding was of very low safety significance, because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision making, because the interdisciplinary nature of the observations reflected a lack of a systematic process during the development and execution of the related procedure (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Ultrasonic Assessment of Safety System Voids as Required by Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform ultrasonic testing on safety related systems for void assessment as required by the licensees gas accumulation management program. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and has begun the required ultrasonic testing.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The issue was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to provide sufficient oversight to ensure that the procedure was followed (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple ESFAS Steam Line Pressure Channel Modules Inoperable Due to Inadequate Calibration Instructions A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for calibrating the engineered safety features actuation system steam line pressure dynamic compensation modules. Specifically, since the basis calculation for determining the settings of the lead/lag values for the modules did not address dynamic settings, and the proceduralized tolerances were too restrictive, the calibration instructions were inadequate to ensure the modules ability to perform in accordance with technical specification requirements.
Upon discovery, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and performed an apparent cause evaluation that documented a number of planned program and procedural enhancements.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The finding does not have a cross cutting aspect because the performance deficiency occurred outside of the 3-year window considered to be representative of present performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were
 
acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
The Traditional Enforcment item associated with this item is tracked as NCV 2010005-06.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Identify Hydrogen Fire Hazards on Pre-Fire Plan A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violations of a license condition was identified by the inspectors for the failure to identify hydrogen fire hazards on a pre fire plan. Specifically, the licensee failed to identify that a compressed gas cylinder in the Unit 1 sample room contained hydrogen and that the Volume Control Tank valve galleries contained hydrogen piping. The licensee entered this issue into their corrective action program and revised the pre fire plan to reflect the identified hydrogen fire hazards.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because failure to identify hydrogen fire hazards in the pre fire plan could impact the fire brigades ability to effectively fight a fire due to the unique hazards associated with hydrogen. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the fire brigade
 
consisted of plant operators familiar with the 46-foot elevation of the auxiliary building and associated hazards. This finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Events (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of preventing undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). No cross cutting aspects associated with this finding were identified. (Section 1R05)
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Acceptance Criteria for Fire Door Surveillance Procedure A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the failure to provide appropriate acceptance criteria for the fire door surveillance procedure. Specifically, the acceptance criteria for fire door functionality did not specify that doors, when opened, returned to the closed and latched position. The licensee entered this issue into their corrective action program and planned to revise the surveillance procedure.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to have appropriate acceptance criteria would become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the lack of appropriate fire door functionality acceptance criteria could result in a nonfunctional door closing mechanism and a degraded fire barrier not being detected during surveillance activities. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the inspectors did not identify any instances where a fire door was left open or unlatched, or an instance where a fire door which would not close on its own and was not monitored for closure. Consequently, the inspectors determined that the finding represented a low degradation and, as such, this finding screened as Green.
This finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Events (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of preventing undesirable consequences (i.e. core damage). This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensees failure to follow procedures, such as the procedure writers guide, resulted in the failure to provide appropriate acceptance criteria for the fire door surveillance procedure (H.4(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure That RHR Would Be Capable to Respond to a Loss of Cooling Accident at Mode 4 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance for the failure to ensure that residual heat removal (RHR) system would be capable to respond to a loss of coolant accident that initiates in Mode 4. Specifically, the residual heat removal system could experience flash evaporation during a loss of coolant accident at this Mode resulting in steam binding of the system pumps and/or an adverse waterhammer. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program and will make procedure changes to ensure the operability of at least one RHR train while in Mode 4.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the mitigating system cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding screened as very low safety significance because a Phase II evaluation determined that it represented a change in core damage frequency of less than 5 E-9. The inspectors determined that this finding did not have a cross-cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Enter Abnormal Operating Procedure During Tornado Warning A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to
 
implement a required abnormal operating procedure (AOP) during a period of impending severe weather. Specifically, the licensee failed to enter AOP 13C, Severe Weather Conditions, during a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service for the specific location of the plant. The licensee immediately entered the issue into its corrective action program and conducted an apparent cause evaluation of the conditions.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve the loss or degradation of equipment or function specifically designed to mitigate a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event (e.g., seismic snubbers, flooding barriers, tornado doors), and did not involve the total loss of any safety function. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not ensure that personnel, equipment, procedures, and other resources were available and adequate to assure nuclear safety. Specifically, the entry conditions in AOP 13C were out of date and failed to provide an adequate nexus between the purpose and instructions of the procedure (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Control the Design of Partially Installed Modifications for Seismic Requirements A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 480 volt cables, installed for the future repowering of various auxiliary feedwater (AFW) system motor operated valves, were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, a seismic design evaluation was not completed prior to the installation of a cable coil suspended above the 2MS 2020 valve, 2P 29 turbine driven AFW pump steam supply. In response to this issue, the licensee installed more robust restraints that satisfied seismic acceptability criteria and performed an evaluation that showed the interim condition of the modification did not challenge operability. At the conclusion of this inspection period, the licensee was in the process of conducting a root cause evaluation. The inspectors also noted that a very similar issue at this site resulted in the issuance of a NCV in the second quarter of 2009.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to implement appropriate corrective actions for a previous violation with the same performance deficiency (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation PROCEDURES WERE NOT APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY AND DOCUMENT THE DESIGN OF NEW OR MODIFIED SSCs WITH RESPECT TO SEISMIC II/I INTERACTIONS.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to provide procedures that were appropriate to verify and document the design of new or modified SSCs with respect to seismic II/I interactions. Specifically, the procedures used for seismic II/I interaction evaluations of new or modified SSCs did not provide guidance for evaluating equipment that was not represented in the earthquake experience or generic testing equipment classes under the scope of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group methodology. Also, no formal
 
guidance was incorporated in modification and seismic procedures to document seismic II/I interaction evaluations.
As a result, the licensee did not perform an evaluation that was in accordance with the licensing basis to verify the design of the B containment sump strainers of Units 1 and 2 with respect to potential seismic II/I interactions. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it was a qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, self and independent assessments, because the licensee did not conduct self assessments of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group program (P.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inappropriate Application Of A Dedicated Operator During A System Venting Surveillance A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) was identified by the inspectors for the failure to properly assess risk that resulted from risk-significant maintenance being performed on the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems. Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied criteria for the use of a dedicated operator to meet availability requirements. As part of its corrective actions, the licensee stopped work that required the use of a dedicated operator pending further evaluation.
The issue was more than minor because the licensees risk assessment for January 12, 2010, failed to consider multiple systems unavailable during maintenance.
Specifically, the failure to account for the unavailability of the residual heat removal, safety injection, and containment spray systems, resulted in an inadequate daily risk assessment and could affect the unavailability time of this system in related performance and maintenance rule indicators. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the Significance Determination Process in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment K, Maintenance Risk Assessment and Risk Management Significance Determination Process, dated May 19, 2005, and determined the issue screened as having very low safety significance, because the incremental conditional core damage probability was less than 1E-6 due to the test condition lasting only four hours. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not have a process or use a systematic approach regarding facets of a dedicated operator (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Temporary Modification Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," was identified by the inspectors for the licensee's failure to follow the temporary modifications procedure FP-E-MOD-03, Revision 6. Specifically, the Applicability section of this procedure was not properly applied to the temporary condensate storage tank (CST) modification such that the system was not appropriately characterized as a temporary modification. As a result, the licensee failed to adequately document an evaluation of the potential impacts to operating equipment. As of the conclusion of the inspection, the licensee had entered this issue into its corrective action program.
 
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the licensee inappropriately applied the exemption criteria of the temporary modification procedure to the fill point connected to the newly classified "vent" of the permanent CST and failed to assess the impact of the temporary CST system on plant design. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency resulting in a loss of functionality, did not represent a loss of system safety function or loss of a single train for greater than its allowed technical specification time, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating events. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not appropriately use conservative assumptions in decision-making and verify the validity of underlying assumptions for the temporary CST modification (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Establish Required Fire Watches A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of Technical Specification 5.4.1.h for Units 1 and 2 was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish appropriate fire watches required as compensatory 3 Enclosure measures to address identified fire protection impairments. Specifically, on three occasions, the licensee failed to issue, and properly implement, fire watch surveillances as required by procedure OM 3.27. The licensee had entered all instances into its corrective action program.
The finding was more than minor because the finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external factors (fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the failure to implement fire watches required as compensatory measures degraded the defense-in-depth elements of the fire protection program that is necessary to ensure safe shutdown in the event of a fire. The issue was of very low safety significance based on the low degradation rating for the finding. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensees preliminary apparent cause evaluation attributed the underlying cause of these events to less than adequate procedures, or procedures that did not adequately link to each other, and pre-job briefing materials that did not address fire protection considerations (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Feb 17, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: VIO Violation Inaccurate Information Relating to Signatures on Ignition Control Procedures A Severity Level IV, Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50.9(a) Completeness and Accuracy of Information, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to maintain complete and accurate information required by the Commission. Specifically, a Point Beach Nuclear Plant employee and two contract employees from Day and Zimmermann Nuclear Power Services, signed Ignition Control Permits without the authorized person inspecting the areas as required by the ignition control procedure NP 1.9.13.
The violation affected the NRCs ability to perform its regulatory function because it involved willfulness. Therefore, it was evaluated using Traditional Enforcement. The NRC determined that a Severity Level IV violation was
 
appropriate due to the willful nature of some violation examples. The NRC determined that the violation should be cited because: (1) the violation was NRC-identified; and (2) it was willful; and (3) it involved a first-line supervisor.
The inspectors determined that this violation was a performance deficiency, but because the underlying work was always completed with a fire watch present, that deficiency was minor in nature. As such, no cross-cutting aspect was evaluated for the minor performance deficiency.
Inspection Report# : 2010008 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2010010 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Evaluate Seismic Piping Interactions A finding of very low safety significance and an associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, "Design Control," was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to evaluate seismic piping interactions. Specifically, for a plant configuration where the stem of a spent fuel pool cooling system valve contacted an adjacent service water pipe, the licensee's evaluation to demonstrate that the existing spent fuel pool cooling system piping and valves met the design basis acceptance criteria of United States of America Standard (USAS) B31.1-1967 used a method of analysis that did not evaluate the dynamic effect of impact forces as specified by the design basis piping code. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, compliance with the seismic Category I design basis requirements of United States of America Standard (USAS)
B31.1-1967 was to ensure valve SF-2, the valve connection between two sections of spent fuel pool cooling system piping, would function as required during a seismic Category I design basis event. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because it was a design deficiency of the structural integrity of the spent fuel pool cooling piping system that: did not result in loss of cooling to the spent fuel pool; did not result from fuel handling errors that caused damage to fuel clad integrity or a dropped assembly; and did not result in loss of spent fuel pool inventory greater than 10 percent of spent fuel pool volume. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect because it was a legacy design issue, not reflective of current performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:      Mar 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Communications, Incomplete As-Low-As-Is-Reasonably-Achievable Job Planning And Ineffective Implementation Of Radiological Work Controls The inspectors identified a finding of very low-safety-significance for inadequate as-low-as-is-reasonably achievable (ALARA) job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls. This issue adversely impacted the licensees ability to minimize dose for the containment sump fibrous insulation removal project during the Unit 2 Refueling Outage (U2R30). Specifically, radiological controls were not effectively implemented to reduce ambient radiation levels and minimize in-field work hours for craft personnel. This resulted in an actual dose outcome that was not consistent with the planned, intended dose for work associated with the fibrous insulation removal project.
Corrective actions were implemented to address the organizational communication deficiencies that lead to the incomplete ALARA job planning and ineffective implementation of radiological work controls for the project.
The finding was more than minor because it impacted the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone objective for ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation in the attribute of program and process for ALARA planning, in that, incomplete ALARA job planning and radiological work control deficiencies contributed to an actual increase in worker doses in excess of 5 person-rem and exceeded the licensees initial intended dose estimates by more than 50 percent.
The finding did not involve: an overexposure; a substantial potential for an overexposure; or an impaired ability to assess dose. While the finding involved ALARA planning and controls, the 3-year rolling average dose for the Point Beach Nuclear Plant was less than the significance determination process threshold of 135-person-rem for pressurized water reactors at the time the performance deficiency occurred. Therefore, the inspectors determined that this is a finding of very low safety significance. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance in decision-making, in that, the licensee did not communicate decisions and the basis for decisions to personnel who have a need to know the information in order to perform work safely in a timely manner (H.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010002 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Submit Licensee Event Report per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D).
A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D) was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee to report an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of the auxiliary feedwater and safety injection safety functions, which are relied upon to shutdown the reactor and maintain it in a shutdown condition, and mitigate the consequences of an accident. Specifically, the licensee had not properly controlled the blocking open of doors that served as high energy line break barriers. The licensee entered the violation into its corrective action program as condition report 01616620 and revise the procedure on control of high energy
 
line break barriers.
Violations of 10 CFR 50.73 are considered to be violations that potentially impact the regulatory process and are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process. A cross-cutting aspect was not assigned to this violation.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Last modified : March 03, 2011
 
Point Beach 1 1Q/2011 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Required Ultrasonic Exam In Accordance With Procedures On March 3, 2010, the inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for a vendor examiners failure to follow procedure instructions and perform required circumferential ultrasonic scans of two elbow-to-pipe containment spray line welds. The licensee subsequently performed the scans with no relevant indications detected and documented the failure to perform the scans in the corrective action system.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the weld examinations could become a more significant safety concern. Absent NRC identification, the licensee would not have performed the full required exam of the weld for an indefinite period of service which would have placed the reactor coolant pressure boundary at increased risk for undetected cracking, leakage, or component failure. This finding was of very low safety significance based on the inspectors answering No to the Phase 1 screening question identified in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a in Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance. Specifically, the failure to perform required circumferential examinations occurred because the licensees management staff did not adequately stress or enforce procedure adherence for this activity. In particular, procedure NDE-173 was issued as an Informational Use type procedure that allowed licensee staff to rely on memory to perform the procedural steps.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Power Operation to Hot Standby Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed when an auxiliary operator failed to correctly perform a procedure step. Specifically, OP 3A, Power Operation to Hot Standby Unit 1, step 5.11.7 directed the auxiliary operator to ensure the turbine crossover steam dump valves were closed. However, the auxiliary operator misread the position indication for the valves as closed, when, in fact, the valves were open. Because the valves were never closed, an uncontrolled lowering of condenser vacuum occurred, requiring licensed operators to trip the reactor. The licensee initiated a condition report, performed an apparent cause evaluation, and initiated corrective actions to address the issues identified in the causal evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of Human Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to follow the procedure resulted in a reactor trip. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered "no" to the Initiating Events Cornerstone Transient Initiator questions. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because operations personnel did not utilize human performance error prevention techniques. Specifically, operations personnel failed to follow standards for pre job briefs, verification and validation, and self checks (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT OPERABILITY WITH HAZARD BARRIERS OUT-OF-SERVICE.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to follow procedural/instructional guidance contained in a temporary procedure for the maintenance of high energy line break (HELB) barriers. Specifically, on June 25, 2010, the licensee placed a wedge under the control room door, a HELB barrier, contrary to the guidance contained in Operations Notebook procedure/instruction, HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance. The licensee entered this item into its corrective action program.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability and reliability of equipment needed to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during power operations. Specifically, the failure to maintain the control room door available as a supporting structure, system, or component (SSC) for control room equipment availability/operability during a HELB impacted the reliability and the operability of affected control room SSCs. The finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green) because of its short exposure, approximately 0.5 hours. The finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensees staff was familiar with and had been briefed on , HELB Barrier/Vent Path Temporary Guidance in the Operations Notebook yet had failed to implement human error prevention techniques such as pre job briefing or peer checking, which, if performed, could have ensured that maintenance on the control room door was performed as required by the operations notebook procedure (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:      Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Internal Flood Protection Features On Emergency Diesel Generators G 01 And G 02 Control Cabinets A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee from 1995 through January 20, 2011, to correctly translate the applicable regulatory requirements and the design basis into specifications, procedures, and instructions. Specifically, the licensee modified the control cabinets of emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 in 1995 without the appropriate internal flood protection design features. The licensee initiated condition report AR01610979, took immediate corrective actions to correct the deficient conditions, and performed an apparent cause evaluation. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to implement planned corrective actions that included establishment of preventive maintenance activities to perform flooding seal inspections and extent of condition evaluations to ensure all potential design and licensing basis flooding issues were identified and resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that internal flood protection features used to mitigate a design basis accident were maintained. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance because it was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in a loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that this finding did not reflect current performance since the error was introduced in a design change that was greater than three years old; therefore, there was no cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010
 
Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Safety System Venting Procedure Void Assessment Requirements A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish adequate instructions or appropriate acceptance criteria to ensure that voids vented from safety related piping were evaluated for their effects on system operability. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program, performed a condition evaluation, and took actions to revise the deficient procedure.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The finding was of very low safety significance, because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision making, because the interdisciplinary nature of the observations reflected a lack of a systematic process during the development and execution of the related procedure (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Ultrasonic Assessment of Safety System Voids as Required by Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform ultrasonic testing on safety related systems for void assessment as required by the licensees gas accumulation management program. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and has begun the required ultrasonic testing.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The issue was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to provide sufficient oversight to ensure that the procedure was followed (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple ESFAS Steam Line Pressure Channel Modules Inoperable Due to Inadequate Calibration Instructions A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for calibrating the engineered safety features actuation system steam line pressure dynamic compensation modules. Specifically, since the basis calculation for determining the settings of the lead/lag values for the modules did not address dynamic settings, and the proceduralized tolerances were too restrictive, the calibration instructions were inadequate to ensure the modules ability to perform in accordance with technical specification requirements.
Upon discovery, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and performed an apparent cause evaluation that documented a number of planned program and procedural enhancements.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of
 
systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The finding does not have a cross cutting aspect because the performance deficiency occurred outside of the 3-year window considered to be representative of present performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when
 
they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
The Traditional Enforcment item associated with this item is tracked as NCV 2010005-06.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Identify Hydrogen Fire Hazards on Pre-Fire Plan A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violations of a license condition was identified by the inspectors for the failure to identify hydrogen fire hazards on a pre fire plan. Specifically, the licensee failed to identify that a compressed gas cylinder in the Unit 1 sample room contained hydrogen and that the Volume Control Tank valve galleries contained hydrogen piping. The licensee entered this issue into their corrective action program and revised the pre fire plan to reflect the identified hydrogen fire hazards.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because failure to identify hydrogen fire hazards in the pre fire plan could impact the fire brigades ability to effectively fight a fire due to the unique hazards associated with hydrogen. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the fire brigade consisted of plant operators familiar with the 46-foot elevation of the auxiliary building and associated hazards. This finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Events (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of preventing undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). No cross cutting aspects associated with this finding were identified. (Section 1R05)
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Acceptance Criteria for Fire Door Surveillance Procedure A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the failure to provide appropriate acceptance criteria for the fire door surveillance procedure. Specifically, the acceptance criteria for fire door functionality did not specify that doors, when opened, returned to the closed and latched position. The licensee entered this issue into their corrective action program and planned to revise the surveillance procedure.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to have appropriate acceptance criteria would become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the lack of appropriate fire door functionality acceptance criteria could result in a nonfunctional door closing mechanism and a degraded fire barrier not being detected during surveillance activities. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the inspectors did not identify any instances where a fire door was left open or unlatched, or an instance where a fire door which would not close on its own and was not monitored for closure. Consequently, the inspectors determined that the finding represented a low degradation and, as such, this finding screened as Green.
This finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Events (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of preventing undesirable consequences (i.e. core damage). This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensees failure to follow procedures, such as the procedure writers guide, resulted in the failure to provide appropriate acceptance criteria for the fire door surveillance procedure (H.4(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure That RHR Would Be Capable to Respond to a Loss of Cooling Accident at Mode 4 The inspectors identified a Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, having very low safety significance for the failure to ensure that residual heat removal (RHR) system would be
 
capable to respond to a loss of coolant accident that initiates in Mode 4. Specifically, the residual heat removal system could experience flash evaporation during a loss of coolant accident at this Mode resulting in steam binding of the system pumps and/or an adverse waterhammer. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program and will make procedure changes to ensure the operability of at least one RHR train while in Mode 4.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the mitigating system cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding screened as very low safety significance because a Phase II evaluation determined that it represented a change in core damage frequency of less than 5 E-9. The inspectors determined that this finding did not have a cross-cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Enter Abnormal Operating Procedure During Tornado Warning A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to implement a required abnormal operating procedure (AOP) during a period of impending severe weather. Specifically, the licensee failed to enter AOP 13C, Severe Weather Conditions, during a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service for the specific location of the plant. The licensee immediately entered the issue into its corrective action program and conducted an apparent cause evaluation of the conditions.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it did not involve the loss or degradation of equipment or function specifically designed to mitigate a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event (e.g., seismic snubbers, flooding barriers, tornado doors), and did not involve the total loss of any safety function. This finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee did not ensure that personnel, equipment, procedures, and other resources were available and adequate to assure nuclear safety. Specifically, the entry conditions in AOP 13C were out of date and failed to provide an adequate nexus between the purpose and instructions of the procedure (H.2(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Control the Design of Partially Installed Modifications for Seismic Requirements A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensees modification process to ensure that new 480 volt cables, installed for the future repowering of various auxiliary feedwater (AFW) system motor operated valves, were installed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Specifically, a seismic design evaluation was not completed prior to the installation of a cable coil suspended above the 2MS 2020 valve, 2P 29 turbine driven AFW pump steam supply. In response to this issue, the licensee installed more robust restraints that satisfied seismic acceptability criteria and performed an evaluation that showed the interim condition of the modification did not challenge operability. At the conclusion of this inspection period, the licensee was in the process of conducting a root cause evaluation. The inspectors also noted that a very similar issue at this site resulted in the issuance of a NCV in the second quarter of 2009.
This performance deficiency was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage).
Specifically, once identified, the modification required rework to comply with applicable design requirements. The
 
inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because the issue did not result in the actual loss of a safety function. The inspectors also determined the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action program, because the licensee failed to implement appropriate corrective actions for a previous violation with the same performance deficiency (P.1(d)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation PROCEDURES WERE NOT APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY AND DOCUMENT THE DESIGN OF NEW OR MODIFIED SSCs WITH RESPECT TO SEISMIC II/I INTERACTIONS.
A finding of very low safety significance and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to provide procedures that were appropriate to verify and document the design of new or modified SSCs with respect to seismic II/I interactions. Specifically, the procedures used for seismic II/I interaction evaluations of new or modified SSCs did not provide guidance for evaluating equipment that was not represented in the earthquake experience or generic testing equipment classes under the scope of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group methodology. Also, no formal guidance was incorporated in modification and seismic procedures to document seismic II/I interaction evaluations.
As a result, the licensee did not perform an evaluation that was in accordance with the licensing basis to verify the design of the B containment sump strainers of Units 1 and 2 with respect to potential seismic II/I interactions. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of protection against external events and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance (Green) because it was a qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that the finding had a cross cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, self and independent assessments, because the licensee did not conduct self assessments of the Seismic Qualification Utility Group program (P.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010003 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unacceptable Preconditioning Of Technical Specification Required Surveillance Test A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees unacceptable preconditioning of a technical specification required surveillance test on September 14, 2010, and January 18, 2011. Specifically, by performing procedure PC 97, Part 7, service water flushes of the Unit 2 containment fan cooler (CFC) units prior to the performance of the fan cooler units monthly surveillance tests, the licensee failed to ensure that work activities were sequenced in a manner that preserved the as found conditions of the structure, system, and component (SSC), which constituted unacceptable preconditioning. Upon notification from the inspectors of this issue, the licensee initiated a condition report and subsequently performed a condition evaluation that proposed permanent corrective actions such as procedure changes to explicitly prohibit such sequencing of activities. Additionally, in the interim, the licensee immediately communicated to its operators the need to sequence the activities appropriately.
The finding was determined to be more because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of SSC and Barrier Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (containment, in this case) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, because the preconditioning altered the as found condition of the CFCs, the data collected through the performance of the procedure TS 34 surveillance tests were not fully indicative of the true equipment
 
performance trends of the CFCs. Therefore, this performance deficiency had a direct effect on the licensees ability to fully assess the past operability of the system, as well as the ability to trend as found data to assess the reliability of the CFCs. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities by failing to incorporate actions to address the impact of work on different job activities.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Submit Licensee Event Report per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D).
A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D) was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee to report an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of the auxiliary feedwater and safety injection safety functions, which are relied upon to shutdown the reactor and maintain it in a shutdown condition, and mitigate the consequences of an accident. Specifically, the licensee had not properly controlled the blocking open of doors that served as high energy line break barriers. The licensee entered the violation into its corrective action program as condition report 01616620 and revise the procedure on control of high energy line break barriers.
Violations of 10 CFR 50.73 are considered to be violations that potentially impact the regulatory process and are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process. A cross-cutting aspect was not assigned to this violation.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Last modified : June 07, 2011
 
Point Beach 1 2Q/2011 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Required Ultrasonic Exam In Accordance With Procedures On March 3, 2010, the inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for a vendor examiners failure to follow procedure instructions and perform required circumferential ultrasonic scans of two elbow-to-pipe containment spray line welds. The licensee subsequently performed the scans with no relevant indications detected and documented the failure to perform the scans in the corrective action system.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the weld examinations could become a more significant safety concern. Absent NRC identification, the licensee would not have performed the full required exam of the weld for an indefinite period of service which would have placed the reactor coolant pressure boundary at increased risk for undetected cracking, leakage, or component failure. This finding was of very low safety significance based on the inspectors answering No to the Phase 1 screening question identified in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a in Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance. Specifically, the failure to perform required circumferential examinations occurred because the licensees management staff did not adequately stress or enforce procedure adherence for this activity. In particular, procedure NDE-173 was issued as an Informational Use type procedure that allowed licensee staff to rely on memory to perform the procedural steps.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Power Operation to Hot Standby Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed when an auxiliary operator failed to correctly perform a procedure step. Specifically, OP 3A, Power Operation to Hot Standby Unit 1, step 5.11.7 directed the auxiliary operator to ensure the turbine crossover steam dump valves were closed. However, the auxiliary operator misread the position indication for the valves as closed, when, in fact, the valves were open. Because the valves were never closed, an uncontrolled lowering of condenser vacuum occurred, requiring licensed operators to trip the reactor. The licensee initiated a condition report, performed an apparent cause evaluation, and initiated corrective actions to address the issues identified in the causal evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of Human Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to follow the procedure resulted in a reactor trip. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered "no" to the Initiating Events Cornerstone Transient Initiator questions. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because operations personnel did not utilize human performance error prevention techniques. Specifically, operations personnel failed to follow standards for pre job briefs, verification and validation, and self checks (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
 
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Safety Injection Pump Discharge Flow Indicator Left Isolated A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to implement the requirements of procedure NP 2.1.1, "Conduct of Operations. Specifically, from July 26, 2010, to February 23, 2011, the licensee failed to track the actual position of the valves associated with FT 925, 2P 15A SI Pump Discharge Flow, which resulted in the failure to return the valves and the transmitter to its normal configuration.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of configuration control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors answered No to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to control the related work activity by having procedures to address the impact of changes to the work scope or activity on the plant and human performance (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Procedures Needed To Maintain Equipment Operability With Hazard Barriers Out-Of-Service A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate procedures for the control of hazard barriers. Specifically, on August 27, 2010, and as a result of a historical review of plant operating conditions resulting from NRC observations, the licensee identified multiple occurrences of inadequate controls of high energy line break barriers that resulted from inappropriate procedures.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external events attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, the Region III Senior Risk Analyst performed a Phase 3 analysis, since the risk information from a Phase 2 analysis (Appendix A, Determining the Safety Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609) did not contain the appropriate mitigating equipment and determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect associated with it because the issue was related to a failure to incorporate operating experience into procedures from a Regulatory Issue Summary issued in 2001.
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Internal Flood Protection Features On Emergency Diesel Generators G-01 And G-02 Control Cabinets A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee from 1995 through January 20,
 
2011, to correctly translate the applicable regulatory requirements and the design basis into specifications, procedures, and instructions. Specifically, the licensee modified the control cabinets of emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 in 1995 without the appropriate internal flood protection design features. The licensee initiated condition report AR01610979, took immediate corrective actions to correct the deficient conditions, and performed an apparent cause evaluation. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to implement planned corrective actions that included establishment of preventive maintenance activities to perform flooding seal inspections and extent of condition evaluations to ensure all potential design and licensing basis flooding issues were identified and resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that internal flood protection features used to mitigate a design basis accident were maintained. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance because it was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in a loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that this finding did not reflect current performance since the error was introduced in a design change that was greater than three years old; therefore, there was no cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Safety System Venting Procedure Void Assessment Requirements A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish adequate instructions or appropriate acceptance criteria to ensure that voids vented from safety related piping were evaluated for their effects on system operability. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program, performed a condition evaluation, and took actions to revise the deficient procedure.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The finding was of very low safety significance, because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision making, because the interdisciplinary nature of the observations reflected a lack of a systematic process during the development and execution of the related procedure (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Ultrasonic Assessment of Safety System Voids as Required by Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform ultrasonic testing on safety related systems for void assessment as required by the licensees gas accumulation management program. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and has begun the required ultrasonic testing.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The issue was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to provide sufficient oversight to ensure
 
that the procedure was followed (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple ESFAS Steam Line Pressure Channel Modules Inoperable Due to Inadequate Calibration Instructions A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for calibrating the engineered safety features actuation system steam line pressure dynamic compensation modules. Specifically, since the basis calculation for determining the settings of the lead/lag values for the modules did not address dynamic settings, and the proceduralized tolerances were too restrictive, the calibration instructions were inadequate to ensure the modules ability to perform in accordance with technical specification requirements.
Upon discovery, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and performed an apparent cause evaluation that documented a number of planned program and procedural enhancements.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The finding does not have a cross cutting aspect because the performance deficiency occurred outside of the 3-year window considered to be representative of present performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding
 
Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
The Traditional Enforcment item associated with this item is tracked as NCV 2010005-06.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Identify Hydrogen Fire Hazards on Pre-Fire Plan A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violations of a license condition was identified by the inspectors for the failure to identify hydrogen fire hazards on a pre-fire plan. Specifically, the licensee failed to identify that a compressed gas cylinder in the Unit 1 sample room contained hydrogen and that the Volume Control Tank valve galleries contained hydrogen piping. The licensee entered this issue into their corrective action program and revised the pre-fire plan to reflect the identified hydrogen fire hazards.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because failure to identify hydrogen fire hazards in the pre fire plan could impact the fire brigades ability to effectively fight a fire due to the unique hazards associated with hydrogen. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the fire brigade consisted of plant operators familiar with the 46-foot elevation of the auxiliary building and associated hazards. This finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Events (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of preventing undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). No cross-cutting aspects associated with this finding were identified.
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Inadequate Acceptance Criteria for Fire Door Surveillance Procedure A finding of very low safety significance was identified by the inspectors for the failure to provide appropriate acceptance criteria for the fire door surveillance procedure. Specifically, the acceptance criteria for fire door functionality did not specify that doors, when opened, returned to the closed and latched position. The licensee entered this issue into their corrective action program and planned to revise the surveillance procedure.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because if left uncorrected, the failure to have appropriate acceptance criteria would become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the lack of appropriate fire door
 
functionality acceptance criteria could result in a nonfunctional door closing mechanism and a degraded fire barrier not being detected during surveillance activities. This finding was associated with the Mitigating Systems cornerstone attribute of Protection Against External Events (Fire) and affected the cornerstone objective of preventing undesirable consequences (i.e. core damage). The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because the inspectors did not identify any instances where a fire door was left open or unlatched, or an instance where a fire door which would not close on its own and was not monitored for closure. Consequently, the inspectors determined that the finding represented a low degradation and, as such, this finding screened as Green. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensees failure to follow procedures, such as the procedure writers guide, resulted in the failure to provide appropriate acceptance criteria for the fire door surveillance procedure (H.4(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Ensure That RHR Would Be Capable to Respond to a Loss of Cooling Accident in Mode 4 A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to ensure that the residual heat removal (RHR) system would be capable of responding to a loss of coolant accident that occurred in Mode 4. Specifically, the RHR system could experience flash evaporation during a loss of coolant accident in this Mode resulting in steam binding of the system pumps and/or an adverse waterhammer. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program and will make procedure changes to ensure the operability of at least one RHR train while in Mode 4.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating System Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding screened as very low safety significance because a Phase II evaluation determined that it represented a change in core damage frequency of less than 5 E-9. The inspectors determined that this finding did not have a cross-cutting aspect because it was not obvious that the licensee should have identified the potential problem with RHR.
Inspection Report# : 2010004 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Leakage Inside Containment A finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation of leakage inside containment when it was identified in September 2010.
Specifically, on September 26, 2010, condition report AR01397092 identified increased leakage and a related work order was initiated to inspect Unit 1 containment for the leakage source; however, an evaluation of the leak and leak location/source was not performed as required by licensee procedures.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of structure, system, and component and barrier performance, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, specifically the containment, would be able to protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors answered No to all of the questions in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during the decision making and review process associated with the degraded condition (H.1(b)).
 
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unacceptable Preconditioning Of Technical Specification Required Surveillance Test A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees unacceptable preconditioning of a technical specification required surveillance test on September 14, 2010, and January 18, 2011. Specifically, by performing procedure PC 97, Part 7, service water flushes of the Unit 2 containment fan cooler (CFC) units prior to the performance of the fan cooler units monthly surveillance tests, the licensee failed to ensure that work activities were sequenced in a manner that preserved the as found conditions of the structure, system, and component (SSC), which constituted unacceptable preconditioning. Upon notification from the inspectors of this issue, the licensee initiated a condition report and subsequently performed a condition evaluation that proposed permanent corrective actions such as procedure changes to explicitly prohibit such sequencing of activities. Additionally, in the interim, the licensee immediately communicated to its operators the need to sequence the activities appropriately.
The finding was determined to be more because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of SSC and Barrier Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (containment, in this case) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, because the preconditioning altered the as found condition of the CFCs, the data collected through the performance of the procedure TS 34 surveillance tests were not fully indicative of the true equipment performance trends of the CFCs. Therefore, this performance deficiency had a direct effect on the licensees ability to fully assess the past operability of the system, as well as the ability to trend as found data to assess the reliability of the CFCs. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities by failing to incorporate actions to address the impact of work on different job activities.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous
 
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Submit Licensee Event Report per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D)
A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D) was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee to report an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of the auxiliary feedwater and safety injection safety functions, which are relied upon to shutdown the reactor and maintain it in a shutdown condition, and mitigate the consequences of an accident. Specifically, the licensee had not properly controlled the blocking open of doors that served as high energy line break barriers. The licensee entered the violation into its corrective action program as condition report 01616620 and revise the procedure on control of high energy line break barriers.
Violations of 10 CFR 50.73 are considered to be violations that potentially impact the regulatory process and are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process. A cross-cutting aspect was not assigned to this violation.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Last modified : October 14, 2011
 
Point Beach 1 3Q/2011 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Turbine Building Structural Steel Floor Beams Did Not Meet AISC Requirements
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving the licensees failure to meet the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Specification. Specifically, the licensees design basis calculation failed to ensure the turbine building structural steel floor beams met the AISC specification. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program. No violation of NRC requirements was identified.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset the plants stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the transient initiator would not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance and work practice because the licensee did not ensure effective supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety was supported. Specifically, the licensee failed to have adequate oversight of design calculation and documentation for establishing structural adequacy of the turbine building structural steel beams at EL. 44-
: 0. [H.2(c)] (Section 4OA5.1.b.(2))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Required Ultrasonic Exam In Accordance With Procedures On March 3, 2010, the inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for a vendor examiners failure to follow procedure instructions and perform required circumferential ultrasonic scans of two elbow-to-pipe containment spray line welds. The licensee subsequently performed the scans with no relevant indications detected and documented the failure to perform the scans in the corrective action system.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the weld examinations could become a more significant safety concern. Absent NRC identification, the licensee would not have performed the full required exam of the weld for an indefinite period of service which would have placed the reactor coolant pressure boundary at increased risk for undetected cracking, leakage, or component failure. This finding was of very low safety significance based on the inspectors answering No to the Phase 1 screening question identified in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a in Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance. Specifically, the failure to perform required circumferential examinations occurred because the licensees management staff did not adequately stress or enforce procedure adherence for this activity. In particular, procedure NDE-173 was issued as an Informational Use type procedure that allowed licensee staff to rely on memory to perform the procedural steps.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010
 
Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Follow Power Operation to Hot Standby Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed when an auxiliary operator failed to correctly perform a procedure step. Specifically, OP 3A, Power Operation to Hot Standby Unit 1, step 5.11.7 directed the auxiliary operator to ensure the turbine crossover steam dump valves were closed. However, the auxiliary operator misread the position indication for the valves as closed, when, in fact, the valves were open. Because the valves were never closed, an uncontrolled lowering of condenser vacuum occurred, requiring licensed operators to trip the reactor. The licensee initiated a condition report, performed an apparent cause evaluation, and initiated corrective actions to address the issues identified in the causal evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of Human Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of limiting the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations.
Specifically, the failure to follow the procedure resulted in a reactor trip. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered "no" to the Initiating Events Cornerstone Transient Initiator questions. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because operations personnel did not utilize human performance error prevention techniques. Specifically, operations personnel failed to follow standards for pre job briefs, verification and validation, and self checks (H.4(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Rod Drive Control System Failures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation as required by procedure when degraded/non conforming conditions were identified during a surveillance of the rod drive control system. Specifically, on December 10, 2010, the licensee documented rod trouble alarms in condition report 01401564, but did not identify the degraded/non conforming condition or evaluate the condition relative to support functions for technical specifications (TSs) 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the failure to identify the degraded/non conforming condition and assess the impact on operations and TS requirements resulted in latent conditions that had the potential to be of greater safety significance, and in this case resulted in the failure to evaluate the degraded/non conforming condition relative to TSs 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during related decision making that adopted a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Failure To Ensure Tornado Missile Protection For EDGs G01 And G02 Exhaust Stacks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for two of the emergency diesel generator (EDG) exhaust stacks, which were considered Class I components. The licensee entered this issue into the Corrective Action Program as AR 01678709.
The licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for EDGs G01 and G02 exhaust stacks was a performance deficiency. The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because there was reasonable doubt the EDG exhaust stacks would remain functional to support EDG operation in the event tornado-induced missiles damaged the exhaust stacks The finding screened as very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding was determined not to have a cross-cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Monitor outside Air Temperature The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to correctly translate design basis assumptions into procedures or instructions. Specifically, the licensee failed to monitor average outside air temperature which was one of the design input criteria for the temperature heat-up calculation associated with rooms which housed safety-related equipment. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with Mitigating System Cornerstone and determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could lead to a more significant safety concern. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate training and qualification of personnel. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately train licensed operators to ensure adequate knowledge with respect to the interface between functionality of a non-safety system component and the impact of a failure on the operability of safety-related equipment. [H.2(b)]. (Section 1R21.3.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Incorporate Minimum AFW Flow Requirement into Emergency Procedures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to ensure a minimum AFW flow of 275 gpm as specified in the accident analysis for the Loss of Normal Feedwater event. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would have the potential to lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, an AFW flow rate of less than 275 gpm as specified in the procedures did not ensure the pressurizer would not become water solid and cause an over-pressure condition within the Reactor Coolant System during the Loss of Normal Feedwater. The finding screened as of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not maintain design documentation in a complete and accurate manner. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain Emergency Procedures
 
consistent with the design basis analysis for LONF. [H.2(c)]. (Section 1R21.6.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Safety Injection Pump Discharge Flow Indicator Left Isolated A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to implement the requirements of procedure NP 2.1.1, "Conduct of Operations. Specifically, from July 26, 2010, to February 23, 2011, the licensee failed to track the actual position of the valves associated with FT 925, 2P 15A SI Pump Discharge Flow, which resulted in the failure to return the valves and the transmitter to its normal configuration.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of configuration control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors answered No to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to control the related work activity by having procedures to address the impact of changes to the work scope or activity on the plant and human performance (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Procedures Needed To Maintain Equipment Operability With Hazard Barriers Out-Of-Service A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate procedures for the control of hazard barriers. Specifically, on August 27, 2010, and as a result of a historical review of plant operating conditions resulting from NRC observations, the licensee identified multiple occurrences of inadequate controls of high energy line break barriers that resulted from inappropriate procedures.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external events attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, the Region III Senior Risk Analyst performed a Phase 3 analysis, since the risk information from a Phase 2 analysis (Appendix A, Determining the Safety Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609) did not contain the appropriate mitigating equipment and determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect associated with it because the issue was related to a failure to incorporate operating experience into procedures from a Regulatory Issue Summary issued in 2001.
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Internal Flood Protection Features On Emergency Diesel Generators G-01 And G-02 Control Cabinets A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee from 1995 through January 20, 2011, to correctly translate the applicable regulatory requirements and the design basis into specifications, procedures,
 
and instructions. Specifically, the licensee modified the control cabinets of emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 in 1995 without the appropriate internal flood protection design features. The licensee initiated condition report AR01610979, took immediate corrective actions to correct the deficient conditions, and performed an apparent cause evaluation. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to implement planned corrective actions that included establishment of preventive maintenance activities to perform flooding seal inspections and extent of condition evaluations to ensure all potential design and licensing basis flooding issues were identified and resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that internal flood protection features used to mitigate a design basis accident were maintained. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance because it was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in a loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that this finding did not reflect current performance since the error was introduced in a design change that was greater than three years old; therefore, there was no cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Safety System Venting Procedure Void Assessment Requirements A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to establish adequate instructions or appropriate acceptance criteria to ensure that voids vented from safety related piping were evaluated for their effects on system operability. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program, performed a condition evaluation, and took actions to revise the deficient procedure.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The finding was of very low safety significance, because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision making, because the interdisciplinary nature of the observations reflected a lack of a systematic process during the development and execution of the related procedure (H.1(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Perform Ultrasonic Assessment of Safety System Voids as Required by Procedure A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform ultrasonic testing on safety related systems for void assessment as required by the licensees gas accumulation management program. The licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and has begun the required ultrasonic testing.
The issue was more than minor because the lack of procedural controls for void monitoring and assessment resulted in a condition where there was reasonable doubt that the past operability of the system was properly assessed, and that these observations, if left uncorrected, could lead to a condition where an inoperable system or gas intrusion mechanisms would not be identified or corrected. The issue was determined to be of very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone column of the Significance Determination Process worksheet. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to provide sufficient oversight to ensure that the procedure was followed (H.4(c)).
 
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Multiple ESFAS Steam Line Pressure Channel Modules Inoperable Due to Inadequate Calibration Instructions A finding of very low safety significance and associated non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to have adequate maintenance procedures for calibrating the engineered safety features actuation system steam line pressure dynamic compensation modules. Specifically, since the basis calculation for determining the settings of the lead/lag values for the modules did not address dynamic settings, and the proceduralized tolerances were too restrictive, the calibration instructions were inadequate to ensure the modules ability to perform in accordance with technical specification requirements.
Upon discovery, the licensee entered the issue into its corrective action program and performed an apparent cause evaluation that documented a number of planned program and procedural enhancements.
The finding was more than minor because it is associated with the equipment performance attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance because there was no design deficiency, no actual loss of safety function, no single train loss of safety function for greater than the technical specification allowed outage time, and no risk due to external events. The finding does not have a cross cutting aspect because the performance deficiency occurred outside of the 3-year window considered to be representative of present performance.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Significance:      Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Document a 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluation For Changes Made to Procedure OI-38, Circulating Water
 
System Operation A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR 50.59(d)(1), Changes, Tests, and Experiments, was identified by the inspectors for the failure to document an evaluation that provided a basis for the determination that the changes made to procedure OI 38, Circulating Water System Operation, did not require a license amendment. Specifically, the licensee failed to provide an evaluation that adequately documented that differences between the procedure changes modifying the operational configuration of the condenser steam dump system and operational considerations and design assumptions outlined within the final safety analysis report and the basis of technical specifications were acceptable. As part of its corrective action, the licensee revised the procedure to remove the original change to the operational configuration of the steam dump system.
The violation was determined to be more than minor because the inspectors could not reasonably determine that the changes would not have ultimately required prior NRC approval. Violations of 10 CFR 50.59 are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process (SDP) because they are considered to be violations that could potentially impede or impact the regulatory process. The underlying technical issue was evaluated under the SDP to determine the significance of the violation with respect to core damage probability. The issue screened as having very low safety significance because the inspectors answered no to all of the questions in the SDP worksheet. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the corrective action program element of problem identification and resolution because the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate questions regarding differences between the plant operational configuration and assumptions in the current licensing basis when they did not complete a prompt operability evaluation to assess noted operational disparities (P.1(c)).
The Traditional Enforcment item associated with this item is tracked as NCV 2010005-06.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Spray Pipe Support Deficiencies The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure the Containment Spray Pipe Support 2S-249 and Containment Spray Pipe Anchor 2A-35 meet Seismic Category I requirements. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (fuel cladding, reactor coolant system, and containment) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. This finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no actual barrier degradation. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because this was a legacy design issue; and therefore, was not reflective of current performance. (Section 4OA5.1.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Leakage Inside Containment A finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation of leakage inside containment when it was identified in September 2010.
Specifically, on September 26, 2010, condition report AR01397092 identified increased leakage and a related work order was initiated to inspect Unit 1 containment for the leakage source; however, an evaluation of the leak and leak
 
location/source was not performed as required by licensee procedures.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of structure, system, and component and barrier performance, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, specifically the containment, would be able to protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors answered No to all of the questions in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during the decision making and review process associated with the degraded condition (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unacceptable Preconditioning Of Technical Specification Required Surveillance Test A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees unacceptable preconditioning of a technical specification required surveillance test on September 14, 2010, and January 18, 2011. Specifically, by performing procedure PC 97, Part 7, service water flushes of the Unit 2 containment fan cooler (CFC) units prior to the performance of the fan cooler units monthly surveillance tests, the licensee failed to ensure that work activities were sequenced in a manner that preserved the as found conditions of the structure, system, and component (SSC), which constituted unacceptable preconditioning. Upon notification from the inspectors of this issue, the licensee initiated a condition report and subsequently performed a condition evaluation that proposed permanent corrective actions such as procedure changes to explicitly prohibit such sequencing of activities. Additionally, in the interim, the licensee immediately communicated to its operators the need to sequence the activities appropriately.
The finding was determined to be more because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of SSC and Barrier Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (containment, in this case) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, because the preconditioning altered the as found condition of the CFCs, the data collected through the performance of the procedure TS 34 surveillance tests were not fully indicative of the true equipment performance trends of the CFCs. Therefore, this performance deficiency had a direct effect on the licensees ability to fully assess the past operability of the system, as well as the ability to trend as found data to assess the reliability of the CFCs. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities by failing to incorporate actions to address the impact of work on different job activities.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety
 
Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance: SL-IV Dec 31, 2010 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Submit Licensee Event Report per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D)
A Severity Level IV non cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and (D) was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee to report an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of the auxiliary feedwater and safety injection safety functions, which are relied upon to shutdown the reactor and maintain it in a shutdown condition, and mitigate the consequences of an accident. Specifically, the licensee had not properly controlled the blocking open of doors that served as high energy line break barriers. The licensee entered the violation into its corrective action program as condition report 01616620 and revise the procedure on control of high energy line break barriers.
Violations of 10 CFR 50.73 are considered to be violations that potentially impact the regulatory process and are dispositioned using the traditional enforcement process instead of the Reactor Oversight Process Significance Determination Process. A cross-cutting aspect was not assigned to this violation.
Inspection Report# : 2010005 (pdf)
Last modified : January 04, 2012
 
Point Beach 1 4Q/2011 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Turbine Building Structural Steel Floor Beams Did Not Meet AISC Requirements
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving the licensees failure to meet the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Specification. Specifically, the licensees design basis calculation failed to ensure the turbine building structural steel floor beams met the AISC specification. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program. No violation of NRC requirements was identified.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset the plants stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the transient initiator would not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance and work practice because the licensee did not ensure effective supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety was supported. Specifically, the licensee failed to have adequate oversight of design calculation and documentation for establishing structural adequacy of the turbine building structural steel beams at EL. 44-
: 0. [H.2(c)] (Section 4OA5.1.b.(2))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Required Ultrasonic Exam In Accordance With Procedures On March 3, 2010, the inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for a vendor examiners failure to follow procedure instructions and perform required circumferential ultrasonic scans of two elbow-to-pipe containment spray line welds. The licensee subsequently performed the scans with no relevant indications detected and documented the failure to perform the scans in the corrective action system.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, the failure to perform the weld examinations could become a more significant safety concern. Absent NRC identification, the licensee would not have performed the full required exam of the weld for an indefinite period of service which would have placed the reactor coolant pressure boundary at increased risk for undetected cracking, leakage, or component failure. This finding was of very low safety significance based on the inspectors answering No to the Phase 1 screening question identified in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a in Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings, dated January 10, 2008, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance. Specifically, the failure to perform required circumferential examinations occurred because the licensees management staff did not adequately stress or enforce procedure adherence for this activity. In particular, procedure NDE-173 was issued as an Informational Use type procedure that allowed licensee staff to rely on memory to perform the procedural steps.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
 
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Dec 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Disposition A Pipe Support In Accordance With ASME Code The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) for the licensee's failure earlier in 2011 to accept for continued service, by correction, or evaluation or test, a safety injection (SI) system support (SI-1501R-2 H1) whose examination detected a condition unacceptable (improper hot and/or cold setting) for continued service in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section XI Code. The licensee, having instead incorrectly dispositioned the condition with a system operability screening, subsequently completed an analysis to confirm that the support was operable with this configuration and entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding was of more than minor significance because the licensee routinely failed to perform evaluations on similar issues. The failure to confirm the ability of this support to carry design loads as required by ASME Section XI Code prior to returning it to service, increased the likelihood of a component failure and adversely affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance based on answering No to the Phase I screening question identified in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a in Inspection Manual Chapter, Attachment 0609.04 Phase I Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensees training was not adequate and failed to direct personnel to disposition an unacceptable condition in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Section XI Code.
Inspection Report# : 2011005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Rod Drive Control System Failures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation as required by procedure when degraded/non conforming conditions were identified during a surveillance of the rod drive control system. Specifically, on December 10, 2010, the licensee documented rod trouble alarms in condition report 01401564, but did not identify the degraded/non conforming condition or evaluate the condition relative to support functions for technical specifications (TSs) 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the failure to identify the degraded/non conforming condition and assess the impact on operations and TS requirements resulted in latent conditions that had the potential to be of greater safety significance, and in this case resulted in the failure to evaluate the degraded/non conforming condition relative to TSs 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during related decision making that adopted a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Ensure Tornado Missile Protection For EDGs G01 And G02 Exhaust Stacks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for two of the emergency diesel generator (EDG) exhaust stacks, which were considered Class I components. The licensee entered this issue into the Corrective Action Program as AR 01678709.
The licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for EDGs G01 and G02 exhaust stacks was a performance deficiency. The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because there was reasonable doubt the EDG exhaust stacks would remain functional to support EDG operation in the event tornado-induced missiles damaged the exhaust stacks The finding screened as very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding was determined not to have a cross-cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Monitor outside Air Temperature The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to correctly translate design basis assumptions into procedures or instructions. Specifically, the licensee failed to monitor average outside air temperature which was one of the design input criteria for the temperature heat-up calculation associated with rooms which housed safety-related equipment. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with Mitigating System Cornerstone and determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could lead to a more significant safety concern. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate training and qualification of personnel. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately train licensed operators to ensure adequate knowledge with respect to the interface between functionality of a non-safety system component and the impact of a failure on the operability of safety-related equipment. [H.2(b)]. (Section 1R21.3.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Incorporate Minimum AFW Flow Requirement into Emergency Procedures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to ensure a minimum AFW flow of 275 gpm as specified in the accident analysis for the Loss of Normal Feedwater event. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would have the potential to lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, an AFW flow rate of less than 275 gpm as specified in the procedures did not ensure the pressurizer would not become water solid and cause an over-pressure condition within the Reactor Coolant System during the Loss of Normal Feedwater. The finding screened as of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not maintain design
 
documentation in a complete and accurate manner. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain Emergency Procedures consistent with the design basis analysis for LONF. [H.2(c)]. (Section 1R21.6.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Safety Injection Pump Discharge Flow Indicator Left Isolated A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to implement the requirements of procedure NP 2.1.1, "Conduct of Operations. Specifically, from July 26, 2010, to February 23, 2011, the licensee failed to track the actual position of the valves associated with FT 925, 2P 15A SI Pump Discharge Flow, which resulted in the failure to return the valves and the transmitter to its normal configuration.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of configuration control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors answered No to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to control the related work activity by having procedures to address the impact of changes to the work scope or activity on the plant and human performance (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Procedures Needed To Maintain Equipment Operability With Hazard Barriers Out-Of-Service A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate procedures for the control of hazard barriers. Specifically, on August 27, 2010, and as a result of a historical review of plant operating conditions resulting from NRC observations, the licensee identified multiple occurrences of inadequate controls of high energy line break barriers that resulted from inappropriate procedures.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external events attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, the Region III Senior Risk Analyst performed a Phase 3 analysis, since the risk information from a Phase 2 analysis (Appendix A, Determining the Safety Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609) did not contain the appropriate mitigating equipment and determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect associated with it because the issue was related to a failure to incorporate operating experience into procedures from a Regulatory Issue Summary issued in 2001.
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Maintain Internal Flood Protection Features On Emergency Diesel Generators G-01 And G-02 Control Cabinets A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, was identified by the inspectors for the failure of the licensee from 1995 through January 20,
 
2011, to correctly translate the applicable regulatory requirements and the design basis into specifications, procedures, and instructions. Specifically, the licensee modified the control cabinets of emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 in 1995 without the appropriate internal flood protection design features. The licensee initiated condition report AR01610979, took immediate corrective actions to correct the deficient conditions, and performed an apparent cause evaluation. At the end of the inspection period, the licensee continued to implement planned corrective actions that included establishment of preventive maintenance activities to perform flooding seal inspections and extent of condition evaluations to ensure all potential design and licensing basis flooding issues were identified and resolved.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that internal flood protection features used to mitigate a design basis accident were maintained. The inspectors determined the finding was of very low safety significance because it was a design or qualification deficiency confirmed not to result in a loss of operability or functionality. The inspectors determined that this finding did not reflect current performance since the error was introduced in a design change that was greater than three years old; therefore, there was no cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Spray Pipe Support Deficiencies The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure the Containment Spray Pipe Support 2S-249 and Containment Spray Pipe Anchor 2A-35 meet Seismic Category I requirements. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (fuel cladding, reactor coolant system, and containment) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. This finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no actual barrier degradation. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because this was a legacy design issue; and therefore, was not reflective of current performance. (Section 4OA5.1.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Leakage Inside Containment A finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation of leakage inside containment when it was identified in September 2010.
Specifically, on September 26, 2010, condition report AR01397092 identified increased leakage and a related work order was initiated to inspect Unit 1 containment for the leakage source; however, an evaluation of the leak and leak location/source was not performed as required by licensee procedures.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of structure, system, and component and barrier performance, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, specifically the containment, would be able to protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors answered No to all of
 
the questions in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during the decision making and review process associated with the degraded condition (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Unacceptable Preconditioning Of Technical Specification Required Surveillance Test A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, Test Control, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees unacceptable preconditioning of a technical specification required surveillance test on September 14, 2010, and January 18, 2011. Specifically, by performing procedure PC 97, Part 7, service water flushes of the Unit 2 containment fan cooler (CFC) units prior to the performance of the fan cooler units monthly surveillance tests, the licensee failed to ensure that work activities were sequenced in a manner that preserved the as found conditions of the structure, system, and component (SSC), which constituted unacceptable preconditioning. Upon notification from the inspectors of this issue, the licensee initiated a condition report and subsequently performed a condition evaluation that proposed permanent corrective actions such as procedure changes to explicitly prohibit such sequencing of activities. Additionally, in the interim, the licensee immediately communicated to its operators the need to sequence the activities appropriately.
The finding was determined to be more because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of SSC and Barrier Performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (containment, in this case) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. Specifically, because the preconditioning altered the as found condition of the CFCs, the data collected through the performance of the procedure TS 34 surveillance tests were not fully indicative of the true equipment performance trends of the CFCs. Therefore, this performance deficiency had a direct effect on the licensees ability to fully assess the past operability of the system, as well as the ability to trend as found data to assess the reliability of the CFCs. The inspectors determined that the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee did not appropriately coordinate work activities by failing to incorporate actions to address the impact of work on different job activities.
Inspection Report# : 2011002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
 
Miscellaneous Last modified : March 02, 2012
 
Point Beach 1 1Q/2012 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Turbine Building Structural Steel Floor Beams Did Not Meet AISC Requirements
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving the licensees failure to meet the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Specification. Specifically, the licensees design basis calculation failed to ensure the turbine building structural steel floor beams met the AISC specification. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program. No violation of NRC requirements was identified.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset the plants stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the transient initiator would not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance and work practice because the licensee did not ensure effective supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety was supported. Specifically, the licensee failed to have adequate oversight of design calculation and documentation for establishing structural adequacy of the turbine building structural steel beams at EL. 44-
: 0. [H.2(c)] (Section 4OA5.1.b.(2))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Operability Evaluations As Required By Procedure The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation of the impact of door deficiencies on their ability to function as a high energy line break (HELB) barrier, fire (safe shutdown) door, and flood barrier. Specifically, the inspectors identified condition reports written between December 13, 2011, and March 8, 2012, for degraded doors credited as HELB barriers, safe shutdown doors, and flood barriers; however, the licensee failed to perform an operability evaluation of the conditions as required by plant procedures. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because, if left uncorrected, the failure to perform operability evaluations and recognize conditions that could render equipment inoperable could lead to a more significant safety concern. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action, because the licensee failed to take appropriate action to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner. Although the licensee had previously recognized this and initiated training to correct the knowledge based aspects of the issue, there were no interim barriers in place during the long duration needed to complete the training activity. (P.1(d))
 
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Disposition A Pipe Support In Accordance With ASME Code The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) for the licensee's failure earlier in 2011 to accept for continued service, by correction, or evaluation or test, a safety injection (SI) system support (SI-1501R-2 H1) whose examination detected a condition unacceptable (improper hot and/or cold setting) for continued service in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section XI Code. The licensee, having instead incorrectly dispositioned the condition with a system operability screening, subsequently completed an analysis to confirm that the support was operable with this configuration and entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding was of more than minor significance because the licensee routinely failed to perform evaluations on similar issues. The failure to confirm the ability of this support to carry design loads as required by ASME Section XI Code prior to returning it to service, increased the likelihood of a component failure and adversely affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance based on answering No to the Phase I screening question identified in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a in Inspection Manual Chapter, Attachment 0609.04 Phase I Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensees training was not adequate and failed to direct personnel to disposition an unacceptable condition in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Section XI Code.
Inspection Report# : 2011005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Rod Drive Control System Failures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation as required by procedure when degraded/non conforming conditions were identified during a surveillance of the rod drive control system. Specifically, on December 10, 2010, the licensee documented rod trouble alarms in condition report 01401564, but did not identify the degraded/non conforming condition or evaluate the condition relative to support functions for technical specifications (TSs) 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the failure to identify the degraded/non conforming condition and assess the impact on operations and TS requirements resulted in latent conditions that had the potential to be of greater safety significance, and in this case resulted in the failure to evaluate the degraded/non conforming condition relative to TSs 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during related decision making that adopted a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC
 
Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Ensure Tornado Missile Protection For EDGs G01 And G02 Exhaust Stacks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for two of the emergency diesel generator (EDG) exhaust stacks, which were considered Class I components. The licensee entered this issue into the Corrective Action Program as AR 01678709.
The licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for EDGs G01 and G02 exhaust stacks was a performance deficiency. The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because there was reasonable doubt the EDG exhaust stacks would remain functional to support EDG operation in the event tornado-induced missiles damaged the exhaust stacks The finding screened as very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding was determined not to have a cross-cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Monitor outside Air Temperature The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to correctly translate design basis assumptions into procedures or instructions. Specifically, the licensee failed to monitor average outside air temperature which was one of the design input criteria for the temperature heat-up calculation associated with rooms which housed safety-related equipment. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with Mitigating System Cornerstone and determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could lead to a more significant safety concern. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate training and qualification of personnel. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately train licensed operators to ensure adequate knowledge with respect to the interface between functionality of a non-safety system component and the impact of a failure on the operability of safety-related equipment. [H.2(b)]. (Section 1R21.3.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure to Incorporate Minimum AFW Flow Requirement into Emergency Procedures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to ensure a minimum AFW flow of 275 gpm as specified in the accident analysis for the Loss of Normal Feedwater event. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would have the potential to lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, an AFW flow rate of less than 275 gpm as specified in the procedures did not ensure the pressurizer would not become water solid and cause an over-pressure condition within the Reactor Coolant System during the Loss of Normal Feedwater. The finding screened as of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not maintain design
 
documentation in a complete and accurate manner. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain Emergency Procedures consistent with the design basis analysis for LONF. [H.2(c)]. (Section 1R21.6.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Safety Injection Pump Discharge Flow Indicator Left Isolated A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation (NCV) of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was self-revealed for the failure to implement the requirements of procedure NP 2.1.1, "Conduct of Operations. Specifically, from July 26, 2010, to February 23, 2011, the licensee failed to track the actual position of the valves associated with FT 925, 2P 15A SI Pump Discharge Flow, which resulted in the failure to return the valves and the transmitter to its normal configuration.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of configuration control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors answered No to all of the questions in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work control, because the licensee failed to control the related work activity by having procedures to address the impact of changes to the work scope or activity on the plant and human performance (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Follow Procedures Needed To Maintain Equipment Operability With Hazard Barriers Out-Of-Service A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to have appropriate procedures for the control of hazard barriers. Specifically, on August 27, 2010, and as a result of a historical review of plant operating conditions resulting from NRC observations, the licensee identified multiple occurrences of inadequate controls of high energy line break barriers that resulted from inappropriate procedures.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the protection against external events attribute of the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, the Region III Senior Risk Analyst performed a Phase 3 analysis, since the risk information from a Phase 2 analysis (Appendix A, Determining the Safety Significance of Reactor Inspection Findings for At Power Situations, of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609) did not contain the appropriate mitigating equipment and determined that the issue was of very low safety significance. The finding had no cross-cutting aspect associated with it because the issue was related to a failure to incorporate operating experience into procedures from a Regulatory Issue Summary issued in 2001.
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation
 
Scaffold Construction Interferes With The Operation Of Containment Spray Suction Valve A finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, were self revealed during the preparation for surveillance testing when the licensee failed to implement existing procedural guidance for the control of clearances between installed scaffolding and plant equipment. Specifically, scaffolding was constructed too close to the Unit 2 containment spray suction isolation valve from the residual heat removal (RHR) heat exchanger interfering with the operation of the valve. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because the finding was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of structures, systems, and components, and barrier performance, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, specifically the containment, would be able to protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, trending, because the licensee did not assess information from the corrective action program in the aggregate to identify programmatic and common cause problems. Specifically, the licensee had identified similar issues of sufficient importance and quantity that if trended, had the potential to preclude the event. (P.1(b))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Spray Pipe Support Deficiencies The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure the Containment Spray Pipe Support 2S-249 and Containment Spray Pipe Anchor 2A-35 meet Seismic Category I requirements. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (fuel cladding, reactor coolant system, and containment) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. This finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no actual barrier degradation. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because this was a legacy design issue; and therefore, was not reflective of current performance. (Section 4OA5.1.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Leakage Inside Containment A finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, was identified by the inspectors for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation of leakage inside containment when it was identified in September 2010.
Specifically, on September 26, 2010, condition report AR01397092 identified increased leakage and a related work order was initiated to inspect Unit 1 containment for the leakage source; however, an evaluation of the leak and leak location/source was not performed as required by licensee procedures.
The finding was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of structure, system, and component and barrier performance, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, specifically the containment, would be able to protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The inspectors answered No to all of the questions in the Containment Barrier column of Table 4a of Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Phase 1 - Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings; therefore, the finding screened as very low safety significance. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of
 
human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during the decision making and review process associated with the degraded condition (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2011003 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:      Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Determining An Individual's Dose Of Record With Discrepant TLD/ED Data Inputs The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1201(c). Specifically, the licensee failed to accurately assess and assign the appropriate individual dose received on multiple (three) occasions in the first quarter 2010, given thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) to electronic dosimeter (ED) data mismatches. The issue was entered in the licensees corrective action program as AR01730419. The licensees immediate corrective actions included assigning the appropriate exposures to the involved individuals.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix C, Occupational Radiation Safety Significance Determination Process, because it was associated with the program and process attribute of the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that not assigning an individual the appropriate dose received affected the licensees ability to monitor, control, and limit radiation exposures. Specifically, the inspectors determined that the finding had very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve: (1) as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA) planning and controls; (2) a radiological overexposure; (3) there was not a substantial potential for an overexposure; and (4) there was no compromised ability to assess dose. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, specifically, that the licensee ensures the use of human error prevention techniques. (H.4(a))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Physical Protection Although the NRC is actively overseeing the Security cornerstone, the Commission has decided that certain findings pertaining to security cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that potentially useful information is not provided to a possible adversary. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Last modified : May 29, 2012
 
Point Beach 1 2Q/2012 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:        Jun 30, 2012 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Incorporate Industry Operating Experience Into Preventive Maintenance Programs For Nuclear Instrumentation A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(3) was self-revealed when an unplanned reactor trip of Unit 2 occurred on June 13, 2011, as a result of the failure of a source range detector during low power physics testing. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately evaluate operating experience and incorporate it into its preventive maintenance program to periodically replace aging electrical subcomponents in nuclear instrumentation systems and a subsequent age related failure resulted in initiating a plant transient. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence were initiated.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance. Specifically, the availability and reliability of the nuclear instruments was degraded to a point where an instrument failure caused a reactor trip, an event that adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during power operations. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of corrective action program, evaluation/extent of condition. Specifically, the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate related nuclear instrument failure rates so that the resolutions addressed the causes and extent of conditions for age-related failures of electrical subcomponents. (Section 4OA3.4)
Inspection Report# : 2012003 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Turbine Building Structural Steel Floor Beams Did Not Meet AISC Requirements
. The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance involving the licensees failure to meet the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Specification. Specifically, the licensees design basis calculation failed to ensure the turbine building structural steel floor beams met the AISC specification. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program. No violation of NRC requirements was identified.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset the plants stability and challenged critical safety functions during shutdown, as well as power operations. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green), because the transient initiator would not contribute to both the likelihood of a reactor trip and the likelihood that mitigation equipment or functions will not be available. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in human performance and work practice because the licensee did not ensure effective supervisory and management oversight of work activities, including contractors, such that nuclear safety was supported. Specifically, the licensee failed to have adequate oversight of design calculation and documentation for establishing structural adequacy of the turbine building structural steel beams at EL. 44-
: 0. [H.2(c)] (Section 4OA5.1.b.(2))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
 
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Jun 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Establish Emergency Diesel Generator Ventilation System Testing The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to establish routine testing procedure that demonstrated room temperatures would be maintained. Specifically, on March 29, 2012, the inspectors identified that the licensee failed to establish routine testing procedure that demonstrated the air flows for emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 ventilation systems would perform adequately to ensure that the room temperatures would be maintained. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program, and corrective actions included performance of air flow measurements on the fan units, creation of a preventive maintenance requirement for taking periodic flow measurements, and assessment of the identified issue through a condition evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009. The inspectors determined that this finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute for design control. Specifically, it adversely affected the Mitigating System Cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision making. Specifically, the licensee did not use conservative assumptions regarding the verification of the proper air flow through the safety related gravity dampers in the emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 rooms. (Section 1R19)
Inspection Report# : 2012003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Operability Evaluations As Required By Procedure The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation of the impact of door deficiencies on their ability to function as a high energy line break (HELB) barrier, fire (safe shutdown) door, and flood barrier. Specifically, the inspectors identified condition reports written between December 13, 2011, and March 8, 2012, for degraded doors credited as HELB barriers, safe shutdown doors, and flood barriers; however, the licensee failed to perform an operability evaluation of the conditions as required by plant procedures. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because, if left uncorrected, the failure to perform operability evaluations and recognize conditions that could render equipment inoperable could lead to a more significant safety concern. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action, because the licensee failed to take appropriate action to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner. Although the licensee had previously recognized this and initiated training to correct the knowledge based aspects of the issue, there were no interim barriers in place during the long duration needed to complete the training activity. (P.1(d))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Significance:        Dec 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Disposition A Pipe Support In Accordance With ASME Code The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR
 
50.55a(g)(4) for the licensee's failure earlier in 2011 to accept for continued service, by correction, or evaluation or test, a safety injection (SI) system support (SI-1501R-2 H1) whose examination detected a condition unacceptable (improper hot and/or cold setting) for continued service in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section XI Code. The licensee, having instead incorrectly dispositioned the condition with a system operability screening, subsequently completed an analysis to confirm that the support was operable with this configuration and entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding was of more than minor significance because the licensee routinely failed to perform evaluations on similar issues. The failure to confirm the ability of this support to carry design loads as required by ASME Section XI Code prior to returning it to service, increased the likelihood of a component failure and adversely affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance based on answering No to the Phase I screening question identified in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a in Inspection Manual Chapter, Attachment 0609.04 Phase I Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensees training was not adequate and failed to direct personnel to disposition an unacceptable condition in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Section XI Code.
Inspection Report# : 2011005 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform An Operability Evaluation For Rod Drive Control System Failures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation as required by procedure when degraded/non conforming conditions were identified during a surveillance of the rod drive control system. Specifically, on December 10, 2010, the licensee documented rod trouble alarms in condition report 01401564, but did not identify the degraded/non conforming condition or evaluate the condition relative to support functions for technical specifications (TSs) 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, the failure to identify the degraded/non conforming condition and assess the impact on operations and TS requirements resulted in latent conditions that had the potential to be of greater safety significance, and in this case resulted in the failure to evaluate the degraded/non conforming condition relative to TSs 3.1.4 and 3.1.6. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision-making, because the licensee did not use conservative assumptions during related decision making that adopted a requirement to demonstrate that the proposed action was safe in order to proceed (H.1(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Ensure Tornado Missile Protection For EDGs G01 And G02 Exhaust Stacks The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for two of the emergency diesel generator (EDG) exhaust stacks, which were considered Class I components. The licensee entered this issue into the Corrective Action Program as AR 01678709.
 
The licensees failure to ensure tornado missile protection for EDGs G01 and G02 exhaust stacks was a performance deficiency. The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because there was reasonable doubt the EDG exhaust stacks would remain functional to support EDG operation in the event tornado-induced missiles damaged the exhaust stacks The finding screened as very low safety significance because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding was determined not to have a cross-cutting aspect.
Inspection Report# : 2011004 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Monitor Outside Air Temperature The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to correctly translate design basis assumptions into procedures or instructions. Specifically, the licensee failed to monitor average outside air temperature which was one of the design input criteria for the temperature heat-up calculation associated with rooms which housed safety-related equipment. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with Mitigating System Cornerstone and determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it could lead to a more significant safety concern. The finding screened as very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not ensure adequate training and qualification of personnel. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately train licensed operators to ensure adequate knowledge with respect to the interface between functionality of a non-safety system component and the impact of a failure on the operability of safety-related equipment. [H.2(b)]. (Section 1R21.3.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Incorporate Minimum AFW Flow Requirement Into Emergency Procedures The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for the failure to ensure a minimum AFW flow of 275 gpm as specified in the accident analysis for the Loss of Normal Feedwater event. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of design control and was determined to be more than minor because, if left uncorrected, it would have the potential to lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, an AFW flow rate of less than 275 gpm as specified in the procedures did not ensure the pressurizer would not become water solid and cause an over-pressure condition within the Reactor Coolant System during the Loss of Normal Feedwater. The finding screened as of very low safety significance (Green) because the finding was not a design or qualification deficiency, did not represent a loss of system safety function, and did not screen as potentially risk-significant due to a seismic, flooding, or severe weather initiating event. This finding had a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources because the licensee did not maintain design documentation in a complete and accurate manner. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain Emergency Procedures consistent with the design basis analysis for LONF. [H.2(c)]. (Section 1R21.6.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
 
Barrier Integrity Significance:      Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Scaffold Construction Interferes With The Operation Of Containment Spray Suction Valve A finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, were self revealed during the preparation for surveillance testing when the licensee failed to implement existing procedural guidance for the control of clearances between installed scaffolding and plant equipment. Specifically, scaffolding was constructed too close to the Unit 2 containment spray suction isolation valve from the residual heat removal (RHR) heat exchanger interfering with the operation of the valve. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because the finding was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of structures, systems, and components, and barrier performance, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, specifically the containment, would be able to protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, trending, because the licensee did not assess information from the corrective action program in the aggregate to identify programmatic and common cause problems. Specifically, the licensee had identified similar issues of sufficient importance and quantity that if trended, had the potential to preclude the event. (P.1(b))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Significance:      Sep 02, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Containment Spray Pipe Support Deficiencies The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance (Green) and associated Non-Cited Violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, involving the licensees failure to ensure the Containment Spray Pipe Support 2S-249 and Containment Spray Pipe Anchor 2A-35 meet Seismic Category I requirements. This finding was entered into the licensees corrective action program.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of design control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers (fuel cladding, reactor coolant system, and containment) protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. This finding is of very low safety significance (Green) because there was no actual barrier degradation. The inspectors did not identify a cross-cutting aspect associated with this finding because this was a legacy design issue; and therefore, was not reflective of current performance. (Section 4OA5.1.b.(1))
Inspection Report# : 2011009 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:      Apr 20, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: AV Apparent Violation Protective Action Recommendation Weakness An NRC identified finding with a preliminary low to moderate safety significance and one associated apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.47(b)(10) for failure to develop and put into place guidelines for the choice of protective
 
actions during an emergency that were consistent with Federal guidance. Federal guidance for the choice of protective actions during an emergency is described in EPA 400 R 92 001, and states, in part, that withdrawal of protective actions from areas where they have already been implemented is usually not advisable during the early phase because of the potential for confusion and possibly impede implementation of protective actions which could place the public at additional risk. Additionally, Federal guidance described in NUREG 0654/FEMA REP 1, Supplement 3, states, in part, licensees should not relax protective actions until the source of the threat is under control. In the case of a known impediment to evacuation, the licensees emergency implementing procedure, EPIP 1.3, Dose Assessment and Protective Action Recommendations, incorrectly directed key decision makers to withdraw protective actions to evacuate the public and replace it with a recommendation to shelter the public. After the NRC identified the finding, the licensee immediately revised its emergency implementing procedure to be consistent with Federal guidance.
This finding is more than minor because it affected the Emergency Preparedness Cornerstone objective of implementing adequate measures to protect the health and safety of the public during a radiological emergency, and is associated with the cornerstone attributes of emergency response organization performance and procedure quality.
Specifically, the withdrawal of implemented protective actions could cause confusion of offsite authorities and the public. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the SDP and determined this finding screened as preliminarily White. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Resources, because the licensee failed to maintain complete, accurate, and up to date procedures as early as 2003 when the licensee returned sheltering to its range of protective action recommendation emergency plans and procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2012503 (pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Compliance With 10 CFR 20.1701 To Control The Concentration Of Radioactive Material In Air And Ensure That Radiological Airborne Hazards Would Be Minimized In TSC During Design-Based Accident The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1701. Specifically, the inspectors identified deficiencies, as of January 19, 2012, in the licensees testing program for assuring that the technical support center (TSC) ventilation system was in compliance with the systems design basis. The licensees TSC high efficiency particulate air and charcoal filter efficiencies were not tested to the design criteria. The licensee documented this issue in its corrective action program and the corrective actions included revising applicable procedures. In addition, the licensee performed a calculation to show that the TSC ventilation system was capable of maintaining a radiological habitability of less than 5 Rem total effective dose equivalent for the duration of the design base accidents. The calculation was based on actual historical filter testing efficiencies.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the program and process attribute of exposure control of the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure radiation and radioactive material. Specifically, inappropriately testing installed emergency ventilation system filters designed to mitigate workers radiation exposures did not validate that the TSC ventilation system was capable of performing its intended design function of minimizing worker exposures to airborne radioactive materials. The finding was assessed using the occupational radiation safety significance determination process and was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it was not an as-low-as-is-reasonable-achievable planning issue, there was no overexposure or potential for overexposure, and the licensees ability to assess dose was not compromised. The inspectors determined that the most significant contributor to the finding was a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that the TSC ventilation filter testing protocol assured compliance to the systems designed margins. (Section 2RS3)
Inspection Report# : 2012003 (pdf)
 
Significance:      Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Determining An Individual's Dose Of Record With Discrepant TLD/ED Data Inputs The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1201(c). Specifically, the licensee failed to accurately assess and assign the appropriate individual dose received on multiple (three) occasions in the first quarter 2010, given thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) to electronic dosimeter (ED) data mismatches. The issue was entered in the licensees corrective action program as AR01730419. The licensees immediate corrective actions included assigning the appropriate exposures to the involved individuals.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix C, Occupational Radiation Safety Significance Determination Process, because it was associated with the program and process attribute of the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that not assigning an individual the appropriate dose received affected the licensees ability to monitor, control, and limit radiation exposures. Specifically, the inspectors determined that the finding had very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve: (1) as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA) planning and controls; (2) a radiological overexposure; (3) there was not a substantial potential for an overexposure; and (4) there was no compromised ability to assess dose. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, specifically, that the licensee ensures the use of human error prevention techniques. (H.4(a))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Security Although the Security Cornerstone is included in the Reactor Oversight Process assessment program, the Commission has decided that specific information related to findings and performance indicators pertaining to the Security Cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that security information is not provided to a possible adversary.
Other than the fact that a finding or performance indicator is Green or Greater-Than-Green, security related information will not be displayed on the public web page. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Last modified : September 12, 2012
 
3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 Point Beach 1 3Q/2012 Plant Inspection Findings Initiating Events Significance:      Sep 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Failure to Adequately Control Materials Classified As High Winds/Tornado Hazards The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance for the licensees failure to maintain control over the proper storage and placement of materials that were classified as high winds/tornado hazards, within the risk significant areas of the outdoors protected area, in accordance with station procedure NP 1.9.6, Plant Cleanliness and Storage. Specifically, the inspectors identified unsecured material on wood pallets near the station transformers 1X-04 and 2X-04, which provided offsite power to both units. The licensee took immediate corrective action to remove the material. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program for resolution as action request AR01788119 for evaluation and development of additional corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated September 7, 2012, because it was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during shutdown as well as power operations. Additionally, if left uncorrected, it would have the potential to lead to a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the loose material could have affected offsite power during periods of high winds. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Initial Characterization of Findings, Tables 2 and 3, and Appendix A, The Significance Determination Process (SDP) for Findings At-Power, Exhibit 1 for the Initiating Events Cornerstone, dated June 19, 2012. The inspectors answered No to the Exhibit 1 questions in Appendix A for transient initiators and support system initiators. Therefore, the inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because licensee personnel did not appropriately plan work activities by incorporating job site conditions, including environmental conditions, which might have impacted plant structures, systems, and components (H.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2012004 (pdf)
Significance:      Jun 30, 2012 Identified By: Self-Revealing Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Incorporate Industry Operating Experience Into Preventive Maintenance Programs For Nuclear Instrumentation A finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50.65(a)(3) was self-revealed when an unplanned reactor trip of Unit 2 occurred on June 13, 2011, as a result of the failure of a source range detector during low power physics testing. Specifically, the licensee failed to adequately evaluate operating experience and incorporate it into its preventive maintenance program to periodically replace aging electrical subcomponents in nuclear instrumentation systems and a subsequent age related failure resulted in initiating a plant transient. The licensee entered this issue into the corrective action program, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence were initiated.
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3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because the finding was associated with the Initiating Events Cornerstone attribute of equipment performance. Specifically, the availability and reliability of the nuclear instruments was degraded to a point where an instrument failure caused a reactor trip, an event that adversely impacted the cornerstone objective to limit the likelihood of those events that upset plant stability and challenge critical safety functions during power operations. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of corrective action program, evaluation/extent of condition. Specifically, the licensee failed to thoroughly evaluate related nuclear instrument failure rates so that the resolutions addressed the causes and extent of conditions for age-related failures of electrical subcomponents. (Section 4OA3.4)
Inspection Report# : 2012003 (pdf)
Mitigating Systems Significance:        Sep 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Implement Risk Management Actions During Various Emergent Work Activities The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50.65 (a)(4) because the licensee failed to properly manage and assess risk for various emergent work activities.
Specifically, the licensee failed to manage the risk associated with the gas turbine generator (G-05) failure out of service duration, the G-05 unavailability when on the turning gear, and the Unit 1 turbine electrohydraulic control (EHC) system in manual. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as action requests AR01808661 and AR01787706 for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated September 7, 2012, because the failure to properly manage and assess risk, if left uncorrected, would have the potential to become a more significant safety concern. Specifically, the inspectors determined that the addition of a Unit 1 transient initiator and of G-05 modeled as out of service into the licensees safety monitor program for risk was more than minor because the licensees risk assessment was based on incorrect assumptions that changed the outcome of the assessment. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Initial Characterization of Findings, Tables 2 and 3, dated June 19, 2012, and Appendix K, Maintenance Risk Assessment And Risk Management Significance Determination Process, dated May 19, 2005. The inspectors determined that the finding was a mitigating systems contributor, evaluated the risk deficit for each instance, and found that the issue screened as having very low safety significance. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to define and effectively communicate expectations regarding procedural compliance and ensure personnel follow procedures. Specifically, in all instances the licensee failed to communicate expectations regarding compliance as required by station nuclear procedure (NP) 1.1.4, and ensure personnel followed implementing procedure NP 10.3.7, for risk management (H.4(b)).
Inspection Report# : 2012004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Page 2 of 10
 
3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 Weld Design Deficiency In Emergency Diesel Generator Missile Protection Barriers The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion III, Design Control, for a deficiency in weld evaluations in the licensee design calculation of the new missile protection steel barriers. These barriers were installed for protection of the emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 exhaust pipes from a tornado missile strike. Specifically, the inspectors identified two examples where critical welds were not adequately addressed in the calculation. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program as action requests AR01771762 and AR01772431 for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, and Appendix E, Example of Minor Issues, dated August 11, 2009, and found that it was similar to Example 3a and it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of Design Control and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Initial Characterization of Findings, Tables 2 and 3, dated June 19, 2012, and Appendix A, The Significance Determination Process (SDP) for Findings At-Power, Exhibit 1 for the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated June 19, 2012. The inspectors answered Yes to Exhibit 2, Question A.1 in Appendix A for mitigating structures, systems, and components, and functionality.
Therefore, the inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, because the licensee failed to ensure supervisory oversight of the contractor activities to support nuclear safety. Specifically, in the examples noted, the licensee failed to adequately review the calculation performed by the contractor to verify that the assumptions and engineering judgments were adequately justified and consistent with the installation (H.4(c)).
Inspection Report# : 2012004 (pdf)
Significance:        Sep 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Incorporate WOG ERG, Revision 2, Into The EOPs The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of Technical Specification 5.4, Procedures. Specifically, the licensee failed to maintain its emergency operating procedures (EOPs) with the safety significant changes provided in the Westinghouse Owners Group Emergency Response Guidelines (WOG ERGs), Revision 2. The issue was entered in the licensees corrective action program as action request AR01779635 for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, "Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated September 7, 2012, because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute of procedure quality and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. Specifically, the inspectors determined that the failure to update EOPs to implement Revision 2 of the WOG ERGs significantly beyond the current industry standard of two years would result in a delay when terminating Primary To Secondary Leakage during a steam generator tube rupture event. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Initial Characterization of Findings, Tables 2 and 3, dated June 19, 2012, and Appendix A, The Significance Determination Process (SDP) for Findings At-Power, Exhibit 2 for the the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone, dated June 19, 2012. The inspectors answered Yes to Exhibit 2, Question A.1 in Appendix A for mitigating structures, systems, and components, and functionality. Therefore, the inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensee failed to assure resources were available and adequate to complete the WOG ERG, Revision 2 EOP updates in a timely manner commensurate with risk and safety (H.2(c)).
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3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 Inspection Report# : 2012004 (pdf)
Significance:        Jun 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Establish Emergency Diesel Generator Ventilation System Testing The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XI, "Test Control," because the licensee failed to establish routine testing procedure that demonstrated room temperatures would be maintained. Specifically, on March 29, 2012, the inspectors identified that the licensee failed to establish routine testing procedure that demonstrated the air flows for emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 ventilation systems would perform adequately to ensure that the room temperatures would be maintained. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program, and corrective actions included performance of air flow measurements on the fan units, creation of a preventive maintenance requirement for taking periodic flow measurements, and assessment of the identified issue through a condition evaluation.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with Inspection Manual Chapter 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009. The inspectors determined that this finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone attribute for design control. Specifically, it adversely affected the Mitigating System Cornerstone objective to ensure the reliability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, decision making. Specifically, the licensee did not use conservative assumptions regarding the verification of the proper air flow through the safety related gravity dampers in the emergency diesel generators G-01 and G-02 rooms. (Section 1R19)
Inspection Report# : 2012003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Operability Evaluations As Required By Procedure The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, for the licensees failure to perform an operability evaluation of the impact of door deficiencies on their ability to function as a high energy line break (HELB) barrier, fire (safe shutdown) door, and flood barrier. Specifically, the inspectors identified condition reports written between December 13, 2011, and March 8, 2012, for degraded doors credited as HELB barriers, safe shutdown doors, and flood barriers; however, the licensee failed to perform an operability evaluation of the conditions as required by plant procedures. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because, if left uncorrected, the failure to perform operability evaluations and recognize conditions that could render equipment inoperable could lead to a more significant safety concern. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, corrective action, because the licensee failed to take appropriate action to address safety issues and adverse trends in a timely manner. Although the licensee had previously recognized this and initiated training to correct the knowledge based aspects of the issue, there were no interim barriers in place during the long duration needed to complete the training activity. (P.1(d))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
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3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 Significance:        Dec 31, 2011 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Disposition A Pipe Support In Accordance With ASME Code The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(4) for the licensee's failure earlier in 2011 to accept for continued service, by correction, or evaluation or test, a safety injection (SI) system support (SI-1501R-2 H1) whose examination detected a condition unacceptable (improper hot and/or cold setting) for continued service in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section XI Code. The licensee, having instead incorrectly dispositioned the condition with a system operability screening, subsequently completed an analysis to confirm that the support was operable with this configuration and entered this issue into its corrective action program.
This finding was of more than minor significance because the licensee routinely failed to perform evaluations on similar issues. The failure to confirm the ability of this support to carry design loads as required by ASME Section XI Code prior to returning it to service, increased the likelihood of a component failure and adversely affected the Mitigating Systems cornerstone objective to ensure the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences. This finding was of very low safety significance based on answering No to the Phase I screening question identified in the Mitigating Systems column of Table 4a in Inspection Manual Chapter, Attachment 0609.04 Phase I Initial Screening and Characterization of Findings. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources, because the licensees training was not adequate and failed to direct personnel to disposition an unacceptable condition in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Section XI Code.
Inspection Report# : 2011005 (pdf)
Barrier Integrity Significance:        Sep 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Inadequate Procedural Guidance For Heavy Loads Operations The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, "Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings," for the licensees failure to have adequate procedures in place to ensure that heavy loads were operated safely within the primary auxiliary building (PAB).
Specifically, the inspectors determined that the licensee failed to incorporate minimum crane operating temperature limits into procedures to avoid brittle fracture of structural components below the nil-ductility transition temperature.
The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program for resolution as action request AR01783306 for evaluation and development of corrective actions which included revising procedures to identify the minimum operating temperature of the PAB crane.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated September 7, 2012, because it was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of procedure quality and adversely affected the cornerstone objective to provide reasonable assurance that physical design barriers protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events because a PAB crane heavy load drop could cause damage to spent fuel. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Initial Characterization of Findings, Tables 2 and 3, dated June 19, 2012, and Appendix A, The Significance Determination Process (SDP) for Findings Page 5 of 10
 
3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 At-Power, Exhibit 3 for the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone, dated June 19, 2012. The inspectors answered No to Exhibit 3 questions in Appendix A for the spent fuel pool. Therefore, the inspectors determined the finding to be of very low safety significance. In accordance with IMC 0612, Section 06.03.c, a cross-cutting aspect will not be assigned to this finding as it has occurred outside of the nominal three-year period and is not representative of present performance.
Inspection Report# : 2012004 (pdf)
Significance:      Mar 31, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Scaffold Construction Interferes With The Operation Of Containment Spray Suction Valve A finding of very low safety significance and a non-cited violation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Criterion V, Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings, were self revealed during the preparation for surveillance testing when the licensee failed to implement existing procedural guidance for the control of clearances between installed scaffolding and plant equipment. Specifically, scaffolding was constructed too close to the Unit 2 containment spray suction isolation valve from the residual heat removal (RHR) heat exchanger interfering with the operation of the valve. The licensee entered this issue into its corrective action program for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated December 24, 2009, because the finding was associated with the Barrier Integrity Cornerstone attribute of structures, systems, and components, and barrier performance, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of providing reasonable assurance that physical design barriers, specifically the containment, would be able to protect the public from radionuclide releases caused by accidents or events. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, trending, because the licensee did not assess information from the corrective action program in the aggregate to identify programmatic and common cause problems. Specifically, the licensee had identified similar issues of sufficient importance and quantity that if trended, had the potential to preclude the event. (P.1(b))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Emergency Preparedness Significance:      Apr 20, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: FIN Finding Protective Action Recommendation Weakness An NRC identified finding with a preliminary low to moderate safety significance and one associated apparent violation of 10 CFR 50.47(b)(10) for failure to develop and put into place guidelines for the choice of protective actions during an emergency that were consistent with Federal guidance. Federal guidance for the choice of protective actions during an emergency is described in EPA 400 R 92 001, and states, in part, that withdrawal of protective actions from areas where they have already been implemented is usually not advisable during the early phase because of the potential for confusion and possibly impede implementation of protective actions which could place the public at additional risk. Additionally, Federal guidance described in NUREG 0654/FEMA REP 1, Supplement 3, states, in part, licensees should not relax protective actions until the source of the threat is under control. In the case of a known impediment to evacuation, the licensees emergency implementing procedure, EPIP 1.3, Dose Assessment and Protective Action Recommendations, incorrectly directed key decision makers to withdraw protective actions to evacuate the public and replace it with a recommendation to shelter the public. After the NRC identified the finding, Page 6 of 10
 
3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 the licensee immediately revised its emergency implementing procedure to be consistent with Federal guidance.
This finding is more than minor because it affected the Emergency Preparedness Cornerstone objective of implementing adequate measures to protect the health and safety of the public during a radiological emergency, and is associated with the cornerstone attributes of emergency response organization performance and procedure quality.
Specifically, the withdrawal of implemented protective actions could cause confusion of offsite authorities and the public. The inspectors evaluated the finding using the SDP and determined this finding screened as preliminarily White. The finding has a cross cutting aspect in the area of Human Performance, Resources, because the licensee failed to maintain complete, accurate, and up to date procedures as early as 2003 when the licensee returned sheltering to its range of protective action recommendation emergency plans and procedures.
Inspection Report# : 2012503 (pdf)
Inspection Report# : 2012504 (pdf)
Occupational Radiation Safety Significance:        Jun 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Non-Compliance With 10 CFR 20.1701 To Control The Concentration Of Radioactive Material In Air And Ensure That Radiological Airborne Hazards Would Be Minimized In TSC During Design-Based Accident The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1701. Specifically, the inspectors identified deficiencies, as of January 19, 2012, in the licensees testing program for assuring that the technical support center (TSC) ventilation system was in compliance with the systems design basis. The licensees TSC high efficiency particulate air and charcoal filter efficiencies were not tested to the design criteria. The licensee documented this issue in its corrective action program and the corrective actions included revising applicable procedures. In addition, the licensee performed a calculation to show that the TSC ventilation system was capable of maintaining a radiological habitability of less than 5 Rem total effective dose equivalent for the duration of the design base accidents. The calculation was based on actual historical filter testing efficiencies.
The finding was more than minor because it was associated with the program and process attribute of exposure control of the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure radiation and radioactive material. Specifically, inappropriately testing installed emergency ventilation system filters designed to mitigate workers radiation exposures did not validate that the TSC ventilation system was capable of performing its intended design function of minimizing worker exposures to airborne radioactive materials. The finding was assessed using the occupational radiation safety significance determination process and was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) because it was not an as-low-as-is-reasonable-achievable planning issue, there was no overexposure or potential for overexposure, and the licensees ability to assess dose was not compromised. The inspectors determined that the most significant contributor to the finding was a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, resources. Specifically, the licensee failed to ensure that the TSC ventilation filter testing protocol assured compliance to the systems designed margins. (Section 2RS3)
Inspection Report# : 2012003 (pdf)
Significance:        Mar 31, 2012 Page 7 of 10
 
3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Determining An Individual's Dose Of Record With Discrepant TLD/ED Data Inputs The inspectors identified a finding of very low safety significance and an associated non-cited violation of 10 CFR 20.1201(c). Specifically, the licensee failed to accurately assess and assign the appropriate individual dose received on multiple (three) occasions in the first quarter 2010, given thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) to electronic dosimeter (ED) data mismatches. The issue was entered in the licensees corrective action program as AR01730419. The licensees immediate corrective actions included assigning the appropriate exposures to the involved individuals.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix C, Occupational Radiation Safety Significance Determination Process, because it was associated with the program and process attribute of the Occupational Radiation Safety Cornerstone, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation, in that not assigning an individual the appropriate dose received affected the licensees ability to monitor, control, and limit radiation exposures. Specifically, the inspectors determined that the finding had very low safety significance (Green) because the finding did not involve: (1) as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA) planning and controls; (2) a radiological overexposure; (3) there was not a substantial potential for an overexposure; and (4) there was no compromised ability to assess dose. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of human performance, work practices, specifically, that the licensee ensures the use of human error prevention techniques. (H.4(a))
Inspection Report# : 2012002 (pdf)
Public Radiation Safety Security Although the Security Cornerstone is included in the Reactor Oversight Process assessment program, the Commission has decided that specific information related to findings and performance indicators pertaining to the Security Cornerstone will not be publicly available to ensure that security information is not provided to a possible adversary.
Other than the fact that a finding or performance indicator is Green or Greater-Than-Green, security related information will not be displayed on the public web page. Therefore, the cover letters to security inspection reports may be viewed.
Miscellaneous Significance:        Sep 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Manager Working Outage Hours Contrary To Guidance The inspectors identified a Severity Level lV non-cited violation and associated finding of very low safety significance of 10 CFR 26.207(a), Waivers, for the licensees failure to perform multiple activities as required when licensed reactor operators in the shift manager (SM) position worked outage hours during the Unit 1 outage in fall 2011. Specifically, for each circumstance where an SM exceeded operating hours, the licensee did not meet the Page 8 of 10
 
3Q/2012 Inspection Findings - Point Beach 1 following requirements: a determination that the waiver is necessary to mitigate or prevent a condition adverse to safety; a face to face assessment of the individual to determine that there was reasonable assurance that the individual would be able to safely and competently perform his or her duties during the additional work period for which the waiver will be granted; and a circumstance did not exist that could not have been reasonably controlled because additional personnel could have been added to the shift to perform the related outage activities. The issue was entered into the licensees corrective action program for resolution as action request AR01797782, for evaluation and development of corrective actions.
The finding was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Power Reactor Inspection Reports, Appendix B, Issue Screening, dated September 7, 2012, because if left uncorrected, the exclusion of workers from work hour controls could have led to a more significant safety concern due to personnel exceeding work hour limits while performing safety related or risk significant activities. Specifically, without proper fatigue assessments, incorrect assessment or directions could be provided by the SM for routine activities or during transient/emergency response. The inspectors evaluated the finding using IMC 0609, Significance Determination Process, Attachment 0609.04, Initial Characterization of Findings, Tables 2 and 3, dated June 19, 2012, and Appendix M, Significance Determination Process Using Qualitative Criteria, dated April 12, 2012. The inspectors determined that the finding was of very low safety significance because no deficiencies which affected risk significant structures, systems, or components occurred as a result of SM fatigue. This finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and resolution, self and independent assessment, because the licensee failed to conduct sufficient in-depth self assessments. Specifically, the licensee conducted a self assessment of the fatigue rule annually with its corporate licensing department giving the licensee the prior opportunity to identify and correct this issue had the self assessments been more rigorous (P.3(a)).
Inspection Report# : 2012004 (pdf)
Significance: N/A Sep 30, 2012 Identified By: NRC Item Type: NCV NonCited Violation Failure To Perform Adequate Evaluations To Ensure Compliance With 10 CFR 72.212(b)(6) And 10 CFR 72.122(b)(2)(i)
The inspectors identified a Severity}}

Latest revision as of 13:53, 29 November 2024

2017 Q1-Q4 ROP Inspection Findings
ML20311A454
Person / Time
Site: Point Beach NextEra Energy icon.png
Issue date: 11/06/2017
From:
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
Download: ML20311A454 (670)
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