ML070820174

PIR 2007009 Errata Letter PIR 2007007

ML070820174
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	03/21/2007
From:	Scott Shaeffer NRC/RGN-II/DRP/RPB2
To:	Tynan T Southern Nuclear Operating Co
References
IR-07-007, IR-07-009
Download: ML070820174 (16)

Text

March 21, 2007 Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

ATTN: Mr. T. E. Tynan Vice President - Vogtle Vogtle Electric Generating Plant 7821 River Road Waynesboro, GA 30830

SUBJECT:

ERRATA LETTER - VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT - NRC PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION & RESOLUTION INSPECTION

Dear Mr. Tynan:

By letter dated March 16, 2007, we transmitted the results of the Problem Identification &

Resolution inspection (ML#070780098). It was brought to my attention that the report number, 05000424/2007007 and 05000425/2007007, referenced on the letter was incorrect. The correct report number is 05000424/2007009 and 05000425/2007009. Please replace the affected report pages with the enclosed corrected pages.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRCs document system (ADAMS). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).

I regret any inconvenience this error may have caused. Please contact me at (404) 562-4521 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Scott M. Shaeffer, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects Docket Nos.: 50-424, 50-425 License Nos.: NPF-68, NPF-81

Enclosure:

As Stated cc w/encl: (See page 3)

OFFICE RII:DRP RII:DRP SIGNATURE CWR /RA CWR for NAME CRapp SShaeffer DATE 03/21/07 03/21/07 3

cc w/encls: Oglethorpe Power Corporation J. T. Gasser Alvin W. Vogtle Nuclear Plant Executive Vice President Electronic Mail Distribution Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Electronic Mail Distribution Arthur H. Domby, Esq.

Troutman Sanders L. M. Stinson, Vice President, Fleet Electronic Mail Distribution Operations Support Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. Senior Engineer - Power Supply Electronic Mail Distribution Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia N. J. Stringfellow Electronic Mail Distribution Manager-Licensing Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. Reece McAlister Electronic Mail Distribution Executive Secretary Georgia Public Service Commission Bentina C. Terry 244 Washington Street, SW Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. Atlanta, GA 30334 Bin B-022 P. O. Box 1295 Distribution w/encls: (See page 4)

Birmingham, AL 35201-1295 Director, Consumers' Utility Counsel Division Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs 2 M. L. King, Jr. Drive Plaza Level East; Suite 356 Atlanta, GA 30334-4600 Office of the County Commissioner Burke County Commission Waynesboro, GA 30830 Director, Department of Natural Resources 205 Butler Street, SE, Suite 1252 Atlanta, GA 30334 Manager, Radioactive Materials Program Department of Natural Resources Electronic Mail Distribution Attorney General Law Department 132 Judicial Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Laurence Bergen Oglethorpe Power Corporation Electronic Mail Distribution Resident Manager

4 Letter to T. E. Tynan from Scott M. Shaeffer dated March 21, 2007

SUBJECT:

ERRATA LETTER - VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT - NRC PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION & RESOLUTION INSPECTION Distribution w/encls:

B. Singal, NRR C. Evans, RII EICS L. Slack, RII EICS RIDSNRRDIRS OE Mail PUBLIC

March 16, 2007 Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

ATTN: Mr. T. E. Tynan Vice President - Vogtle Vogtle Electric Generating Plant 7821 River Road Waynesboro, GA 30830

SUBJECT:

VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT - NRC PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION & RESOLUTION INSPECTION REPORT 05000424/2007007 AND 05000425/2007007

Dear Mr. Tynan:

On February 16, 2007, the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at your Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2. The enclosed inspection report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on February 16, 2007, with you and other members of your staff during the exit meeting.

The inspection examined activities conducted under your licenses as they relate to the identification and resolution of problems, and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license. The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, conducted plant observations, and interviewed personnel.

Based on the sample selected for review, no findings of significance were identified. The team concluded that problems were properly identified, evaluated, and resolved within the problem identification and resolution programs. However, minor examples of issues not being entered into the corrective action program or entered into programs outside of the corrective action program, narrowly focused condition report effectiveness reviews, corrective actions that were ineffectively tracked or were not implemented in a timely manner, and weaknesses in the trending of issues entered into the corrective action program were identified. It was recognized that management has placed additional attention on the corrective action program and has initiated actions to improve performance in this area since late 2006.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRCs document system

March 16, 2007 Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

ATTN: Mr. T. E. Tynan Vice President - Vogtle Vogtle Electric Generating Plant 7821 River Road Waynesboro, GA 30830

SUBJECT:

VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT - NRC PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION & RESOLUTION INSPECTION REPORT 05000424/2007009 AND 05000425/2007009

Dear Mr. Tynan:

On February 16, 2007, the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at your Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2. The enclosed inspection report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on February 16, 2007, with you and other members of your staff during the exit meeting.

The inspection examined activities conducted under your licenses as they relate to the identification and resolution of problems, and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license. The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, conducted plant observations, and interviewed personnel.

Based on the sample selected for review, no findings of significance were identified. The team concluded that problems were properly identified, evaluated, and resolved within the problem identification and resolution programs. However, minor examples of issues not being entered into the corrective action program or entered into programs outside of the corrective action program, narrowly focused condition report effectiveness reviews, corrective actions that were ineffectively tracked or were not implemented in a timely manner, and weaknesses in the trending of issues entered into the corrective action program were identified. It was recognized that management has placed additional attention on the corrective action program and has initiated actions to improve performance in this area since late 2006.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRCs document system

2 (ADAMS). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).

Sincerely,

/RA/

Scott M. Shaeffer, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects Docket Nos.: 50-424, 50-425 License Nos.: NPF-68, NPF-81

Enclosure:

Inspection Report 05000424/2007007 and 05000425/2007007

Attachment:

Supplemental Information cc w/encl: (See page 3)

2 (ADAMS). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).

Sincerely,

/RA/

Scott M. Shaeffer, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects Docket Nos.: 50-424, 50-425 License Nos.: NPF-68, NPF-81

Enclosure:

Inspection Report 05000424/2007009 and 05000425/2007009

Attachment:

Supplemental Information cc w/encl: (See page 3)

OFFICE RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:DRS SIGNATURE SMS ATS1 via email SMS for JER6 via email NAME S. Shaeffer A. Sabisch G. McCoy J. Rivera-Ortiz DATE 03/ /07 03/16/07 03/15/07 03/16/07 03/15/07

OFFICE RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:DRS SIGNATURE SMS ATS1 via email SMS for JER6 via email NAME S. Shaeffer A. Sabisch G. McCoy J. Rivera-Ortiz DATE 03/ /07 03/16/07 03/15/07 03/16/07 03/15/07

4 Letter to T. E. Tynan from Scott M. Shaeffer dated March 16, 2007

SUBJECT:

VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT - NRC PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

& RESOLUTION INSPECTION REPORT 05000424/2007007 AND 05000425/2007007 Distribution w/encls:

B. Singal, NRR C. Evans, RII EICS L. Slack, RII EICS RIDSNRRDIRS OE Mail PUBLIC

4 Letter to T. E. Tynan from Scott M. Shaeffer dated March 16, 2007

SUBJECT:

VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT - NRC PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

& RESOLUTION INSPECTION REPORT 05000424/2007009 AND 05000425/2007009 Distribution w/encls:

B. Singal, NRR C. Evans, RII EICS L. Slack, RII EICS RIDSNRRDIRS OE Mail PUBLIC

U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION II Docket Nos: 50-424, 50-425 License Nos: NPF-68, NPF-81 Report No: 05000424/2007007, 05000425/2007007 Licensee: Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Facility: Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2 Location: Waynesboro, GA Dates: January 29 - February 2, 2007 February 12 - 16, 2007 Inspectors: A. Sabisch, Senior Resident Inspector, Catawba Nuclear Station G. McCoy, Senior Resident Inspector, Vogtle J. Rivera-Ortiz, Reactor Inspector Approved by: S. Shaeffer, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects Enclosure

U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION II Docket Nos: 50-424, 50-425 License Nos: NPF-68, NPF-81 Report No: 05000424/2007009, 05000425/2007009 Licensee: Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Facility: Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2 Location: Waynesboro, GA Dates: January 29 - February 2, 2007 February 12 - 16, 2007 Inspectors: A. Sabisch, Senior Resident Inspector, Catawba Nuclear Station G. McCoy, Senior Resident Inspector, Vogtle J. Rivera-Ortiz, Reactor Inspector Approved by: S. Shaeffer, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 2 Division of Reactor Projects Enclosure

SUMMARY

OF FINDINGS IR 05000424/2007-007, 05000425/2007-007; 1/29/2007-2/16/2007; Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2; Identification and Resolution of Problems.

The inspection was conducted by two senior resident inspectors and a reactor inspector. The NRC's program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 3, dated July 2000.

Identification and Resolution of Problems Summary No findings of significance were identified. The licensee was generally effective in identifying problems at a low threshold and entering them into the corrective action program. The licensee properly prioritized issues entered into the corrective action program (CAP) and routinely performed evaluations that were technically accurate and of sufficient depth to address the issue documented in the condition reports (CRs). Station management has recently been providing increased focus and attention on the quality of root cause and apparent cause determinations based on the results of internal self assessments. Improvements were noted in the documents produced over the past quarter. Operating experience was found to be used both proactively and reactively by personnel involved in the corrective action program. The licensees programmatic self-assessments and audits were generally effective in identifying weaknesses in the corrective action program.

Weaknesses in the performance of required effectiveness reviews by the department(s) responsible for specific CRs were identified by the inspectors which have the potential to allow similar events to occur at the station by not ensuring corrective action deficiencies are identified and corrected. The inspectors concluded that the workers at Vogtle felt free to report safety concerns.

Enclosure

SUMMARY

OF FINDINGS IR 05000424/2007-009, 05000425/2007-009; 1/29/2007-2/16/2007; Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2; Identification and Resolution of Problems.

The inspection was conducted by two senior resident inspectors and a reactor inspector. The NRC's program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 3, dated July 2000.

Identification and Resolution of Problems Summary No findings of significance were identified. The licensee was generally effective in identifying problems at a low threshold and entering them into the corrective action program. The licensee properly prioritized issues entered into the corrective action program (CAP) and routinely performed evaluations that were technically accurate and of sufficient depth to address the issue documented in the condition reports (CRs). Station management has recently been providing increased focus and attention on the quality of root cause and apparent cause determinations based on the results of internal self assessments. Improvements were noted in the documents produced over the past quarter. Operating experience was found to be used both proactively and reactively by personnel involved in the corrective action program. The licensees programmatic self-assessments and audits were generally effective in identifying weaknesses in the corrective action program.

Weaknesses in the performance of required effectiveness reviews by the department(s) responsible for specific CRs were identified by the inspectors which have the potential to allow similar events to occur at the station by not ensuring corrective action deficiencies are identified and corrected. The inspectors concluded that the workers at Vogtle felt free to report safety concerns.

Enclosure