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{{#Wiki_filter:February 13, 2007EA-07-001
{{#Wiki_filter:February 13, 2007
Mr. Timothy J. O'ConnorVice President Nine Mile Point
EA-07-001
Mr. Timothy J. OConnor
Vice President Nine Mile Point
Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC
Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC
P.O. Box 63
P.O. Box 63
Lycoming, NY 13093SUBJECT:NRC LICENSED OPERATOR REQUALIFICATION PROGRAM INSPECTIONREPORT 05000220/2006011 AND 05000410/2006011;
Lycoming, NY 13093
PRELIMINARY WHITE FINDING - NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR STATIONDear Mr. O'Connor:
SUBJECT:       NRC LICENSED OPERATOR REQUALIFICATION PROGRAM INSPECTION
During the period October 16, 2006 through January 9, 2007, the US Nuclear RegulatoryCommission (NRC) conducted an inspection of the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station Licensed
                REPORT 05000220/2006011 AND 05000410/2006011;
Operator Requalification Program activities. The enclosed report documents the inspection
                PRELIMINARY WHITE FINDING - NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR STATION
Dear Mr. OConnor:
During the period October 16, 2006 through January 9, 2007, the US Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) conducted an inspection of the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station Licensed
Operator Requalification Program activities. The enclosed report documents the inspection
findings, which were discussed on January 18, 2007 in an onsite exit meeting with you and
findings, which were discussed on January 18, 2007 in an onsite exit meeting with you and
members of your staff.The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety andcompliance with the Commission's rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.  
members of your staff.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and
compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed
The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed
personnel. The inspection consisted of a review of the licensed operator requalification
personnel. The inspection consisted of a review of the licensed operator requalification
program. Findings identified during the inspection are discussed in detail in the enclosed
program. Findings identified during the inspection are discussed in detail in the enclosed
inspection report.This report documents a preliminary White finding that appears to have low to moderate safetysignificance. As described in Section 1.R11 of this report, your Licensed Operator
inspection report.
This report documents a preliminary White finding that appears to have low to moderate safety
significance. As described in Section 1.R11 of this report, your Licensed Operator
Requalification Training Program allowed operating crews to validate simulator exam scenarios
Requalification Training Program allowed operating crews to validate simulator exam scenarios
that were substantially the same as those that were later administered to these crews as part of
that were substantially the same as those that were later administered to these crews as part of
their annual operating test. This shortcoming had the unintentional effect of compromising  
their annual operating test. This shortcoming had the unintentional effect of compromising
your Unit 1 2005 and 2006 dynamic simulator exam scenarios. The apparent compromise of
your Unit 1 2005 and 2006 dynamic simulator exam scenarios. The apparent compromise of
the 2005 Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios is considered more serious and the basis for the
the 2005 Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios is considered more serious and the basis for the
preliminary White finding since the apparent compromise was not corrected by Constellation
preliminary White finding since the apparent compromise was not corrected by Constellation
prior to returning licensed operators to normal duties. In contrast, for the 2006 exam
prior to returning licensed operators to normal duties. In contrast, for the 2006 exam
compromise problems Constellation took remedial actions by retesting all operators prior to the
compromise problems Constellation took remedial actions by retesting all operators prior to the
end of the exam cycle. This finding was assessed using the Operator Requalification Human
end of the exam cycle. This finding was assessed using the Operator Requalification Human
Performance Significance Determination Process as a potentially safety significant finding that
Performance Significance Determination Process as a potentially safety significant finding that
was preliminarily determined to be White; i.e., a finding with some increased importance to
was preliminarily determined to be White; i.e., a finding with some increased importance to
safety, which may require additional NRC inspection. The issue has a low to moderate safety
safety, which may require additional NRC inspection. The issue has a low to moderate safety
significance because it represented a failure to recognize and correct an apparent examination
significance because it represented a failure to recognize and correct an apparent examination
compromise of the 2005 Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios, and a subsequent return to normal  
compromise of the 2005 Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios, and a subsequent return to normal
T. O'Connor2watch-standing duties by the licensed operators without adequate compensatory actions for thecompromised examinations. This finding was not an immediate safety concern for the following
 
reasons: (1) there were no significant plant performance issues related to operator knowledge
T. OConnor                                        2
watch-standing duties by the licensed operators without adequate compensatory actions for the
compromised examinations. This finding was not an immediate safety concern for the following
reasons: (1) there were no significant plant performance issues related to operator knowledge
and abilities; (2) all licensed operators had participated in a continuous requalification training
and abilities; (2) all licensed operators had participated in a continuous requalification training
program; (3) this issue, while pervasive, was limited to the 2005 and 2006 exams and did not
program; (3) this issue, while pervasive, was limited to the 2005 and 2006 exams and did not
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invalidating the simulator exam scenario portion of the 2006 annual operating exams and
invalidating the simulator exam scenario portion of the 2006 annual operating exams and
administering new and more comprehensive simulator exam scenarios to all licensed operators
administering new and more comprehensive simulator exam scenarios to all licensed operators
upon discovery of this concern by the NRC. The finding is also an apparent violation of NRC requirements and is being considered forescalated enforcement action in accordance with the Enforcement Policy, which can be found
upon discovery of this concern by the NRC.
on the NRC's web si
The finding is also an apparent violation of NRC requirements and is being considered for
te at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html
escalated enforcement action in accordance with the Enforcement Policy, which can be found
.Before we make a final decision regarding the preliminary White finding, we are providing youan opportunity (1) to attend a Regulatory Conference where you can present to the NRC your
on the NRCs web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.
Before we make a final decision regarding the preliminary White finding, we are providing you
an opportunity (1) to attend a Regulatory Conference where you can present to the NRC your
perspective on the facts and assumptions the NRC used to arrive at the finding and assess its
perspective on the facts and assumptions the NRC used to arrive at the finding and assess its
significance, or (2) submit your position on the finding to the NRC in writing. If you request a
significance, or (2) submit your position on the finding to the NRC in writing. If you request a
Regulatory Conference, it should be held within 30 days of the receipt of this letter and we
Regulatory Conference, it should be held within 30 days of the receipt of this letter and we
encourage you to submit supporting documentation at least one week prior to the conference in
encourage you to submit supporting documentation at least one week prior to the conference in
an effort to make the conference more efficient and effective. If a Regulatory Conference is
an effort to make the conference more efficient and effective. If a Regulatory Conference is
held, it will be open for public observation. If you decide to submit only a written response, such
held, it will be open for public observation. If you decide to submit only a written response, such
submittal should be sent to the NRC within 30 days of the receipt of this letter.Please contact Mr. Marvin Sykes at (610) 337-5046 within 10 business days of the date of yourreceipt of this letter to notify the NRC of your intentions. If we have not heard from you within
submittal should be sent to the NRC within 30 days of the receipt of this letter.
Please contact Mr. Marvin Sykes at (610) 337-5046 within 10 business days of the date of your
receipt of this letter to notify the NRC of your intentions. If we have not heard from you within
10 days, we will continue with our significance determination and enforcement decision and you
10 days, we will continue with our significance determination and enforcement decision and you
will be advised by separate correspondence of the results of our deliberations on this matter.Since the NRC has not made a final determination in this matter, no Notice of Violation is beingissued for this inspection preliminary White finding at this time. In addition, please be advised
will be advised by separate correspondence of the results of our deliberations on this matter.
Since the NRC has not made a final determination in this matter, no Notice of Violation is being
issued for this inspection preliminary White finding at this time. In addition, please be advised
that the number and characterization of the apparent violation described in the enclosed
that the number and characterization of the apparent violation described in the enclosed
inspection report may change as a result of further NRC review.In addition, the report documents three NRC-identified findings of very low safety significance(Green). One of these findings was determined to involve a Unit 2 violation of NRC
inspection report may change as a result of further NRC review.
requirements involving similar but less significant exam compromise issues to those identified
In addition, the report documents three NRC-identified findings of very low safety significance
for Unit 1 for reasons detailed in the enclosed report. The unintentional 2006 Unit 2 simulator
(Green). One of these findings was determined to involve a Unit 2 violation of NRC
requirements involving similar but less significant exam compromise issues to those identified
for Unit 1 for reasons detailed in the enclosed report. The unintentional 2006 Unit 2 simulator
exam scenario compromise was assessed separately due to Unit 1 and 2 plant design
exam scenario compromise was assessed separately due to Unit 1 and 2 plant design
differences that require unique training programs for each unit, as well as unique plant and
differences that require unique training programs for each unit, as well as unique plant and
operator licenses.   However, because of the very low safety significance and because it is
operator licenses. However, because of the very low safety significance and because it is
entered into your corrective action program, the NRC is treating the Unit 2 exam compromise
entered into your corrective action program, the NRC is treating the Unit 2 exam compromise
finding as a non-cited violation (NCV) consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement
finding as a non-cited violation (NCV) consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement
Policy. If you contest this NCV, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of
Policy. If you contest this NCV, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of
this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington DC 20555-0001; with copies to the Regional
ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington DC 20555-0001; with copies to the Regional
Administrator, Region I; the Director, Office of Enforcement, United States Nuclear Regulatory
Administrator, Region I; the Director, Office of Enforcement, United States Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; and the NRC Resident Inspector at Nine Mile Point
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; and the NRC Resident Inspector at Nine Mile Point
Nuclear Station.      
Nuclear Station.
T. O'Connor3In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRC's "Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter and itsenclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public DocumentRoom or from the NRC's document system (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at
 
http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html
T. OConnor                                      3
.Sincerely,/RA/A. Randolph Blough, DirectorDivision of Reactor SafetyDocket No:50-220, 50-410License No: DPR-63, NPF-69Enclosure: Inspection Report 05000220/2006011 and 05000410/2006011  
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRC's "Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter and its
T. O'Connor4cc w/encl:M. J. Wallace, President, Constellation GenerationM. Heffley, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer
enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document
Room or from the NRCs document system (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at
http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.
                                              Sincerely,
                                              /RA/
                                              A. Randolph Blough, Director
                                              Division of Reactor Safety
Docket No:     50-220, 50-410
License No:   DPR-63, NPF-69
Enclosure:       Inspection Report 05000220/2006011 and 05000410/2006011
 
T. OConnor                                    4
cc w/encl:
M. J. Wallace, President, Constellation Generation
M. Heffley, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer
C. W. Fleming, Esquire, Senior Counsel, Constellation Energy Group, LLC
C. W. Fleming, Esquire, Senior Counsel, Constellation Energy Group, LLC
M. J. Wetterhahn, Esquire, Winston and Strawn
M. J. Wetterhahn, Esquire, Winston and Strawn
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D. Katz, Citizens Awareness Network
D. Katz, Citizens Awareness Network
T. Shortell, Manager, Nuclear Training
T. Shortell, Manager, Nuclear Training
S. Glenn, INPO  
S. Glenn, INPO
T. O'Connor5Distribution w/encl:ADAMS (PARS)
 
T. OConnor                                5
Distribution w/encl:
ADAMS (PARS)
SECY
SECY
CA
CA
OEMAIL
OEMAIL
OEWEB
OEWEB
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D Holody, RI
D Holody, RI
R Summers, RI
R Summers, RI
C O'Daniell, RI  
C ODaniell, RI
J Schlueter, FSME
J Schlueter, FSME
RidsFSMEdmssa
RidsFSMEdmssa
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K. Kolek, OA - NMP
K. Kolek, OA - NMP
DRS Master Exam File ©. Bixler (w/concurrences)
DRS Master Exam File ©. Bixler (w/concurrences)
DRS File  
DRS File
T. O'Connor6C:\FileNet\ML070440231.wpdSUNSI Review Complete:       JGC                   (Reviewer's Initials
 
)DOCUMENT NAME: C:\FileNet\ML070440231.wpdAfter declaring this document "An Official Agency Record" it will be released to the Public.To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box:
          T. OConnor                                    6
" C" = Copy without attachment/enclosure   " E" = Copywith attachment/enclosure   " N" = No copyOFFICERI/DRSRI/DRSRI/DRSRI/ORARI/DRSNAMEJCaruso/JGCMSykes/MDSBMcDermott/BJMRSummers/RJSWSchmidt/WLSDATE02/05/0702/05/0702/07/0702/06/0702/06/07OFFICERI/DRSNAMEABlough/ARBDATE02/13/07OFFICIAL RECORD COPY  
          C:\FileNet\ML070440231.wpd
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONREGION IDocket No:50-220, 50-410
SUNSI Review Complete:         JGC             (Reviewers Initials)
License No:DPR-63, NPF-69
DOCUMENT NAME: C:\FileNet\ML070440231.wpd
Report Nos:05000220/2006011, 05000410/2006011
After declaring this document An Official Agency Record it will be released to the Public.
Licensee:Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC (NMPNS)
To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box: "C" = Copy without attachment/enclosure "E" = Copy
Facility:Nine Mile Point, Units 1 and 2
with attachment/enclosure "N" = No copy
Location:Lake RoadOswego, NY Dates:October 16, 2006 - January 9, 2007
OFFICE          RI/DRS            RI/DRS              RI/DRS                RI/ORA        RI/DRS
Inspectors:J. Caruso, Senior Operations EngineerP. Presby, Operations Engineer  
NAME            JCaruso/JGC        MSykes/MDS          BMcDermott/BJM RSummers/RJS          WSchmidt/WLS
R. McKinley, Operations Engineer (under-instruction)  
DATE            02/05/07          02/05/07            02/07/07              02/06/07      02/06/07
J. Sullivan, Operations Engineer (under-instruction)Approved by:Marvin D. Sykes, ChiefOperations Branch
OFFICE          RI/DRS
Division of Reactor Safety  
NAME            ABlough/ARB
Enclosure iiSUMMARY OF FINDINGSIR 05000220/2006-011, 05000410/2006-011; 10/16/06 - 1/09/07; Nine Mile Point, Units 1 and2; Licensed Operator Requalification Program, Inspection Procedure Attachment 71111.11.This inspection was conducted by two NRC region-based inspectors and two inspectors underinstruction. Three Green findings and one Apparent Violation (AV) with potential safety
DATE            02/13/07
significance greater than Green, were identified. The significance of most findings is indicated
                                              OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
 
                U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
                                  REGION I
Docket No:   50-220, 50-410
License No: DPR-63, NPF-69
Report Nos: 05000220/2006011, 05000410/2006011
Licensee:   Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC (NMPNS)
Facility:   Nine Mile Point, Units 1 and 2
Location:   Lake Road
            Oswego, NY
Dates:       October 16, 2006 - January 9, 2007
Inspectors: J. Caruso, Senior Operations Engineer
            P. Presby, Operations Engineer
            R. McKinley, Operations Engineer (under-instruction)
            J. Sullivan, Operations Engineer (under-instruction)
Approved by: Marvin D. Sykes, Chief
            Operations Branch
            Division of Reactor Safety
 
                                      SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
IR 05000220/2006-011, 05000410/2006-011; 10/16/06 - 1/09/07; Nine Mile Point, Units 1 and
2; Licensed Operator Requalification Program, Inspection Procedure Attachment 71111.11.
This inspection was conducted by two NRC region-based inspectors and two inspectors under
instruction. Three Green findings and one Apparent Violation (AV) with potential safety
significance greater than Green, were identified. The significance of most findings is indicated
by their color (Green, White, Yellow, Red) using Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609,
by their color (Green, White, Yellow, Red) using Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609,
"Significance Determination Process" (SDP). Findings for which the SDP does not apply may
Significance Determination Process (SDP). Findings for which the SDP does not apply may
be Green or be assigned a severity level after NRC management review. The NRC's program
be Green or be assigned a severity level after NRC management review. The NRCs program
for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in
for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in
NUREG-1649, "Reactor Oversight Process," Revision 3, dated July 2000. A.NRC-Identified and Self-Revealing FindingsCornerstone: Mitigating Systems
NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 3, dated July 2000.
*TBD. An apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49, "Integrity of Examinations andTests," was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2005 and the
A.     NRC-Identified and Self-Revealing Findings
2006 annual operating exams at Unit 1. NRC inspectors identified practices that
        Cornerstone: Mitigating Systems
collectively had the impact of compromising, albeit unintentionally, the
        *       TBD. An apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and
examinations; these practices included: 1) a lack of simulator exam scenario
                Tests, was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2005 and the
diversity (i.e., The scenarios were substantially the same including: critical tasks;
                2006 annual operating exams at Unit 1. NRC inspectors identified practices that
major transients; Emergency Operating Procedure flow paths; and emergency
                collectively had the impact of compromising, albeit unintentionally, the
classifications); 2) an overuse of a single emergency operating procedure
                examinations; these practices included: 1) a lack of simulator exam scenario
strategy (i.e., full core Anticipated Transient Without Scram); and 3) a pattern of
                diversity (i.e., The scenarios were substantially the same including: critical tasks;
crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their exam scenario sets.  
                major transients; Emergency Operating Procedure flow paths; and emergency
Constellation had not identified and compensated for the compromise prior to
                classifications); 2) an overuse of a single emergency operating procedure
completing the 2005 exam and returning the operators to normal control room
                strategy (i.e., full core Anticipated Transient Without Scram); and 3) a pattern of
duties. Following NRC identification of the compromise in 2006, Constellation
                crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their exam scenario sets.
took immediate and substantive corrective actions prior to completion of the
                Constellation had not identified and compensated for the compromise prior to
annual operating exam cycle. Based on the Licensed Operator Requalification
                completing the 2005 exam and returning the operators to normal control room
Significance Determination Process (SDP) this finding was preliminarily
                duties. Following NRC identification of the compromise in 2006, Constellation
determined to be of low to moderate safety significance (White). The licensee
                took immediate and substantive corrective actions prior to completion of the
initiated Condition Report CR-NM-2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006, that
                annual operating exam cycle. Based on the Licensed Operator Requalification
documented this issue and later initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-
                Significance Determination Process (SDP) this finding was preliminarily
NM-2006-4808), "Annual Licensed Operator Requalification Exam Compromise." This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the HumanPerformance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
                determined to be of low to moderate safety significance (White). The licensee
Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the
                initiated Condition Report CR-NM-2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006, that
likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to
                documented this issue and later initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-
respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
                NM-2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator Requalification Exam Compromise.
the public from radio-nuclide releases caused by, initiating events.The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification andresolution because Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and  
                This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human
Enclosure iiicommunicate applicable external operating experience to affected internalstakeholders nor did they conduct self-assessments that were comprehensive,
                Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
appropriately objective, and self-critical such that either Unit 1 2005 exam
                Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the
compromise issues were avoided altogether or identified and corrected prior to
                likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to
the end of the 2005 annual operating exam cycle. (Section 1R11.1)*Green. A Green NRC-identified non-cited violation (NCV) of 10CFR55.49 wasidentified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2006 annual operating
                respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
requalification examinations at Unit 2. NRC inspectors identified practices that
                the public from radio-nuclide releases caused by, initiating events.
collectively had the impact of compromising, albeit unintentionally; the
                The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and
examinations, these practices included: 1) a lack of simulator exam scenario
                resolution because Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and
diversity (i.e., The scenarios were substantially the same including: critical tasks;
                                                    ii                                      Enclosure
major transients; Emergency Operating Procedure flow paths; and emergency
 
classifications); 2) an overuse of a single emergency operating procedure
  communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal
strategy (i.e., full core Anticipated Transient Without Scram); and 3) a pattern of
  stakeholders nor did they conduct self-assessments that were comprehensive,
crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their exam scenario sets. The
  appropriately objective, and self-critical such that either Unit 1 2005 exam
licensee initiated CR-NM-2006-4808 that documented this concern and later
  compromise issues were avoided altogether or identified and corrected prior to
initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis.This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the HumanPerformance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
  the end of the 2005 annual operating exam cycle. (Section 1R11.1)
Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the
* Green. A Green NRC-identified non-cited violation (NCV) of 10CFR55.49 was
likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to
  identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2006 annual operating
respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
  requalification examinations at Unit 2. NRC inspectors identified practices that
the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding
  collectively had the impact of compromising, albeit unintentionally; the
was assessed as having very low safety significance because immediate and
  examinations, these practices included: 1) a lack of simulator exam scenario
substantive corrective actions were taken by Constellation prior to the end of the
  diversity (i.e., The scenarios were substantially the same including: critical tasks;
current exam cycle. The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification andresolution because Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and
  major transients; Emergency Operating Procedure flow paths; and emergency
communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal
  classifications); 2) an overuse of a single emergency operating procedure
stakeholders nor did they conduct self-assessments that were comprehensive,
  strategy (i.e., full core Anticipated Transient Without Scram); and 3) a pattern of
appropriately objective, and self-critical such that the 2006 Unit 2 exam
  crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their exam scenario sets. The
compromise issues were either avoided altogether or at least identified and
  licensee initiated CR-NM-2006-4808 that documented this concern and later
corrected by Constellation prior to the start of this inspection. (Section 1R11.2)*Green. A finding of very low safety significance was identified at Unit 1. Thefinding was associated with crew performance on the simulator during the 2006
  initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis.
facility-administered requalification examinations. Of the six crews evaluated,
  This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human
two failed to pass their simulator examinations when the newly developed more
  Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
comprehensive exams were re-administered in response to the above noted
  Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the
preliminary White finding. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated
  likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to
Condition Report CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a
  respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
Category I Root Cause Analysis.  This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the HumanPerformance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
  the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding
Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the  
  was assessed as having very low safety significance because immediate and
Enclosure ivlikelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems torespond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
  substantive corrective actions were taken by Constellation prior to the end of the
the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events.   The finding
  current exam cycle.
was assessed as having very low safety significance because: 1) the failures
  The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and
occurred during annual testing of the operators on the simulator; 2) there were
  resolution because Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and
no actual consequences to the failures; 3) the crews were removed from watch
  communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal
standing duties, retrained and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return
  stakeholders nor did they conduct self-assessments that were comprehensive,
to control room watches; and, 4) because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit
  appropriately objective, and self-critical such that the 2006 Unit 2 exam
1 Annual Operating Exams was less than 20%. (Section 1R11.3)*Green. A finding of very low safety significance was identified at Unit 2. Thefinding was associated with crew performance on the simulator during the 2006
  compromise issues were either avoided altogether or at least identified and
facility-administered requalification examinations. Of the six crews evaluated,
  corrected by Constellation prior to the start of this inspection. (Section 1R11.2)
two failed to pass their simulator examinations when the newly developed more
* Green. A finding of very low safety significance was identified at Unit 1. The
comprehensive exams were re-administered in response to the above noted
  finding was associated with crew performance on the simulator during the 2006
preliminary White finding. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated
  facility-administered requalification examinations. Of the six crews evaluated,
Condition Report CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a
  two failed to pass their simulator examinations when the newly developed more
Category I Root Cause Analysis.   This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the HumanPerformance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
  comprehensive exams were re-administered in response to the above noted
Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the
  preliminary White finding. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated
likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to
  Condition Report CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a
respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
  Category I Root Cause Analysis.
the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding
   This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human
was assessed as having very low safety significance because: 1) the failures
  Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
occurred during annual testing of the operators on the simulator; 2) there were
  Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the
no actual consequences to the failures; 3) the crews were removed from watch
                                      iii                                      Enclosure
standing duties, retrained and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return
 
to control room watches; and, 4) because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit
          likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to
2 Annual Operating Exams was less than 20%. (Section 1R11.4)B.Licensee-Identified Findings
          respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
None.  
          the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding
EnclosureREPORT DETAILS1.REACTOR SAFETY1R11Licensed Operator Requalification Program (71111.11)  a.Inspection ScopeThe following inspection activities were performed using NUREG-1021, Rev. 9,"Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors," Inspection Procedure
          was assessed as having very low safety significance because: 1) the failures
Attachment 71111.11, "Licensed Operator Requalification Program," and NRC Manual
          occurred during annual testing of the operators on the simulator; 2) there were
Chapter 0609, Appendix I, "Operator Requalification Human Performance Significance
          no actual consequences to the failures; 3) the crews were removed from watch
Determination Process (SDP)," as acceptance criteria. During the first onsite inspection week of October 16, 2006, inspectors observedadministration of licensed operator requalification exams on Unit 1, including two
          standing duties, retrained and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return
dynamic simulator scenarios, three simulator Job Performance Measures (JPMs) and
          to control room watches; and, 4) because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit
two in plant JPMs for one operations crew. Following an NRC debrief on the preliminary
          1 Annual Operating Exams was less than 20%. (Section 1R11.3)
inspection issues identified, the licensee invalidated all of the dynamic simulator exams
  *     Green. A finding of very low safety significance was identified at Unit 2. The
for 2006 on both units and initiated development of new 2006 exam scenarios (see
          finding was associated with crew performance on the simulator during the 2006
Findings section of this report for further details). As a result of these identified issues
          facility-administered requalification examinations. Of the six crews evaluated,
the scope of this inspection was expanded.   During the weeks of November 20,
          two failed to pass their simulator examinations when the newly developed more
December 4 and December 11, 2006, the inspectors observed and assessed
          comprehensive exams were re-administered in response to the above noted
Constellation's administration of newly developed exam scenarios to all six of the Unit 1
          preliminary White finding. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated
operating crews and two of the Unit 2 operating crews.   In addition, the inspectors
          Condition Report CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a
observed the administration of retake exam scenarios for one Unit 1 and one Unit 2
          Category I Root Cause Analysis.
operating crew following their exam failures and subsequent training remediations. The inspectors reviewed all three Unit 1 exam sets for both the comprehensive ReactorOperator (RO) and Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) biennial written exams, as well as all
          This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human
the newly developed simulator exam scenarios for both Unit 1 and 2, and a sample (i.e.,
          Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier
exam weeks 1, 3, 4) of the Unit 1 JPMs administered during this current exam cycle to
          Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the
ensure the quality of these exams met or exceeded the criteria established in the
          likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to
Examination Standards and 10 CFR 55.59. In addition, both the Unit 1and 2 simulator
          respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect
exam scenarios administered as part of the 2005 annual operating exams were
          the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding
reviewed and evaluated as part of an exam compromise extent of condition review. Simulator performance was evaluated through observation during the conduct of theexaminations, a review of simulator performance tests (e.g., steady state performance
          was assessed as having very low safety significance because: 1) the failures
tests, selected transient tests, and selected scenario-based tests), and a review of
          occurred during annual testing of the operators on the simulator; 2) there were
Simulator Deficiency Reports to verify compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR
          no actual consequences to the failures; 3) the crews were removed from watch
55.46 and guidance contained in ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998. Corrective actions were
          standing duties, retrained and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return
reviewed associated with NCV 2004005-02 (Failure of NMP Simulator to Demonstrate
          to control room watches; and, 4) because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit
Expected Plant Response). No significant simulator issues were identified (see
          2 Annual Operating Exams was less than 20%. (Section 1R11.4)
document list attached).  
B. Licensee-Identified Findings
2EnclosureThe inspectors reviewed documentation of operating history since the last requalificationprogram inspection. The inspectors also discussed facility operating events with the
  None.
resident staff. Documents reviewed included NRC inspection reports, Plant
                                            iv                                        Enclosure
 
                                      REPORT DETAILS
1.   REACTOR SAFETY
1R11 Licensed Operator Requalification Program (71111.11)
  a. Inspection Scope
    The following inspection activities were performed using NUREG-1021, Rev. 9,
    Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, Inspection Procedure
    Attachment 71111.11, Licensed Operator Requalification Program, and NRC Manual
    Chapter 0609, Appendix I, Operator Requalification Human Performance Significance
    Determination Process (SDP), as acceptance criteria.
    During the first onsite inspection week of October 16, 2006, inspectors observed
    administration of licensed operator requalification exams on Unit 1, including two
    dynamic simulator scenarios, three simulator Job Performance Measures (JPMs) and
    two in plant JPMs for one operations crew. Following an NRC debrief on the preliminary
    inspection issues identified, the licensee invalidated all of the dynamic simulator exams
    for 2006 on both units and initiated development of new 2006 exam scenarios (see
    Findings section of this report for further details). As a result of these identified issues
    the scope of this inspection was expanded. During the weeks of November 20,
    December 4 and December 11, 2006, the inspectors observed and assessed
    Constellations administration of newly developed exam scenarios to all six of the Unit 1
    operating crews and two of the Unit 2 operating crews. In addition, the inspectors
    observed the administration of retake exam scenarios for one Unit 1 and one Unit 2
    operating crew following their exam failures and subsequent training remediations.
    The inspectors reviewed all three Unit 1 exam sets for both the comprehensive Reactor
    Operator (RO) and Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) biennial written exams, as well as all
    the newly developed simulator exam scenarios for both Unit 1 and 2, and a sample (i.e.,
    exam weeks 1, 3, 4) of the Unit 1 JPMs administered during this current exam cycle to
    ensure the quality of these exams met or exceeded the criteria established in the
    Examination Standards and 10 CFR 55.59. In addition, both the Unit 1and 2 simulator
    exam scenarios administered as part of the 2005 annual operating exams were
    reviewed and evaluated as part of an exam compromise extent of condition review.
    Simulator performance was evaluated through observation during the conduct of the
    examinations, a review of simulator performance tests (e.g., steady state performance
    tests, selected transient tests, and selected scenario-based tests), and a review of
    Simulator Deficiency Reports to verify compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR
    55.46 and guidance contained in ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998. Corrective actions were
    reviewed associated with NCV 2004005-02 (Failure of NMP Simulator to Demonstrate
    Expected Plant Response). No significant simulator issues were identified (see
    document list attached).
                                                                                        Enclosure
 
                                          2
The inspectors reviewed documentation of operating history since the last requalification
program inspection. The inspectors also discussed facility operating events with the
resident staff. Documents reviewed included NRC inspection reports, Plant
Performance Insights, licensee event reports (LERs), and licensee condition reports
Performance Insights, licensee event reports (LERs), and licensee condition reports
(CRs) that involved human performance issues for licensed operators to ensure that
(CRs) that involved human performance issues for licensed operators to ensure that
operational events were not indicative of possible training deficiencies.The following record reviews were conducted: remediation plans for seven cyclic writtenexam failures and one evaluated Operating Exam segment; seven medical records;
operational events were not indicative of possible training deficiencies.
eight quarters of time on shift records; and, ten operator license reactivations. On January 9, 2007, the inspectors conducted an in-office review of the fullrequalification exam results to assess whether pass rates were consistent with the
The following record reviews were conducted: remediation plans for seven cyclic written
guidance of NRC Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix I, "Operator Requalification Human
exam failures and one evaluated Operating Exam segment; seven medical records;
Performance Significance Determination Process (SDP).Results are listed below.Unit 1 Results:*Crew failure rate on the dynamic simulator was less than 34%. The threshold fora Green finding is a failure rate between 20% and 33%.
eight quarters of time on shift records; and, ten operator license reactivations.
(Failure rate was 33.33%.)*Individual failure rate on the dynamic simulator test was less than or equal to20%. (Failure rate was 19.0%.)*Individual failure rate on the walk-through test (JPMs) was less than or equal to20%. (Failure rate was 2.4%.)*Individual failure rate on the comprehensive biennial written exam was less thanor equal to 20%. (Failure rate was 2.4%)*More than 75% of the individuals passed all portions of the exam (78.5% of theindividuals passed all portions of the exam).Unit 2 Results:*Crew failure rate on the dynamic simulator was less than 34%. The threshold fora Green finding is a failure rate between 20% and 33%.
On January 9, 2007, the inspectors conducted an in-office review of the full
(Failure rate was 33.33%.)*Individual failure rate on the dynamic simulator test was less than or equal to20%. (Failure rate was 12.5%.)*Individual failure rate on the walk-through test (JPMs) was less than or equal to20%. (Failure rate was 0.0%.)  
requalification exam results to assess whether pass rates were consistent with the
3Enclosure*Individual failure rate on the comprehensive biennial written exam was less thanor equal to 20%. (Not applicable - not administered this year)*More than 75% of the individuals passed all portions of the exam (87.2% of theindividuals passed all portions of the exam).  b.Findings1.Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and TestsIntroduction. An apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49, "Integrity of Examinations andTests," was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2005 and the 2006
guidance of NRC Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix I, Operator Requalification Human
annual operating exams at Unit 1. Constellation had not identified and compensated for
Performance Significance Determination Process (SDP). Results are listed below.
the compromise prior to completing the 2005 exam and returning the operators to
Unit 1 Results:
normal control room duties. Following NRC identification of the compromise in 2006,
*       Crew failure rate on the dynamic simulator was less than 34%. The threshold for
Constellation took immediate and substantive corrective actions prior to completion of
        a Green finding is a failure rate between 20% and 33%.
the annual and biennial operating exam cycles. Based on the Licensed Operator
        (Failure rate was 33.33%.)
Requalification Significance Determination Process (SDP) this was preliminarily of low to
*       Individual failure rate on the dynamic simulator test was less than or equal to
moderate safety significance (White).Description. The inspectors identified that the exam practices used by Constellation atNine Mile Point resulted in an apparent compromise of the simulator exam scenario
        20%. (Failure rate was 19.0%.)
portion of both the 2005 and 2006 annual operating tests. The apparent compromise is
*       Individual failure rate on the walk-through test (JPMs) was less than or equal to
considered widespread, because all licensed operator requalification crews were
        20%. (Failure rate was 2.4%.)
affected on both the 2005 and 2006 exams. The apparent compromise of the 2005
*       Individual failure rate on the comprehensive biennial written exam was less than
Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios is considered more serious than the 2006 exam
        or equal to 20%. (Failure rate was 2.4%)
compromises and the basis for the preliminary White finding since the 2005 apparent
*       More than 75% of the individuals passed all portions of the exam (78.5% of the
exam compromises were not corrected by the licensee prior to returning licensed
        individuals passed all portions of the exam).
operators to normal watch-standing duties. In contrast, in 2006 when the exam
Unit 2 Results:
compromises were identified by the NRC and brought to the attention of Constellation
*       Crew failure rate on the dynamic simulator was less than 34%. The threshold for
remedial actions were taken to retest all of the operators prior to the end of the exam
        a Green finding is a failure rate between 20% and 33%.
cycle.The issue was identified while conducting the Unit 1 biennial Licensed OperatorRequalification Training (LORT) Program inspection during the week of October 16,
        (Failure rate was 33.33%.)
2006. Constellation allowed operating crews to validate simulator exam scenarios that
*       Individual failure rate on the dynamic simulator test was less than or equal to
were substantially the same as the simulator exam scenarios that were later
        20%. (Failure rate was 12.5%.)
administered to these crews as part of their annual operating test, thus preconditioning
*       Individual failure rate on the walk-through test (JPMs) was less than or equal to
the operators. These practices did not comply with Constellation's procedural guidance,  
        20%. (Failure rate was 0.0%.)
NMP-TR-1.01-20, Attachment 5, Section B.2 states, "Personnel shall not validate any
                                                                                  Enclosure
materials to be used on their exams," and Section D stipulates each section of the
 
requalification exams will contain at least 50% new material.  
                                              3
4EnclosureThe inspectors identified that the scenarios validated by Unit 1 "A" crew (September 12-16, 2006) were substantially similar in content to the two simulator exam scenarios that
    *       Individual failure rate on the comprehensive biennial written exam was less than
were administered to "A" crew on October 17, 2006. With the exception of a few
            or equal to 20%. (Not applicable - not administered this year)
    *       More than 75% of the individuals passed all portions of the exam (87.2% of the
            individuals passed all portions of the exam).
  b. Findings
1. Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and Tests
    Introduction. An apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and
    Tests, was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2005 and the 2006
    annual operating exams at Unit 1. Constellation had not identified and compensated for
    the compromise prior to completing the 2005 exam and returning the operators to
    normal control room duties. Following NRC identification of the compromise in 2006,
    Constellation took immediate and substantive corrective actions prior to completion of
    the annual and biennial operating exam cycles. Based on the Licensed Operator
    Requalification Significance Determination Process (SDP) this was preliminarily of low to
    moderate safety significance (White).
    Description. The inspectors identified that the exam practices used by Constellation at
    Nine Mile Point resulted in an apparent compromise of the simulator exam scenario
    portion of both the 2005 and 2006 annual operating tests. The apparent compromise is
    considered widespread, because all licensed operator requalification crews were
    affected on both the 2005 and 2006 exams. The apparent compromise of the 2005
    Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios is considered more serious than the 2006 exam
    compromises and the basis for the preliminary White finding since the 2005 apparent
    exam compromises were not corrected by the licensee prior to returning licensed
    operators to normal watch-standing duties. In contrast, in 2006 when the exam
    compromises were identified by the NRC and brought to the attention of Constellation
    remedial actions were taken to retest all of the operators prior to the end of the exam
    cycle.
    The issue was identified while conducting the Unit 1 biennial Licensed Operator
    Requalification Training (LORT) Program inspection during the week of October 16,
    2006. Constellation allowed operating crews to validate simulator exam scenarios that
    were substantially the same as the simulator exam scenarios that were later
    administered to these crews as part of their annual operating test, thus preconditioning
    the operators. These practices did not comply with Constellations procedural guidance,
    NMP-TR-1.01-20, Attachment 5, Section B.2 states, Personnel shall not validate any
    materials to be used on their exams, and Section D stipulates each section of the
    requalification exams will contain at least 50% new material.
                                                                                      Enclosure
 
                                          4
The inspectors identified that the scenarios validated by Unit 1 A crew (September 12-
16, 2006) were substantially similar in content to the two simulator exam scenarios that
were administered to A crew on October 17, 2006. With the exception of a few
malfunctions, the scenarios were substantially the same, i.e., the same critical tasks,
malfunctions, the scenarios were substantially the same, i.e., the same critical tasks,
major transients, Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP) flow paths, and emergency
major transients, Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP) flow paths, and emergency
classifications. In addition, on October 16, 2006, one day before taking their annual
classifications. In addition, on October 16, 2006, one day before taking their annual
operating test using scenario #4, "A" crew was administered exam scenario #2 for
operating test using scenario #4, A crew was administered exam scenario #2 for
validation/practice. The inspectors determined that scenario #2 was substantially the
validation/practice. The inspectors determined that scenario #2 was substantially the
same as scenario #4. The inspectors determined that the other crews examined during
same as scenario #4. The inspectors determined that the other crews examined during
the first three weeks of the exam cycle had also validated scenarios that were
the first three weeks of the exam cycle had also validated scenarios that were
substantially similar in content to the simulator exam scenarios administered during their
substantially similar in content to the simulator exam scenarios administered during their
exam weeks.The inspection team further noted that twelve of the sixteen new simulator examscenarios developed for the Unit 1 2006 annual operating test cycle involved a full core
exam weeks.
The inspection team further noted that twelve of the sixteen new simulator exam
scenarios developed for the Unit 1 2006 annual operating test cycle involved a full core
Anticipated Transient Without Scram (ATWS) theme and varied primarily by changing
Anticipated Transient Without Scram (ATWS) theme and varied primarily by changing
several malfunctions for each scenario. This lack of exam diversity, an overuse of the
several malfunctions for each scenario. This lack of exam diversity, an overuse of the
ATWS theme, and a pattern of crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their
ATWS theme, and a pattern of crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their
exam scenario sets collectively had the effect of compromising the exams. In addition,
exam scenario sets collectively had the effect of compromising the exams. In addition,
the over-emphasis on examining the ATWS theme resulted in not testing other
the over-emphasis on examining the ATWS theme resulted in not testing other
important EOP mitigation strategies (e.g., secondary containment and radiation release
important EOP mitigation strategies (e.g., secondary containment and radiation release
strategies). Furthermore, the inspectors determined that the scenario exam sets
strategies). Furthermore, the inspectors determined that the scenario exam sets
previously administered during weeks 1 and 2 were scheduled to be re-administered
previously administered during weeks 1 and 2 were scheduled to be re-administered
during exam weeks 5 and 6 respectively.The NRC inspection team communicated these issues to Constellation representatives. On October 20, 2006, representatives of Constellation management agreed with the
during exam weeks 5 and 6 respectively.
NRC inspection team's assessment of the issues. Constellation determined that the
The NRC inspection team communicated these issues to Constellation representatives.
On October 20, 2006, representatives of Constellation management agreed with the
NRC inspection teams assessment of the issues. Constellation determined that the
2006 Unit 1 and 2 annual license simulator exam scenarios administered to date were
2006 Unit 1 and 2 annual license simulator exam scenarios administered to date were
invalid due to the pervasive nature of the apparent exam compromise. Exam
invalid due to the pervasive nature of the apparent exam compromise. Exam
administration was suspended at both units pending development of new exams. The
administration was suspended at both units pending development of new exams. The
licensee initiated Condition Report CR-NM-2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006 that
licensee initiated Condition Report CR-NM-2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006 that
documented this issue and later initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-
documented this issue and later initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-
2006-4808), "Annual Licensed Operator Requalification Exam Compromise.Note: A
2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator Requalification Exam Compromise. Note: A
Category I Root Cause Analysis is conducted by independent parties, involves a
Category I Root Cause Analysis is conducted by independent parties, involves a
thorough investigation of the details that led to the problem, identifies the root as well as
thorough investigation of the details that led to the problem, identifies the root as well as
contributing causes, and assigns corrective actions to prevent re-occurrence of the
contributing causes, and assigns corrective actions to prevent re-occurrence of the
problem.     Following the onsite visit, the NRC inspection team conducted an in-office extent ofcondition review of the Unit 1 2005 simulator exam scenario portion of the annual
problem.
operating tests. The team determined that the 2005 simulator exam scenarios were
Following the onsite visit, the NRC inspection team conducted an in-office extent of
compromised and this problem went undetected and uncorrected by the licensee. The
condition review of the Unit 1 2005 simulator exam scenario portion of the annual
operating tests. The team determined that the 2005 simulator exam scenarios were
compromised and this problem went undetected and uncorrected by the licensee. The
problem remained undetected until it was identified by the NRC and brought to the
problem remained undetected until it was identified by the NRC and brought to the
attention of Constellation. The problems with the 2005 simulator exam scenarios were
attention of Constellation. The problems with the 2005 simulator exam scenarios were
similar to those identified on the 2006 dynamic exams and included a lack of exam
similar to those identified on the 2006 dynamic exams and included a lack of exam
diversity, an overuse of the ATWS theme (8 of 11 scenarios), and a pattern of crews  
diversity, an overuse of the ATWS theme (8 of 11 scenarios), and a pattern of crews
5Enclosurevalidating scenarios that were substantially similar to their exam scenario sets. Incontrast to the 2006 exam, the compromise to the simulator scenario exam portion of
                                                                                  Enclosure
 
                                          5
validating scenarios that were substantially similar to their exam scenario sets. In
contrast to the 2006 exam, the compromise to the simulator scenario exam portion of
2005 annual operating test was undetected and uncorrected, led to licensed operators
2005 annual operating test was undetected and uncorrected, led to licensed operators
returning to normal watch-standing duties without adequate compensatory actions being
returning to normal watch-standing duties without adequate compensatory actions being
taken and therefore, is the basis for the preliminary White finding.Inspectors conducted interviews with the exam development team and reviewedassociated development records for the 2005 and 2006 exams. Based on this review, it
taken and therefore, is the basis for the preliminary White finding.
Inspectors conducted interviews with the exam development team and reviewed
associated development records for the 2005 and 2006 exams. Based on this review, it
appeared that the exam compromise issue resulted from NMP staff inexperience and
appeared that the exam compromise issue resulted from NMP staff inexperience and
lack of management oversight of the exam development process. Constellation's
lack of management oversight of the exam development process. Constellations
emphasis on maintaining exam security resulted in self-imposed restrictions on
emphasis on maintaining exam security resulted in self-imposed restrictions on
management oversight of the exam development process. In addition, the exam
management oversight of the exam development process. In addition, the exam
development team operated under some misconceptions including: 1) due to a recent
development team operated under some misconceptions including: 1) due to a recent
upgrade to the simulator model, rather than modifying existing exam scenarios, the
upgrade to the simulator model, rather than modifying existing exam scenarios, the
exam team needed to draft all new simulator exam scenarios; 2) all revisions to exam
exam team needed to draft all new simulator exam scenarios; 2) all revisions to exam
scenarios had to be validated by an operating crew which, in some cases, resulted in
scenarios had to be validated by an operating crew which, in some cases, resulted in
multiple crew exposures to a single scenario; 3) minor revisions to an exam scenario
multiple crew exposures to a single scenario; 3) minor revisions to an exam scenario
Line 361: Line 521:
advance; and 5) each exam had to include events which challenged one or more critical
advance; and 5) each exam had to include events which challenged one or more critical
tasks from a small pre-existing list of critical tasks which did not encompass the full
tasks from a small pre-existing list of critical tasks which did not encompass the full
range of major events. These misconceptions resulted in a narrowly focused exam
range of major events. These misconceptions resulted in a narrowly focused exam
which over-tested the ATWS theme at the exclusion of other equally important EOP
which over-tested the ATWS theme at the exclusion of other equally important EOP
mitigation strategies. The inspectors did not find any indication that the compromises
mitigation strategies. The inspectors did not find any indication that the compromises
were intentional.The licensee's root cause team later concluded, "...that similarities in the scenarios inthe 2006 Unit 1 exam set caused unintentional preconditioning of the crew by exposing
were intentional.
The licensees root cause team later concluded, ...that similarities in the scenarios in
the 2006 Unit 1 exam set caused unintentional preconditioning of the crew by exposing
them to scenarios during validation that were essentially the same as the scenarios
them to scenarios during validation that were essentially the same as the scenarios
used for their exam ... and reviewed the 2005 Unit 1 exam sets and found issues similarto those associated with the 2006 Unit 1 exam.The root cause team identified two
used for their exam ... and reviewed the 2005 Unit 1 exam sets and found issues similar
to those associated with the 2006 Unit 1 exam. The root cause team identified two
primary causes: 1) policy guidance, management expectations, and job performance
primary causes: 1) policy guidance, management expectations, and job performance
standards were not well-defined or understood, the process provides minimal direction
standards were not well-defined or understood, the process provides minimal direction
and guidance, which the inexperienced team was not able to compensate for through
and guidance, which the inexperienced team was not able to compensate for through
their knowledge; and 2) a rigorous review and analysis of the exam by an experienced
their knowledge; and 2) a rigorous review and analysis of the exam by an experienced
exam author did not occur during the review/challenge process. No one outside the
exam author did not occur during the review/challenge process. No one outside the
immediate exam development team performed a comprehensive exam set review.New and more comprehensive simulator scenario exams were developed andadministered to all licensed operators between November 20 and December 14, 2006.  
immediate exam development team performed a comprehensive exam set review.
New and more comprehensive simulator scenario exams were developed and
administered to all licensed operators between November 20 and December 14, 2006.
The inspection team observed the re-testing of all Unit 1 licensed operators and noted
The inspection team observed the re-testing of all Unit 1 licensed operators and noted
the following improvements: 1) development and administration of new, more
the following improvements: 1) development and administration of new, more
comprehensive simulator exam scenarios; 2) one-on-one operator evaluations; 3)
comprehensive simulator exam scenarios; 2) one-on-one operator evaluations; 3)
rotating watch positions for the SROs as well as the ROs between scenarios; 4)
rotating watch positions for the SROs as well as the ROs between scenarios; 4)
evaluation of Shift Technical Advisor position; and 5) conducting more detailed post
evaluation of Shift Technical Advisor position; and 5) conducting more detailed post
exam critiques.  
exam critiques.
6EnclosureAnalysis. The unintentional integrity comprise of the simulator exam scenario portion ofthe Unit 1 2005 and 2006 annual operating exams was a performance deficiency, in that
                                                                                  Enclosure
 
                                            6
Analysis. The unintentional integrity comprise of the simulator exam scenario portion of
the Unit 1 2005 and 2006 annual operating exams was a performance deficiency, in that
Constellation failed to follow their established requalification procedures and resulted in
Constellation failed to follow their established requalification procedures and resulted in
an apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49. "Integrity of Exams and Tests.Specifically, in
an apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49. Integrity of Exams and Tests. Specifically, in
2005 and initially in 2006 the operators were tested using requalification simulator exam
2005 and initially in 2006 the operators were tested using requalification simulator exam
scenarios substantially similar to simulator exam scenarios that they had previously
scenarios substantially similar to simulator exam scenarios that they had previously
validated. Therefore, the validation process, in combination with a lack of exam
validated. Therefore, the validation process, in combination with a lack of exam
diversity, caused exam integrity to be compromised. Traditional enforcement does not
diversity, caused exam integrity to be compromised. Traditional enforcement does not
apply because the issue did not have any actual safety consequences, potential for
apply because the issue did not have any actual safety consequences, potential for
impacting the NRC's regulatory function, and was not the result of any willful violation of
impacting the NRCs regulatory function, and was not the result of any willful violation of
NRC requirements or Constellation's procedures. This finding was more than minor
NRC requirements or Constellations procedures. This finding was more than minor
because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute of the Initiating
because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute of the Initiating
Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and affected the
Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and affected the
combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of
combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of
mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical
mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical
barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events.This finding was determined preliminarily to have low to moderate safety significance(White) using the Licensed Operator Requalification Human Performance Significance
barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events.
Determination Process (SDP) Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix I. Block 21
This finding was determined preliminarily to have low to moderate safety significance
applies, "Has the integrity of the scenario been compromised? This is a failure to
(White) using the Licensed Operator Requalification Human Performance Significance
control the scenario identity or material including the- validation process such that the
Determination Process (SDP) Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix I. Block 21
operating test integrity is affected". The answer to the Block 21 question is "yes", the
applies, Has the integrity of the scenario been compromised? This is a failure to
control the scenario identity or material including the validation process such that the
operating test integrity is affected. The answer to the Block 21 question is yes, the
operators were tested using requalification exam scenarios substantially similar to exam
operators were tested using requalification exam scenarios substantially similar to exam
scenarios that they had previously validated. Therefore, the validation process, in
scenarios that they had previously validated. Therefore, the validation process, in
combination with a lack of scenario diversity, led to an unintentional exam compromise.Block 26 also applies, "When the compromise was discovered, or should have been
combination with a lack of scenario diversity, led to an unintentional exam compromise.
discovered, did the licensee take immediate compensatory measures". The answer tothe Block 26 question is "no", as Constellation did not identify and take immediate
Block 26 also applies, When the compromise was discovered, or should have been
discovered, did the licensee take immediate compensatory measures. The answer to
the Block 26 question is no, as Constellation did not identify and take immediate
corrective actions for the 2005 Unit 1 exam compromises (Block 21 - Yes and Block 26 -
corrective actions for the 2005 Unit 1 exam compromises (Block 21 - Yes and Block 26 -
No). This simulator exam scenario integrity compromise finding should have been
No). This simulator exam scenario integrity compromise finding should have been
discovered and corrected by Constellation, prior to NRC identification. Constellation
discovered and corrected by Constellation, prior to NRC identification. Constellation
should have discovered the problem in 2005 or at least prior to the NRC's identification
should have discovered the problem in 2005 or at least prior to the NRCs identification
because: 1) a similar issue was described in 2002 Industry Operating Experience
because: 1) a similar issue was described in 2002 Industry Operating Experience
involving exam compromise; 2) Constellation completed a self audit in August 2006 that
involving exam compromise; 2) Constellation completed a self audit in August 2006 that
failed to identify this issue; and 3) the practices clearly violated NRC guidance and
failed to identify this issue; and 3) the practices clearly violated NRC guidance and
requirements, as well as Constellation's procedural guidance aimed at preventing exam
requirements, as well as Constellations procedural guidance aimed at preventing exam
compromise. More importantly, however, in 2005, because the issue was not identified
compromise. More importantly, however, in 2005, because the issue was not identified
at the time, Constellation had not taken compensatory actions prior to returning the
at the time, Constellation had not taken compensatory actions prior to returning the
operators to normal control room duties. Following identification of this issue by the
operators to normal control room duties. Following identification of this issue by the
NRC, the licensee took immediate and substantive corrective actions to remedy the
NRC, the licensee took immediate and substantive corrective actions to remedy the
2006 annual operating exam compromise, by developing new exams and re-testing all
2006 annual operating exam compromise, by developing new exams and re-testing all
the Unit 1 licensed operators within the required annual and biennial exam cycles. The cause of the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identificationand resolution in that Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and  
the Unit 1 licensed operators within the required annual and biennial exam cycles.
7Enclosurecommunicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal stakeholdersnor did they conduct self-assessments of sufficient depth that were comprehensive,
The cause of the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification
appropriately objective and self-critical such that the Unit 1 2005 exam compromise
and resolution in that Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and
issues were avoided altogether or at least identified and corrected prior to the end of the
                                                                                  Enclosure
2005 annual operating exam cycle. Enforcement. 10 CFR 55.49, requires, in part, that, "...licensees shall not engage in anyactivity that compromises the integrity of any application, test, or examination required
 
by this part. The integrity of a test or examination is considered compromised if any
                                              7
activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, would have affected the
  communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal stakeholders
equitable and consistent administration of the test or exam.Contrary to this
  nor did they conduct self-assessments of sufficient depth that were comprehensive,
requirement, the Unit 1 2005 and 2006 annual operating tests were compromised since
  appropriately objective and self-critical such that the Unit 1 2005 exam compromise
the process used to validate the simulator exam scenarios resulted in licensed operators
  issues were avoided altogether or at least identified and corrected prior to the end of the
being knowledgeable of a significant portion of the test prior to its administration.This finding was not an immediate safety concern for the following reasons: 1) therewere no significant plant performance issues related to operator knowledge and
  2005 annual operating exam cycle.
abilities; 2) all licensed operators had participated in a continuous requalification training
  Enforcement. 10 CFR 55.49, requires, in part, that, ...licensees shall not engage in any
program; 3) this issue, while pervasive, was limited to the 2005 and 2006 exams and did
  activity that compromises the integrity of any application, test, or examination required
not extend to the 2004 exams; 4) Constellation took immediate remedial actions by
  by this part. The integrity of a test or examination is considered compromised if any
administering new and more comprehensive simulator exam scenarios to all Unit 1
  activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, would have affected the
licensed operators upon discovery of this concern by the NRC. Some individual and
  equitable and consistent administration of the test or exam. Contrary to this
crew weaknesses were identified, as evidenced by the individual and crew failure rates,however the performance on these new exams was overall satisfactory. (AV 50-220/2006011-01, Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and Tests)2.Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations and TestsIntroduction. A non-cited violation of 10 CFR 55.49, "Integrity of Examinations andTests," was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2006 annual
  requirement, the Unit 1 2005 and 2006 annual operating tests were compromised since
operating exams at Unit 2. Following NRC identification of the compromise,
  the process used to validate the simulator exam scenarios resulted in licensed operators
Constellation took adequate compensatory measures, prior to completion of the annual
  being knowledgeable of a significant portion of the test prior to its administration.
and biennial exam cycles.Description. The inspectors identified that the exam practices used by Constellation atNine Mile Point resulted in an apparent compromise of the dynamic scenario portion
  This finding was not an immediate safety concern for the following reasons: 1) there
the 2006 annual operating tests.The issue was identified while conducting the Unit 1 biennial LORT Program inspectionduring the week of October 16, 2006. Constellation allowed operating crews to validate  
  were no significant plant performance issues related to operator knowledge and
simulator exam scenarios that were substantially the same as the simulator exam
  abilities; 2) all licensed operators had participated in a continuous requalification training
scenarios that were later administered to these crews as part of their annual operating
  program; 3) this issue, while pervasive, was limited to the 2005 and 2006 exams and did
test, thus preconditioning the operators (see preliminary white finding discussed in item
  not extend to the 2004 exams; 4) Constellation took immediate remedial actions by
b.1 above for details). These practices did not comply with Constellation's procedural
  administering new and more comprehensive simulator exam scenarios to all Unit 1
guidance, in NMP-TR-1.01-20, Attachment 5, Section B.2 which states, "Personnel shall
  licensed operators upon discovery of this concern by the NRC. Some individual and
not validate any materials to be used on their exams," and Section D which stipulates  
  crew weaknesses were identified, as evidenced by the individual and crew failure rates,
8Enclosureeach section of the requalification exams will contain at least 50% new material.The NRC inspection team communicated these issues to Constellation representatives. On October 20, 2006, representatives of Constellation management agreed with the
  however the performance on these new exams was overall satisfactory. (AV 50-
NRC inspection team's assessment of the issues. The licensee then conducted an
  220/2006011-01, Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and Tests)
2. Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations and Tests
  Introduction. A non-cited violation of 10 CFR 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and
  Tests, was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2006 annual
  operating exams at Unit 2. Following NRC identification of the compromise,
  Constellation took adequate compensatory measures, prior to completion of the annual
  and biennial exam cycles.
  Description. The inspectors identified that the exam practices used by Constellation at
  Nine Mile Point resulted in an apparent compromise of the dynamic scenario portion
  the 2006 annual operating tests.
  The issue was identified while conducting the Unit 1 biennial LORT Program inspection
  during the week of October 16, 2006. Constellation allowed operating crews to validate
  simulator exam scenarios that were substantially the same as the simulator exam
  scenarios that were later administered to these crews as part of their annual operating
  test, thus preconditioning the operators (see preliminary white finding discussed in item
  b.1 above for details). These practices did not comply with Constellations procedural
  guidance, in NMP-TR-1.01-20, Attachment 5, Section B.2 which states, Personnel shall
  not validate any materials to be used on their exams, and Section D which stipulates
                                                                                      Enclosure
 
                                            8
each section of the requalification exams will contain at least 50% new material.
The NRC inspection team communicated these issues to Constellation representatives.
On October 20, 2006, representatives of Constellation management agreed with the
NRC inspection teams assessment of the issues. The licensee then conducted an
extent of condition review for Unit 2 annual license operating tests administered to date
extent of condition review for Unit 2 annual license operating tests administered to date
and determined the exams administered to date were invalid due to the pervasive nature
and determined the exams administered to date were invalid due to the pervasive nature
of the apparent exam compromise. Exam administration was suspended at both units
of the apparent exam compromise. Exam administration was suspended at both units
pending development of new exams. The licensee initiated Condition Report CR-NM-
pending development of new exams. The licensee initiated Condition Report CR-NM-
2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006 that documented this issue and later initiated a
2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006 that documented this issue and later initiated a
Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-2006-4808), "Annual Licensed Operator
Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator
Requalification Exam Compromise."Following the onsite visit, the NRC inspection team conducted an in-office extent ofcondition review of the Unit 2 2005 dynamic operating tests. The team determined that
Requalification Exam Compromise.
the 2005 Unit 2 dynamic exams were not affected.The licensee's root cause team later concluded, "...that similarities in the scenarios inthe 2006 Unit 1 exam set caused unintentional preconditioning of the crew by exposing
Following the onsite visit, the NRC inspection team conducted an in-office extent of
condition review of the Unit 2 2005 dynamic operating tests. The team determined that
the 2005 Unit 2 dynamic exams were not affected.
The licensees root cause team later concluded, ...that similarities in the scenarios in
the 2006 Unit 1 exam set caused unintentional preconditioning of the crew by exposing
them to scenarios during validation that were essentially the same as the scenarios
them to scenarios during validation that were essentially the same as the scenarios
used for their exam ... and reviewed the 2006 Unit 2 and 2005 Unit 1 exam sets and
used for their exam ... and reviewed the 2006 Unit 2 and 2005 Unit 1 exam sets and
found issues similar to those associated with the 2006 Unit 1 exam." New and more comprehensive scenario exam scenarios were developed andadministered to all licensed operators between November 20 and December 14, 2006.  
found issues similar to those associated with the 2006 Unit 1 exam.
New and more comprehensive scenario exam scenarios were developed and
administered to all licensed operators between November 20 and December 14, 2006.
The inspection team observed the re-testing of all Unit 1 and some of the Unit 2 licensed
The inspection team observed the re-testing of all Unit 1 and some of the Unit 2 licensed
operators.Analysis. The unintentional integrity compromise of the simulator exam scenario portionof the 2006 Unit 2 annual operator exams was a performance deficiency, in that
operators.
Analysis. The unintentional integrity compromise of the simulator exam scenario portion
of the 2006 Unit 2 annual operator exams was a performance deficiency, in that
Constellation failed to follow their established requalification procedures and violated
Constellation failed to follow their established requalification procedures and violated
10 CFR 55.49. "Integrity of Exams and Tests.Specifically, initially in 2006 the
10 CFR 55.49. Integrity of Exams and Tests. Specifically, initially in 2006 the
operators were tested using simulator exam scenarios substantially similar to simulator
operators were tested using simulator exam scenarios substantially similar to simulator
exam scenarios that they had previously validated. Therefore, the validation process, in
exam scenarios that they had previously validated. Therefore, the validation process, in
combination with a lack of exam diversity, caused exam integrity to be compromised.  
combination with a lack of exam diversity, caused exam integrity to be compromised.
Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety
Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety
consequences or potential for impacting the NRC's regulatory function and was not the
consequences or potential for impacting the NRCs regulatory function and was not the
result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or Constellation's procedures. This
result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or Constellations procedures. This
finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance
finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance
attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones
attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones
Line 470: Line 675:
and reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance
and reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance
that physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating
that physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating
events.This finding was determined to have very low safety significance (Green) usingAppendix I of the SDP. Block 21 applies, "Has the integrity of the scenario been  
events.
9Enclosurecompromised? This is a failure to control the scenario identity or material includingthe- validation process such that the operating test integrity is affected.The answer
This finding was determined to have very low safety significance (Green) using
to the Block 21 question is "yes", the operators were tested using requalification exam
Appendix I of the SDP. Block 21 applies, Has the integrity of the scenario been
scenarios substantially similar to exam scenarios that they had previously validated.  
                                                                                  Enclosure
Therefore, the validation process in combination with a lack of scenario diversity, led to
 
an exam compromise. Block 26 also applies, "When the compromise was discovered,
                                              9
or should have been discovered, did the licensee take immediate compensatory
  compromised? This is a failure to control the scenario identity or material including
measures" also applies. The answer to the Block 26 question is "yes" resulting in a
  the validation process such that the operating test integrity is affected. The answer
green finding (Block 21 - Yes and Block 26 - Yes), This simulator exam scenario
  to the Block 21 question is yes, the operators were tested using requalification exam
integrity compromise finding should have been discovered and corrected prior to NRC
  scenarios substantially similar to exam scenarios that they had previously validated.
identification. However, following identification Constellation took immediate and
  Therefore, the validation process in combination with a lack of scenario diversity, led to
substantive compensatory actions to remedy the 2006 annual operating exam
  an exam compromise. Block 26 also applies, When the compromise was discovered,
compromise, by developing new exams and re-testing all the Unit 2 licensed operators
  or should have been discovered, did the licensee take immediate compensatory
within the required annual and biennial exam cycles. Further, the inspectors verified
  measures also applies. The answer to the Block 26 question is yes resulting in a
that the Unit 2 2005 simulator exam scenario portion of the annual operating exam had
  green finding (Block 21 - Yes and Block 26 - Yes), This simulator exam scenario
not been compromised in a similar fashion. The cause of the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identificationand resolution in that Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and
  integrity compromise finding should have been discovered and corrected prior to NRC
communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal stakeholders
  identification. However, following identification Constellation took immediate and
nor did they conduct self-assessments of sufficient depth that were comprehensive,
  substantive compensatory actions to remedy the 2006 annual operating exam
appropriately objective and self-critical such that the 2006 Unit 2 exam compromise
  compromise, by developing new exams and re-testing all the Unit 2 licensed operators
issues were either avoided altogether or at least identified and corrected by
  within the required annual and biennial exam cycles. Further, the inspectors verified
Constellation prior to the start of this inspection.Enforcement. 10 CFR 55.49, requires, in part, that, "...licensees shall not engage in anyactivity that compromises the integrity of any application, test, or examination required
  that the Unit 2 2005 simulator exam scenario portion of the annual operating exam had
by this part. The integrity of a test or examination is considered compromised if any
  not been compromised in a similar fashion.
activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, would have affected the
  The cause of the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification
equitable and consistent administration of the test or exam.Contrary to this
  and resolution in that Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and
requirement, the 2006 Unit 2 annual operating tests were compromised since the
  communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal stakeholders
process used to validate the simulator exam scenarios resulted in licensed operators
  nor did they conduct self-assessments of sufficient depth that were comprehensive,
being knowledgeable of a significant portion of the test prior to its administration.(NCV 05000410/2006011-02, Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations andTests)3.Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual OperatingExaminationsIntroduction. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) was identified at Unit 1,based on two of six crews failing their facility-administered annual simulator
  appropriately objective and self-critical such that the 2006 Unit 2 exam compromise
examinations.Description. During facility-administered annual operating testing of the licensedoperators, licensee training staff evaluated crew performance on simulator exam
  issues were either avoided altogether or at least identified and corrected by
scenarios using performance standards derived from NUREG-1021, "Operator  
  Constellation prior to the start of this inspection.
10EnclosureLicensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors." Facility results of crewperformance showed that two of the six crews evaluated (33%) did not pass their
  Enforcement. 10 CFR 55.49, requires, in part, that, ...licensees shall not engage in any
simulator exams. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated Condition Report  
  activity that compromises the integrity of any application, test, or examination required
  by this part. The integrity of a test or examination is considered compromised if any
  activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, would have affected the
  equitable and consistent administration of the test or exam. Contrary to this
  requirement, the 2006 Unit 2 annual operating tests were compromised since the
  process used to validate the simulator exam scenarios resulted in licensed operators
  being knowledgeable of a significant portion of the test prior to its administration.
  (NCV 05000410/2006011-02, Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations and
  Tests)
3. Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating
  Examinations
  Introduction. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) was identified at Unit 1,
  based on two of six crews failing their facility-administered annual simulator
  examinations.
  Description. During facility-administered annual operating testing of the licensed
  operators, licensee training staff evaluated crew performance on simulator exam
  scenarios using performance standards derived from NUREG-1021, Operator
                                                                                      Enclosure
 
                                          10
Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors. Facility results of crew
performance showed that two of the six crews evaluated (33%) did not pass their
simulator exams. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated Condition Report
CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a Category I Root Cause
CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a Category I Root Cause
Analysis.   Constellation's root cause analysis report stated, "The number of individual
Analysis. Constellations root cause analysis report stated, The number of individual
and crew failures could be indicative of programmatic weaknesses that if unresolved,
and crew failures could be indicative of programmatic weaknesses that if unresolved,
could affect operator performance on shift, ... 9 of 14 individuals failing the annualoperating exam had been noted as needing improvement in the same areas as on the
could affect operator performance on shift, ... 9 of 14 individuals failing the annual
annual exam (within the last 2 years). 3 of 4 crews failing the annual exam failed a
operating exam had been noted as needing improvement in the same areas as on the
annual exam (within the last 2 years). 3 of 4 crews failing the annual exam failed a
recent evaluated scenario (in 2006) and all 4 crews had failed a scenario in the last 2
recent evaluated scenario (in 2006) and all 4 crews had failed a scenario in the last 2
years. Ops Management was not fully aware of these performance weaknesses. Other
years. Ops Management was not fully aware of these performance weaknesses. Other
than documentation of remediation for failures, no other documentation was found as
than documentation of remediation for failures, no other documentation was found as
described performance improvement plans for individuals noted as needing
described performance improvement plans for individuals noted as needing
improvement as required by GAI-OPS-13.GAI-OPS-13, Attachment 1.2, states that,
improvement as required by GAI-OPS-13. GAI-OPS-13, Attachment 1.2, states that,
"...a score of one or two in any competency area or on any event or evolution requiresdevelopment of a plan for improving performance.NRC inspectors observed the
...a score of one or two in any competency area or on any event or evolution requires
development of a plan for improving performance. NRC inspectors observed the
administration of the simulator exam scenario evaluations for all six crews and also
administration of the simulator exam scenario evaluations for all six crews and also
observed the retest of one of the remediated crews that failed their exam during a
observed the retest of one of the remediated crews that failed their exam during a
previous week.Analysis. A performance deficiency (PD) was identified in that the Systems Approach toTraining (SAT) feedback mechanism standards associated with the Nine Mile Point
previous week.
LORT program were not utilized. Specifically, individual and crew weaknesses were not
Analysis. A performance deficiency (PD) was identified in that the Systems Approach to
appropriately identified, evaluated and corrective actions taken. In addition, corrective
Training (SAT) feedback mechanism standards associated with the Nine Mile Point
LORT program were not utilized. Specifically, individual and crew weaknesses were not
appropriately identified, evaluated and corrective actions taken. In addition, corrective
actions taken for previously identified individual and crew weaknesses were not fully
actions taken for previously identified individual and crew weaknesses were not fully
effective (i.e., a Category 1 CR written in 2004 to document a green finding from crew
effective (i.e., a Category 1 CR written in 2004 to document a green finding from crew
failures on an annual exam). As a result, two of six licensed operator crews
failures on an annual exam). As a result, two of six licensed operator crews
demonstrated knowledge and ability weaknesses resulting in less than adequate
demonstrated knowledge and ability weaknesses resulting in less than adequate
performance on an NRC required requalification test administered by the licensee.  
performance on an NRC required requalification test administered by the licensee.
Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety
Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety
consequence or potential for affecting the NRC's regulatory function and was not the
consequence or potential for affecting the NRCs regulatory function and was not the
result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or licensee procedures. This finding
result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or licensee procedures. This finding
was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute
was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute
of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and
of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and
Line 530: Line 761:
reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that
reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that
physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating
physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating
events. Specifically, the finding reflected the potential inability of the crews to take
events. Specifically, the finding reflected the potential inability of the crews to take
appropriate safety-related actions in response to actual abnormal or emergency
appropriate safety-related actions in response to actual abnormal or emergency
conditions while they were on-shift prior to the requalification testing.Since this is a more than minor requalification training issue, the risk importanceassociated with the number of crews failing the annual operating tests is provided in
conditions while they were on-shift prior to the requalification testing.
Appendix I of the SDP. The Simulator Operational Evaluation Matrix was entered using
Since this is a more than minor requalification training issue, the risk importance
associated with the number of crews failing the annual operating tests is provided in
Appendix I of the SDP. The Simulator Operational Evaluation Matrix was entered using
the number of crews that took the simulator test, six, and the number of crews with less
the number of crews that took the simulator test, six, and the number of crews with less
than adequate performance, two. Based on these numbers, the finding was
than adequate performance, two. Based on these numbers, the finding was
characterized by the SDP as having very low safety significance (20 - 34% failure rate),
11Enclosureor Green.  The finding is of very low safety significance because the failures occurredduring annual testing of the operators on the simulator, because there were no actual
consequences to the failures, because the crews were removed from watch standing
duties, retrained, and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return to control room
watches, and because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit 1 Annual Operating Exams
was less than 20%.  Enforcement.  NRC regulations require that licensed operators pass an annualoperating test; the regulations do not specify pass/fail rates.  When a failure occurs,
requirements are met by restricting the operator from licensed duties until the operator
has been retrained and successfully retested, steps which licensee staff completed.
Therefore, no violation of regulatory requirements occurred.  Crew performance on the
2006 annual operating exams has been entered into the corrective action program
(CAP) as CR 2006-5797, and Constellation performed a level 1 root cause analysis ofthese crew failures.  (FIN 05000220/2006011-03, Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on theDynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating Examinations)4.Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual OperatingExaminationsIntroduction.  A finding of very low safety significance (Green) was identified at Unit 2,based on two of six crews failing their facility-administered annual simulator
examinations.Description.  During facility-administered annual operating testing of the licensedoperators, licensee training staff evaluated crew performance on simulator exam
scenarios using performance standards derived from NUREG-1021, "Operator
Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors." Facility results of crew
performance showed that two of the six crews evaluated (33%) did not pass their
simulator exams.  The failures are documented in licensee-initiated Condition Report
CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a Category I Root Cause
Analysis.  Constellation's root cause analysis report stated, "The number of individual
and crew failures could be indicative of a programmatic weaknesses that if unresolved,
could affect operator performance on shift, ... 9 of 14 individuals failing the annualoperating exam had been noted as needing improvement in the same areas as on the
annual exam (within the last 2 years).  3 of 4 crews failing the annual exam failed a
recent evaluated scenario (in 2006) and all 4 crews had failed a scenario in the last 2
years.  Ops Management was not fully aware of these performance weaknesses.  Other
than documentation of remediation for failures, no other documentation was found as
described performance improvement plans for individuals noted as needing
improvement as required by GAI-OPS-13."  GAI-OPS-13, Attachment 1.2, states that,
"...a score of one or two in any competency area or on any event or evolution requiresdevelopment of a plan for improving performance."  NRC inspectors observed the
administration of the simulator exam scenario evaluations for two of six crews and also
observed the retest of one of the remediated crews that failed their exam during a
previous week.
12EnclosureAnalysis.  A performance deficiency (PD) was identified in that the Systems Approach toTraining (SAT) feedback mechanism standards associated with the Nine Mile Point
LORT program were not utilized.  Specifically, individual and crew weaknesses were not
appropriately identified, evaluated and corrective actions taken.  In addition, corrective
actions taken for previously identified individual and crew weaknesses were not fully
effective (i.e., a Category 1 CR written in 2004 to document a green finding from crew
failures on an annual exam).  As a result, two of six licensed operator crews
demonstrated knowledge and ability weaknesses resulting in less than adequate
performance on an NRC required requalification test administered by the licensee.
Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety
consequence or potential for affecting the NRC's regulatory function and was not the
result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or licensee procedures.  This finding
was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute
of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and
affected the combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability and
reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that
physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating
events.  Specifically, the finding reflected the potential inability of the crews to take
appropriate safety-related actions in response to actual abnormal or emergency
conditions while they were on-shift prior to the requalification testing.Since this is a more than minor requalification training issue, the risk importanceassociated with the number of crews failing the annual operating tests is provided in
Appendix I of the SDP.  The Simulator Operational Evaluation Matrix was entered using
the number of crews that took the simulator test, six, and the number of crews with less
than adequate performance, two.  Based on these numbers, the finding was
characterized by the SDP as having very low safety significance (20 - 34% failure rate),
characterized by the SDP as having very low safety significance (20 - 34% failure rate),
or Green. The finding is of very low safety significance because the failures occurred
                                                                                    Enclosure
during annual testing of the operators on the simulator, because there were no actual
 
consequences to the failures, because the crews were removed from watch standing
                                            11
duties, retrained, and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return to control room
  or Green. The finding is of very low safety significance because the failures occurred
watches, and because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit 2 Annual Operating Exams
  during annual testing of the operators on the simulator, because there were no actual
was less than 20%.   Enforcement. NRC regulations require that licensed operators pass an annualoperating test; the regulations do not specify pass/fail rates. When a failure occurs,
  consequences to the failures, because the crews were removed from watch standing
requirements are met by restricting the operator from licensed duties until the operator
  duties, retrained, and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return to control room
has been retrained and successfully retested, steps which licensee staff completed.  
  watches, and because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit 1 Annual Operating Exams
Therefore, no violation of regulatory requirements occurred. Crew performance on the
  was less than 20%.
2006 annual operating exams has been entered into the corrective action program
  Enforcement. NRC regulations require that licensed operators pass an annual
(CAP) as CR 2006-5797, and Constellation performed a level 1 root cause analysis ofthese crew failures. (FIN 05000410/2006011-04, Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on theDynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating Examinations)4.OTHER ACTIVITIES (OA)  
  operating test; the regulations do not specify pass/fail rates. When a failure occurs,
13Enclosure4OA5  Other1.Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-Based-Tests (SBTs) For Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria
  requirements are met by restricting the operator from licensed duties until the operator
The inspectors reviewed actions taken by Constellation since this item was openedduring a 2004 Licensed Operator Requalification Program inspection and determined
  has been retrained and successfully retested, steps which licensee staff completed.
that this item will remain open pending further NRC review (i.e., the NRC has not
  Therefore, no violation of regulatory requirements occurred. Crew performance on the
reached final resolution with the industry regarding an acceptable level of testdocumentation to support this approach).   (URI 05000220&410/2004005-03,Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-Based-Tests (SBTs) For Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria)4OA6Meetings, including ExitThe lead inspector and the NRC Region I Operations Branch Chief presented theinspection results to members of licensee management team in an onsite meeting at the
  2006 annual operating exams has been entered into the corrective action program
conclusion of the inspection on January 18, 2007.   No materials reviewed were
  (CAP) as CR 2006-5797, and Constellation performed a level 1 root cause analysis of
identified by the licensee as proprietary.  
  these crew failures. (FIN 05000220/2006011-03, Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the
A-1AttachmentAttachmentATTACHMENTSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONKEY POINTS OF CONTACTLicensee PersonnelT. O'Connor, Site Vice President/Plant General ManagerM. Schimmel, Plant General Manager
  Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating Examinations)
4. Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating
  Examinations
  Introduction. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) was identified at Unit 2,
  based on two of six crews failing their facility-administered annual simulator
  examinations.
  Description. During facility-administered annual operating testing of the licensed
  operators, licensee training staff evaluated crew performance on simulator exam
  scenarios using performance standards derived from NUREG-1021, Operator
  Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors. Facility results of crew
  performance showed that two of the six crews evaluated (33%) did not pass their
  simulator exams. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated Condition Report
  CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a Category I Root Cause
  Analysis. Constellations root cause analysis report stated, The number of individual
  and crew failures could be indicative of a programmatic weaknesses that if unresolved,
  could affect operator performance on shift, ... 9 of 14 individuals failing the annual
  operating exam had been noted as needing improvement in the same areas as on the
  annual exam (within the last 2 years). 3 of 4 crews failing the annual exam failed a
  recent evaluated scenario (in 2006) and all 4 crews had failed a scenario in the last 2
  years. Ops Management was not fully aware of these performance weaknesses. Other
  than documentation of remediation for failures, no other documentation was found as
  described performance improvement plans for individuals noted as needing
  improvement as required by GAI-OPS-13. GAI-OPS-13, Attachment 1.2, states that,
  ...a score of one or two in any competency area or on any event or evolution requires
  development of a plan for improving performance. NRC inspectors observed the
  administration of the simulator exam scenario evaluations for two of six crews and also
  observed the retest of one of the remediated crews that failed their exam during a
  previous week.
                                                                                      Enclosure
 
                                            12
  Analysis. A performance deficiency (PD) was identified in that the Systems Approach to
  Training (SAT) feedback mechanism standards associated with the Nine Mile Point
  LORT program were not utilized. Specifically, individual and crew weaknesses were not
  appropriately identified, evaluated and corrective actions taken. In addition, corrective
  actions taken for previously identified individual and crew weaknesses were not fully
  effective (i.e., a Category 1 CR written in 2004 to document a green finding from crew
  failures on an annual exam). As a result, two of six licensed operator crews
  demonstrated knowledge and ability weaknesses resulting in less than adequate
  performance on an NRC required requalification test administered by the licensee.
  Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety
  consequence or potential for affecting the NRCs regulatory function and was not the
  result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or licensee procedures. This finding
  was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute
  of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and
  affected the combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability and
  reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that
  physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating
  events. Specifically, the finding reflected the potential inability of the crews to take
  appropriate safety-related actions in response to actual abnormal or emergency
  conditions while they were on-shift prior to the requalification testing.
  Since this is a more than minor requalification training issue, the risk importance
  associated with the number of crews failing the annual operating tests is provided in
  Appendix I of the SDP. The Simulator Operational Evaluation Matrix was entered using
  the number of crews that took the simulator test, six, and the number of crews with less
  than adequate performance, two. Based on these numbers, the finding was
  characterized by the SDP as having very low safety significance (20 - 34% failure rate),
  or Green. The finding is of very low safety significance because the failures occurred
  during annual testing of the operators on the simulator, because there were no actual
  consequences to the failures, because the crews were removed from watch standing
  duties, retrained, and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return to control room
  watches, and because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit 2 Annual Operating Exams
  was less than 20%.
  Enforcement. NRC regulations require that licensed operators pass an annual
  operating test; the regulations do not specify pass/fail rates. When a failure occurs,
  requirements are met by restricting the operator from licensed duties until the operator
  has been retrained and successfully retested, steps which licensee staff completed.
  Therefore, no violation of regulatory requirements occurred. Crew performance on the
  2006 annual operating exams has been entered into the corrective action program
  (CAP) as CR 2006-5797, and Constellation performed a level 1 root cause analysis of
  these crew failures. (FIN 05000410/2006011-04, Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the
  Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating Examinations)
4. OTHER ACTIVITIES (OA)
                                                                                        Enclosure
 
                                              13
4OA5 Other
1.   Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-
    Based-Tests (SBTs) For Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria
    The inspectors reviewed actions taken by Constellation since this item was opened
    during a 2004 Licensed Operator Requalification Program inspection and determined
    that this item will remain open pending further NRC review (i.e., the NRC has not
    reached final resolution with the industry regarding an acceptable level of test
    documentation to support this approach). (URI 05000220&410/2004005-03,
    Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-
    Based-Tests (SBTs) For Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria)
4OA6 Meetings, including Exit
    The lead inspector and the NRC Region I Operations Branch Chief presented the
    inspection results to members of licensee management team in an onsite meeting at the
    conclusion of the inspection on January 18, 2007. No materials reviewed were
    identified by the licensee as proprietary.
                                                                                      Enclosure
 
                                              A-1
                                        ATTACHMENT
                              SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
                                  KEY POINTS OF CONTACT
Licensee Personnel
T. OConnor, Site Vice President/Plant General Manager
M. Schimmel, Plant General Manager
N. Conicella, Operations Manager
N. Conicella, Operations Manager
T. Shortell, Training Manager
T. Shortell, Training Manager
Line 619: Line 899:
D. Kelly, Requal Exam Developer
D. Kelly, Requal Exam Developer
G. Bobka, Operations Training
G. Bobka, Operations Training
W. Coppom, Operations TrainingNRC PersonnelL. Cline, Senior Resident InspectorE. Knutson, Resident Inspector
W. Coppom, Operations Training
NRC Personnel
L. Cline, Senior Resident Inspector
E. Knutson, Resident Inspector
J. Caruso, Senior Operations Examiner/Inspector
J. Caruso, Senior Operations Examiner/Inspector
P. Presby, Operations Examiner/Inspector
P. Presby, Operations Examiner/Inspector
R. McKinley, Operations Examiner/Inspector (UI)
R. McKinley, Operations Examiner/Inspector (UI)
J. Sullivan, Operations Examiner/Inspector (UI)LIST OF ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSEDOpened05000220/2006011-01AVFailure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations andTests (Section 1R11.1) 05000410/2006011-02NCVFailure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations andTests (Section 1R11.2) 05000220/2006011-03FINUnit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portionof the Annual Operating Examinations (Section 1R11.3)
J. Sullivan, Operations Examiner/Inspector (UI)
A-2AttachmentAttachment05000410/2006011-04FINUnit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portionof the Annual Operating Examinations (Section 1R11.4)  
                    LIST OF ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Discussed05000220&410/2004005-03URIAcceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 andUnit 2 Simulator Scenario-Based-Tests (SBTs) For
Opened
Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing CriteriaLIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWEDProcedures
05000220/2006011-01          AV    Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and
:TAP-TQS-04 NMP Examination Standard Rev. 07NTP-TQS-102 Licensed Operator Requalification Training Rev. 35
                                    Tests (Section 1R11.1)
05000410/2006011-02          NCV  Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations and
                                    Tests (Section 1R11.2)
05000220/2006011-03          FIN  Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion
                                    of the Annual Operating Examinations (Section 1R11.3)
                                                                                    Attachment
 
                                            A-2
05000410/2006011-04        FIN    Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion
                                  of the Annual Operating Examinations (Section 1R11.4)
Discussed
05000220&410/2004005-03 URI        Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and
                                  Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-Based-Tests (SBTs) For
                                  Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria
                            LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Procedures:
TAP-TQS-04 NMP Examination Standard Rev. 07
NTP-TQS-102 Licensed Operator Requalification Training Rev. 35
NTP-TQS-400 Instructions for Completing and Processing NRC Forms 396 and 398 Rev. 18
NTP-TQS-400 Instructions for Completing and Processing NRC Forms 396 and 398 Rev. 18
S-FFD-16 Fitness for Duty Procedure Rev. 04
S-FFD-16 Fitness for Duty Procedure Rev. 04
S-ODP-TQS-0101 Administrative Controls for Maintaining Active License Status at NMP Rev.
S-ODP-TQS-0101 Administrative Controls for Maintaining Active License Status at NMP Rev.
04
04
GAI-OPS-13 Operations Score Card Program Rev. 03
GAI-OPS-13 Operations Score Card Program Rev. 03
Line 640: Line 939:
NMP-TR-1.01-50 Evaluation Phase Activities Rev. 0
NMP-TR-1.01-50 Evaluation Phase Activities Rev. 0
NMP-TR-1.01-60 Simulator Operation & Testing Rev. 0
NMP-TR-1.01-60 Simulator Operation & Testing Rev. 0
NMP-TR-1.01-70 Training Administration Rev. 0Other:CR-NM-2006-4808Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-2006-4808), "Annual Licensed Operator
NMP-TR-1.01-70 Training Administration Rev. 0
Requalification Exam Compromise"
Other:
CR-NM-2006-4808
Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator
Requalification Exam Compromise
NMP1 2006 Biennial Exam Sample Plan
NMP1 2006 Biennial Exam Sample Plan
NMP1 Biennial Schedule 05/06 Rev.1
NMP1 Biennial Schedule 05/06 Rev.1
NMP1 Independent Self-Assessment Report, Assessment #: FSA-2006-43 Scenarios:*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-71 rev. 0 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
NMP1 Independent Self-Assessment Report, Assessment #: FSA-2006-43
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-63 rev. 0 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
Scenarios:
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-05 rev. 4 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-71 rev. 0 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-11 rev. 4 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-63 rev. 0 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-17 rev. 2 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-05 rev. 4 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-18 rev. 8 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-11 rev. 4 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-25 rev. 6 Steam Leak in Drywell w/ blowdown
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-17 rev. 2 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-39 rev. 6 Steam Leak in Drywell
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-18 rev. 8 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
A-3AttachmentAttachment*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-48 rev. 4 AWTS w/ Main Condenser*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-50 rev. 2 AWTS w/ Main Condenser and Torus Leak
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-25 rev. 6 Steam Leak in Drywell w/ blowdown
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-53 rev. 3 Steam Leak in Drywell
*     O1-OPS-009-1-DY-39 rev. 6 Steam Leak in Drywell
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-54 rev. 3 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
                                                                                    Attachment
*O1-OPS-009-1-DY-55 rev. 1 AWTS w/ Main Condenser


                                            A-3
Open Simulator Deficiency Reports (DRs)Scheduled Simulator Enhancements
*      O1-OPS-009-1-DY-48 rev. 4 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
Simulator Training Load Acceptance Reports- June to August 2006
*      O1-OPS-009-1-DY-50 rev. 2 AWTS w/ Main Condenser and Torus Leak
- Dec. 2005 to March 2006
*      O1-OPS-009-1-DY-53 rev. 3 Steam Leak in Drywell
- Sept. to Dec. 2005
*      O1-OPS-009-1-DY-54 rev. 3 AWTS w/o Main Condenser
- July to Sept. 2005Simulator Exceptions List
*      O1-OPS-009-1-DY-55 rev. 1 AWTS w/ Main Condenser
Open Simulator Deficiency Reports (DRs)
Scheduled Simulator Enhancements
Simulator Training Load Acceptance Reports
      - June to August 2006
      - Dec. 2005 to March 2006
      - Sept. to Dec. 2005
      - July to Sept. 2005
Simulator Exceptions List
Simulator Four Year Test Schedule
Simulator Four Year Test Schedule
Simulator Configuration Control Board (SCCB) Meeting Minutes:- October 19, 2005
Simulator Configuration Control Board (SCCB) Meeting Minutes:
- August 4, 2006
      - October 19, 2005
- July 14, 2006Simulator Documents related to Jan 2004 Emer Cooling Test (NCV05000220/2004005-02)- DR 3531
      - August 4, 2006
- DR 3538
      - July 14, 2006
- Upgrade DR 802005 Simulator Model Test, ANSI 3.5 Appendix "B" B1.2(3) Simultaneous Closure of All MSIVsSimulator Deficiency Reports- DR 3884, Recirc Pump Metering
Simulator Documents related to Jan 2004 Emer Cooling Test (NCV05000220/2004005-02)
- DR 3799, Offgas Controller
      - DR 3531
- DR 3798, RWCU Conductivity
      - DR 3538
- DR 3797, Indicator Should Read Downscale
      - Upgrade DR 80
- DR 3789, Safety Valve Outlet High Temperature
2005 Simulator Model Test, ANSI 3.5 Appendix "B" B1.2(3) Simultaneous Closure of All MSIVs
- DR 3782, Pressure Oscillation with TC05 Initiated
Simulator Deficiency Reports
- DR 3760, Malfunctions FW29A&B Do Not Work
      - DR 3884, Recirc Pump Metering
- Upgrade DR 165, Change Sim Status Hi Press SettingCondition Reports Related to Simulator- CR-NM-2005-542, NRC Identified Green NCV
      - DR 3799, Offgas Controller
- CR-NM-2005-615, NRC Identified URI on Suitability of SBTsSimulator Scenario Based Tests for Cycle C09 and Cycle 10 (2006)
      - DR 3798, RWCU Conductivity
      - DR 3797, Indicator Should Read Downscale
      - DR 3789, Safety Valve Outlet High Temperature
      - DR 3782, Pressure Oscillation with TC05 Initiated
      - DR 3760, Malfunctions FW29A&B Do Not Work
      - Upgrade DR 165, Change Sim Status Hi Press Setting
Condition Reports Related to Simulator
      - CR-NM-2005-542, NRC Identified Green NCV
      - CR-NM-2005-615, NRC Identified URI on Suitability of SBTs
Simulator Scenario Based Tests for Cycle C09 and Cycle 10 (2006)
Simulator vs. Plant Comparison for Stuck Open ERV
Simulator vs. Plant Comparison for Stuck Open ERV
Simulator vs. Plant Comparison for 8/3/04 Feedwater Spiking, Manual Scram
Simulator vs. Plant Comparison for 8/3/04 Feedwater Spiking, Manual Scram
2005 Simulator Steady State Comparisons at 40%, 75% and 100%
2005 Simulator Steady State Comparisons at 40%, 75% and 100%
                                                                                Attachment
}}
}}

Latest revision as of 09:30, 23 November 2019

IR 05000220-06-011, 05000410-06-011; 10/16/06 - 1/09/07; Nine Mile Point, Units 1 and 2; Licensed Operator Requalification Program, Inspection Procedure Attachment 71111.11
ML070440231
Person / Time
Site: Nine Mile Point  Constellation icon.png
Issue date: 02/13/2007
From: Blough A
Division of Reactor Safety I
To: O'Connor T
Nine Mile Point
Shared Package
ML053400259 List:
References
EA-07-001 IR-06-011
Download: ML070440231 (26)


See also: IR 05000220/2006011

Text

February 13, 2007

EA-07-001

Mr. Timothy J. OConnor

Vice President Nine Mile Point

Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC

P.O. Box 63

Lycoming, NY 13093

SUBJECT: NRC LICENSED OPERATOR REQUALIFICATION PROGRAM INSPECTION

REPORT 05000220/2006011 AND 05000410/2006011;

PRELIMINARY WHITE FINDING - NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR STATION

Dear Mr. OConnor:

During the period October 16, 2006 through January 9, 2007, the US Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC) conducted an inspection of the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station Licensed

Operator Requalification Program activities. The enclosed report documents the inspection

findings, which were discussed on January 18, 2007 in an onsite exit meeting with you and

members of your staff.

The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and

compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.

The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed

personnel. The inspection consisted of a review of the licensed operator requalification

program. Findings identified during the inspection are discussed in detail in the enclosed

inspection report.

This report documents a preliminary White finding that appears to have low to moderate safety

significance. As described in Section 1.R11 of this report, your Licensed Operator

Requalification Training Program allowed operating crews to validate simulator exam scenarios

that were substantially the same as those that were later administered to these crews as part of

their annual operating test. This shortcoming had the unintentional effect of compromising

your Unit 1 2005 and 2006 dynamic simulator exam scenarios. The apparent compromise of

the 2005 Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios is considered more serious and the basis for the

preliminary White finding since the apparent compromise was not corrected by Constellation

prior to returning licensed operators to normal duties. In contrast, for the 2006 exam

compromise problems Constellation took remedial actions by retesting all operators prior to the

end of the exam cycle. This finding was assessed using the Operator Requalification Human

Performance Significance Determination Process as a potentially safety significant finding that

was preliminarily determined to be White; i.e., a finding with some increased importance to

safety, which may require additional NRC inspection. The issue has a low to moderate safety

significance because it represented a failure to recognize and correct an apparent examination

compromise of the 2005 Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios, and a subsequent return to normal

T. OConnor 2

watch-standing duties by the licensed operators without adequate compensatory actions for the

compromised examinations. This finding was not an immediate safety concern for the following

reasons: (1) there were no significant plant performance issues related to operator knowledge

and abilities; (2) all licensed operators had participated in a continuous requalification training

program; (3) this issue, while pervasive, was limited to the 2005 and 2006 exams and did not

extend to the 2004 exams; and (4) Constellation took immediate remedial actions by

invalidating the simulator exam scenario portion of the 2006 annual operating exams and

administering new and more comprehensive simulator exam scenarios to all licensed operators

upon discovery of this concern by the NRC.

The finding is also an apparent violation of NRC requirements and is being considered for

escalated enforcement action in accordance with the Enforcement Policy, which can be found

on the NRCs web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.

Before we make a final decision regarding the preliminary White finding, we are providing you

an opportunity (1) to attend a Regulatory Conference where you can present to the NRC your

perspective on the facts and assumptions the NRC used to arrive at the finding and assess its

significance, or (2) submit your position on the finding to the NRC in writing. If you request a

Regulatory Conference, it should be held within 30 days of the receipt of this letter and we

encourage you to submit supporting documentation at least one week prior to the conference in

an effort to make the conference more efficient and effective. If a Regulatory Conference is

held, it will be open for public observation. If you decide to submit only a written response, such

submittal should be sent to the NRC within 30 days of the receipt of this letter.

Please contact Mr. Marvin Sykes at (610) 337-5046 within 10 business days of the date of your

receipt of this letter to notify the NRC of your intentions. If we have not heard from you within

10 days, we will continue with our significance determination and enforcement decision and you

will be advised by separate correspondence of the results of our deliberations on this matter.

Since the NRC has not made a final determination in this matter, no Notice of Violation is being

issued for this inspection preliminary White finding at this time. In addition, please be advised

that the number and characterization of the apparent violation described in the enclosed

inspection report may change as a result of further NRC review.

In addition, the report documents three NRC-identified findings of very low safety significance

(Green). One of these findings was determined to involve a Unit 2 violation of NRC

requirements involving similar but less significant exam compromise issues to those identified

for Unit 1 for reasons detailed in the enclosed report. The unintentional 2006 Unit 2 simulator

exam scenario compromise was assessed separately due to Unit 1 and 2 plant design

differences that require unique training programs for each unit, as well as unique plant and

operator licenses. However, because of the very low safety significance and because it is

entered into your corrective action program, the NRC is treating the Unit 2 exam compromise

finding as a non-cited violation (NCV) consistent with Section VI.A.1 of the NRC Enforcement

Policy. If you contest this NCV, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of

this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington DC 20555-0001; with copies to the Regional

Administrator, Region I; the Director, Office of Enforcement, United States Nuclear Regulatory

Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; and the NRC Resident Inspector at Nine Mile Point

Nuclear Station.

T. OConnor 3

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRC's "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 NRCs document system (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.

Sincerely,

/RA/

A. Randolph Blough, Director

Division of Reactor Safety

Docket No: 50-220, 50-410

License No: DPR-63, NPF-69

Enclosure: Inspection Report 05000220/2006011 and 05000410/2006011

T. OConnor 4

cc w/encl:

M. J. Wallace, President, Constellation Generation

M. Heffley, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer

C. W. Fleming, Esquire, Senior Counsel, Constellation Energy Group, LLC

M. J. Wetterhahn, Esquire, Winston and Strawn

P. Smith, President, New York State Energy, Research, and Development Authority

J. Spath, Program Director, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

P. D. Eddy, Electric Division, NYS Department of Public Service

C. Donaldson, Esquire, Assistant Attorney General, New York Department of Law

Supervisor, Town of Scriba

T. Judson, Central NY Citizens Awareness Network

D. Katz, Citizens Awareness Network

T. Shortell, Manager, Nuclear Training

S. Glenn, INPO

T. OConnor 5

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Enforcement Coordinators RII, RIII, RIV

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DRS Master Exam File ©. Bixler (w/concurrences)

DRS File

T. OConnor 6

C:\FileNet\ML070440231.wpd

SUNSI Review Complete: JGC (Reviewers Initials)

DOCUMENT NAME: C:\FileNet\ML070440231.wpd

After declaring this document An Official Agency Record it will be released to the Public.

To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box: "C" = Copy without attachment/enclosure "E" = Copy

with attachment/enclosure "N" = No copy

OFFICE RI/DRS RI/DRS RI/DRS RI/ORA RI/DRS

NAME JCaruso/JGC MSykes/MDS BMcDermott/BJM RSummers/RJS WSchmidt/WLS

DATE 02/05/07 02/05/07 02/07/07 02/06/07 02/06/07

OFFICE RI/DRS

NAME ABlough/ARB

DATE 02/13/07

OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

REGION I

Docket No: 50-220, 50-410

License No: DPR-63, NPF-69

Report Nos: 05000220/2006011, 05000410/2006011

Licensee: Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC (NMPNS)

Facility: Nine Mile Point, Units 1 and 2

Location: Lake Road

Oswego, NY

Dates: October 16, 2006 - January 9, 2007

Inspectors: J. Caruso, Senior Operations Engineer

P. Presby, Operations Engineer

R. McKinley, Operations Engineer (under-instruction)

J. Sullivan, Operations Engineer (under-instruction)

Approved by: Marvin D. Sykes, Chief

Operations Branch

Division of Reactor Safety

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

IR 05000220/2006-011, 05000410/2006-011; 10/16/06 - 1/09/07; Nine Mile Point, Units 1 and

2; Licensed Operator Requalification Program, Inspection Procedure Attachment 71111.11.

This inspection was conducted by two NRC region-based inspectors and two inspectors under

instruction. Three Green findings and one Apparent Violation (AV) with potential safety

significance greater than Green, were identified. The significance of most findings is indicated

by their color (Green, White, Yellow, Red) using Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609,

Significance Determination Process (SDP). Findings for which the SDP does not apply may

be Green or be assigned a severity level after NRC management review. The NRCs program

for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in

NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 3, dated July 2000.

A. NRC-Identified and Self-Revealing Findings

Cornerstone: Mitigating Systems

Tests, was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2005 and the

2006 annual operating exams at Unit 1. NRC inspectors identified practices that

collectively had the impact of compromising, albeit unintentionally, the

examinations; these practices included: 1) a lack of simulator exam scenario

diversity (i.e., The scenarios were substantially the same including: critical tasks;

major transients; Emergency Operating Procedure flow paths; and emergency

classifications); 2) an overuse of a single emergency operating procedure

strategy (i.e., full core Anticipated Transient Without Scram); and 3) a pattern of

crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their exam scenario sets.

Constellation had not identified and compensated for the compromise prior to

completing the 2005 exam and returning the operators to normal control room

duties. Following NRC identification of the compromise in 2006, Constellation

took immediate and substantive corrective actions prior to completion of the

annual operating exam cycle. Based on the Licensed Operator Requalification

Significance Determination Process (SDP) this finding was preliminarily

determined to be of low to moderate safety significance (White). The licensee

initiated Condition Report CR-NM-2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006, that

documented this issue and later initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-

NM-2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator Requalification Exam Compromise.

This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human

Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier

Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the

likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to

respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect

the public from radio-nuclide releases caused by, initiating events.

The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and

resolution because Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and

ii Enclosure

communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal

stakeholders nor did they conduct self-assessments that were comprehensive,

appropriately objective, and self-critical such that either Unit 1 2005 exam

compromise issues were avoided altogether or identified and corrected prior to

the end of the 2005 annual operating exam cycle. (Section 1R11.1)

  • Green. A Green NRC-identified non-cited violation (NCV) of 10CFR55.49 was

identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2006 annual operating

requalification examinations at Unit 2. NRC inspectors identified practices that

collectively had the impact of compromising, albeit unintentionally; the

examinations, these practices included: 1) a lack of simulator exam scenario

diversity (i.e., The scenarios were substantially the same including: critical tasks;

major transients; Emergency Operating Procedure flow paths; and emergency

classifications); 2) an overuse of a single emergency operating procedure

strategy (i.e., full core Anticipated Transient Without Scram); and 3) a pattern of

crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their exam scenario sets. The

licensee initiated CR-NM-2006-4808 that documented this concern and later

initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis.

This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human

Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier

Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the

likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to

respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect

the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding

was assessed as having very low safety significance because immediate and

substantive corrective actions were taken by Constellation prior to the end of the

current exam cycle.

The finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification and

resolution because Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and

communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal

stakeholders nor did they conduct self-assessments that were comprehensive,

appropriately objective, and self-critical such that the 2006 Unit 2 exam

compromise issues were either avoided altogether or at least identified and

corrected by Constellation prior to the start of this inspection. (Section 1R11.2)

  • Green. A finding of very low safety significance was identified at Unit 1. The

finding was associated with crew performance on the simulator during the 2006

facility-administered requalification examinations. Of the six crews evaluated,

two failed to pass their simulator examinations when the newly developed more

comprehensive exams were re-administered in response to the above noted

preliminary White finding. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated

Condition Report CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a

Category I Root Cause Analysis.

This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human

Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier

Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the

iii Enclosure

likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to

respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect

the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding

was assessed as having very low safety significance because: 1) the failures

occurred during annual testing of the operators on the simulator; 2) there were

no actual consequences to the failures; 3) the crews were removed from watch

standing duties, retrained and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return

to control room watches; and, 4) because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit

1 Annual Operating Exams was less than 20%. (Section 1R11.3)

  • Green. A finding of very low safety significance was identified at Unit 2. The

finding was associated with crew performance on the simulator during the 2006

facility-administered requalification examinations. Of the six crews evaluated,

two failed to pass their simulator examinations when the newly developed more

comprehensive exams were re-administered in response to the above noted

preliminary White finding. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated

Condition Report CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a

Category I Root Cause Analysis.

This finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human

Performance attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier

Integrity cornerstones and affected the combined objective of: limiting the

likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of mitigating systems to

respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical barriers protect

the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events. The finding

was assessed as having very low safety significance because: 1) the failures

occurred during annual testing of the operators on the simulator; 2) there were

no actual consequences to the failures; 3) the crews were removed from watch

standing duties, retrained and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return

to control room watches; and, 4) because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit

2 Annual Operating Exams was less than 20%. (Section 1R11.4)

B. Licensee-Identified Findings

None.

iv Enclosure

REPORT DETAILS

1. REACTOR SAFETY

1R11 Licensed Operator Requalification Program (71111.11)

a. Inspection Scope

The following inspection activities were performed using NUREG-1021, Rev. 9,

Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, Inspection Procedure

Attachment 71111.11, Licensed Operator Requalification Program, and NRC Manual

Chapter 0609, Appendix I, Operator Requalification Human Performance Significance

Determination Process (SDP), as acceptance criteria.

During the first onsite inspection week of October 16, 2006, inspectors observed

administration of licensed operator requalification exams on Unit 1, including two

dynamic simulator scenarios, three simulator Job Performance Measures (JPMs) and

two in plant JPMs for one operations crew. Following an NRC debrief on the preliminary

inspection issues identified, the licensee invalidated all of the dynamic simulator exams

for 2006 on both units and initiated development of new 2006 exam scenarios (see

Findings section of this report for further details). As a result of these identified issues

the scope of this inspection was expanded. During the weeks of November 20,

December 4 and December 11, 2006, the inspectors observed and assessed

Constellations administration of newly developed exam scenarios to all six of the Unit 1

operating crews and two of the Unit 2 operating crews. In addition, the inspectors

observed the administration of retake exam scenarios for one Unit 1 and one Unit 2

operating crew following their exam failures and subsequent training remediations.

The inspectors reviewed all three Unit 1 exam sets for both the comprehensive Reactor

Operator (RO) and Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) biennial written exams, as well as all

the newly developed simulator exam scenarios for both Unit 1 and 2, and a sample (i.e.,

exam weeks 1, 3, 4) of the Unit 1 JPMs administered during this current exam cycle to

ensure the quality of these exams met or exceeded the criteria established in the

Examination Standards and 10 CFR 55.59. In addition, both the Unit 1and 2 simulator

exam scenarios administered as part of the 2005 annual operating exams were

reviewed and evaluated as part of an exam compromise extent of condition review.

Simulator performance was evaluated through observation during the conduct of the

examinations, a review of simulator performance tests (e.g., steady state performance

tests, selected transient tests, and selected scenario-based tests), and a review of

Simulator Deficiency Reports to verify compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR

55.46 and guidance contained in ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998. Corrective actions were

reviewed associated with NCV 2004005-02 (Failure of NMP Simulator to Demonstrate

Expected Plant Response). No significant simulator issues were identified (see

document list attached).

Enclosure

2

The inspectors reviewed documentation of operating history since the last requalification

program inspection. The inspectors also discussed facility operating events with the

resident staff. Documents reviewed included NRC inspection reports, Plant

Performance Insights, licensee event reports (LERs), and licensee condition reports

(CRs) that involved human performance issues for licensed operators to ensure that

operational events were not indicative of possible training deficiencies.

The following record reviews were conducted: remediation plans for seven cyclic written

exam failures and one evaluated Operating Exam segment; seven medical records;

eight quarters of time on shift records; and, ten operator license reactivations.

On January 9, 2007, the inspectors conducted an in-office review of the full

requalification exam results to assess whether pass rates were consistent with the

guidance of NRC Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix I, Operator Requalification Human

Performance Significance Determination Process (SDP). Results are listed below.

Unit 1 Results:

  • Crew failure rate on the dynamic simulator was less than 34%. The threshold for

a Green finding is a failure rate between 20% and 33%.

(Failure rate was 33.33%.)

  • Individual failure rate on the dynamic simulator test was less than or equal to

20%. (Failure rate was 19.0%.)

  • Individual failure rate on the walk-through test (JPMs) was less than or equal to

20%. (Failure rate was 2.4%.)

  • Individual failure rate on the comprehensive biennial written exam was less than

or equal to 20%. (Failure rate was 2.4%)

  • More than 75% of the individuals passed all portions of the exam (78.5% of the

individuals passed all portions of the exam).

Unit 2 Results:

  • Crew failure rate on the dynamic simulator was less than 34%. The threshold for

a Green finding is a failure rate between 20% and 33%.

(Failure rate was 33.33%.)

  • Individual failure rate on the dynamic simulator test was less than or equal to

20%. (Failure rate was 12.5%.)

  • Individual failure rate on the walk-through test (JPMs) was less than or equal to

20%. (Failure rate was 0.0%.)

Enclosure

3

  • Individual failure rate on the comprehensive biennial written exam was less than

or equal to 20%. (Not applicable - not administered this year)

  • More than 75% of the individuals passed all portions of the exam (87.2% of the

individuals passed all portions of the exam).

b. Findings

1. Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and Tests

Introduction. An apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and

Tests, was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2005 and the 2006

annual operating exams at Unit 1. Constellation had not identified and compensated for

the compromise prior to completing the 2005 exam and returning the operators to

normal control room duties. Following NRC identification of the compromise in 2006,

Constellation took immediate and substantive corrective actions prior to completion of

the annual and biennial operating exam cycles. Based on the Licensed Operator

Requalification Significance Determination Process (SDP) this was preliminarily of low to

moderate safety significance (White).

Description. The inspectors identified that the exam practices used by Constellation at

Nine Mile Point resulted in an apparent compromise of the simulator exam scenario

portion of both the 2005 and 2006 annual operating tests. The apparent compromise is

considered widespread, because all licensed operator requalification crews were

affected on both the 2005 and 2006 exams. The apparent compromise of the 2005

Unit 1 simulator exam scenarios is considered more serious than the 2006 exam

compromises and the basis for the preliminary White finding since the 2005 apparent

exam compromises were not corrected by the licensee prior to returning licensed

operators to normal watch-standing duties. In contrast, in 2006 when the exam

compromises were identified by the NRC and brought to the attention of Constellation

remedial actions were taken to retest all of the operators prior to the end of the exam

cycle.

The issue was identified while conducting the Unit 1 biennial Licensed Operator

Requalification Training (LORT) Program inspection during the week of October 16,

2006. Constellation allowed operating crews to validate simulator exam scenarios that

were substantially the same as the simulator exam scenarios that were later

administered to these crews as part of their annual operating test, thus preconditioning

the operators. These practices did not comply with Constellations procedural guidance,

NMP-TR-1.01-20, Attachment 5, Section B.2 states, Personnel shall not validate any

materials to be used on their exams, and Section D stipulates each section of the

requalification exams will contain at least 50% new material.

Enclosure

4

The inspectors identified that the scenarios validated by Unit 1 A crew (September 12-

16, 2006) were substantially similar in content to the two simulator exam scenarios that

were administered to A crew on October 17, 2006. With the exception of a few

malfunctions, the scenarios were substantially the same, i.e., the same critical tasks,

major transients, Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP) flow paths, and emergency

classifications. In addition, on October 16, 2006, one day before taking their annual

operating test using scenario #4, A crew was administered exam scenario #2 for

validation/practice. The inspectors determined that scenario #2 was substantially the

same as scenario #4. The inspectors determined that the other crews examined during

the first three weeks of the exam cycle had also validated scenarios that were

substantially similar in content to the simulator exam scenarios administered during their

exam weeks.

The inspection team further noted that twelve of the sixteen new simulator exam

scenarios developed for the Unit 1 2006 annual operating test cycle involved a full core

Anticipated Transient Without Scram (ATWS) theme and varied primarily by changing

several malfunctions for each scenario. This lack of exam diversity, an overuse of the

ATWS theme, and a pattern of crews validating scenarios substantially similar to their

exam scenario sets collectively had the effect of compromising the exams. In addition,

the over-emphasis on examining the ATWS theme resulted in not testing other

important EOP mitigation strategies (e.g., secondary containment and radiation release

strategies). Furthermore, the inspectors determined that the scenario exam sets

previously administered during weeks 1 and 2 were scheduled to be re-administered

during exam weeks 5 and 6 respectively.

The NRC inspection team communicated these issues to Constellation representatives.

On October 20, 2006, representatives of Constellation management agreed with the

NRC inspection teams assessment of the issues. Constellation determined that the

2006 Unit 1 and 2 annual license simulator exam scenarios administered to date were

invalid due to the pervasive nature of the apparent exam compromise. Exam

administration was suspended at both units pending development of new exams. The

licensee initiated Condition Report CR-NM-2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006 that

documented this issue and later initiated a Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-

2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator Requalification Exam Compromise. Note: A

Category I Root Cause Analysis is conducted by independent parties, involves a

thorough investigation of the details that led to the problem, identifies the root as well as

contributing causes, and assigns corrective actions to prevent re-occurrence of the

problem.

Following the onsite visit, the NRC inspection team conducted an in-office extent of

condition review of the Unit 1 2005 simulator exam scenario portion of the annual

operating tests. The team determined that the 2005 simulator exam scenarios were

compromised and this problem went undetected and uncorrected by the licensee. The

problem remained undetected until it was identified by the NRC and brought to the

attention of Constellation. The problems with the 2005 simulator exam scenarios were

similar to those identified on the 2006 dynamic exams and included a lack of exam

diversity, an overuse of the ATWS theme (8 of 11 scenarios), and a pattern of crews

Enclosure

5

validating scenarios that were substantially similar to their exam scenario sets. In

contrast to the 2006 exam, the compromise to the simulator scenario exam portion of

2005 annual operating test was undetected and uncorrected, led to licensed operators

returning to normal watch-standing duties without adequate compensatory actions being

taken and therefore, is the basis for the preliminary White finding.

Inspectors conducted interviews with the exam development team and reviewed

associated development records for the 2005 and 2006 exams. Based on this review, it

appeared that the exam compromise issue resulted from NMP staff inexperience and

lack of management oversight of the exam development process. Constellations

emphasis on maintaining exam security resulted in self-imposed restrictions on

management oversight of the exam development process. In addition, the exam

development team operated under some misconceptions including: 1) due to a recent

upgrade to the simulator model, rather than modifying existing exam scenarios, the

exam team needed to draft all new simulator exam scenarios; 2) all revisions to exam

scenarios had to be validated by an operating crew which, in some cases, resulted in

multiple crew exposures to a single scenario; 3) minor revisions to an exam scenario

were enough to consider the scenario sufficiently unique to be considered a new

scenario; 4) it is acceptable for a crew to validate a simulator exam scenario

substantially the same as their exam scenario, provided this is done six weeks in

advance; and 5) each exam had to include events which challenged one or more critical

tasks from a small pre-existing list of critical tasks which did not encompass the full

range of major events. These misconceptions resulted in a narrowly focused exam

which over-tested the ATWS theme at the exclusion of other equally important EOP

mitigation strategies. The inspectors did not find any indication that the compromises

were intentional.

The licensees root cause team later concluded, ...that similarities in the scenarios in

the 2006 Unit 1 exam set caused unintentional preconditioning of the crew by exposing

them to scenarios during validation that were essentially the same as the scenarios

used for their exam ... and reviewed the 2005 Unit 1 exam sets and found issues similar

to those associated with the 2006 Unit 1 exam. The root cause team identified two

primary causes: 1) policy guidance, management expectations, and job performance

standards were not well-defined or understood, the process provides minimal direction

and guidance, which the inexperienced team was not able to compensate for through

their knowledge; and 2) a rigorous review and analysis of the exam by an experienced

exam author did not occur during the review/challenge process. No one outside the

immediate exam development team performed a comprehensive exam set review.

New and more comprehensive simulator scenario exams were developed and

administered to all licensed operators between November 20 and December 14, 2006.

The inspection team observed the re-testing of all Unit 1 licensed operators and noted

the following improvements: 1) development and administration of new, more

comprehensive simulator exam scenarios; 2) one-on-one operator evaluations; 3)

rotating watch positions for the SROs as well as the ROs between scenarios; 4)

evaluation of Shift Technical Advisor position; and 5) conducting more detailed post

exam critiques.

Enclosure

6

Analysis. The unintentional integrity comprise of the simulator exam scenario portion of

the Unit 1 2005 and 2006 annual operating exams was a performance deficiency, in that

Constellation failed to follow their established requalification procedures and resulted in

an apparent violation of 10 CFR 55.49. Integrity of Exams and Tests. Specifically, in

2005 and initially in 2006 the operators were tested using requalification simulator exam

scenarios substantially similar to simulator exam scenarios that they had previously

validated. Therefore, the validation process, in combination with a lack of exam

diversity, caused exam integrity to be compromised. Traditional enforcement does not

apply because the issue did not have any actual safety consequences, potential for

impacting the NRCs regulatory function, and was not the result of any willful violation of

NRC requirements or Constellations procedures. This finding was more than minor

because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute of the Initiating

Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and affected the

combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability and reliability of

mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that physical

barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating events.

This finding was determined preliminarily to have low to moderate safety significance

(White) using the Licensed Operator Requalification Human Performance Significance

Determination Process (SDP) Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, Appendix I. Block 21

applies, Has the integrity of the scenario been compromised? This is a failure to

control the scenario identity or material including the validation process such that the

operating test integrity is affected. The answer to the Block 21 question is yes, the

operators were tested using requalification exam scenarios substantially similar to exam

scenarios that they had previously validated. Therefore, the validation process, in

combination with a lack of scenario diversity, led to an unintentional exam compromise.

Block 26 also applies, When the compromise was discovered, or should have been

discovered, did the licensee take immediate compensatory measures. The answer to

the Block 26 question is no, as Constellation did not identify and take immediate

corrective actions for the 2005 Unit 1 exam compromises (Block 21 - Yes and Block 26 -

No). This simulator exam scenario integrity compromise finding should have been

discovered and corrected by Constellation, prior to NRC identification. Constellation

should have discovered the problem in 2005 or at least prior to the NRCs identification

because: 1) a similar issue was described in 2002 Industry Operating Experience

involving exam compromise; 2) Constellation completed a self audit in August 2006 that

failed to identify this issue; and 3) the practices clearly violated NRC guidance and

requirements, as well as Constellations procedural guidance aimed at preventing exam

compromise. More importantly, however, in 2005, because the issue was not identified

at the time, Constellation had not taken compensatory actions prior to returning the

operators to normal control room duties. Following identification of this issue by the

NRC, the licensee took immediate and substantive corrective actions to remedy the

2006 annual operating exam compromise, by developing new exams and re-testing all

the Unit 1 licensed operators within the required annual and biennial exam cycles.

The cause of the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification

and resolution in that Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and

Enclosure

7

communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal stakeholders

nor did they conduct self-assessments of sufficient depth that were comprehensive,

appropriately objective and self-critical such that the Unit 1 2005 exam compromise

issues were avoided altogether or at least identified and corrected prior to the end of the

2005 annual operating exam cycle.

Enforcement. 10 CFR 55.49, requires, in part, that, ...licensees shall not engage in any

activity that compromises the integrity of any application, test, or examination required

by this part. The integrity of a test or examination is considered compromised if any

activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, would have affected the

equitable and consistent administration of the test or exam. Contrary to this

requirement, the Unit 1 2005 and 2006 annual operating tests were compromised since

the process used to validate the simulator exam scenarios resulted in licensed operators

being knowledgeable of a significant portion of the test prior to its administration.

This finding was not an immediate safety concern for the following reasons: 1) there

were no significant plant performance issues related to operator knowledge and

abilities; 2) all licensed operators had participated in a continuous requalification training

program; 3) this issue, while pervasive, was limited to the 2005 and 2006 exams and did

not extend to the 2004 exams; 4) Constellation took immediate remedial actions by

administering new and more comprehensive simulator exam scenarios to all Unit 1

licensed operators upon discovery of this concern by the NRC. Some individual and

crew weaknesses were identified, as evidenced by the individual and crew failure rates,

however the performance on these new exams was overall satisfactory. (AV 50-

220/2006011-01, Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and Tests)

2. Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations and Tests

Introduction. A non-cited violation of 10 CFR 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and

Tests, was identified, concerning an apparent compromise of the 2006 annual

operating exams at Unit 2. Following NRC identification of the compromise,

Constellation took adequate compensatory measures, prior to completion of the annual

and biennial exam cycles.

Description. The inspectors identified that the exam practices used by Constellation at

Nine Mile Point resulted in an apparent compromise of the dynamic scenario portion

the 2006 annual operating tests.

The issue was identified while conducting the Unit 1 biennial LORT Program inspection

during the week of October 16, 2006. Constellation allowed operating crews to validate

simulator exam scenarios that were substantially the same as the simulator exam

scenarios that were later administered to these crews as part of their annual operating

test, thus preconditioning the operators (see preliminary white finding discussed in item

b.1 above for details). These practices did not comply with Constellations procedural

guidance, in NMP-TR-1.01-20, Attachment 5, Section B.2 which states, Personnel shall

not validate any materials to be used on their exams, and Section D which stipulates

Enclosure

8

each section of the requalification exams will contain at least 50% new material.

The NRC inspection team communicated these issues to Constellation representatives.

On October 20, 2006, representatives of Constellation management agreed with the

NRC inspection teams assessment of the issues. The licensee then conducted an

extent of condition review for Unit 2 annual license operating tests administered to date

and determined the exams administered to date were invalid due to the pervasive nature

of the apparent exam compromise. Exam administration was suspended at both units

pending development of new exams. The licensee initiated Condition Report CR-NM-

2006-4808, dated October 19, 2006 that documented this issue and later initiated a

Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator

Requalification Exam Compromise.

Following the onsite visit, the NRC inspection team conducted an in-office extent of

condition review of the Unit 2 2005 dynamic operating tests. The team determined that

the 2005 Unit 2 dynamic exams were not affected.

The licensees root cause team later concluded, ...that similarities in the scenarios in

the 2006 Unit 1 exam set caused unintentional preconditioning of the crew by exposing

them to scenarios during validation that were essentially the same as the scenarios

used for their exam ... and reviewed the 2006 Unit 2 and 2005 Unit 1 exam sets and

found issues similar to those associated with the 2006 Unit 1 exam.

New and more comprehensive scenario exam scenarios were developed and

administered to all licensed operators between November 20 and December 14, 2006.

The inspection team observed the re-testing of all Unit 1 and some of the Unit 2 licensed

operators.

Analysis. The unintentional integrity compromise of the simulator exam scenario portion

of the 2006 Unit 2 annual operator exams was a performance deficiency, in that

Constellation failed to follow their established requalification procedures and violated

10 CFR 55.49. Integrity of Exams and Tests. Specifically, initially in 2006 the

operators were tested using simulator exam scenarios substantially similar to simulator

exam scenarios that they had previously validated. Therefore, the validation process, in

combination with a lack of exam diversity, caused exam integrity to be compromised.

Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety

consequences or potential for impacting the NRCs regulatory function and was not the

result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or Constellations procedures. This

finding was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance

attribute of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones

and affected the combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability

and reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance

that physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating

events.

This finding was determined to have very low safety significance (Green) using

Appendix I of the SDP. Block 21 applies, Has the integrity of the scenario been

Enclosure

9

compromised? This is a failure to control the scenario identity or material including

the validation process such that the operating test integrity is affected. The answer

to the Block 21 question is yes, the operators were tested using requalification exam

scenarios substantially similar to exam scenarios that they had previously validated.

Therefore, the validation process in combination with a lack of scenario diversity, led to

an exam compromise. Block 26 also applies, When the compromise was discovered,

or should have been discovered, did the licensee take immediate compensatory

measures also applies. The answer to the Block 26 question is yes resulting in a

green finding (Block 21 - Yes and Block 26 - Yes), This simulator exam scenario

integrity compromise finding should have been discovered and corrected prior to NRC

identification. However, following identification Constellation took immediate and

substantive compensatory actions to remedy the 2006 annual operating exam

compromise, by developing new exams and re-testing all the Unit 2 licensed operators

within the required annual and biennial exam cycles. Further, the inspectors verified

that the Unit 2 2005 simulator exam scenario portion of the annual operating exam had

not been compromised in a similar fashion.

The cause of the finding has a cross-cutting aspect in the area of problem identification

and resolution in that Constellation did not effectively collect, evaluate, and

communicate applicable external operating experience to affected internal stakeholders

nor did they conduct self-assessments of sufficient depth that were comprehensive,

appropriately objective and self-critical such that the 2006 Unit 2 exam compromise

issues were either avoided altogether or at least identified and corrected by

Constellation prior to the start of this inspection.

Enforcement. 10 CFR 55.49, requires, in part, that, ...licensees shall not engage in any

activity that compromises the integrity of any application, test, or examination required

by this part. The integrity of a test or examination is considered compromised if any

activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, would have affected the

equitable and consistent administration of the test or exam. Contrary to this

requirement, the 2006 Unit 2 annual operating tests were compromised since the

process used to validate the simulator exam scenarios resulted in licensed operators

being knowledgeable of a significant portion of the test prior to its administration.

(NCV 05000410/2006011-02, Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations and

Tests)

3. Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating

Examinations

Introduction. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) was identified at Unit 1,

based on two of six crews failing their facility-administered annual simulator

examinations.

Description. During facility-administered annual operating testing of the licensed

operators, licensee training staff evaluated crew performance on simulator exam

scenarios using performance standards derived from NUREG-1021, Operator

Enclosure

10

Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors. Facility results of crew

performance showed that two of the six crews evaluated (33%) did not pass their

simulator exams. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated Condition Report

CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a Category I Root Cause

Analysis. Constellations root cause analysis report stated, The number of individual

and crew failures could be indicative of programmatic weaknesses that if unresolved,

could affect operator performance on shift, ... 9 of 14 individuals failing the annual

operating exam had been noted as needing improvement in the same areas as on the

annual exam (within the last 2 years). 3 of 4 crews failing the annual exam failed a

recent evaluated scenario (in 2006) and all 4 crews had failed a scenario in the last 2

years. Ops Management was not fully aware of these performance weaknesses. Other

than documentation of remediation for failures, no other documentation was found as

described performance improvement plans for individuals noted as needing

improvement as required by GAI-OPS-13. GAI-OPS-13, Attachment 1.2, states that,

...a score of one or two in any competency area or on any event or evolution requires

development of a plan for improving performance. NRC inspectors observed the

administration of the simulator exam scenario evaluations for all six crews and also

observed the retest of one of the remediated crews that failed their exam during a

previous week.

Analysis. A performance deficiency (PD) was identified in that the Systems Approach to

Training (SAT) feedback mechanism standards associated with the Nine Mile Point

LORT program were not utilized. Specifically, individual and crew weaknesses were not

appropriately identified, evaluated and corrective actions taken. In addition, corrective

actions taken for previously identified individual and crew weaknesses were not fully

effective (i.e., a Category 1 CR written in 2004 to document a green finding from crew

failures on an annual exam). As a result, two of six licensed operator crews

demonstrated knowledge and ability weaknesses resulting in less than adequate

performance on an NRC required requalification test administered by the licensee.

Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety

consequence or potential for affecting the NRCs regulatory function and was not the

result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or licensee procedures. This finding

was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute

of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and

affected the combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability and

reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that

physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating

events. Specifically, the finding reflected the potential inability of the crews to take

appropriate safety-related actions in response to actual abnormal or emergency

conditions while they were on-shift prior to the requalification testing.

Since this is a more than minor requalification training issue, the risk importance

associated with the number of crews failing the annual operating tests is provided in

Appendix I of the SDP. The Simulator Operational Evaluation Matrix was entered using

the number of crews that took the simulator test, six, and the number of crews with less

than adequate performance, two. Based on these numbers, the finding was

characterized by the SDP as having very low safety significance (20 - 34% failure rate),

Enclosure

11

or Green. The finding is of very low safety significance because the failures occurred

during annual testing of the operators on the simulator, because there were no actual

consequences to the failures, because the crews were removed from watch standing

duties, retrained, and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return to control room

watches, and because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit 1 Annual Operating Exams

was less than 20%.

Enforcement. NRC regulations require that licensed operators pass an annual

operating test; the regulations do not specify pass/fail rates. When a failure occurs,

requirements are met by restricting the operator from licensed duties until the operator

has been retrained and successfully retested, steps which licensee staff completed.

Therefore, no violation of regulatory requirements occurred. Crew performance on the

2006 annual operating exams has been entered into the corrective action program

(CAP) as CR 2006-5797, and Constellation performed a level 1 root cause analysis of

these crew failures. (FIN 05000220/2006011-03, Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the

Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating Examinations)

4. Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating

Examinations

Introduction. A finding of very low safety significance (Green) was identified at Unit 2,

based on two of six crews failing their facility-administered annual simulator

examinations.

Description. During facility-administered annual operating testing of the licensed

operators, licensee training staff evaluated crew performance on simulator exam

scenarios using performance standards derived from NUREG-1021, Operator

Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors. Facility results of crew

performance showed that two of the six crews evaluated (33%) did not pass their

simulator exams. The failures are documented in licensee-initiated Condition Report

CR 2006-5797, which resulted in Constellation conducting a Category I Root Cause

Analysis. Constellations root cause analysis report stated, The number of individual

and crew failures could be indicative of a programmatic weaknesses that if unresolved,

could affect operator performance on shift, ... 9 of 14 individuals failing the annual

operating exam had been noted as needing improvement in the same areas as on the

annual exam (within the last 2 years). 3 of 4 crews failing the annual exam failed a

recent evaluated scenario (in 2006) and all 4 crews had failed a scenario in the last 2

years. Ops Management was not fully aware of these performance weaknesses. Other

than documentation of remediation for failures, no other documentation was found as

described performance improvement plans for individuals noted as needing

improvement as required by GAI-OPS-13. GAI-OPS-13, Attachment 1.2, states that,

...a score of one or two in any competency area or on any event or evolution requires

development of a plan for improving performance. NRC inspectors observed the

administration of the simulator exam scenario evaluations for two of six crews and also

observed the retest of one of the remediated crews that failed their exam during a

previous week.

Enclosure

12

Analysis. A performance deficiency (PD) was identified in that the Systems Approach to

Training (SAT) feedback mechanism standards associated with the Nine Mile Point

LORT program were not utilized. Specifically, individual and crew weaknesses were not

appropriately identified, evaluated and corrective actions taken. In addition, corrective

actions taken for previously identified individual and crew weaknesses were not fully

effective (i.e., a Category 1 CR written in 2004 to document a green finding from crew

failures on an annual exam). As a result, two of six licensed operator crews

demonstrated knowledge and ability weaknesses resulting in less than adequate

performance on an NRC required requalification test administered by the licensee.

Traditional enforcement does not apply because the issue did not have any actual safety

consequence or potential for affecting the NRCs regulatory function and was not the

result of any willful violation of NRC requirements or licensee procedures. This finding

was more than minor because it was associated with the Human Performance attribute

of the Initiating Events, Mitigation Systems, and Barrier Integrity cornerstones and

affected the combined objective of: limiting the likelihood of; ensuring the availability and

reliability of mitigating systems to respond to; and providing reasonable assurance that

physical barriers protect the public from radio nuclide releases caused by, initiating

events. Specifically, the finding reflected the potential inability of the crews to take

appropriate safety-related actions in response to actual abnormal or emergency

conditions while they were on-shift prior to the requalification testing.

Since this is a more than minor requalification training issue, the risk importance

associated with the number of crews failing the annual operating tests is provided in

Appendix I of the SDP. The Simulator Operational Evaluation Matrix was entered using

the number of crews that took the simulator test, six, and the number of crews with less

than adequate performance, two. Based on these numbers, the finding was

characterized by the SDP as having very low safety significance (20 - 34% failure rate),

or Green. The finding is of very low safety significance because the failures occurred

during annual testing of the operators on the simulator, because there were no actual

consequences to the failures, because the crews were removed from watch standing

duties, retrained, and re-evaluated before they were authorized to return to control room

watches, and because the crew failure rate for the 2005 Unit 2 Annual Operating Exams

was less than 20%.

Enforcement. NRC regulations require that licensed operators pass an annual

operating test; the regulations do not specify pass/fail rates. When a failure occurs,

requirements are met by restricting the operator from licensed duties until the operator

has been retrained and successfully retested, steps which licensee staff completed.

Therefore, no violation of regulatory requirements occurred. Crew performance on the

2006 annual operating exams has been entered into the corrective action program

(CAP) as CR 2006-5797, and Constellation performed a level 1 root cause analysis of

these crew failures. (FIN 05000410/2006011-04, Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the

Dynamic Simulator Portion of the Annual Operating Examinations)

4. OTHER ACTIVITIES (OA)

Enclosure

13

4OA5 Other

1. Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-

Based-Tests (SBTs) For Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria

The inspectors reviewed actions taken by Constellation since this item was opened

during a 2004 Licensed Operator Requalification Program inspection and determined

that this item will remain open pending further NRC review (i.e., the NRC has not

reached final resolution with the industry regarding an acceptable level of test

documentation to support this approach). (URI 05000220&410/2004005-03,

Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-

Based-Tests (SBTs) For Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria)

4OA6 Meetings, including Exit

The lead inspector and the NRC Region I Operations Branch Chief presented the

inspection results to members of licensee management team in an onsite meeting at the

conclusion of the inspection on January 18, 2007. No materials reviewed were

identified by the licensee as proprietary.

Enclosure

A-1

ATTACHMENT

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

KEY POINTS OF CONTACT

Licensee Personnel

T. OConnor, Site Vice President/Plant General Manager

M. Schimmel, Plant General Manager

N. Conicella, Operations Manager

T. Shortell, Training Manager

M. Miller, Director Licensing

B. Brown, General Superintendent Operations Training

J. Krakuzeski, Unit 1 Operations Supervisor

R. Slade, Unit 2 Operations Supervisor

D. Newman, Supervisor Operations Requal

M. McCrobie, Simulator Support Supervisor

M. Peterson, U1 Simulator Test Specialist

E. Benedicto, U1 Simulator Software Engineer

D. Kelly, Requal Exam Developer

G. Bobka, Operations Training

W. Coppom, Operations Training

NRC Personnel

L. Cline, Senior Resident Inspector

E. Knutson, Resident Inspector

J. Caruso, Senior Operations Examiner/Inspector

P. Presby, Operations Examiner/Inspector

R. McKinley, Operations Examiner/Inspector (UI)

J. Sullivan, Operations Examiner/Inspector (UI)

LIST OF ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED

Opened

05000220/2006011-01 AV Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 1 Examinations and

Tests (Section 1R11.1)05000410/2006011-02 NCV Failure to Ensure Integrity of Unit 2 Examinations and

Tests (Section 1R11.2)05000220/2006011-03 FIN Unit 1 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion

of the Annual Operating Examinations (Section 1R11.3)

Attachment

A-2

05000410/2006011-04 FIN Unit 2 Crew Failure Rate on the Dynamic Simulator Portion

of the Annual Operating Examinations (Section 1R11.4)

Discussed

05000220&410/2004005-03 URI Acceptability or Suitability of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 and

Unit 2 Simulator Scenario-Based-Tests (SBTs) For

Meeting ANSI/ANS-3.5-1998 Performance Testing Criteria

LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED

Procedures:

TAP-TQS-04 NMP Examination Standard Rev. 07

NTP-TQS-102 Licensed Operator Requalification Training Rev. 35

NTP-TQS-400 Instructions for Completing and Processing NRC Forms 396 and 398 Rev. 18

S-FFD-16 Fitness for Duty Procedure Rev. 04

S-ODP-TQS-0101 Administrative Controls for Maintaining Active License Status at NMP Rev.

04

GAI-OPS-13 Operations Score Card Program Rev. 03

NMP-TR-1.01-10 Analysis Phase Activities Rev. 0

NMP-TR-1.01-20 Design Phase Activities Rev. 0

NMP-TR-1.01-30 Development Phase Activities Rev. 0

NMP-TR-1.01-40 Implementation Phase Activities Rev. 0

NMP-TR-1.01-50 Evaluation Phase Activities Rev. 0

NMP-TR-1.01-60 Simulator Operation & Testing Rev. 0

NMP-TR-1.01-70 Training Administration Rev. 0

Other:

CR-NM-2006-4808

Category I Root Cause Analysis (CR-NM-2006-4808), Annual Licensed Operator

Requalification Exam Compromise

NMP1 2006 Biennial Exam Sample Plan

NMP1 Biennial Schedule 05/06 Rev.1

NMP1 Independent Self-Assessment Report, Assessment #: FSA-2006-43

Scenarios:

  • O1-OPS-009-1-DY-25 rev. 6 Steam Leak in Drywell w/ blowdown
  • O1-OPS-009-1-DY-39 rev. 6 Steam Leak in Drywell

Attachment

A-3

  • O1-OPS-009-1-DY-53 rev. 3 Steam Leak in Drywell

Open Simulator Deficiency Reports (DRs)

Scheduled Simulator Enhancements

Simulator Training Load Acceptance Reports

- June to August 2006

- Dec. 2005 to March 2006

- Sept. to Dec. 2005

- July to Sept. 2005

Simulator Exceptions List

Simulator Four Year Test Schedule

Simulator Configuration Control Board (SCCB) Meeting Minutes:

- October 19, 2005

- August 4, 2006

- July 14, 2006

Simulator Documents related to Jan 2004 Emer Cooling Test (NCV05000220/2004005-02)

- DR 3531

- DR 3538

- Upgrade DR 80

2005 Simulator Model Test, ANSI 3.5 Appendix "B" B1.2(3) Simultaneous Closure of All MSIVs

Simulator Deficiency Reports

- DR 3884, Recirc Pump Metering

- DR 3799, Offgas Controller

- DR 3798, RWCU Conductivity

- DR 3797, Indicator Should Read Downscale

- DR 3789, Safety Valve Outlet High Temperature

- DR 3782, Pressure Oscillation with TC05 Initiated

- DR 3760, Malfunctions FW29A&B Do Not Work

- Upgrade DR 165, Change Sim Status Hi Press Setting

Condition Reports Related to Simulator

- CR-NM-2005-542, NRC Identified Green NCV

- CR-NM-2005-615, NRC Identified URI on Suitability of SBTs

Simulator Scenario Based Tests for Cycle C09 and Cycle 10 (2006)

Simulator vs. Plant Comparison for Stuck Open ERV

Simulator vs. Plant Comparison for 8/3/04 Feedwater Spiking, Manual Scram

2005 Simulator Steady State Comparisons at 40%, 75% and 100%

Attachment