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{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES
{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES  
                            NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION  
                                                REGION IV
REGION IV  
                                          1600 E. LAMAR BLVD.
1600 E. LAMAR BLVD.  
                                        ARLINGTON, TX 76011-4511
ARLINGTON, TX 76011-4511  
                                            March 4, 2014
Mr. Adam C. Heflin, President
  and Chief Executive Officer
March 4, 2014  
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation
P.O. Box 411
Burlington, KS 66839
Mr. Adam C. Heflin, President  
SUBJECT:         ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LETTER FOR WOLF CREEK GENERATING
and Chief Executive Officer  
                STATION (REPORT 05000482/2013001)
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation  
Dear Mr. Heflin:
P.O. Box 411  
On February 12, 2014, the NRC completed its end-of-cycle performance review of Wolf Creek
Burlington, KS 66839  
Generating Station. The NRC reviewed the most recent quarterly performance indicators (PIs)
in addition to inspection results and enforcement actions from January 1, 2013, through
SUBJECT:  
December 31, 2013. This letter informs you of the NRCs assessment of Wolf Creek
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LETTER FOR WOLF CREEK GENERATING  
Generating Station during this period and its plans for future inspections at that facility.
STATION (REPORT 05000482/2013001)  
The NRC determined that overall, Wolf Creek Generating Station was operated in a manner that
preserved public health and safety and met all cornerstone objectives. The NRC determined
Dear Mr. Heflin:  
the performance at Wolf Creek Generating Station during the most recent quarter was within the
Licensee Response Column of the NRCs Reactor Oversight Process (ROP) Action Matrix
On February 12, 2014, the NRC completed its end-of-cycle performance review of Wolf Creek  
because all inspection findings had very low (i.e., Green) safety significance, and all PIs
Generating Station. The NRC reviewed the most recent quarterly performance indicators (PIs)  
indicated that plant performance was within the nominal, expected range (i.e., Green).
in addition to inspection results and enforcement actions from January 1, 2013, through  
Therefore, the NRC plans to conduct ROP baseline inspections at your facility.
December 31, 2013. This letter informs you of the NRCs assessment of Wolf Creek  
Although plant performance was within the Licensee Response Column, the NRC has not yet
Generating Station during this period and its plans for future inspections at that facility.  
finalized the significance of a preliminary Greater-than-Green finding in the physical security
cornerstone documented in NRC Inspection Report 05000482/2013403 (ML13346A227). The
The NRC determined that overall, Wolf Creek Generating Station was operated in a manner that  
final safety significance determination may affect the NRCs assessment of plant performance
preserved public health and safety and met all cornerstone objectives. The NRC determined  
and the enclosed inspection plan. You will be notified by separate correspondence of the final
the performance at Wolf Creek Generating Station during the most recent quarter was within the  
significance for this finding, as well as any changes to our performance assessment and
Licensee Response Column of the NRCs Reactor Oversight Process (ROP) Action Matrix  
associated inspection plan.
because all inspection findings had very low (i.e., Green) safety significance, and all PIs  
At the beginning of this assessment cycle, Wolf Creek Generating Station was in the Degraded
indicated that plant performance was within the nominal, expected range (i.e., Green).  
Cornerstone Column because there was one Yellow finding and one White performance
Therefore, the NRC plans to conduct ROP baseline inspections at your facility.  
indicator in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone. The Yellow finding involved your staffs failure
to provide adequate oversight of contractors while they performed work that could affect safety-
Although plant performance was within the Licensee Response Column, the NRC has not yet  
related equipment in April 2011. The performance indicator for Mitigating Systems Performance
finalized the significance of a preliminary Greater-than-Green finding in the physical security  
Index - Emergency AC System (MSPI - EAC) had been reported as White since the first
cornerstone documented in NRC Inspection Report 05000482/2013403 (ML13346A227). The  
quarter of 2012. On June 7, 2013, the NRC completed a supplemental inspection pursuant to
final safety significance determination may affect the NRCs assessment of plant performance  
Inspection Procedure 95002, "Supplemental Inspection for One Degraded Cornerstone or Any
and the enclosed inspection plan. You will be notified by separate correspondence of the final  
Three White Inputs in a Strategic Performance Area," at Wolf Creek Generating Station. This
significance for this finding, as well as any changes to our performance assessment and  
associated inspection plan.  
At the beginning of this assessment cycle, Wolf Creek Generating Station was in the Degraded  
Cornerstone Column because there was one Yellow finding and one White performance  
indicator in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone. The Yellow finding involved your staffs failure  
to provide adequate oversight of contractors while they performed work that could affect safety-  
related equipment in April 2011. The performance indicator for Mitigating Systems Performance  
Index - Emergency AC System (MSPI - EAC) had been reported as White since the first  
quarter of 2012.   On June 7, 2013, the NRC completed a supplemental inspection pursuant to  
Inspection Procedure 95002, "Supplemental Inspection for One Degraded Cornerstone or Any  
Three White Inputs in a Strategic Performance Area," at Wolf Creek Generating Station. This  


A.Heflin                                         -2-
A.Heflin  
inspection was performed to assess your staffs evaluation of the root causes, contributing
- 2 -  
causes, and corrective actions associated with the Yellow finding, and included an assessment
of actions to address four open substantive cross-cutting issues. The team also performed a
limited scope independent safety culture assessment follow-up in accordance with Inspection
inspection was performed to assess your staffs evaluation of the root causes, contributing  
Procedure 40100, Independent Safety Culture Assessment Follow-up. The inspectors
causes, and corrective actions associated with the Yellow finding, and included an assessment  
determined that your staff performed a comprehensive evaluation to identify appropriate causes
of actions to address four open substantive cross-cutting issues. The team also performed a  
for the Yellow finding, and corrective actions were appropriate to address those causes. Based
limited scope independent safety culture assessment follow-up in accordance with Inspection  
on the results of this inspection, the Yellow finding was closed in NRC Inspection Report
Procedure 40100, Independent Safety Culture Assessment Follow-up. The inspectors  
05000482/2013010 (ML13203A329).
determined that your staff performed a comprehensive evaluation to identify appropriate causes  
On April 29, 2013, the NRC completed the supplemental inspection to review the action taken to
for the Yellow finding, and corrective actions were appropriate to address those causes. Based  
address the White MSPI - EAC, pursuant to Inspection Procedure 95001, Supplemental
on the results of this inspection, the Yellow finding was closed in NRC Inspection Report  
Inspection for One or Two White Inputs in a Strategic Performance Area. As documented in
05000482/2013010 (ML13203A329).  
NRC Inspection Report 05000482/2013009 (ML13126A197), this inspection was performed to
assess your staffs evaluation of the root causes, contributing causes, and corrective actions
On April 29, 2013, the NRC completed the supplemental inspection to review the action taken to  
associated with the White PI. The PI data reported for Wolf Creek Generating Station for the
address the White MSPI - EAC, pursuant to Inspection Procedure 95001, Supplemental  
second quarter of 2013 indicated that MSPI - EAC had returned to Green. Therefore, since
Inspection for One or Two White Inputs in a Strategic Performance Area. As documented in  
four quarters had passed since the White PI was identified; the NRC had concluded based on
NRC Inspection Report 05000482/2013009 (ML13126A197), this inspection was performed to  
the 95001 supplemental inspection results, that you had adequately evaluated and addressed
assess your staffs evaluation of the root causes, contributing causes, and corrective actions  
the performance issues; and given that the PI had returned to Green as of June 30, 2013, Wolf
associated with the White PI. The PI data reported for Wolf Creek Generating Station for the  
Creek Generating Station was returned to the Licensee Response column as of July 1, 2013.
second quarter of 2013 indicated that MSPI - EAC had returned to Green. Therefore, since  
The NRC also issued a Chilling Effect Letter (CEL) (ADAMS ML13233A208) to Wolf Creek
four quarters had passed since the White PI was identified; the NRC had concluded based on  
Nuclear Operating Corporation on August 19, 2013. The CEL was issued because the
the 95001 supplemental inspection results, that you had adequately evaluated and addressed  
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had issued a finding of discrimination
the performance issues; and given that the PI had returned to Green as of June 30, 2013, Wolf  
for raising safety concerns against a former employee of an engineering contractor employed by
Creek Generating Station was returned to the Licensee Response column as of July 1, 2013.  
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, and due to the NRC identifying that a chilled work
environment existed within your facilitys Quality Assurance Group. Issuance of a CEL meets
The NRC also issued a Chilling Effect Letter (CEL) (ADAMS ML13233A208) to Wolf Creek  
the NRC criteria in Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0305, Operating Reactor Assessment
Nuclear Operating Corporation on August 19, 2013. The CEL was issued because the  
Program, for the identification of a cross-cutting theme in the area of safety conscious work
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had issued a finding of discrimination  
environment (SCWE). However, the NRC has assessed your 30-day and 6-month responses to
for raising safety concerns against a former employee of an engineering contractor employed by  
the CEL, and conducted a public meeting in the Region IV office on January 22, 2014, to
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, and due to the NRC identifying that a chilled work  
discuss the actions that you are taking to address the working environment at your facility. The
environment existed within your facilitys Quality Assurance Group. Issuance of a CEL meets  
NRC has decided not to open a substantive cross-cutting issue in the area of SCWE at this time
the NRC criteria in Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0305, Operating Reactor Assessment  
because the NRC staff does not have a concern with your actions. This theme will continue to
Program, for the identification of a cross-cutting theme in the area of safety conscious work  
be reviewed during the next two performance assessments as we continue to monitor your
environment (SCWE). However, the NRC has assessed your 30-day and 6-month responses to  
staffs actions to ensure Wolf Creek Generating Station is a workplace that fosters an
the CEL, and conducted a public meeting in the Region IV office on January 22, 2014, to  
environment where employees feel free, and are encouraged, to raise safety concerns.
discuss the actions that you are taking to address the working environment at your facility. The  
The enclosed inspection plan lists the inspections scheduled through June 30, 2015. Routine
NRC has decided not to open a substantive cross-cutting issue in the area of SCWE at this time  
inspections performed by resident inspectors are not included in the inspection plan. The
because the NRC staff does not have a concern with your actions. This theme will continue to  
inspections scheduled to be conducted during the last nine months are tentative and may be
be reviewed during the next two performance assessments as we continue to monitor your  
revised based on the results of the mid-cycle performance review. The NRC provides the
staffs actions to ensure Wolf Creek Generating Station is a workplace that fosters an  
inspection plan to allow for the resolution of any scheduling conflicts and personnel availability
environment where employees feel free, and are encouraged, to raise safety concerns.  
issues. The NRC will contact your staff as soon as possible to discuss changes to the
inspection plan should circumstances warrant any changes. This inspection plan does not
The enclosed inspection plan lists the inspections scheduled through June 30, 2015. Routine  
include security related inspections, which will be sent via separate, non-publicly available
inspections performed by resident inspectors are not included in the inspection plan. The  
correspondence.
inspections scheduled to be conducted during the last nine months are tentative and may be  
revised based on the results of the mid-cycle performance review. The NRC provides the  
inspection plan to allow for the resolution of any scheduling conflicts and personnel availability  
issues. The NRC will contact your staff as soon as possible to discuss changes to the  
inspection plan should circumstances warrant any changes. This inspection plan does not  
include security related inspections, which will be sent via separate, non-publicly available  
correspondence.  


A.Heflin                                         -3-
A.Heflin  
An NRC audit of licensee efforts towards compliance with Order EA-12-049, Order Modifying
- 3 -  
Licenses with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis
External Events, is ongoing. This audit includes an onsite component in order for the NRC to
evaluate mitigating strategies as described in licensee submittals, and to receive and review
An NRC audit of licensee efforts towards compliance with Order EA-12-049, Order Modifying  
information relative to associated open items. This onsite activity will aid the NRC staff in
Licenses with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis  
development of an ultimate Safety Evaluation for the site. The NRC staff will be working with
External Events, is ongoing. This audit includes an onsite component in order for the NRC to  
your staff to establish a date for the onsite component audit. A site-specific audit plan for the
evaluate mitigating strategies as described in licensee submittals, and to receive and review  
visit will be provided in advance to allow sufficient time for preparations.
information relative to associated open items. This onsite activity will aid the NRC staff in  
As a result of the Safety Culture Common Language Initiative, the terminology and coding of
development of an ultimate Safety Evaluation for the site. The NRC staff will be working with  
cross-cutting aspects were revised effective January 1, 2014. New cross-cutting aspects will be
your staff to establish a date for the onsite component audit. A site-specific audit plan for the  
coded in accordance with the latest revision to NRC Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0310,
visit will be provided in advance to allow sufficient time for preparations.  
Aspects within Cross-Cutting Areas, dated December 19, 2013. Cross-cutting aspects
identified in the last six months of 2013 using the previous terminology will be converted to the
As a result of the Safety Culture Common Language Initiative, the terminology and coding of  
revised language in accordance with the cross-reference in IMC 0310. The revised cross-
cross-cutting aspects were revised effective January 1, 2014. New cross-cutting aspects will be  
cutting aspects will be evaluated for cross-cutting themes and potential substantive cross-
coded in accordance with the latest revision to NRC Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0310,  
cutting issues in accordance with IMC 0305 starting with the calendar year 2014 mid-cycle
Aspects within Cross-Cutting Areas, dated December 19, 2013. Cross-cutting aspects  
assessment.
identified in the last six months of 2013 using the previous terminology will be converted to the  
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter will be
revised language in accordance with the cross-reference in IMC 0310. The revised cross-  
available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the
cutting aspects will be evaluated for cross-cutting themes and potential substantive cross-  
Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC's document system (ADAMS). ADAMS
cutting issues in accordance with IMC 0305 starting with the calendar year 2014 mid-cycle  
is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public
assessment.  
Electronic Reading Room).
Please contact Neil OKeefe at 817-200-1141 with any questions you or your staff may have
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter will be  
regarding this letter.
available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the  
                                                    Sincerely,
Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC's document system (ADAMS). ADAMS  
                                                    /RA/
is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public  
                                                    Marc L. Dapas,
Electronic Reading Room).  
                                                    Regional Administrator
Docket No. 50-482
Please contact Neil OKeefe at 817-200-1141 with any questions you or your staff may have  
License No. NPF-42
regarding this letter.  
Enclosure:
Inspection Plan
Sincerely,  
/RA/  
Marc L. Dapas,  
Regional Administrator  
Docket No. 50-482  
License No. NPF-42  
Enclosure:  
Inspection Plan  


A.Heflin                             -4-
A.Heflin  
R:\_REACTORS\EOC 2013\WC2013 EOC LTR NFO 140304.docx         ML14063A628
- 4 -  
  ADAMS:  No  Yes       SUNSI Review Complete       Reviewer Initials: NFO
                          Publicly Available           Non-Sensitive
                          Non-publicly Available       Sensitive
DRP B/BC       DRS/DIR               DRP/DIR               RA
  NOKeefe       JClark                 KKennedy             MDapas
/RA/           /RA/                   /RA/                 /RA/
02/26/2014     02/28/2014             02/28/2014             03/03/2014
OFFICIAL RECORD COPY                         T=Telephone       E=E-mail       F=Fax
R:\\_REACTORS\\EOC 2013\\WC2013 EOC LTR NFO 140304.docx  
ML14063A628  
   
ADAMS:   No
  Yes  
SUNSI Review Complete  
Reviewer Initials: NFO  
  Publicly Available  
  Non-Sensitive  
  Non-publicly Available  
  Sensitive  
DRP B/BC  
DRS/DIR  
DRP/DIR  
RA  
   
NOKeefe  
JClark  
KKennedy  
MDapas  
/RA/  
/RA/  
/RA/  
/RA/  
02/26/2014  
02/28/2014  
02/28/2014  
03/03/2014  
OFFICIAL RECORD COPY  
T=Telephone  
E=E-mail  
F=Fax  


Page 1 of 2                                                                                WolfCreek
WolfCreek  
02/27/2014    13:10:28                                                          Inspection I Activity Plan
Inspection I Activity Plan  
Report22
03/01/2014 - 06/30/2015  
                                                                                  03/01/2014 - 06/30/2015
Page 1 of 2
                                                                                                                    Title
02/27/2014
                                  RS 12 PI       - RADIATION SAFETY                                                                                                   2
Report22
            03/17/2014  03/21/2014   IP 71124.01              RadiologicalHazard Assessment and Exposure Controls
13:10:28
            03/17/2014  03/21/2014   IP 71124.02             Occupational ALARA Planning and Controls
This report shows only on-site and announced inspection procedures.
            03/17/2014  03/21/2014   IP 71151-0R01            Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness
Enclosure
            03/17/2014  03/21/2014   IP 71151-PR01           RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent
                                  TSB 52B         - BIENNIAL PI&R                                                                                                     4
            05/19/2014  05/23/2014   IP 71152B               Problem Identification and Resolution
            06/02/2014  06/06/2014   IP 711528               Problem Identification and Resolution
                                  RS 5678         - RADIATION SAFETY- TEAM                                                                                             4
            06/02/2014  06/06/2014   IP '11124.05            Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation
            06/02/2014  06/06/2014   IP 71124.06              Radioactive Gaseous and Liquid Effluent Treatment
RS 12 PI  
            06/02/2014  06/06/2014   IP 71124.0'1            Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program
            06/02/2014  06/06/2014   IP 71124.08             Radioactive Solid Waste Processing and Radioactive Material Handling, Storage, and Transportation
                                  INSP            - BIENNIAL REQUAL INSPECTION                                                                                         3
- RADIATION SAFETY  
            08/25/2014  08/29/2014   IP 7111111B             Licensed Operator Requalification Program
Title
                                  EB2-05T         - TRIENNIAL FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTION                                                                               4
            10/20/2014  10/24/2014  IP 7111105T             Fire Protection [Triennial]
2  
            11/03/2014  11/07/2014  IP 7111105T             Fire Protection [Triennial]
03/17/2014   
                                  EP-1           - EP PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
03/21/2014  
            11/17/2014  11/21/2014   IP 71151-EP01            Drill/Exercise Performance
03/17/2014   
            11/1712014 11/21/2014   IP 71151-EP02            ERO Drill Participation
03/21/2014  
            11/17/2014 11/21/2014   IP 71151-EP03           Alert & Notification System
IP 71124.01
                                  EP-2           - EP PROGRAM INSPECTION
IP 71124.02  
            11/17/2014 11121/2014   IP 7111402              Alert and Notification System Testing
RadiologicalHazard Assessment and Exposure Controls
            11/1712014  11/21/2014   IP 7111403               Emergency Preparedness Organization Staffing and Augmentation System
Occupational ALARA Planning and Controls  
            11/17/2014  11/2112014  IP 7111404              Emergency Action Level and Emergency Plan Changes
03/17/2014   
            11/17/2014  11121/2014  IP 7111405              Correction of Emergency Preparedness Weaknesses and Deficiencies
03/21/2014  
                                  71111.08        - INSERVICE INSPECTION
03/17/2014   
            02/23/2015  03/06/2015  IP 7111108P               lnservice Inspection Activities - PWR
03/21/2014  
                                  RS 13 PI       - RADIATION SAFETY                                                                                                   2
IP 71151-0R01
            03/09/2015  03/13/2015  IP 71124.01               Radiological Hazard Assessment and Exposure Controls
Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness
            03/09/2015  03/13/2015  IP '11124.03             In-Plant Airborne Radioactivity Control and Mitigation
IP 71151-PR01
            03/09/2015  03/13/2015  IP '11151-0R01           Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness
RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent  
                                              rfhis report does not include INPO and OUTAGE adlvffles.
TSB 52B
                                                This report shows only on-site and announced inspection procedures.
- BIENNIAL PI&R  
                                                                                                                                                                Enclosure
4  
05/19/2014   
05/23/2014  
IP 71152B  
Problem Identification and Resolution  
06/02/2014   
06/06/2014  
IP 711528
Problem Identification and Resolution  
RS 5678
- RADIATION SAFETY- TEAM
4  
06/02/2014   
06/06/2014  
06/02/2014   
06/06/2014  
06/02/2014   
06/06/2014  
06/02/2014   
06/06/2014  
IP '11124.05
IP 71124.06
IP 71124.0'1
IP 71124.08  
INSP
Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation
Radioactive Gaseous and Liquid Effluent Treatment
Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program
Radioactive Solid Waste Processing and Radioactive Material Handling, Storage, and Transportation  
- BIENNIAL REQUAL INSPECTION
3  
08/25/2014   
08/29/2014  
10/20/2014 
10/24/2014
11/03/2014 
11/07/2014
IP 7111111B  
Licensed Operator Requalification Program  
EB2-05T
- TRIENNIAL FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTION
4  
IP 7111105T  
Fire Protection [Triennial]  
IP 7111105T  
Fire Protection [Triennial]  
EP-1
- EP PERFORMANCE INDICATORS  
11/17/2014  
   
11/1712014
11/17/2014  
   
11/21/2014  
11/21/2014  
11/21/2014  
IP 71151-EP01
IP 71151-EP02
IP 71151-EP03  
Drill/Exercise Performance
ERO Drill Participation
Alert & Notification System  
EP-2
- EP PROGRAM INSPECTION  
11/17/2014  
11/1712014
11/17/2014
11/17/2014
11121/2014  
11/21/2014
11/2112014
11121/2014  
IP 7111402
IP 7111403  
IP 7111404
IP 7111405
71111.08
Alert and Notification System Testing
Emergency Preparedness Organization Staffing and Augmentation System  
Emergency Action Level and Emergency Plan Changes  
Correction of Emergency Preparedness Weaknesses and Deficiencies  
- INSERVICE INSPECTION  
02/23/2015   
03/06/2015   
IP 7111108P  
lnservice Inspection Activities - PWR  
RS 13 PI
- RADIATION SAFETY  
2  
03/09/2015   
03/13/2015   
IP 71124.01
Radiological Hazard Assessment and Exposure Controls  
03/09/2015   
03/13/2015   
IP '11124.03  
In-Plant Airborne Radioactivity Control and Mitigation  
03/09/2015   
03/13/2015   
IP '11151-0R01
Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness  
rfhis report does not include INPO and OUTAGE adlvffles.  


  Page 2 of 2                                                                            WolfCreek
WolfCreek  
  02/27/2014    13:10:28                                                        Inspection I Activity Plan
Inspection I Activity Plan  
  Report22
03/01/2014 - 06/30/2015  
                                                                                  03/01/2014 - 06/30/2015
Page 2 of 2
i   Unit         Planned Dates                                                                                                                       No. of Staff
02/27/2014
i Number
Report22
                                                                                                                                                - --*L.
13:10:28
                  Start      End                                                                                  Title                                 on Site
*This report shows only on-site and announced inspection procedures.
                                      RS 13 PI      -RADIATION SAFETY                                                                                          2
Enclosure
              03/09/2015   03/13/2015  IP 71151-PR01           RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent
                                      EB1-17T       - WC PERMANENT PLANT MODS & 50.59
              06/15/2015   06/26/2015  IP 7111117T             Evaluations of Changes, Tests, and Experiments and Permanent Plant Modifications
                                                Ttiis report does not inClude INPO and OUTAGE activities.
i  
                                                *This report shows only on-site and announced inspection procedures.
Unit  
                                                                                                                                                        Enclosure
i Number
Planned Dates  
Start 
End
RS 13 PI 
-RADIATION SAFETY
- --*L.  
Title  
No. of Staff
on Site  
2  
03/09/2015
03/13/2015   
IP 71151-PR01
RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent  
EB1-17T
- WC PERMANENT PLANT MODS & 50.59  
06/15/2015
06/26/2015   
IP 7111117T  
Evaluations of Changes, Tests, and Experiments and Permanent Plant Modifications  
Ttiis report does not inClude INPO and OUTAGE activities.
}}
}}

Latest revision as of 22:54, 10 January 2025

Annual Assessment Letter for Wolf Creek Generating Station (Report 05000482/2013001)
ML14063A628
Person / Time
Site: Wolf Creek 
Issue date: 03/04/2014
From: Dapas M
Region 4 Administrator
To: Heflin A
Wolf Creek
O'Keefe N
References
IR-13-001
Download: ML14063A628 (6)
v • d • e


See also: IR 05000482/2013001

Text

UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

REGION IV

1600 E. LAMAR BLVD.

ARLINGTON, TX 76011-4511

March 4, 2014

Mr. Adam C. Heflin, President

and Chief Executive Officer

Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation

P.O. Box 411

Burlington, KS 66839

SUBJECT:

ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LETTER FOR WOLF CREEK GENERATING

STATION (REPORT 05000482/2013001)

Dear Mr. Heflin:

On February 12, 2014, the NRC completed its end-of-cycle performance review of Wolf Creek

Generating Station. The NRC reviewed the most recent quarterly performance indicators (PIs)

in addition to inspection results and enforcement actions from January 1, 2013, through

December 31, 2013. This letter informs you of the NRCs assessment of Wolf Creek

Generating Station during this period and its plans for future inspections at that facility.

The NRC determined that overall, Wolf Creek Generating Station was operated in a manner that

preserved public health and safety and met all cornerstone objectives. The NRC determined

the performance at Wolf Creek Generating Station during the most recent quarter was within the

Licensee Response Column of the NRCs Reactor Oversight Process (ROP) Action Matrix

because all inspection findings had very low (i.e., Green) safety significance, and all PIs

indicated that plant performance was within the nominal, expected range (i.e., Green).

Therefore, the NRC plans to conduct ROP baseline inspections at your facility.

Although plant performance was within the Licensee Response Column, the NRC has not yet

finalized the significance of a preliminary Greater-than-Green finding in the physical security

cornerstone documented in NRC Inspection Report 05000482/2013403 (ML13346A227). The

final safety significance determination may affect the NRCs assessment of plant performance

and the enclosed inspection plan. You will be notified by separate correspondence of the final

significance for this finding, as well as any changes to our performance assessment and

associated inspection plan.

At the beginning of this assessment cycle, Wolf Creek Generating Station was in the Degraded

Cornerstone Column because there was one Yellow finding and one White performance

indicator in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone. The Yellow finding involved your staffs failure

to provide adequate oversight of contractors while they performed work that could affect safety-

related equipment in April 2011. The performance indicator for Mitigating Systems Performance

Index - Emergency AC System (MSPI - EAC) had been reported as White since the first

quarter of 2012. On June 7, 2013, the NRC completed a supplemental inspection pursuant to

Inspection Procedure 95002, "Supplemental Inspection for One Degraded Cornerstone or Any

Three White Inputs in a Strategic Performance Area," at Wolf Creek Generating Station. This

A.Heflin

- 2 -

inspection was performed to assess your staffs evaluation of the root causes, contributing

causes, and corrective actions associated with the Yellow finding, and included an assessment

of actions to address four open substantive cross-cutting issues. The team also performed a

limited scope independent safety culture assessment follow-up in accordance with Inspection

Procedure 40100, Independent Safety Culture Assessment Follow-up. The inspectors

determined that your staff performed a comprehensive evaluation to identify appropriate causes

for the Yellow finding, and corrective actions were appropriate to address those causes. Based

on the results of this inspection, the Yellow finding was closed in NRC Inspection Report 05000482/2013010 (ML13203A329).

On April 29, 2013, the NRC completed the supplemental inspection to review the action taken to

address the White MSPI - EAC, pursuant to Inspection Procedure 95001, Supplemental

Inspection for One or Two White Inputs in a Strategic Performance Area. As documented in

NRC Inspection Report 05000482/2013009 (ML13126A197), this inspection was performed to

assess your staffs evaluation of the root causes, contributing causes, and corrective actions

associated with the White PI. The PI data reported for Wolf Creek Generating Station for the

second quarter of 2013 indicated that MSPI - EAC had returned to Green. Therefore, since

four quarters had passed since the White PI was identified; the NRC had concluded based on

the 95001 supplemental inspection results, that you had adequately evaluated and addressed

the performance issues; and given that the PI had returned to Green as of June 30, 2013, Wolf

Creek Generating Station was returned to the Licensee Response column as of July 1, 2013.

The NRC also issued a Chilling Effect Letter (CEL) (ADAMS ML13233A208) to Wolf Creek

Nuclear Operating Corporation on August 19, 2013. The CEL was issued because the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had issued a finding of discrimination

for raising safety concerns against a former employee of an engineering contractor employed by

Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, and due to the NRC identifying that a chilled work

environment existed within your facilitys Quality Assurance Group. Issuance of a CEL meets

the NRC criteria in Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0305, Operating Reactor Assessment

Program, for the identification of a cross-cutting theme in the area of safety conscious work

environment (SCWE). However, the NRC has assessed your 30-day and 6-month responses to

the CEL, and conducted a public meeting in the Region IV office on January 22, 2014, to

discuss the actions that you are taking to address the working environment at your facility. The

NRC has decided not to open a substantive cross-cutting issue in the area of SCWE at this time

because the NRC staff does not have a concern with your actions. This theme will continue to

be reviewed during the next two performance assessments as we continue to monitor your

staffs actions to ensure Wolf Creek Generating Station is a workplace that fosters an

environment where employees feel free, and are encouraged, to raise safety concerns.

The enclosed inspection plan lists the inspections scheduled through June 30, 2015. Routine

inspections performed by resident inspectors are not included in the inspection plan. The

inspections scheduled to be conducted during the last nine months are tentative and may be

revised based on the results of the mid-cycle performance review. The NRC provides the

inspection plan to allow for the resolution of any scheduling conflicts and personnel availability

issues. The NRC will contact your staff as soon as possible to discuss changes to the

inspection plan should circumstances warrant any changes. This inspection plan does not

include security related inspections, which will be sent via separate, non-publicly available

correspondence.

A.Heflin

- 3 -

An NRC audit of licensee efforts towards compliance with Order EA-12-049, Order Modifying

Licenses with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis

External Events, is ongoing. This audit includes an onsite component in order for the NRC to

evaluate mitigating strategies as described in licensee submittals, and to receive and review

information relative to associated open items. This onsite activity will aid the NRC staff in

development of an ultimate Safety Evaluation for the site. The NRC staff will be working with

your staff to establish a date for the onsite component audit. A site-specific audit plan for the

visit will be provided in advance to allow sufficient time for preparations.

As a result of the Safety Culture Common Language Initiative, the terminology and coding of

cross-cutting aspects were revised effective January 1, 2014. New cross-cutting aspects will be

coded in accordance with the latest revision to NRC Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0310,

Aspects within Cross-Cutting Areas, dated December 19, 2013. Cross-cutting aspects

identified in the last six months of 2013 using the previous terminology will be converted to the

revised language in accordance with the cross-reference in IMC 0310. The revised cross-

cutting aspects will be evaluated for cross-cutting themes and potential substantive cross-

cutting issues in accordance with IMC 0305 starting with the calendar year 2014 mid-cycle

assessment.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter will be

available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the

Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC's document system (ADAMS). ADAMS

is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public

Electronic Reading Room).

Please contact Neil OKeefe at 817-200-1141 with any questions you or your staff may have

regarding this letter.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Marc L. Dapas,

Regional Administrator

Docket No. 50-482

License No. NPF-42

Enclosure:

Inspection Plan

A.Heflin

- 4 -

R:\\_REACTORS\\EOC 2013\\WC2013 EOC LTR NFO 140304.docx

ML14063A628

ADAMS: No

Yes

SUNSI Review Complete

Reviewer Initials: NFO

Publicly Available

Non-Sensitive

Non-publicly Available

Sensitive

DRP B/BC

DRS/DIR

DRP/DIR

RA

NOKeefe

JClark

KKennedy

MDapas

/RA/

/RA/

/RA/

/RA/

02/26/2014

02/28/2014

02/28/2014

03/03/2014

OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

T=Telephone

E=E-mail

F=Fax

WolfCreek

Inspection I Activity Plan

03/01/2014 - 06/30/2015

Page 1 of 2

02/27/2014

Report22

13:10:28

This report shows only on-site and announced inspection procedures.

Enclosure

RS 12 PI

- RADIATION SAFETY

Title

2

03/17/2014

03/21/2014

03/17/2014

03/21/2014

IP 71124.01

IP 71124.02

RadiologicalHazard Assessment and Exposure Controls

Occupational ALARA Planning and Controls

03/17/2014

03/21/2014

03/17/2014

03/21/2014

IP 71151-0R01

Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness

IP 71151-PR01

RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent

TSB 52B

- BIENNIAL PI&R

4

05/19/2014

05/23/2014

IP 71152B

Problem Identification and Resolution

06/02/2014

06/06/2014

IP 711528

Problem Identification and Resolution

RS 5678

- RADIATION SAFETY- TEAM

4

06/02/2014

06/06/2014

06/02/2014

06/06/2014

06/02/2014

06/06/2014

06/02/2014

06/06/2014

IP '11124.05

IP 71124.06

IP 71124.0'1

IP 71124.08

INSP

Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation

Radioactive Gaseous and Liquid Effluent Treatment

Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program

Radioactive Solid Waste Processing and Radioactive Material Handling, Storage, and Transportation

- BIENNIAL REQUAL INSPECTION

3

08/25/2014

08/29/2014

10/20/2014

10/24/2014

11/03/2014

11/07/2014

IP 7111111B

Licensed Operator Requalification Program

EB2-05T

- TRIENNIAL FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTION

4

IP 7111105T

Fire Protection [Triennial]

IP 7111105T

Fire Protection [Triennial]

EP-1

- EP PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

11/17/2014

11/1712014

11/17/2014

11/21/2014

11/21/2014

11/21/2014

IP 71151-EP01

IP 71151-EP02

IP 71151-EP03

Drill/Exercise Performance

ERO Drill Participation

Alert & Notification System

EP-2

- EP PROGRAM INSPECTION

11/17/2014

11/1712014

11/17/2014

11/17/2014

11121/2014

11/21/2014

11/2112014

11121/2014

IP 7111402

IP 7111403

IP 7111404

IP 7111405

71111.08

Alert and Notification System Testing

Emergency Preparedness Organization Staffing and Augmentation System

Emergency Action Level and Emergency Plan Changes

Correction of Emergency Preparedness Weaknesses and Deficiencies

- INSERVICE INSPECTION

02/23/2015

03/06/2015

IP 7111108P

lnservice Inspection Activities - PWR

RS 13 PI

- RADIATION SAFETY

2

03/09/2015

03/13/2015

IP 71124.01

Radiological Hazard Assessment and Exposure Controls

03/09/2015

03/13/2015

IP '11124.03

In-Plant Airborne Radioactivity Control and Mitigation

03/09/2015

03/13/2015

IP '11151-0R01

Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness

rfhis report does not include INPO and OUTAGE adlvffles.

WolfCreek

Inspection I Activity Plan

03/01/2014 - 06/30/2015

Page 2 of 2

02/27/2014

Report22

13:10:28

  • This report shows only on-site and announced inspection procedures.

Enclosure

i

Unit

i Number

Planned Dates

Start

End

RS 13 PI

-RADIATION SAFETY

- --*L.

Title

No. of Staff

on Site

2

03/09/2015

03/13/2015

IP 71151-PR01

RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent

EB1-17T

- WC PERMANENT PLANT MODS & 50.59

06/15/2015

06/26/2015

IP 7111117T

Evaluations of Changes, Tests, and Experiments and Permanent Plant Modifications

Ttiis report does not inClude INPO and OUTAGE activities.

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