Technical Specification 3.6.1.3 required, in part, that each
primary containment isolation valve be
operable in Modes 1, 2, and 3.
TS 3.6.1.3, Condition C.1 stated that with one or more
penetration flow paths with the leakage rate not within the limit restore the leakage rate to within the limit within
4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br />.
Technical Specification 3.6.1.3, Condition E stated that if the required action and associated completion time of Condition C is not met, be in Mode 3 within
12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> and Mode 4 within
36 hours4.166667e-4 days <br />0.01 hours <br />5.952381e-5 weeks <br />1.3698e-5 months <br />. Contrary to the above,
primary containment isolation valve 1B21F032A was found with leakage in excess of the limit during testing on January 28, 2008. The licensee determined the cause for the failure was age-related degradation of lubrication on the valve actuator, causing increased friction. Based on the cause determination, the inspectors concluded that this valve had not been capable of performing its specified safety function (and thus was
inoperable) for a period of time before its discovery longer than allowed by
TS 3.6.1.3. The inspectors determined that this violation was associated with a licensee-identified finding of very low safety significance (i.e., Green) during a Phase 2
SDP review using the guidance in
IMC 0609, Appendix H, Containment Integrity
Significance Determination Process, because the as-found leakage from the
penetration was significantly less than the 1,000% containment volume per day criterion in Table 6.2, Phase 2 Risk Significance Type B Findings at Full Power. The inspectors also noted that multiple barriers exist to a large release through the
feedwater system lines. This violation of
TS 3.6.1.3 is being treated as a
NCV consistent with Section VI.A of the
NRC Enforcement Policy. The licensee entered this violation into its corrective action program as
AR 01047133. The licensee submitted
LER 05000461/2008-003-00 on May 17, 2010, but did not characterize the event as a condition prohibited by the plant‟s TSs. The licensee entered this minor reporting issue into its corrective action program as
AR 01076505. Refer to Section 4OA3.1 of this inspection report for the review and closure of the LER.
