IR 05000348/2008001

Annual Assessment Letter - Farley (IR 05000364-08-001 and 05000348-08-001)

ML080630656
Person / Time
Site:	Farley
Issue date:	03/03/2008
From:	Mccree V Region 2 Administrator
To:	Jerrica Johnson Southern Nuclear Operating Co
References
IR-08-001
Download: ML080630656 (8)

Text

rch 3, 2008

SUBJECT:

ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LETTER - JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT (NRC INSPECTION REPORT 05000364/2008001 AND 05000348/2008001)

Dear Mr. Johnson:

On February 5, 2008, the NRC staff completed its performance review of Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant. Our technical staff reviewed performance indicators (PIs) for the most recent quarter and inspection results for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2007. The purpose of this letter is to inform you of our assessment of your safety performance during this period and our plans for future inspections at Farley. This performance review and enclosed inspection plan do not include security information. A separate letter designated and marked as "Official Use Only - Security Related Information" will include the security cornerstone performance review and resultant inspection plan.

Overall, Farley Units 1 and 2 operated in a manner that preserved public health and safety and met all cornerstone objectives with moderate degradation in safety performance. Unit 1 plant performance for the first and second quarters of the assessment cycle was within the Licensee Response column of the NRC

=s Action Matrix. The Mitigating Systems Performance Index (MSPI), Cooing Water Systems PI crossed the threshold from Green to White in the third quarter due to the failure of Component Cooling Water system pump breakers on two separate occasions. These breaker failures were the subject of an NRC Augmented Inspection Team inspection. The inspection results are documented in NRC inspection report 05000348,364/2007010. Also, a White Parallel Performance Indicator finding was opened in the third quarter due to continuing problems with evaluating safety-related breaker failures. This was identified as a result of an NRC Supplemental Inspection for the MSPI, Cooling Water Systems PI which crossed the threshold from Green to White in the second quarter of 2006. The results of this inspection are documented in inspection report 05000348,364/2007008. As a result of the White PI and the White finding, Unit 1 moved into the Degraded Cornerstone

column of the NRC's Action Matrix in the third quarter.

Unit 2 plant performance was within the Licensee Response column of the NRC

=s Action Matrix for the first quarter of the assessment cycle. In the third quarter, a Yellow finding in the Mitigating Systems Cornerstone was identified for the failure of a Residual Heat Removal (RHR) containment sump suction valve not fully opening during surveillance testing on two separate occasions. This was the subject of an NRC Sp ecial Inspection. The inspection results are documented in NRC inspection report 05000348,364/2007009. As a result of this Yellow finding, Unit 2 moved into the Degraded Cornerstone column of the NRC's Action Matrix in the SNC 2 third quarter. The MSPI, RHR PI crossed the threshold from Green to White in the second quarter due to the RHR valve failures. However, this White PI was not considered in Unit 2's performance assessment as it relates to the NRC Action Matrix to avoid double counting of this issue. Also, a White Parallel Performance Indicator finding was opened in the third quarter as described above for Unit 1. This White finding did not affect Unit 2's performance assessment; therefore, Unit 2 remained in the Degraded Cornerstone column of the NRC's Action Matrix for the third and fourth quarters.

When we have been notified of your readiness, the NRC will conduct a supplemental inspection for both Unit 1 and Unit 2 using Inspection Procedure 95002, "Inspection for One Degraded Cornerstone or Any Three White Inputs in a Strategic Performance Area," in addition to routine reactor oversight program (ROP) baseline inspections. The 95002 inspection will include the inspection activities for the Unit 2 White MSPI, RHR PI.

The enclosed inspection plan details the inspections, less those related to security, scheduled through June 30, 2009. In addition, we will be conducting NRC Temporary Instructions 171 and 172, initial reactor operator licensing examinations, and an in-office review of testing results for both Unit 1 and Unit 2 containment recirculation sump modifications. The inspection plan is provided to allow for the resolution of any scheduling conflicts and personnel availability issues well in advance of inspector arrival onsite. Routine resident inspections are not listed due to their ongoing and continuous nature. The inspections in the last nine months of the inspection plan are tentative and may be revised at the mid-cycle review.

Based on both Units being in the Degraded Cornerstone of the NRC Action Matrix, a review was conducted to determine if additional inspection was warranted in the area of Identification and Resolution of Problems. Weaknesses were identified in the Corrective Action Program as indicated by the lack of thorough evaluation of multiple safety-related breaker failures and failure to promptly correct a condition adverse to quality with the RHR suction valves that resulted in a Yellow finding. The NRC has concluded that it is appropriate to conduct an additional Identification and Resolution of Problems inspection during the current biennial period in accordance with the Reactor Oversight Process.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRC

=s A Rules of Practice,@ a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be made 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).

SNC 3 If circumstances arise which cause us to change this inspection plan, we will contact you to discuss the change as soon as possible. Please contact Scott M. Shaeffer at (404) 562-4521 with any questions you may have regarding this letter or the inspection plan.

Sincerely,

/RA/ Victor M. McCree

Acting Regional Administrator

Docket Nos.: 50-348 and 50-364 License Nos.: NPF-2 and NPF-8

Enclosure: Farley Inspection/Activity Plan

cc w/encl: (See page 4)

_________________________ OFFICE RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:DRP RII:ORA SIGNATURE /Ra E-Mail/ /RA/ /RA/ /RA By VMcCree/ NAME CRapp SShaeffer JShea CCasto DATE 3/3/08 3/3/08 3/3/08 3/3/08 E-MAIL COPY? YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO SNC 4 cc w/encl: B. D. McKinney Licensing Services Manager

B-031 Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Electronic Mail Distribution

Jeffrey T. Gasser Executive Vice President

Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Electronic Mail Distribution

M. Stanford Blanton, Esq.

Balch and Bingham Law Firm Electronic Mail Distribution

Dr. D. E. Williamson State Health Officer Alabama Dept. of Public Health Electronic Mail Distribution

Mr. Mark Culver

Chairman Houston County Commission P. O. Box 6406

Dothan, AL 36302

William D. Oldfield Quality Assurance Supervisor Southern Nuclear Operating Company Electronic Mail Distribution

L. Mike Stinson Vice President Fleet Operations Support Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Electronic Mail Distribution

David H. Jones Vice President Engineering

Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Electronic Mail Distribution

Moanica Caston Vice President and General Counsel Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Electronic Mail Distribution

Senior Resident Inspector Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant U.S. NRC 7388 N. State Highway 95

Columbia, AL 36319

SNC 5 Letter to J. Randy Johnson from Victor M. McCree dated March 3, 2008 SUBJECT: ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LETTER - JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT (NRC INSPECTION REPORT 05000364/2008001 AND 05000348/2008001)

Distribution w/encl:

C. Evans, RII L. Slack, RII M. Cox, EDO

OE Mail RIDSNRRDIRS

PUBLIC A. Adams, NRR K. Cotton, NRR

ROP Reports

INPO

Farley Inspection / Activity Plan 03/03/2008-06/30/2009 Inspection Type Inspection Activity Planned Dates Start End No. of Staff on Site Title Unit Number Page 1 of 2 03/03/2008 18:05:15 Report 22 5 EB2-TFP-TRIENNIAL FIRE PROTECTION Baseline Inspections Fire Protection [Triennial]

03/10/2008 03/14/2008 1, 2 7111105T IP Baseline Inspections Fire Protection [Triennial]

03/31/2008 04/04/2008 1, 2 7111105T IP 2 OL RQ-REQUAL INSPECTION Baseline Inspections Licensed Operator Requalification Program 03/03/2008 03/07/2008 1, 2 7111111B IP 3 PSB1-EP-EP EXERCISE EP Baseline Inspection Exercise Evaluation 03/10/2008 03/14/2008 1, 2 7111401 IP Baseline Inspections Drill/Exercise Performance 03/10/2008 03/14/2008 1, 2 71151-EP01 IP Baseline Inspections ERO Drill Participation 03/10/2008 03/14/2008 1, 2 71151-EP02 IP Baseline Inspections A lert & Notification System 03/10/2008 03/14/2008 1, 2 71151-EP03 IP 5 PB2-SUPP-95002 SUPPLEMENTAL INSPECTION Supplemental Program Inspection For One Degraded Cornerstone Or Any Three White Inputs In A Strategic Performance Area 05/05/2008 05/16/2008 1, 2 95002 IP 1 TSB-PI&R-PREP TRIP-PROBLEM ID AND RESOL Baseline Inspections Identification and Resolution of Problems 07/28/2008 08/01/2008 1, 2 71152B IP 1 PSB1-RP-RADIATION PROTECTION PREINSPECTION VISIT Baseline Inspections A ccess Control to Radiologically Significant Areas 08/25/2008 08/29/2008 1, 2 7112101 IP 6 TSB-PI&R-PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND RESOLUTION Baseline Inspections Identification and Resolution of Problems 09/08/2008 09/12/2008 1, 2 71152B IP Baseline Inspections Identification and Resolution of Problems 09/22/2008 09/26/2008 1, 2 71152B IP 3 OL EXAM-INITIAL EXAM PREP Not Applicable FARLEY/NOVEMBER 2008 EXAM AT POWER FACILITIES 09/29/2008 10/03/2008 1 V23288 1 EB3-ISI-UNIT 2 - ISI Baseline Inspections Inservice Inspection Activities - PWR 10/20/2008 10/24/2008 2 7111108P IP 2 PSB1-RP-RADIATION PROTECTION OCCUPATIONAL WK1 Baseline Inspections A ccess Control to Radiologically Significant Areas 10/20/2008 10/24/2008 1, 2 7112101 IP Baseline Inspections A LARA Planning and Controls 10/20/2008 10/24/2008 1, 2 7112102 IP Baseline Inspections Radioactive Material Processing and Transportation 10/20/2008 10/24/2008 1, 2 7112202 IP Baseline Inspections Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness 10/20/2008 10/24/2008 1, 2 71151-OR01 IP Baseline Inspections RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent 10/20/2008 10/24/2008 1, 2 71151-PR01 IP 3 OL EXAM-INITIAL EXAM - WEEK 1 Not Applicable FARLEY/NOVEMBER 2008 EXAM AT POWER FACILITIES 10/27/2008 10/31/2008 1 V23288 3 OL EXAM-INITIAL EXAM - WEEK 2 Not Applicable FARLEY/NOVEMBER 2008 EXAM AT POWER FACILITIES 11/03/2008 11/07/2008 1 V23288 3 PSB1-RP-RADIATION PROTECTION OCCUPATIONAL WK2 Baseline Inspections A ccess Control to Radiologically Significant Areas 11/03/2008 11/07/2008 1, 2 7112101 IP This report does not include INPO and OUTAGE activities.

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

Farley Inspection / Activity Plan 03/03/2008-06/30/2009 Inspection Type Inspection Activity Planned Dates Start End No. of Staff on Site Title Unit Number Page 2 of 2 03/03/2008 18:05:15 Report 22 3 PSB1-RP-RADIATION PROTECTION OCCUPATIONAL WK2 Baseline Inspections A LARA Planning and Controls 11/03/2008 11/07/2008 1, 2 7112102 IP Baseline Inspections Radioactive Material Processing and Transportation 11/03/2008 11/07/2008 1, 2 7112202 IP Baseline Inspections Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness 11/03/2008 11/07/2008 1, 2 71151-OR01 IP Baseline Inspections RETS/ODCM Radiological Effluent 11/03/2008 11/07/2008 1, 2 71151-PR01 IP 1 EB3TI172-TI-172 Generic Safety Inspecti o Reactor Coolant System Dissimiliar Metal Butt Welds 11/17/2008 11/21/2008 1, 2 2515/172 IP 2 EB3-HS-HEAT SINK Baseline Inspections Heat Sink Performance 12/01/2008 12/05/2008 1, 2 7111107B IP 3 PB2TI171-TI-171 - B.5.B PHASE 2&3 Generic Safety Inspecti o Verification of Site Specific Implementation Of B.5.b Phase 2 & 3 Mitigating Strategies 12/08/2008 12/12/2008 1, 2 2515/171 IP 1 PSB1-RP-RADIATION PROTECTION PREINSPECTION VISIT Baseline Inspections A ccess Control to Radiologically Significant Areas 01/05/2009 01/07/2009 1, 2 7112101 IP 8 EB1-CDBI-COMPONENT DESIGN BASIS INSPECTION Baseline Inspections Component Design Bases Inspection 01/12/2009 01/16/2009 1, 2 7111121 IP Baseline Inspections Component Design Bases Inspection 01/26/2009 01/30/2009 1, 2 7111121 IP Baseline Inspections Component Design Bases Inspection 02/09/2009 02/13/2009 1, 2 7111121 IP Baseline Inspections Component Design Bases Inspection 02/23/2009 02/27/2009 1, 2 7111121 IP 4 PSB1-RP-RADIATION PROTECTION PUBLIC CORNERSTONE Baseline Inspections A ccess Control to Radiologically Significant Areas 02/02/2009 02/06/2009 1, 2 7112101 IP Baseline Inspections Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation and Protective Equipment 02/02/2009 02/06/2009 1, 2 7112103 IP Baseline Inspections Radioactive Gaseous and Liquid Effluent Treatment and Monitoring Systems 02/02/2009 02/06/2009 1, 2 7112201 IP Baseline Inspections Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP) And Radioactive Material Control Program 02/02/2009 02/06/2009 1, 2 7112203 IP 1 EB3-ISI-UNIT 1 ISI Baseline Inspections Inservice Inspection Activities - PWR 04/06/2009 04/10/2009 1 7111108P IP This report does not include INPO and OUTAGE activities.

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