IR 05000255/2016001
ML16125A519 | |
Person / Time | |
---|---|
Site: | Palisades |
Issue date: | 05/04/2016 |
From: | Eric Duncan Region 3 Branch 3 |
To: | Vitale A Entergy Nuclear Operations |
References | |
EA-16-019 IR 2016001 | |
Download: ML16125A519 (59) | |
Text
1 UNITED STATES May 4, 2016
SUBJECT:
PALISADES NUCLEAR PLANTNRC INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 05000255/2016001
Dear Mr. Vitale:
On March 31, 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at your Palisades Nuclear Plant. The enclosed report documents the results of this inspection, which were discussed on April 7, 2016, with yourself and other members of your staff.
Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC has identified two issues that were evaluated under the risk significance determination process as having very low safety significance (Green). The NRC has also determined that violations are associated with these issues. These violations are being treated as Non-Cited Violations (NCVs), consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy. These NCVs are described in the subject inspection report. Additionally, two licensee-identified violations are listed in Section 4OA7 of this report.
If you contest the violations or significance of these NCVs, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your denial, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001, with copies to: (1) the Regional Administrator, Region III; (2) the Director, Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; and (3) the NRC Resident Inspector at the Palisades Nuclear Plant.
In addition, if you disagree with the cross-cutting aspect assigned to any finding in this report, you should provide a response within 30 days of the date of this inspection report, with the basis for your disagreement, to the Regional Administrator, Region III, and the NRC Resident Inspector at the Palisades Nuclear Plant. In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for Withholding, of the NRC's "Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRCs Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records System component of the NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS).
ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).
Sincerely,
/RA/
Eric Duncan, Chief Branch 3 Division of Reactor Projects Docket No. 50-255 License No. DPR-20
Enclosure:
REGION III==
Docket No: 50-255 License No: DPR-20 Report No: 05000255/2016001 Licensee: Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.
Facility: Palisades Nuclear Plant Location: Covert, MI Dates: January 1 through March 31, 2016 Inspectors: A. Nguyen, Senior Resident Inspector J. Boettcher, Resident Inspector B. Bartlett, Project Engineer B. Bergeon, Operations Engineer B. Boston, Reactor Engineer J. Ellegood, Senior Resident Inspector, Donald C. Cook N. Fields, Health Physicist B. Jose, Senior Reactor Engineer M. Learn, Reactor Engineer V. Myers, Senior Health Physicist J. Neurauter, Senior Reactor Inspector J. Seymour, Operations Engineer R. K. Walton, Senior Operations Engineer Approved by: E. Duncan, Chief Branch 3 Division of Reactor Projects Enclosure
SUMMARY
Inspection Report (IR) 05000255/2016001, 01/01/2016 - 03/31/2016; Palisades Nuclear Plant;
Radiological Hazard Assessment and Exposure Controls; Identification and Resolution of Problems.
This report covers a 3-month period of inspection by resident inspectors and announced baseline inspections by regional inspectors. Two Green findings were identified by the inspectors. These findings involved Non-Cited Violations (NCVs) of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements. The significance of inspection findings is indicated by their color (i.e., greater than Green, or Green, White, Yellow, Red) and determined using Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0609, "Significance Determination Process," dated April 29, 2015.
Cross-cutting aspects are determined using IMC 0310, "Aspects Within the Cross-Cutting Areas," dated December 4, 2014. All violations of NRC requirements are dispositioned in accordance with the NRCs Enforcement Policy, dated February 4, 2015. The NRC's program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in NUREG-1649, "Reactor Oversight Process," dated February 2014.
Cornerstone: Mitigating Systems
- Green.
An NRC-identified finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 50, Section 48(c) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 805 Section 3.4.1 was identified for the failure to meet the minimum staffing requirements for the Fire Brigade on January and 5, 2016. Specifically, two nuclear plant operators (NPOs) who had their Fire Brigade qualifications suspended, stood watch as Fire Brigade members during day shift on January 4, 2016 and approximately one half of day shift on January 5, 2016. The licensee entered this issue into their Corrective Action Program (CAP) as CR-PLP-2016-00198, performed an apparent cause evaluation, successfully performed a fire drill to requalify the Fire Brigade members with suspended qualifications on January 6, 2016, and planned to update the tracking method used to validate drill completion for Fire Brigade qualifications.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Protection Against External Factors attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). The finding screened as having very low safety significance based on using qualitative criteria located in IMC 0609,
Appendix M, Significance Determination Process Using Qualitative Criteria. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect of Documentation in the Human Performance cross-cutting area because the licensee informally tracked drill completion and this information was not accessible to each individual Fire Brigade member to validate their qualifications [H.7]. (Section 4OA2)
Cornerstone: Occupational Radiation Safety
- Green.
A self-revealed finding of very low safety significance and an associated NCV of Technical Specification 5.7.1 was identified when movement of a bag of radioactive material caused an area to become a high radiation area without the proper posting and barricades. The licensee immediately moved this bag of radioactive material to a posted locked high-radiation area and entered this issue into their CAP as CR-PLP-2015-05019.
The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor because it was associated with the Program and Process attribute of the Occupational Radiation Safety cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation. Specifically, the movement of the bag from an area that was a high-radiation area to an area that was not posted and barricaded as a high-radiation area removed a barrier that was intended to prevent workers from receiving unexpected dose. The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance in accordance with IMC 0609 Appendix C, Occupational Radiation Safety Significance Determination Process, dated August 19, 2008. The violation was of very low safety significance because: (1) it did not involve as-low-as-reasonably-achievable planning or work controls, (2) there was no overexposure, (3) there was no substantial potential for an overexposure, and (4) the ability to assess dose was not compromised. The finding had a cross-cutting aspect of Teamwork in the Human Performance cross-cutting area because the individuals and work groups involved did not communicate or coordinate their activities within and across organizational boundaries to ensure nuclear safety was maintained [H.4].
(Section 2RS1.5)
Other Findings
Violations of very low safety or security significance or Severity Level IV that were identified by the licensee have been reviewed by the NRC. Corrective actions taken or planned by the licensee have been entered into the licensees CAP. These violations and CAP tracking numbers are listed in Section 4OA7 of this report.
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Plant Status
The plant began the assessment period operating at full power. The unit downpowered to approximately 98 percent on January 19, 2016, due to a feedwater heater temperature transmitter failing high, which caused heat balance power to be declared inoperable. The unit was returned to 100 percent power on January 20, 2016. The unit was also downpowered on January 26, 2016, to approximately 95 percent for emergent maintenance on Moisture Separator Drain Tank level control valve CV-0608. The unit returned to 100 percent power on January 27, 2016, and operated at full power for the remainder of the inspection period.
1.
REACTOR SAFETY
Cornerstones: Initiating Events, Mitigating Systems, and Barrier Integrity
1R01 Adverse Weather Protection
.1 Extreme Low Temperature Seasonal Readiness Preparations
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors conducted a review of the licensees preparations for extreme low temperature conditions to verify that the plants design features and implementation of procedures were sufficient to protect mitigating systems from the effects of adverse weather. Documentation for selected risk-significant systems was reviewed to ensure that these systems would remain functional when challenged by inclement weather.
During the inspection, the inspectors focused on plant-specific design features and the licensees procedures used to mitigate or respond to adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, the inspectors reviewed the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR)and performance requirements for systems selected for inspection, and verified that operator actions were appropriate as specified by plant specific procedures. Cold weather protection, such as heat tracing and area heaters, was verified to be in operation where applicable. The inspectors also reviewed CAP items to verify that the licensee was identifying adverse weather issues at an appropriate threshold and entering them into their CAP in accordance with station corrective action procedures.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report. The inspectors reviews focused specifically on the following plant systems due to their risk significance or susceptibility to extreme low temperature issues:
- auxiliary feedwater (AFW); and
This inspection constituted one seasonal extreme weather readiness preparation sample as defined in Inspection Procedure (IP) 71111.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Readiness for Impending Adverse Weather Conditions-High Wind/Blizzard Conditions
a. Inspection Scope
Due to high winds and blizzard conditions being forecast in the vicinity of the facility for February 24 and 25, 2016, the inspectors reviewed the licensees overall preparations/protection for the expected weather conditions. On February 24, 2016, the inspectors walked down the emergency diesel generators (DGs), in addition to the licensees emergency alternating current power systems, because their safety-related functions could be affected or required as a result of high winds or tornado-generated missiles or the loss of offsite power. The inspectors compared the licensee staffs preparations with site procedures and determined whether the staffs actions were adequate. During the inspection, the inspectors focused on plant-specific design features and the licensees procedures used to respond to specified adverse weather conditions. The inspectors also toured the plant grounds to look for any loose debris that could become missiles during high winds. The inspectors evaluated operator staffing and accessibility of controls and indications for those systems required to control the plant. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed the UFSAR and performance requirements for systems selected for inspection, and verified that operator actions were appropriate as specified by plant-specific procedures. The inspectors also reviewed a sample of CAP items to verify that the licensee identified adverse weather issues at an appropriate threshold and dispositioned them through the CAP in accordance with station corrective action procedures. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one readiness for impending adverse weather conditions sample as defined in IP 71111.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R04 Equipment Alignment
.1 Quarterly Partial System Walkdowns
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors performed partial system walkdowns of the following risk-significant systems:
- B component cooling water (CCW) train;
- A and C AFW trains; and
- B and C charging system trains.
The inspectors selected these systems based on their risk significance relative to the Reactor Safety Cornerstones at the time they were inspected. The inspectors attempted to identify any discrepancies that could impact the function of the system and, therefore, potentially increase risk. The inspectors reviewed applicable operating procedures, system diagrams, the UFSAR, Technical Specification (TS) requirements, outstanding work orders (WOs), condition reports (CRs), and the impact of ongoing work activities on redundant trains of equipment in order to identify conditions that could have rendered the systems incapable of performing their intended functions. The inspectors also walked down accessible portions of the systems to verify system components and support equipment were aligned correctly and operable. The inspectors examined the material condition of the components and observed operating parameters of equipment to verify that there were no obvious deficiencies. The inspectors also verified that the licensee had properly identified and resolved equipment alignment problems that could cause initiating events or impact the capability of mitigating systems or barriers and entered them into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
These activities constituted three partial system walkdown samples as defined in IP 71111.04-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Semi-Annual Complete System Walkdown
a. Inspection Scope
On January 4-5, 2016, the inspectors performed a complete system alignment inspection of the DGs and auxiliary systems to verify the functional capability of those systems. These systems were selected because they were considered both safety significant and risk significant in the licensees probabilistic risk assessment. The inspectors walked down the systems to review mechanical and electrical equipment lineups; electrical power availability; system pressure and temperature indications, as appropriate; component labeling; component lubrication; component and equipment cooling; hangers and supports; support system operability; and to ensure that ancillary equipment or debris did not interfere with equipment operation. A review of a sample of past and outstanding WOs was performed to determine whether any deficiencies significantly affected the systems functions. In addition, the inspectors reviewed the CAP database to ensure that system equipment alignment problems were being identified and appropriately resolved. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
These activities constituted one complete system walkdown sample as defined in IP 71111.04-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R05 Fire Protection
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors conducted fire protection walkdowns which were focused on the availability, accessibility, and condition of firefighting equipment in the following risk-significant plant areas:
- Fire Area 23: turbine building, elevations 590 and 580;
- Fire Areas 2, 11, and 12: cable spreading room and battery rooms, elevation 607;
- Fire Area 3: 1-D switchgear room and north cableway, elevations 607-6 and 625;
- Fire Areas 4, 5, and 7: 1-C switchgear, 1-1 DG, and 1-1 DG fuel oil day tank rooms, elevations 590, 607, and 625;
- Fire Area 13A: auxiliary building main corridor-north and south, elevation 590';
and
607', and 625'.
The inspectors reviewed areas to assess if the licensee had implemented a Fire Protection Program that adequately controlled combustibles and ignition sources within the plant, effectively maintained fire detection and suppression capability, maintained passive fire protection features in good material condition, and implemented adequate compensatory measures for out-of-service, degraded or inoperable fire protection equipment, systems, or features in accordance with the licensees fire plan. The inspectors selected fire areas based on their overall contribution to internal fire risk as documented in the plants Individual Plant Examination of External Events with later additional insights, their potential to impact equipment which could initiate or mitigate a plant transient, or their impact on the plants ability to respond to a security event.
Using the documents listed in the Attachment to this report, the inspectors verified that fire hoses and extinguishers were in their designated locations and available for immediate use; that fire detectors and sprinklers were unobstructed; that transient material loading was within the analyzed limits; and fire doors, dampers, and penetration seals appeared to be in satisfactory condition. The inspectors also verified that issues identified during the inspection were entered into the licensees CAP.
These activities constituted six quarterly fire protection inspection samples as defined in IP 71111.05-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R06 Flooding
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed selected risk-important plant design features and licensee procedures intended to protect the plant and its safety-related equipment from internal flooding events. The inspectors reviewed flood analyses and design documents, including the UFSAR, engineering calculations, and abnormal operating procedures to identify licensee commitments. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees corrective action documents with respect to past flood-related items identified in the CAP to verify the adequacy of the corrective actions. The inspectors performed a walkdown of the following plant areas to assess the adequacy of watertight doors and verify drains and sumps were clear of debris and were operable, and that the licensee complied with its commitments:
- DG 1-1 and 1-2 rooms.
Documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one internal flooding sample as defined in IP 71111.06-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R07 Annual Heat Sink Performance
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the licensees testing of the 1-1 DG lube oil cooler and jacket water cooler heat exchangers to verify that potential deficiencies did not mask the licensees ability to detect degraded performance, to identify any common cause issues that had the potential to increase risk, and to ensure that the licensee was adequately addressing problems that could result in initiating events that would cause an increase in risk. The inspectors compared the licensees observations with acceptance criteria, reviewed the correlation of scheduled testing and the frequency of testing, and assessed the impact of instrument inaccuracies on test results. The inspectors also verified that test acceptance criteria considered differences between design conditions and testing conditions. Documents reviewed for this inspection are listed in the Attachment to this document.
This annual heat sink performance inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71111.07-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R11 Licensed Operator Requalification Program
.1 Resident Inspector Quarterly Review of Licensed Operator Requalification
a. Inspection Scope
On March 22, 2016, the inspectors observed a crew of licensed operators in the plants simulator during licensed operator requalification training. The inspectors verified that operator performance was adequate, evaluators were identifying and documenting crew performance problems, and that training was being conducted in accordance with licensee procedures. The inspectors evaluated the following areas:
- licensed operator performance;
- the crews clarity and formality of communications;
- ability to take timely actions in the conservative direction;
- prioritization, interpretation, and verification of annunciator alarms;
- correct use and implementation of abnormal and emergency procedures;
- control board manipulations;
- oversight and direction from supervisors; and
- the crews ability to identify and implement appropriate TS actions and Emergency Plan actions and notifications.
The crews performance in these areas was compared to pre-established operator action expectations and successful critical task completion requirements. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one quarterly licensed operator requalification program simulator sample as defined in IP 71111.11-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Resident Inspector Quarterly Observation During Periods of Heightened Activity or Risk
a. Inspection Scope
On January 26, 2016, the inspectors observed activities in the main control room during isolation of moisture separator drain tank level control valve CV-0608 at approximately 95 percent power. This was an activity that required heightened awareness and was related to increased risk. The inspectors evaluated the following areas:
- licensed operator performance;
- the crews clarity and formality of communications;
- ability to take timely actions in the conservative direction;
- prioritization, interpretation, and verification of annunciator alarms;
- correct use and implementation of procedures;
- control board manipulations; and
- oversight and direction from supervisors.
The performance in these areas was compared to pre-established operator action expectations, procedural compliance, and task completion requirements. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one quarterly licensed operator heightened activity/risk sample as defined in IP 71111.11-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.3 Biennial Written and Annual Operating Test Results
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the overall pass/fail results of the Annual Operating Test, and Written Examination administered by the licensee between January 14, 2016, and February 12, 2016, required by Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 55.59(a). The results were compared to the thresholds established in IMC 0609, Appendix I, Licensed Operator Requalification Significance Determination Process," to assess the overall adequacy of the licensees Licensed Operator Requalification Training (LORT) program to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 55.59.
This inspection constituted one annual licensed operator requalification inspection sample as defined in IP 71111.11A.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.4 Biennial Review
a. Inspection Scope
The following inspection activities were conducted during the week of December 7, 2015, to assess:
- (1) the effectiveness and adequacy of the facility licensees implementation and maintenance of its Systems Approach to Training (SAT)based LORT program implemented to satisfy the requirements of 10 CFR 55.59;
- (2) conformance with the requirements of 10 CFR 55.46 for use of a plant reference simulator to conduct operator licensing examinations and for satisfying experience requirements; and
- (3) conformance with the operator license conditions specified in 10 CFR 55.53. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
- Problem Identification and Resolution (10 CFR 55.59(c); SAT Element 5 as Defined in 10 CFR 55.4): The inspectors evaluated the licensees ability to assess the effectiveness of its LORT program and their ability to implement appropriate corrective actions to maintain its LORT program up-to-date. The inspectors reviewed about a dozen corrective action documents related to the plants operation and associated responses (e.g., recent examination and inspection reports; and licensee Condition Reports). The inspectors reviewed the licensees quality assurance oversight activities, including licensee training department self-assessment reports.
- Licensee Requalification Examinations (10 CFR 55.59(c); SAT Element 4 as Defined in 10 CFR 55.4): The inspectors reviewed the licensees program for development and administration of the LORT biennial written examination and annual operating tests to assess the licensees ability to develop and administer examinations that were acceptable for meeting the requirements of 10 CFR 55.59(a).
- The inspectors reviewed the methodology used to construct the examination including content, level of difficulty, and general quality of the examination/
test materials. The inspectors also assessed the level of examination material duplication from week-to-week of the operating tests conducted during 2016. The inspectors reviewed the written examination given during the inspection week and associated answer keys to check for consistency and accuracy.
- The inspectors observed the administration of the annual operating test to assess the licensees effectiveness in conducting the examinations, including the conduct of pre-examination briefings, evaluations of individual operator and crew performance, and post-examination analysis. The inspectors evaluated the performance of one crew, in parallel with the facility evaluators during two dynamic simulator scenarios, and evaluated various licensed crew members concurrently with facility evaluators during the administration of several job performance measures.
- The inspectors assessed the adequacy and effectiveness of the remedial training conducted since the last requalification examination and the training planned for the current examination cycle to ensure that the licensee addressed weaknesses in licensed operator or crew performance identified during training and plant operations. The inspectors reviewed two individual remedial training plans.
- Conformance with Examination Security Requirements (10 CFR 55.49):
The inspectors conducted an assessment of the licensees processes related to examination physical security and integrity (e.g., predictability and bias) to verify compliance with 10 CFR 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and Tests. The inspectors reviewed the facility licensees examination security procedure, and observed the implementation of physical security controls (e.g., access restrictions and simulator input/output controls) and integrity measures (e.g., security agreements, sampling criteria, bank use, and test item repetition) throughout the inspection period.
- Conformance with Simulator Requirements (10 CFR 55.46): The inspectors assessed the adequacy of the licensees simulation facility (simulator) for use in operator licensing examinations and for satisfying experience requirements. The inspectors reviewed a sample of simulator performance test records (e.g., transient tests, malfunction tests, post-event tests, steady state tests, and core performance tests), simulator discrepancies, and the process for ensuring continued assurance of simulator fidelity in accordance with 10 CFR 55.46. The inspectors reviewed and evaluated the discrepancy corrective action process to ensure that simulator fidelity was being maintained. Open simulator discrepancies were reviewed for importance relative to the impact on 10 CFR 55.45 and 55.59 operator actions, as well as on nuclear and thermal hydraulic operating characteristics.
- Conformance with Operator License Conditions (10 CFR 55.53): The inspectors reviewed the facility licensees program for maintaining active operator licenses to assess compliance with 10 CFR 55.53(e) and (f). The inspectors reviewed the procedural guidance and the process for tracking on-shift hours for licensed operators, and which control room positions were granted watch-standing credit for maintaining active operator licenses. Additionally, medical records for six licensed operators were reviewed for compliance with 10 CFR 55.27.
This inspection constitutes one biennial licensed operator requalification inspection sample as defined in IP 71111.11B.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R12 Maintenance Effectiveness
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated degraded performance issues involving the following risk-significant systems:
- AFW system.
The inspectors reviewed events including those where ineffective equipment maintenance had resulted in valid or invalid automatic actuations of engineered safeguards systems and independently verified the licensee's actions to address system performance or condition problems in terms of the following:
- implementing appropriate work practices;
- identifying and addressing common cause failures;
- scoping of systems in accordance with 10 CFR 50.65(b) of the maintenance rule;
- characterizing system reliability issues for performance;
- charging unavailability for performance;
- trending key parameters for condition monitoring;
- ensuring 10 CFR 50.65(a)(1) or (a)(2) classification or re-classification; and
- verifying appropriate performance criteria for structures, systems, and components/functions classified as (a)(2), or appropriate and adequate goals and corrective actions for systems classified as (a)(1).
The inspectors assessed performance issues with respect to the reliability, availability, and condition monitoring of the system. In addition, the inspectors verified maintenance effectiveness issues were entered into the CAP with the appropriate significance characterization. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one quarterly maintenance effectiveness samples as defined in IP 71111.12-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R13 Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Control
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the licensee's evaluation and management of plant risk for the maintenance and emergent work activities affecting risk-significant and safety-related equipment listed below to verify that the appropriate risk assessments were performed prior to removing equipment for work:
- emergent, high risk work to downpower the unit and repair moisture separator drain tank level control valve CV-0608;
- yellow operational and fire risk for 1-1 DG maintenance window;
- maintenance activities during the week of March 7-11, 2016, concurrent with emergent repairs on the 1-1 DG fuel oil header pressure control valve; the air supply piping to CV-0937, component cooling water inlet control valve to the shutdown cooling heat exchangers; and primary makeup tank makeup control valve CV-2008;
- maintenance activities during the week of April 21-25, 2016, concurrent with emergent repairs to the control room ventilation boundary; and
- emergent troubleshooting on the containment instrument air system low pressure alarm.
These activities were selected based on their potential risk significance relative to the Reactor Safety Cornerstones. As applicable for each activity, the inspectors verified that risk assessments were performed as required by 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4) and were accurate and complete. When emergent work was performed, the inspectors verified that the plant risk was promptly reassessed and managed. The inspectors reviewed the scope of maintenance work, discussed the results of the assessment with the licensee's probabilistic risk analyst or shift technical advisor, and verified plant conditions were consistent with the risk assessment. The inspectors also reviewed TS requirements and walked down portions of redundant safety systems, when applicable, to verify risk analysis assumptions were valid and applicable requirements were met. Documents reviewed during this inspection are listed in the Attachment to this report.
These maintenance risk assessments and emergent work control activities constituted five samples as defined in IP 71111.13-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R15 Operability Determinations and Functional Assessments
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following issues:
- missed TS limiting condition for operation entry for breaker 52-1214 during maintenance;
- 1-2 DG service water pipe wall thinning;
- charging system cooling water flow indicators were calculated with non-conservative weights in the stress package analysis of the charging system piping; and
- past operability evaluations of issues discovered during B AFW pump maintenance.
The inspectors selected these potential operability issues based on the risk significance of the associated components and systems. The inspectors evaluated the technical adequacy of the evaluations to ensure that TS operability was properly justified and the subject component or system remained available such that no unrecognized increase in risk occurred. The inspectors compared the operability and design criteria in the appropriate sections of the TS and UFSAR to the licensees evaluations to determine whether the components or systems were operable. Where compensatory measures were required to maintain operability, the inspectors determined whether the measures in place would function as intended and were properly controlled. The inspectors determined, where appropriate, compliance with bounding limitations associated with the evaluations. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed a sample of corrective action documents to verify that the licensee was identifying and correcting any deficiencies associated with operability evaluations. Documents reviewed are listed in the to this report.
This operability inspection constituted four samples as defined in IP 71111.15-05.
b. Findings
One licensee-identified NCV of very low safety significance was identified and is documented in Section
4OA7 of this report.
1R18 Plant Modifications
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following modification:
- Track alley back wall modifications for dry fuel storage activities.
The inspectors reviewed the configuration changes and associated 10 CFR 50.59 and 72.48 safety evaluation screenings against the design basis, the UFSAR, and the TSs, as applicable, to verify that the modification did not affect the operability or availability of the affected systems. The inspectors, as applicable, observed ongoing and completed work activities to ensure that the modification was installed as directed and consistent with the design control documents; the modification operated as expected; post-modification testing adequately demonstrated continued system operability, availability, and reliability; and that operation of the modification did not impact the operability of any interfacing systems. As applicable, the inspectors verified that relevant procedure, design, and licensing documents were properly updated. Lastly, the inspectors discussed the plant modification with operations, engineering, and training personnel to ensure that the individuals were aware of how the operation with the plant modification in place could impact overall plant performance. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one permanent plant modification sample as defined in IP 71111.18-05.
b. Unresolved Item: Design Review of Modification to Track Alley Wall for Dry Fuel Storage Activities
Introduction:
The inspectors identified a unresolved item (URI) associated with the design review of a modification to the Track Alley wall for dry fuel storage (DFS)campaign activities. Specifically, the licensee is currently revising the process applicability determination (50.59 and 72.48 screenings), and reviewing any necessary actions, associated with altering the newly modified wall in support of upcoming DFS campaign activities. The wall, a protective barrier with safety functions per the UFSAR, in its newly modified condition, will be altered when the steel plate covering the opening cut into it will be raised to accommodate the DFS transporter. The DFS campaign is currently on hold pending resolution of other issues.
Description:
In January 2016, the licensee began work on an engineering change to permanently modify the west wall of Track Alley in order to accommodate the new transporter used for moving the casks associated with the dry fuel storage campaign.
This modification removed a section of the reinforced concrete wall by cutting out an opening approximately 9 feet wide by 4 feet high by 18 inches deep into the existing wall. A three inch thick steel plate was mounted onto vertical rails which can slide down to cover the window cut into the wall and raised to open the window for when the transporter is brought into Track Alley.
The west wall of Track Alley is also the east wall of the Technical Support Center (TSC).
This wall is designed to withstand seismic, high wind, and tornado missile loads. It also serves as a radiation protection barrier for personnel in the TSC during emergency situations. The permanent modification of cutting the opening in the wall and installing the steel plate, to provide equivalent protection of the 18 inches of concrete that were cut out, was evaluated in Engineering Change 59170 and calculation EA-EC59170-01.
The inspectors reviewed these documents, the supporting process applicability determination (50.59 screening), and risk assessment of implementing the design change.
During this review, the inspectors identified that the licensee did not assess the alteration of the wall, a protective barrier with safety functions per the UFSAR, when the steel plate covering the window would need to be raised to accommodate the DFS transporter. The inspectors questioned this condition and the licensee subsequently completed a process applicability determination (PAD) form (72.48 and 50.59 screening). When reviewing the PAD, the inspectors questioned the licensees underlying assumption that moving the steel plate to uncover the window was considered to be in support of a maintenance activity and, hence, screened out of the 50.59 process, including not requiring certain compensatory actions for the walls safety functions during the period of time in which the opening was exposed. At the end of the inspection period the licensee was reviewing their assessment. Once their review is completed, including any changes that may be made, the inspectors will re-assess their evaluation and determine what actions, if any, will need to be accomplished in support of the DFS campaign. Since the campaign is on hold, a URI is being opened to track resolution of this issue. (URI 05000255/2016001-01, Design Review of Modification to Track Alley Wall for Dry Fuel Storage Activities)
1R19 Post-Maintenance Testing
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the following post-maintenance testing activities to verify that procedures and test activities were adequate to ensure system operability and functional capability:
- 1-1 DG test start following replacement of SV-1480, 1B air start motor inlet valve;
- 1-1 DG test start following air start system maintenance (second time);
- MO-7A-1, 1-1 DG technical specification surveillance test, following its biennial maintenance window;
- RO-145 and T-186, B AFW pump surveillance tests, following the B train maintenance window;
- QO-21C and RO-97, C AFW pump surveillance tests, following the C train maintenance window; and
- QO-20B, B low pressure safety injection pump surveillance test, following maintenance.
These activities were selected based upon the SSCs ability to impact risk. The inspectors evaluated these activities for the following (as applicable): the effect of testing on the plant had been adequately addressed, testing was adequate for the maintenance performed; acceptance criteria were clear and demonstrated operational readiness; test instrumentation was appropriate; tests were performed as written in accordance with properly reviewed and approved procedures; equipment was returned to its operational status following testing (temporary modifications or jumpers required for test performance were properly removed after test completion); and test documentation was properly evaluated. The inspectors evaluated the activities against TSs, the UFSAR, 10 CFR Part 50 requirements, licensee procedures, and various NRC generic communications to ensure that the test results adequately ensured that the equipment met the licensing basis and design requirements. In addition, the inspectors reviewed corrective action documents associated with post-maintenance tests to determine whether the licensee was identifying problems and entering them in the CAP and that the problems were being corrected commensurate with their importance to safety. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted six post-maintenance testing sample as defined in IP 71111.19-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1R22 Surveillance Testing
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the test results for the following activities to determine whether risk-significant systems and equipment were capable of performing their intended safety function and to verify testing was conducted in accordance with applicable procedural and TS requirements:
- QO-1, safety injection testing (routine);
- QI-4, pressurizer low pressure safety injection system initiation functional check (routine);
- QO-14B, B service water pump (inservice test);
- RE-137, Bus 1C undervoltage and time delay relay calibration (routine); and
- QI-3, reactor protection matrix logic tests (routine).
The inspectors observed in-plant activities and reviewed procedures and associated records to determine the following:
- did preconditioning occur;
- were the effects of the testing adequately addressed by control room personnel or engineers prior to the commencement of the testing;
- were acceptance criteria clearly stated, sufficient to demonstrate operational readiness, and consistent with the system design basis;
- was plant equipment calibration correct, accurate, and properly documented;
- were as-left setpoints within required ranges, and was the calibration frequency in accordance with TSs, the UFSAR, plant procedures, and applicable commitments;
- was measuring and test equipment calibration current;
- was the test equipment used within the required range and accuracy and were applicable prerequisites described in the test procedures satisfied;
- did test frequencies meet TS requirements to demonstrate operability and reliability;
- were tests performed in accordance with the test procedures and other applicable procedures;
- were jumpers and lifted leads controlled and restored where used;
- were test data and results accurate, complete, within limits, and valid;
- was test equipment removed following testing;
- where applicable for inservice testing activities, was testing performed in accordance with the applicable version of Section XI of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code, and were reference values consistent with the system design basis;
- was the unavailability of the tested equipment appropriately considered in the performance indicator (PI) data;
- where applicable, were test results not meeting acceptance criteria addressed with an adequate operability evaluation, or was the system or component declared inoperable;
- where applicable for safety-related instrument control surveillance tests, was the reference setting data accurately incorporated into the test procedure;
- was equipment returned to a position or status required to support the performance of its safety function following testing;
- were all problems identified during the testing appropriately documented and dispositioned in the licensees CAP;
- where applicable, were annunciators and other alarms demonstrated to be functional and were annunciator and alarm setpoints consistent with design documents; and
- where applicable, were alarm response procedure entry points and actions consistent with the plant design and licensing documents.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted four routine surveillance testing samples and one in-service test sample as defined in IP 71111.22, Sections-02 and-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
1EP6 Drill Evaluation
.1 Emergency Preparedness Drill Observation
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated the conduct of a routine licensee emergency preparedness drill on March 30, 2016, to identify any weaknesses and deficiencies in classification, notification, and protective action recommendation development activities. The inspectors observed emergency response operations in the control room simulator, Technical Support Center, and the Emergency Operation Facility to determine whether the event classification, notifications, and protective action recommendations were performed in accordance with procedures. The inspectors also attended the licensee drill critique to compare any inspector-observed weakness with those identified by the licensee staff in order to evaluate the critique and to determine whether the licensee staff was properly identifying weaknesses and entering them into the CAP. As part of the inspection, the inspectors reviewed the drill package and other documents listed in the to this report.
This emergency preparedness drill inspection constituted one sample as defined in IP 71114.06-06.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
2.
RADIATION SAFETY
2RS1 Radiological Hazard Assessment and Exposure Controls
.1 Radiological Hazard Assessment (02.02)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors assessed whether changes to the stations radiological profile due to operating protocols, primary chemistry changes, and plant modifications were adequately addressed in the licensees Radiation Protection Survey Program. The inspectors conducted walkdowns of various locations and reviewed surveys to evaluate radiological conditions.
These inspection activities constituted one sample as defined in IP 71124.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Instructions to Workers (02.03)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors assessed whether workers were adequately informed of radiological hazards present through radiation work permits, alarming dosimeter setpoints, area postings, and labelling of containers.
These inspection activities constituted one sample as defined in IP 71124.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.3 Contamination and Radioactive Material Control (02.04)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors determined whether workers and materials were adequately assessed for radioactive contamination before leaving the radiologically controlled area(s). Additionally, the inspectors assessed whether sealed sources were adequately identified, stored, and did not leak.
These inspection activities constituted one sample as defined in IP 71124.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.4 Radiological Hazards Control and Work Coverage (02.05)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors observed work in progress and reviewed processes to ensure adequate implementation of:
- Radiological controls;
- Radiation protection job coverage;
- Dosimeter selection and placement;
- Airborne radioactive materials monitoring and controls; and
- Controls for highly activated materials stored in the spent fuel pool.
These inspection activities constituted one sample as defined in IP 71124.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.5 High-Radiation Area and Very-High Radiation Area Controls (02.06)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors observed the physical controls for high-radiation areas and very-high radiation areas. The inspectors ensured the controls prevented an individual from gaining unauthorized access to very-high radiation areas.
These inspection activities constituted one sample as defined in IP 71124.01-05.
b. Findings
Introduction:
A self-revealing finding of very-low safety significance (Green) and an associated NCV of TS 5.7.1, High-Radiation Areas with Dose Rates Not Exceeding 1.0 rem/hour at 30 Centimeters from the Radiation Source or from any Surface Penetrated by the Radiation, was identified. Specifically, the movement of a bag of radioactive material caused an unintended area to become a high-radiation area without the proper posting and barricades.
Description:
On September 27, 2015, a bag of radioactive material trash was generated while performing maintenance work inside an area within containment that was posted and controlled as a high-radiation area. The radiation protection technician (RPT) used a marker to write Trash *10R/500 9/27/15 on the bag. This bag was placed under some lead shielding in the area to help reduce general area dose rates. No log entries were made to ensure other radiation protection personnel were aware of this high dose rate bag. On October 13, 2015, RPTs and a radioactive waste handler (RWH) noticed the bag when removing lead shielding from the area. These individuals moved the bag to another, less occupied, location in containment that was still within the high-radiation area boundaries. On October 14, 2015, RPTs and a RWH again noticed the bag and notified supervision. These individuals then left containment to gather materials and to prepare for the removal of the bag from containment. Shortly after the RPTs and RWH left containment, a nuclear controls operator, who had been instructed to remove any trash from containment in preparations for containment closeout, moved the bag from containment to the personnel air lock, which was not within the established high-radiation area boundaries. A senior reactor operator (SRO) who was consolidating trash at the personnel air lock noticed that a nearby area radiation monitor went into alarm and questioned a nearby RPT about it. The RPT stated that testing of area radiation monitors had been in progress and to disregard the alarm, so no action was taken. The SRO subsequently received a dose rate alarm on his electronic dosimeter with a maximum dose rate of 2160 mrem/hr. The SRO notified an RPT of the alarm and shortly thereafter, RPTs took control of the bag and placed it in a posted and controlled locked high-radiation area. Follow-up surveys on the bag indicated dose rates of 290 mrem/hr at 30 cm and the licensees review of the event determined that the area radiation monitor did go into alarm due to the bag of radioactive material.
Analysis:
The inspectors determined that work activities causing an unintended area to become a high-radiation area without the proper posting and barricades was within the licensees ability to foresee and correct and should have been prevented, therefore constituting a performance deficiency. The performance deficiency was determined to be more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612, Appendix B, Issue Screening, because the performance deficiency impacted the Program and Process attribute of the Occupational Radiation Safety cornerstone, and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring adequate protection of worker health and safety from exposure to radiation. The high dose rate trash bag being removed from a high-radiation area and being placed in an area that was not posted or barricaded as a high-radiation area removed a barrier intended to prevent workers from receiving unexpected dose.
The finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green) in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix C, Occupational Radiation Safety Significance Determination Process, dated August 19, 2008. This assessment was based on:
- (1) it did not involve as-low-as-reasonably-achievable planning or work controls,
- (2) there was no overexposure,
- (3) there was no substantial potential for an overexposure, and
- (4) the ability to assess dose was not compromised.
The inspectors concluded that the cause of the finding involved a cross-cutting component in the Human Performance area of Teamwork because the individuals and work groups involved did not communicate or coordinate their activities within and across organizational boundaries to ensure nuclear safety was maintained. Specifically, radiation protection did not appropriately communicate the hazards associated with the bag to other personnel and operations department personnel did not conduct a sufficient pre-job brief to ensure individuals understand what items could and could not be removed from containment [H.4].
Enforcement:
TS 5.7.1, High-Radiation Areas with Dose Rates Not Exceeding 1.0 rem/hour at 30 Centimeters from the Radiation Source or from any Surface Penetrated by the Radiation, requires in part that entryways to such areas shall be barricaded and conspicuously posted as high-radiation areas.
Contrary to the above, on October 14, 2015, an un-posted and un-barricaded high-radiation area was created when a high dose rate bag of radioactive material was removed from containment. Upon identification, work was stopped and RPTs transferred the bag of radioactive material to a posted and controlled locked high-radiation area. Because this violation was of very low safety significance and was entered into the licensees CAP as CR-PLP-2015-05019, this violation is being treated as an NCV, consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the Enforcement Policy. (NCV 05000255/2016001-02, Movement of Radioactive Material Results in an Unposted and Un-Barricaded High-Radiation Area)
.6 Radiation Worker Performance and Radiation Protection Technician Proficiency (02.07)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors observed radiation workers and radiation protection technicians to assess whether they were aware of the radiological conditions in their workplace and whether their performance reflected the radiological hazards that were present.
These inspection activities constituted one sample as defined in IP 71124.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.7 Identification and Resolution of Problems (02.08)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors assessed whether problems associated with radiation surveys, radiological controls, and exposure control were being identified by the licensee at an appropriate threshold and were properly addressed for resolution. For selected issues, the inspectors assessed the appropriateness of the corrective actions. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed events that were caused by radiation worker error or radiation protection technician error to assess whether the corrective action approach taken by the licensee was adequate to resolve the reported problems.
These inspection activities constituted one sample as defined in IP 71124.01-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
4.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Cornerstones: Initiating Events, Mitigating Systems, Barrier Integrity, Emergency Preparedness, Public Radiation Safety, Occupational Radiation Safety, and Security
4OA1 Performance Indicator Verification
.1 Mitigating Systems Performance IndexHeat Removal System
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the Mitigating Systems Performance Index (MSPI)-Heat Removal System Performance Indicator (PI) (MS08) for the period from the first quarter 2015 through the fourth quarter 2015. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 7, dated August 31, 2013, were used. The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator narrative logs, condition reports, event reports, MSPI derivation reports, and NRC inspection reports for the period of January 2015 through December 2015 to validate the accuracy of the submittals. The inspectors reviewed the MSPI component risk coefficient to determine if it had changed by more than 25 percent in value since the previous inspection, and if so, whether the change was in accordance with applicable NEI guidance. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees CAP database to determine if any problems had been identified with the PI data collected or transmitted for this indicator. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one MSPI-Heat Removal system sample as defined in IP 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Unplanned Scrams Per 7000 Critical Hours
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the Unplanned Scrams Per 7000 Critical Hours PI (IE01) for the period from the first quarter 2015 through the fourth quarter 2015.
To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in NEI 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 7, dated August 31, 2013, were used. The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator narrative logs, condition reports, event reports, and NRC inspection reports for the period of January 2015 through December 2015 to validate the accuracy of the submittals. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees CAP database to determine if any problems had been identified with the PI data collected or transmitted for this indicator. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This inspection constituted one Unplanned Scrams Per 7000 Critical Hours sample as defined in IP 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.3 Unplanned Scrams with Complications
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors sampled licensee submittals for the Unplanned Scrams with Complications PI (IE04) for the period from the first quarter 2015 through the fourth quarter 2015. To determine the accuracy of the PI data reported during those periods, PI definitions and guidance contained in NEI 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Revision 7, dated August 31, 2013, were used.
The inspectors reviewed the licensees operator narrative logs, condition reports, event reports, and NRC inspection reports for the period of January 2015 through December 2015 to validate the accuracy of the submittals. The inspectors also reviewed the licensees CAP database to determine if any problems had been identified with the PI data collected or transmitted for this indicator. Documents reviewed are listed in the to this report.
This inspection constituted one Unplanned Scrams with Complications sample as defined in IP 71151-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
4OA2 Identification and Resolution of Problems
.1 Routine Review of Items Entered into the Corrective Action Program
a. Inspection Scope
As part of the various baseline inspection procedures discussed in previous sections of this report, the inspectors routinely reviewed issues during baseline inspection activities and plant status reviews to verify they were being entered into the licensees CAP at an appropriate threshold, that adequate attention was being given to timely corrective actions, and that adverse trends were identified and addressed. Attributes reviewed included: identification of the problem was complete and accurate, timeliness was commensurate with the safety significance, evaluation and disposition of performance issues, generic implications, common causes, contributing factors, root causes, extent-of-condition reviews, and previous occurrences reviews were proper and adequate, and that the classification, prioritization, focus, and timeliness of corrective actions were commensurate with safety and sufficient to prevent recurrence of the issue.
Minor issues entered into the licensees CAP as a result of the inspectors observations are included in the Attachment to this report.
These routine reviews for the identification and resolution of problems did not constitute any additional inspection samples. Instead, by procedure they were considered an integral part of the inspections performed during the quarter and documented in Section 1 of this report.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.2 Daily Corrective Action Program Reviews
a. Inspection Scope
In order to assist with the identification of repetitive equipment failures and specific human performance issues for follow-up, the inspectors performed a daily screening of items entered into the licensees CAP. This review was accomplished through inspection of the stations daily condition report packages.
These daily reviews were performed by procedure as part of the inspectors daily plant status monitoring activities and, as such, did not constitute any separate inspection samples.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
.3 Annual Follow-up of Selected Issues: Unqualified Members of the Fire Brigade
a. Inspection Scope
During a review of items entered in the licensees CAP, the inspectors reviewed a corrective action item documenting the failure of three Fire Brigade members to participate in the required Fire Brigade drills during calendar year 2015. The licensee identified on January 5, 2016, that these qualified Fire Brigade members did not participate in two drills as required by EN-TQ-125, Fire Brigade Drills. Qualifications for two Fire Brigade members were retroactively suspended from January 1, 2016, until participation in a successful drill was completed on January 6, 2016. It was determined that Fire Brigade qualifications were no longer needed for the third member.
The inspectors reviewed non-licensed operator shift staffing from January 1, 2016, to January 6, 2016, to determine if the minimum required staffing was impacted while the three brigade members had suspended qualifications. The inspectors questioned the Fire Brigade staffing during day shifts on January 4, 2016 and January 5, 2016.
Specifically, during day shift on January 4, 2016, six NPOs were members of the Fire Brigade required contingent. One individual was designated as the Safe Shutdown NPO and the remaining five were designated as Fire Brigade members. Two of those five designated Fire Brigade members had their qualifications retroactively suspended on January 5, 2016. On January 5, 2016, seven NPOs were staffed on day shift, with one NPO designated as Safe Shutdown and the remaining six designated as Fire Brigade members. Two of the designated Fire Brigade NPOs were again those who had their qualifications retroactively suspended. Approximately halfway through the day shift on January 5, 2016, the two NPOs who had their qualifications retroactively suspended were notified of the situation. Upon notification, those NPOs turned over their Fire Brigade positions to qualified NPOs and took over roles for the rest of the shift that did not require Fire Brigade qualification. The licensee documented this issue in the CAP as CR-PLP-2016-00198 and performed an apparent cause evaluation (ACE).
The inspectors reviewed the CAP for complete, accurate, and timely documentation of the identified problem. The inspectors identified that the licensee did not effectively evaluate Fire Brigade staffing from January 1, 2016 to January 6, 2016 when three Fire Brigade members had qualifications retroactively suspended until questioned by the inspectors. Additionally, the inspectors reviewed the ACE for identification of the apparent cause of the problem and corrective actions that were appropriately focused to correct the problem. The licensee determined that the apparent cause was the informal tracking of fire drill completion in a spreadsheet that was not updated frequently or communicated to the NPOs whose Fire Brigade qualifications it was tracking. Corrective actions included the Fire Brigade members with lapsed qualifications successfully participating in a drill to requalify and the licensee updating the operations log to specifically delineate the Fire Brigade membership. The licensee also planned to update the tracking method used to track drill completion by making it part of their computer-based learning management system so that each Fire Brigade member is able to view their qualifications. The inspectors concluded, based on the ACE and interviews with licensee staff, that the corrective actions associated with the above issues were timely and appropriately focused to correct the problem.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This review constituted one in-depth problem identification and resolution sample as defined in IP 71152-05.
b. Findings
Introduction:
An NRC-identified finding of very low safety significance (Green) and an associated NCV of 10 CFR, Part 50, Section 48(c) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 805 Section 3.4.1 was identified for the failure to meet the minimum staffing requirements for the Fire Brigade on January 4 and 5, 2016.
Specifically, two NPOs who had Fire Brigade qualifications suspended stood watch as Fire Brigade members during day shift on January 4, 2016, and approximately one half of day shift on January 5, 2016.
Description:
On January 5, 2016, the licensee identified, while reviewing records, that there were three Fire Brigade members who did not participate in the required number of drills during calendar year 2015 per EN-TQ-125, Fire Brigade Drills. EN-TQ-125, Step 5.3 [2] states, A sufficient number of Fire Brigade drills will be held annually so that each member and Fire Brigade Leader participates in at least two
- (2) fire drills annually.
Upon discovery, the three Fire Brigade members qualifications were retroactively suspended from January 1, 2016, until they were able to successfully participate in a drill on January 6, 2016. The inspectors reviewed shift staffing from January 1, 2016 to January 6, 2016 to determine if staffing was impacted while the three brigade members had suspended qualifications. The inspectors identified that during day shift on January 4, 2016 and approximately half of day shift on January 5, 2016, the licensee did not meet the minimum required complement of Fire Brigade members due to the suspension of the qualifications of the aforementioned NPOs.
NFPA 805, Section 3.4.1, On-Site Fire-Fighting Capability, states, in part, that a fully staffed, trained, and equipped fire-fighting force shall be available at all times to control and extinguish all fires on site. This force shall have a minimum complement of five persons on duty. Additionally, EN-OP-115, Conduct of Operations, Attachment 9.6, Section 1, states, At a minimum, five qualified Fire Brigade members shall be available from the Operations shift to respond to a fire at all times. The designated Safe Shutdown NPO cannot be used to meet this requirement. On January 4, 2016, six NPOs were staffed on day shift. One individual was designated as the Safe Shutdown NPO and the remaining five were designated as Fire Brigade members. Two of those five designated Fire Brigade members had their qualifications retroactively suspended on January 5, 2016. On January 5, 2016, seven NPOs were staffed on day shift, with one NPO designated as the Safe Shutdown NPO and the remaining six NPOs designated as Fire Brigade members. Two of the designated NPOs were again those who had their qualifications retroactively suspended. Approximately halfway through the day shift on January 5, 2016, the two NPOs who had their qualifications retroactively suspended were notified of the situation. Upon notification, those NPOs turned over their Fire Brigade positions to qualified personnel and took over roles for the rest of the shift that did not require Fire Brigade qualification. The licensee entered the issue into their CAP as CR-PLP-2016-00198 and successfully completed a drill on January 6, 2016, to re-qualify two of the three Fire Brigade members. It was determined that the third individual no longer required Fire Brigade member qualification.
Analysis:
The inspectors determined that the failure to properly maintain minimum Fire Brigade staffing requirements was contrary to the requirements of 10 CFR 50.48(c) and NFPA 805 Section 3.4.1 and was a performance deficiency. The inspectors determined that the performance deficiency was more than minor in accordance with IMC 0612 "Power Reactor Inspection Reports," Appendix B, "Issue Screening," dated September 7, 2012, because the performance deficiency was associated with the Protection Against External Factors attribute of the Mitigating Systems cornerstone and adversely affected the cornerstone objective of ensuring the availability, reliability, and capability of systems that respond to initiating events to prevent undesirable consequences (i.e., core damage). Specifically, there could have been an impact to the Fire Brigades ability to respond to a fire because the licensee did not meet the staffing requirements. The finding was screened in accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix A, The Significance Determination Process for Findings At-Power, Exhibit 1, Mitigating Systems Screening Questions, dated July 1, 2012. The inspectors reviewed the Mitigating Systems Screening Questions in IMC 0609, Appendix A, Exhibit 2, and answered Yes to Question D.1, with no items checked in D.1.a. IMC 0609, Appendix A, Exhibit 2 directed the inspectors to IMC 0609, Appendix M, if none of the boxes under D.1.a were checked. In accordance with IMC 0609, Appendix M, Significance Determination Process Using Qualitative Criteria, dated April 12, 2012, the finding was determined to be of very low safety significance (Green). To make this determination, the inspectors reviewed qualitative circumstances associated with the finding, including successful drill performance on January 6, 2016, and the fact that the two individuals who had suspended qualifications were unaware, at the time, that they did not meet the drill training requirements and would have responded to an actual fire. The Fire Brigade was not called upon to respond to a fire during the shifts in question.
The finding had a cross-cutting aspect of Documentation in the Human Performance cross-cutting area because drill completion was tracked informally by the Fire Marshall and was not accessible to Fire Brigade members to individually track drill completion
[H.7].
Enforcement:
Palisades Nuclear Plant Renewed Facility Operating License Condition 2.C(3) requires the licensee to implement and maintain in effect all provisions of the approved fire protection program that comply with 10 CFR 50.48(c), National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA 805, as approved in the safety evaluation dated February 27, 2015. NFPA 805 Section 3.4.1, On-Site Fire-Fighting Capability, states, in part, that a fully staffed, trained, and equipped fire-fighting force shall be available at all times to control and extinguish all fires on-site. This force shall have a minimum complement of five persons on duty.
Contrary to the above, during day shift on January 4, 2016, and approximately one-half of day shift on January 5, 2016, the licensee failed to maintain the minimum Fire Brigade staffing per NFPA 805, as implemented by station procedures. Specifically, two of the required five on-shift Fire Brigade members had their qualifications suspended when it was identified that they did not participate in the required number of annual Fire Brigade drills in calendar year 2015. Because this violation was of very low safety significance and it was entered into the licensees CAP as CR-PLP-2016-00198, NRC Resident Question on Minimum Fire Brigade Manning, it is being treated as an NCV, consistent with Section 2.3.2 of the NRC Enforcement Policy. (NCV 05000255/2016001-03, Failure to Meet the Minimum Staffing Requirements of the Fire Brigade)
4OA3 Follow-Up of Events and Notices of Enforcement Discretion
.1 Feedwater Transient Due to Misaligned Fuse
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the operating crews response to a feedwater transient on December 23, 2015. At approximately 4:02 p.m., operators observed reactor power increasing, along with the loss of indication for seven valves associated with the condensate and feedwater system. Operators entered abnormal operating procedures for main feedwater transients and commenced a rapid power reduction to ensure licensed power limits were not exceeded. The plant was stabilized at approximately 95 percent power. During troubleshooting of the issue, a fuse holder was identified to be not fully seated. This fuse holder was associated with control power that provided position indication for the seven valves mentioned above. It also supplied control power to position two control valves that supplied additional water to the moisture separator drain tank. The loss of the control power to these two valves caused them to fail open, initiating the feedwater transient. The fuse holder was removed and inspected prior to reinstallation in the system.
The licensee performed an ACE and determined that the direct cause of the loss of control power was due to the fuse holder not being properly seated, allowing it to back out of its socket. The licensee conducted an extent of condition walkdown for similar fuse holders in the control room panels to ensure correct installation and alignment. The licensee also implemented training on correct installation of fuse holders. Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment to this report.
This event follow-up review constituted one sample as defined in IP 71153-05.
b. Findings
No findings were identified.
4OA5 Other Activities
.1 (Closed) Unresolved Item 05000255/2013005-07, Periodic Design Basis Testing of
Safety-Related Electrical Components As documented in NRC Inspection Report 05000255/2013005-07, the inspectors identified that it appeared that the licensee was not testing safety-related electrical components to verify their design basis capacity in accordance with Institute of Electrical
& Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 336-1971, and Regulatory Guides 1.30 and 1.33. During follow-up inspection and review, the inspectors noted that the regulatory guides did not contain detailed or specific testing instructions, but only included general guidelines. IEEE-336 included detailed instructions for the installation, inspection, and testing of class 1E power, instrumentation and control equipment at nuclear facilities.
While reviewing the applicability section of IEEE-336, the inspectors noted the standard only applied to the initial installation of new equipment or equipment modifications, or modification of power, instrumentation and control equipment, and systems in a nuclear facility from the time the equipment was turned over for installation until it was declared operable for service; and did not apply to periodic testing and maintenance following initial installation. Therefore, the inspectors concluded the existing periodic testing and maintenance activities performed by the licensee on installed relays and motor starter contactors were adequate. No violation of NRC requirements were identified. This URI is closed.
4OA6 Management Meetings
.1 Exit Meeting Summary
On April 7, 2016, the inspectors presented the inspection results to Mr. A. Vitale, Site Vice President, and other members of the licensee staff. The licensee acknowledged the issues presented. The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary.
.2 Interim Exit Meetings
Interim exits were conducted for:
- The inspection results from the biennial licensed operator requalification program area assessment with Mr. O. Gustafson, Director, Performance Improvement & Regulatory Affairs, and his staff on February 12, 2016;
- The licensed operator annual operator test results with Mr. T. Davis, Regulatory Assurance, via e-mail on February 22, 2016; and
- The inspection results for the radiological hazard assessment and exposure controls area with Mr. D. Nestle, Radiation Protection Manager, on February 12, 2016.
The inspectors confirmed that none of the potential report input discussed was considered proprietary. Proprietary material received during the inspection was returned to the licensee.
4OA7 Licensee-Identified Violations
The following two violations of very low safety significance (Green) were identified by the licensee and are violations of NRC requirements which meet the criteria of the NRC Enforcement Policy for being dispositioned as an NCV.
- Title 10 CFR 50.54(m)(2)(iii), Condition of Licenses, states that when a nuclear power unit is in an operational mode other than cold shutdown or refueling, as defined by the units technical specifications, each licensee shall have a person holding a senior operator license for the nuclear power unit in the control room at all times. TS 5.2.1 states in part, that during any absence of the Shift Supervisor from the control room while the plant is in Mode 1, an individual with an active Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license shall be designated to assume the control room command function. Contrary to the above, at approximately 2:00 a.m. on September 2, 2015, with the unit in Mode 1, the Command SRO left the control room without another SRO being present in the control room and without turning over the command function. A few minutes prior to the event, the shift Command SRO turned over to the Shift Technical Advisor (STA) the Command SRO function of the control room so that the shift Command SRO could take a break outside the control room boundary. A minute or so after the STA (who had the Unit Command SRO function at the time) left the control room, a control room reactor operator observed that there were no SROs in the control room and summoned the Shift Manager from an office across the hall to the control room. The Shift Manager then assumed the Command SRO function and the STA was called back to the control room. This issue was identified by the licensee on September 2, 2015, and documented in CR-PLP-2015-03637, The SRO with Command and Control Momentarily Left the Control Room. There were no risk-significant plant evolutions in progress and no adverse reactor plant operations occurred during the SROs absence. The STA was relieved from shift responsibilities until corrective actions were taken.
The inspectors screened the issue using IMC 0609, Appendix A, The Significance Determination Process for Findings at Power. The inspectors reviewed the screening questions under all three Cornerstones and all of the logic questions did not apply, therefore the finding screened as having a very low safety significance (Green).
- TS Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.0.6 states, in part, that when a supported system LCO is not met solely due to a support system LCO not being met, the Conditions and Required Actions associated with this supported system are not required to be entered; only the support system LCO actions are required to be entered. TS LCO 3.0.6 further specifies that an evaluation shall be performed in accordance with TS 5.5.13, Safety Function Determination Program. Palisades Administrative Procedure 4.11, Safety Function Determination Program, step 5.4.3 requires documentation of entry into TS LCO 3.0.6 for the inoperable supported system in the Operations Log. Contrary to the above, on January 19, 2016, the licensee failed to document entry into TS LCO 3.0.6 in the operations log when work was commenced on breaker 52-1214, Motor Control Center (MCC) 22 and MCC-24 480 Volt feeder breaker. The licensee identified this issue when a similar condition was entered on January 22, 2016 and documented the missed entry into TS LCO 3.0.6 in CR-PLP-2016-00413, Operations Failed to Log Entry into LCO 3.8.1B and LCO 3.5.2B or LCO 3.0.6. The licensee provided coaching to the individuals involved.
The inspectors screened the issue using IMC 0609, Appendix A, The Significance Determination Process for Findings at Power, Exhibit 2, Mitigating System Screening Questions, and answered No to all the questions.
Therefore, the finding screened as having very low safety significance (Green).
ATTACHMENT:
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
KEY POINTS OF CONTACT
Licensee
- A. Vitale, Site Vice President
- A. Williams, General Manager Plant Operations
- T. Mulford, Operations Manager
- B. Baker, Operations Manager - Shift
- J. Borah, Engineering Manager, Systems and Components
- E. Chatfield, Employee Concerns Coordinator
- R. Craven, Production Manager
- T. Davis, Licensing Specialist
- B. Dotson, Acting Regulatory Assurance Manager
- J. Erickson, Licensing Specialist
- D. Nestle, Radiation Protection Manager
- O. Gustafson, Director of Regulatory and Performance Improvement
- J. Hardy, Acting Director of Regulatory and Performance Improvement
- J. Haumersen, Site Projects and Maintenance Services Manager
- G. Heisterman, Maintenance Manager
- M. Lee, Operations Manager - Support
- D. Lucy, Outage Manager
- D. Malone, Emergency Planning Manager
- W. Nelson, Training Manager
- D. Nestle, Radiation Protection Manager
- K. OConnor, Engineering Manager, Design and Programs
- C. Plachta, Nuclear Independent Oversight Manager
- P. Russell, Site Engineering Director
- M. Schultheis, Performance Improvement Manager
- M. Soja, Chemistry Manager
- J. Tharp, Security Manager
- C. Smith, Acting Security Manager
- F. Korfius, Training Superintendent
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- E. Duncan, Chief, Reactor Projects Branch 3
LIST OF ITEMS
OPENED, CLOSED AND DISCUSSED
Opened
- 05000255/2016001-01 URI Design Review of Modification to Track Alley Wall for Dry
Fuel Storage Activities (Section 1R18)
- 05000255/2016001-02 NCV Movement of Radioactive Material Results in an Unposted
and Un-Barricaded High-Radiation Area (Section 2RS1.5)
- 05000255/2016001-03 NCV Failure to Meet the Minimum Staffing Requirements of the
Fire Brigade (Section 4OA2)
Closed
- 05000255/2016001-02 NCV Movement of Radioactive Material Results in an Unposted
and Un-Barricaded High-Radiation Area (Section 2RS1.5)
- 05000255/2016001-03 NCV Failure to Meet the Minimum Staffing Requirements of the
Fire Brigade (Section 4OA2)
- 05000255/2013005-07 URI Periodic Design Basis Testing of Safety-Related Electrical
Components (Section 4OA5.1)
Discussed
None