ML15176A317
| ML15176A317 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Pilgrim |
| Issue date: | 06/24/2015 |
| From: | Lampert M Pilgrim Watch |
| To: | Dean B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| Guzman R | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML15176A318 | List: |
| References | |
| 2.206, LTR-15-0344 | |
| Download: ML15176A317 (24) | |
Text
NRCExecSec Resource From: Mary Lampert <mary.lampert@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 10:44 AM To: Dean, Bill Cc: Nieh, Ho; McKinley, Raymond; NRCExecSec Resource
Subject:
Pilgrim Watch and organizations listed request that NRC's 95002 Supplemental Follow-Up Inspection report 05000293/2015009 issued June 18, 2015 withdrawn and new report issued Attachments: COMMENT NRC 06.18.15 PNPS SUP INSP REPORT 06.24.15.pdf; 2 206 PETITION EMERGENCY PLANNING PW CAPE DOWNWINDERS 06 .03.15.pdf Hello:
Please find attached Pilgrim Watch and organizations listed request that NRC's 95002 Supplemental Follow-Up Inspection report 05000293/2015009 issued June 18, 2015 is withdrawn and a new report issued.
If you have trouble downloading the attachments, please call Mary Lampert at 781-934-0389.
Courtesy of receipt by return email appreciated.
Thank you and enjoy the day.
Mary 1
William Dean Ho Nieh Raymond McKinley US NRC Via Email June 24, 2015 RE: PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION - NRC 95002 SUPPLEMENTAL FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION REPORT 05000293/2015009 (June 18, 2015)
Pilgrim Watch and organizations listed below request that NRCs 95002 Supplemental Follow-Up Inspection report 05000293/2015009 issued June 18, 2015 is withdrawn and a new report issued. Our reasons are as follows:
Report Is Self-Contradictory and Makes No Sense For example towards the bottom of page (7) there are two sentences back to back that say:
- 1. Activities to perform the effectiveness reviews were already assigned in CR-PNP-2013-0798 but were not completed.
- 2. The inspectors determined that the incomplete effectiveness review was completed with supportable conclusions.
The first sentence says that the effectiveness reviews were not completed; the second sentence says that the incomplete effective review was completed. Therefore it is unclear if whether the effectiveness review is complete or incomplete. In the second sentence, the NRC wrote that the incomplete effective review was completed. Does this mean that the complete effectiveness review was incomplete?
The CAP Situation Described on Page 5-6 is Inconsistent The NRC said that RCE CR-PNP-2013-5939 did not identify a root or contributing cause.
The bottom of page 5 records two additional NRC concerns with the condition report (CR) and its root cause evaluation (RCE).
The top of page 6 indicates that Entergy responded to the NRC's many problems with its corrective action process (CAP) by entering CR-PNP-2015-04443 into the CAP.
The NRC conducts a supplemental follow-up inspection into previous findings of a deficient Corrective Action Process, identifies even more deficiencies, and dismisses them because Entergy entered them into the known-to-be-broken-and-now-verified-not-to-be-fixed Corrective Action Process.
This does not look like regulatory oversight.
NRC provides No Information to Assure Entergys Fixes are either real or timely Icing in Switchyard: The report says that Entergy plans to address the icing in the switchyard with portable heaters, pressure washing and /or manual brushing.
Regarding the heaters: The report fails to say whether Entergy is buying more heaters; and if so will there be a sufficient number and whether the plan to store them are in locations that they can be brought to the yard in a time effective manner in a severe winter storm; or, are they dragging the heater(s) around and refreezing behind it? How many heaters does the NRC feel are sufficient to avoid re-freezing? Has NRC analyzed the storage location of the heaters and time required under harsh conditions to transport the heaters to location?
Regarding Power Washing: There is no explanation how power washing avoids re-freezing. If heaters are the answer; again, how many are required? Where is the water to power wash coming from? What assurance does NRC have that the power washing equipment and personnel can get to location in a severe winter storm, like Juno?
Brushing: How can the NRC assure energized lines will not be mistakenly brushed by Entergy workers manually brushing lines in the switchyard? What assurance does NRC have that the personnel can get to location in a severe winter storm, like Juno?
2
Commenters conclude that the real solution is to enclose the switchyard. The switchyard faces northeast, into the eye of the storm, and the surrounding hills channel the wind and spray into it.
Insulator Service Life Issue Although the report says that the Doble Engineering, the testing company, said that the insulator expected service life was (30) years and therefore all insulators should be tested, Entergy decided not to follow its advice and got into trouble. The Supplemental Report says that Entergy will test them all by 2016. We see this as a lack of commitment for not doing testing in the first place (money); a relaxed schedule to finally get it done; and invitation by the NRC to the industry to run equipment to failure.
The NRC and its Office of Inspector General (OIG) both chronicled this problem. David Lochbaum, Union of Concerned Scientists, blogged about it ( http://allthingsnuclear.org/nuclear-plants-and-nuclear-excuses-this-is-getting-old/) and outlined how the NRC and its OIG found that some owners replace components before the service lifetimes while other owners run equipment to failure. While NRC prefers the former, they don't sanction the latter. Bottom line -
NRC inaction is driving more and more owners toward bad behavior.. Lochbaum concludes that the NRC seems pleased to allow the practice to continue until it kills someone, and then use those deaths to ask the industry to change its ways.
Report Again Ignores Emergency Planning during JUNO - No Reasonable Assurance The January 27, 2015 Winter Storm Juno resulted in significant problems at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. The storm itself caused a Loss of the Offsite Power (LOOP) that is required to operate Pilgrims safety systems, and this was followed by numerous equipment and operator failures at the reactor.1 The Scram occurred on January 27 at 04:02 and the HPSI was declared inoperable at 09:48. But on January 26 at 12:55, Governor Baker announced a state of emergency and travel ban. (See Attachment A to the attached 2.206 Petition) The NRC did not require Pilgrim to shut down, as it should have. It was apparent that there was no reasonable 1
Subject:
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station - NRC Special Inspection Report 05000293/2015007; and Preliminary White Finding, May 27,2015 3
assurance regarding emergency planning. The attached 2.206 Enforcement Petition shows that the NRC shifted responsibility to FEMA and MEMA saying that they informed the NRC that there was reasonable assurance that the state was capable of implementing its emergency plan, including evacuation. Who is not telling the truth - NRC, FEMA and/or MEMA? There is no shifting responsibility. The buck stops with the NRC and no one would believe that NRC Resident Inspectors and the agency were ignorant about the Governors travel ban.
Therefore, the NRC should amend its May 27, 2015 Inspection Report and the June 18, 2015 Supplemental Report to explicitly state that during Juno there was no reasonable assurance that the State was capable of implementing their emergency plan, including evacuation. Pilgrim was out-of-compliance by continuing to operate after the Governors announcement; and for all practical purposes should have voluntarily shut down as a precautionary measure before. We believe a White Finding is appropriate in the Emergency Preparedness cornerstone in next years ROP.
Thank you for your consideration; we respectfully request a response to issues raised.
Mary Lampert Pilgrim Watch, Director 148 Washington Street - Duxbury, MA 02332 Tel 781-934-0389/ Email: mary.lampert@comcast.net Karen Vale Jones River Watershed Association 55 Landing Road, Kingston, MA 02364, Tel 781-585-2322/ Email: karen@capecodbaywatch.org Diane Turco, Cape Downwinders/MA Downwinders 157 Long Road, Harwich, MA 02645 Tel 508-776-3132/tturco@comcast.net Rebecca Chin Co-Chair Town of Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee 31 Deerpath Trail, North-Duxbury, MA 02332 Tel. 781-837-0009 /Email: rebeccajchin@hotmail.com Heather Lightner & Norm Pierce Concerned Neighbors of Pilgrim 54 Settlers Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 Tel. 401-578-4189/Email: heather@concernedneighborsofpilgrim.org 4
June 11, 2015 Executive Director for Operations U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 By Mail & Email: NrcExecSec@nrc.gov PILGRIM WATCH, CAPE DOWNWINDERS AND THE TOWN OF DUXBURY NUCLEAR MATTERS COMMITTEE 2.206 PETITION TO MODIFY, SUSPEND, OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION TO THE OPERATING LICENSE OF PILGRIM STATION UNTIL THE NRC CAN PROVIDE REASONABLE ASSURANCE THAT ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE MEASURES BASED ON ACCURATE INFORMATION CAN AND WILL BE TAKEN TO SATISFY THE NRCS OBLIGATION TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY I. INTRODUCTION Pursuant to §2.206 of Title 10 the Code of Federal Regulations, Pilgrim Watch (Hereafter PW) and Cape Downwinders (Hereinafter CD), on behalf of their members, and the Town of Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee (Hereinafter DNAC) request that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) institute a proceeding to modify, suspend or take any other action1 as may be proper and necessary relative to the operating license of Pilgrim Station and the NRCs reliance on third-party information in order that the NRC can provide reasonable assurance that adequate protective measures can and will be taken in the event of a radiological emergency at Pilgrim Station.
During the January 27, 2015 winter storm Juno that resulted in a LOOP followed by equipment 2
and operator failures at Pilgrim, FEMA and MEMA falsely informed the NRC that there was reasonable assurance that the state was capable of implementing its emergency plan, including 1
NRC Enforcement actions include: notices of violation, civil penalties, orders, notice of nonconformance, confirmatory action letters, letters of reprimand, and demand for action.
2
Subject:
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station - NRC Special Inspection Report 05000293/2015007; and Preliminary White Finding, May 27,2015
evacuation.
The NRC relied on this false information. Because it did so, the NRC, on which ultimate responsibility rests, was not able to perform its mission to ensure adequate protective actions are in place to protect the health and safety of the public in the event of a radiological emergency.
In fact there was no reasonable assurance of the availability of evacuation routes adequate for protecting the public health and safety during the storm event.
The NRC has already determined that Pilgrim is a troubled plant that requires far more supervision and inspection. To be able correctly to determine whether Pilgrims Radiological Emergency Plan and Procedures provide reasonable assurance, particularly in severe weather or in the event of yet another Pilgrim personnel or equipment failure, NRC needs to send its own team to Pilgrim to reevaluate the adequacy of Pilgrims plans and procedures, in consultation with the local emergency management directors, department heads, and public - not simply with Entergy, FEMA and MEMA.
II. STATEMENT OF PETITIONERS INTEREST Petitioners Pilgrim Watch and Cape Downwinders are environmental, public health and safety organizations with members who are concerned that current NRC emergency planning requirements are not adequate to protect their health and safety in the event of an accident at the plant. Pilgrim Watch (PW) is located at 148 Washington Street, Duxbury, Massachusetts, 02332. Duxbury is within the Pilgrim 10-mile EPZ. Its membership extends throughout the Commonwealth. Cape Downwinders membership extends throughout the Commonwealth with the majority of its members on Cape Cod. Cape Cod is connected to the mainland by two bridges, closed to outgoing traffic in a radiological emergency. Often it is downwind from 2
Pilgrim Station. The Town of Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee is appointed by the Duxbury Board of Selectmen to review radiological emergency plans and procedures and other issues at Pilgrim that impact the town. Duxbury is in the Pilgrim EPZ.
III. FACTS IN SUPPORT OF THE PETITION A. Agency Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Planning:3 A key component of the NRCs mission is to ensure that adequate protective actions are in place to protect the health and safety of the public. Protective actions are taken to avoid or reduce radiation dose and are sometimes referred to as protective measures. FEMAs (DHS) role and responsibility is to evaluate if nuclear plant offsite emergency plans are adequate to protect public health and safety for NRCs review in order for NRC to ensure adequate protective actions are in place. State and local governments implement appropriate protective actions for the public during a nuclear power plant radiological emergency.
The NRC relies on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA or DHS) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to provide a reasonable assurance finding that the States plan, including the availability of evacuation routes, is adequate for protecting the public health and safety, particularly if there is a potential challenge to the offsite infrastructure within the 10 mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) in a severe weather event. (Email of March 30, 2015 from Cheryl Khan to Diane Turco, Attachment 1)
B. NRC , FEMA and MEMA Failures of Responsibility In a February 2, 2015 letter to the NRC, Cape Downwinders, Pilgrim Coalition, Cape Cod Bay Watch and Concerned Neighbors of Pilgrim requested that Pilgrim be kept shut down during a 3
See http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness/protect-public.html 3
severe winter storm due to an inability to implement emergency response plans, if needed, during events such as the January, 2015 winter storm.
Carol Khan, an NRC Senior Project Engineer, responded to that letter on March 30, 2015 (Attachment 1). Ms. Khans response shows that FEMA and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) provided the NRC with false statements assuring NRC that there was reasonable assurance that the state was capable of implementing its emergency plan, including evacuation, based upon their consultation with emergency management agencies within the 10 mile EPZ. Specifically Ms. Khan said at 2 (email attached) that:
During the recent Massachusetts snow storms, the NRC was in continuous contact with FEMA and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). In consultation with town emergency management agencies within the 10 mile EPZ, the State and FEMA provided the NRC a reasonable assurance finding that the State was capable of implementing their emergency plan, including evacuation.
The indisputable fact is that there was no such direct consultation to determine the towns readiness, and that MEMA knew the state was not capable of implementing their emergency plan, including evacuation. A state-wide travel ban was in effect. As shown by Attachment B, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker had declared a state of emergency, including a travel ban, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts due to Winter Storm Juno. In his televised announcement, The Governor said:
White-out conditions and treacherous roads will make driving anywhere extremely dangerous I repeat, driving will be virtually impossible in many areas for extended periods starting late tonight and through much of tomorrow.
I can't stress this part enough. Please stay off the roads. Everyone should expect impassable roads across the state.
We are also preparing for major coastal flooding along our entire coastline. High tide is conveniently coming at about 4 a.m. in most places, which will be right at the peak of the 4
storm and the threat of coastal flooding is very real. We can see damage to coastal roads as well.
It's extremely important that everyone stay off the roads.
We have declared a state of emergency effective immediately. We will implement a state wide travel ban.
He announced the state of emergency at a press conference held at Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) headquarters in Framingham.
Does anyone really believe that MEMA, FEMA and NRC did not know this?
MEMA Spokesperson discusses travel ban during storm Which agency(s) is not telling the truth - NRC, FEMA, or MEMA?
During the storm event, neither FEMA nor MEMA directly contacted Duxburys Emergency Management Director (EMD) to inquire about the towns readiness. Had they done so, the Duxbury EMD would have told them that during the particularly severe weather event there was no reasonable assurance that Duxbury could implement its emergency evacuation plan.
During the storm, Duxburys EMD told Entergy that Duxbury could not implement its 5
evacuation component of the plan due to the snow amounts.
After Cape Downwinders received Ms. Khans email, Mr. William Mauer, a member of Cape Downwinders and Pilgrim Coalition, asked the Town of Duxburys Emergency Management Director, Chief Kevin Nord, if FEMA or MEMA had contacted him for consultation during Juno informing him of events unfolding at Pilgrim and asking him of his assessment/assurance of Duxburys Emergency Management Agencys ability to implement the plans including evacuation. Duxburys Fire Chief and Emergency Management Directors response flatly contradicted Ms. Khan. He said in conference calls with Entergy, It was stated clearly that the days following the storm that Duxbury could not implement its evacuation component of the plan due to the snow amounts. He also said that if he had been asked about the towns capability in the days leading up to the storm, I would have reported that during that particular weather event I as Duxburys EMD did not have reasonable assurance I could implement the plan during that snow event. The EMDs reply in full said:
From: "Chief Kevin M. Nord" <nord@town.duxbury.ma.us>
To: "William Maurer" <wmmaurer@comcast.net>
Cc: "Aaron Wallace" <awallace@townhall.plymouth.ma.us>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2015 7:57:54 AM
Subject:
RE: Pilgrim: Storm Juno
Dear Mr. Maurer,
In response to your two questions as listed below I have the following information.
Did MEMA and/or FEMA or anyone for that matter contact you for consultation during Juno informing you of the events unfolding at Pilgrim (precautionary powering down, then LOOP then emergency shutdown); and for an assessment/assurance of your ability to implement Pilgrim emergency plans, including evacuation?
Entergy did inform Duxbury of the LOOP and Emergency shutdown and following that event Entergy did host conference calls daily with EMDs, these conference calls varied between one and two times a day with the culmination of preparing to 6
repower and reviewing their assessment benchmarks for the ability of communities to meet their obligation regarding the RERP. It was stated clearly that the days following the storm that Duxbury could not implement its evacuation component of the plan due to the snow amounts.
Additionally, I have no recall or evidence that Entergy reached out to Duxbury in the days leading up to the storm or leading up to the emergency, as if they had I would have reported that during that particular weather event I as Duxburys EMD did not have reasonable assurance I could implement the plan during that snow event. I hope this helps. (Emphasis added)
The statements in Ms. Khans reports about what FEMA and MEMA did and told the NRC are flatly contradicted by Chief Nord.
Reporting what the NRC had been told by FEMA and MEMA, Ms. Khan said, In consultation with town emergency management agencies within the 10 mile EPZ, the State and FEMA provided the NRC a reasonable assurance finding that the State was capable of implementing their emergency plan, including evacuation.
Chief Nord, EMD Duxbury, said that he stated clearly that the days following the storm that Duxbury could not implement its evacuation component of the plan due to the snow amounts (and) during that particular weather event I as Duxburys EMD did not have reasonable assurance I could implement the plan during that snow event.
In short, FEMA and MEMA failed to do what they were supposed to do. They compounded their failure by falsely telling (or at best inexcusably misleading) the NRC that despite Juno, the State was capable of implementing their emergency plan, including evacuation.
The NRC then relied on false information given it by FEMA and MEMA, and without making any independent inquiry (or apparently even listening to the weather news or reading Boston-areas newspapers), blithely concluded that Duxbury could be evacuated according to plan despite the storm.
7
The inescapable conclusion from the actual facts is that the public did not have reasonable assurance during the January 27 storm. This fact is underscored by State Senator Daniel Wolf and State Representative Sarah Peake in a June 1, 2015 letter to Undersecretary and Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kurt Swartz that said:
There is consensus that such evacuation plans could not be implemented during serious storm events, including even moderate snowfalls. Therefore, MEMA should direct the nuclear p o w e r station to power down and go offline during any meteorological event that makes evacuation infeasible or impossible. Obviously, any time state government institutes travel bans or travel restrictions for Southeastern Massachusetts, this should apply. In addition, should travel conditions significantly reduce speed, visibility, and road quality, this directive should be implemented. MEMA should create a clear policy as to when and how this order would be issued. Implementing this policy is not suggesting that every significant storm would create a public safety issue at Pilgrim. It is acknowledging that if any public safety issue did arise during such an event, either related to weather or coincidental, MEMA would not be able to implement the evacuation and emergency response procedures it is required to have in place. (Attachment C)
Petitioners appreciate that MEMA does not have the authority to order Pilgrim shut during any meteorological event that makes evacuation infeasible or impossible. NRC does have the authority and should do so. In addition, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station - NRC Special Inspection Report 05000293/2015007; and Preliminary White Finding, May 27, 2015 Inspection Report requires an amendment to state the fact that there was no reasonable assurance.
Neither the public nor the NRC can assume that this is the only time that FEMA and MEMA have provided false or intentionally misleading information to NRC regarding the adequacy of Pilgrims Radiological Emergency Plan and Procedures. Misinformation is likely to result in NRC incorrectly determining that the radiological emergency plan and procedures provide reasonable assurance when in fact they do not.
Neither the public nor NRC now has any reason to trust the assessments of either FEMA or 8
MEMA, or NRC decisions that rely on any information from either.
These facts lead to three conclusions:
- 1. Emergency plans in winter storms conditions cannot ensure adequate protective actions are in place to protect the health and safety of the public. To believe otherwise would be basing that assessment on patently false information from FEMA and MEMA. In order to provide reasonable assurance in winter storm conditions Pilgrim Station must be required via a license amendment to shutdown, as a precautionary measure. The Juno event proved conclusively that evacuation is not possible in a severe winter storm. Severe storms are not a one-time event. Winter storms are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change; history has shown that Pilgrims switchyard is vulnerable to failures during storms and successful corrective actions are yet to be devised.
- 2. The NRC must add the fact that there was no reasonable assurance to NRCs May 27, 2015 Inspection Report for the record.
- 3. The NRC relies on FEMA and MEMA to provide reasonable assurance that the States plan, including the availability of evacuation routes, protects public health and safety.
The information FEMA and MEMA provide to the NRC must accurately reflect reality.
When, as during Juno, the NRC is given and relies on false information, the NRC cannot perform its mission and take necessary protective actions. The NRC bears the ultimate responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public.
- 4. There is no basis for the NRC or the public to assume that FEMAs and MEMAs false reports during Junos storm are an isolated event. Therefore there is no basis at present for NRCs determination that Pilgrims Radiological Emergency Plans provide adequate 9
protective actions to protect the health and safety of the public.
IV. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
- 1. The NRC should send a team to Pilgrim and itself reevaluate the adequacy of the plan and procedures, in consultation with the local emergency management directors, department heads, and public because FEMAs and MEMAs assessments have been shown to be untrustworthy.
In the early 1990s under Chairman Carr the NRC sent such a team to Pilgrim and itself reviewed the adequacy of Pilgrims plans and procedures. Only by doing so again, as part of its special Pilgrim reviews and inspections, can NRC perform its duty to ensure adequate protective actions are in place to protect the health and safety of the public.
- 2. The NRC should investigate the failure of FEMA and MEMA to provide correct information relative to evacuation during Juno; and take all steps necessary to insure that FEMA, MEMA and Entergy recognize the importance of providing complete and accurate information, and will do so in the future.
- 3. The NRC should require, by agreement or amendment of its operating license, that Pilgrim make a precautionary shut down when severe weather conditions are forecast or present.
- 4. The NRC should amend its May 27, 2015 Inspection Report to explicitly state that during Juno there was no reasonable assurance that the State was capable of implementing their emergency plan, including evacuation.
V. CONCLUSION According to NRCs website page on emergency preparedness, A key component of the mission of the NRC is to ensure adequate protective actions are in place to protect the health and 10
safety of the public. Protective actions are taken to avoid or reduce radiation dose and are sometimes referred to as protective measures.
The petitioners have shown that adequate protective measures were not in place during winter storm Juno, the May 27, 2015 NRC Inspection Report needs to be corrected to reflect that fact; FEMA and MEMA provided false information to NRC saying that adequate plans were in place; and because FEMA and MEMA showed that their assessments cannot be trusted, NRC must conduct a thorough review of Pilgrims Radiological Emergency Plan and Procedures to ensure adequate protective measures are in place.
With one possible exception, the NRC had not granted a section 2.206 petitioner the substantive relief it sought for at least 37 years. Judge Rosenthal of the ASLB accurately said that, where truly substantive relief is being sought (i.e., some affirmative administrative action taken with respect to the licensee or license), there should be no room for a belief on the requesters part that the pursuit of such a course is either being encouraged by Commission officialdom or has a fair chance of success."4 We truly hope that Judge Rosenthal will be proven wrong and this petition will be granted.
Respectfully submitted on June 11, 2015, Mary Lampert Pilgrim Watch, Director 148 Washington Street - Duxbury, MA 02332 Tel 781-934-0389/ Email: mary.lampert@comcast.net William Maurer Cape Downwinders 140 Gifford Street -Falmouth, MA 02540 Tel. 508-548-6221/Email: wmmaurer@comcast.net 4
Memorandum And Order (Denying Petitions For Hearing), LBP-12-14, July 10, 2012, Additional Comments of Judge Rosenthal ( See NRCs EHD Docket EA-12-05-/12-51) 11
Diane Turco Cape Downwinders 157 Long Road -Harwich, MA 02645 Tel 508-776-3132/Email: tturco@comcast.net Rebecca Chin Co-Chair Town of Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee 31 Deerpath Trail, North-Duxbury, MA 02332 Tel. 781-837-0009/Email: rebeccajchin@hotmail.com 12
ATTACHMENT A From: "Khan, Cheryl" <Cheryl.Khan@nrc.gov>
Date: March 30, 2015 10:36:31 AM EDT To: "Diane Turco (tturco@comcast.net)" <tturco@comcast.net>
Cc: "McKinley, Raymond" <Raymond.McKinley@nrc.gov>
Subject:
FW: Pilgrim Response Ms. Turco, I was recently informed by NRCs IT group that you may not have received the below Email. So, I am resending it to ensure you receive our response to your original Email.
- Regards, Cheryl Khan From: Khan, Cheryl Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 4:03 PM To: 'Diane Turco' Cc: McKinley, Raymond
Subject:
Pilgrim Response Cape Downwinders Pilgrim Coalition Cape Code Bay Watch Concerned Neighbors of Plymouth
Dear Ms. Turco:
I am responding to your February 2, 2015, emailed letter to Mr. Stephen Burns, NRC Chairman, Mr. Raymond McKinley, Branch Chief in the Region I Division of Reactor Projects and Mr. Neil Sheehan, Public Affairs Officer in Region I, requesting that Pilgrim be kept shut down based on issues discussed in your letter. This letter was sent on behalf of the four named groups above.
Your letter discussed, in part, a January 26, 2015, NRC inspection report as well as the events surrounding the January 27, 2015, Pilgrim shutdown during a severe winter storm.
The NRCs decision making process for our oversight of licensee performance is in accordance with the Reactor Oversight Process (ROP) as described in NRC Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 0305,Operating Reactor Assessment Program.
http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML1419/ML14198A117.pdf Prior to issuance of the January 26, 2015, inspection report, Pilgrim was in the Degraded Cornerstone of the IMC 0305 Action Matrix due to two White performance indicators (PIs) in the Initiating Events cornerstone. As a result, a supplemental inspection was performed in late 2014 and the results of this inspection were documented in the January 26 inspection report. The inspectors determined that, in general, Entergys problem identification, cause evaluation, and corrective action plans for the White PIs were adequate. However, they identified deficiencies regarding Entergys execution of corrective actions as well as Entergys understanding of some of the causes of the issues. As a result, the inspectors determined that Entergys actions did not provide the assurance level required to meet all the inspection objectives and the NRC assigned two parallel White PI inspection findings. In addition, two 13
findings of very low safety significance (Green) were identified during this inspection. The two parallel White PI inspection findings led to Pilgrim remaining in the Degraded Cornerstone of the Action Matrix as documented in the January 26 inspection report. This condition (i.e., two White inspection findings in the same cornerstone) warrants continued increased NRC oversight since licensee performance is outside the normal performance range, but still represents an acceptable level of performance. Cornerstone objectives are still met with minimal reduction in safety margin. This condition does not lead to an indicated need for the plant to remain shut down. The NRC will resume the supplemental inspection at Pilgrim when the licensee notifies the NRC of their readiness. In addition, the NRC will continue to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of the licensees efforts to address challenges in corrective action program (CAP) implementation during the next NRC biennial problem identification and resolution inspection, scheduled for August 2015.
Your February 2, 2015, letter also discussed the January 27, 2015, plant shutdown and equipment issues experienced during the shutdown, including the partial loss of offsite power. As a result of this shutdown and related equipment issues, the NRC launched a special inspection on February 2. The event and related issues are being evaluated and the results of the NRC inspection will be made publicly available within 45 days of the inspections completion. In accordance with the ROP, the inspection results will be factored into the NRCs assessment of Pilgrim and their position in the Action Matrix.
Appropriate followup actions will be determined at that time. Please keep in mind that although equipment issues were experienced during the shutdown, the reactor was safely shut down.
Your letter also identified concerns with the licensees decision not to shut down prior to the severe winter storm. All nuclear power plants have procedures that dictate how they have to respond to a significant storm. For example, limits on wind speed are defined in the plants Emergency Action Levels and the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report. The plants Technical Specifications do not contain explicit limits with respect to wind speed, but the operability of the associated systems can be impacted by external events which may require a plant shutdown. Prior to the winter storm, the licensee evaluated a number of options including a preemptive shutdown. There was potential for reduced grid reliability associated with shutting down preemptively, and there was a plant trip risk associated with operating during the storm. The licensee evaluated their options and made an informed decision. The decision to continue to operate was within the conditions of their license. We were aware of their considerations.
During a subsequent storm, in February 2015, the licensee factored in additional considerations based on lessons learned from the earlier winter storm. In this case, they voluntarily decided to shut down before the storm. It was not an action sought or required by the NRC. With that said, given the forecast intensity of this particular storm, and in light of other challenges Pilgrim has experienced during the prior severe winter storm, this planned and orderly shutdown in advance of the approaching blizzard was a prudent precautionary action.
You identified a concern with the ability to implement the emergency response plans, if needed, during the January winter storm. The NRC works in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for ensuring the onsite and offsite emergency plans are adequate. The regulation of onsite emergency response falls 14
within the NRCs purview, while the offsite oversight responsibility rests with FEMA.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has the overall authority for making protective action decisions (sheltering, evacuation, etc.) for ensuring the safety of their public during a radiological event.
Should at any time there be a potential challenge to the offsite infrastructure within the 10 mile emergency planning zone (EPZ), whether in a radiological or natural disaster (e.g. severe weather event), the NRC relies on FEMA in agreement with the State to provide a reasonable assurance finding that the States plan, including the availability of evacuation routes, is adequate for protecting the public health and safety.
During the recent Massachusetts snow storms, the NRC was in continuous contact with FEMA and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). In consultation with town emergency management agencies within the 10 mile EPZ, the State and FEMA provided the NRC a reasonable assurance finding that the State was capable of implementing their emergency plan, including evacuation. For additional information regarding the States process for determining the adequacy of the EPZ, you may contact the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at (508) 8202000. (Emphasis added)
With respect to the Jones River Watershed Associations (JRWA) Elevation Analysis which was recently submitted to the NRC, the NRC intends to continue with the established process and not delay the licensees submittal of the flood hazard reevaluation report for Pilgrim. The information available to the NRC indicates Entergy has been responding appropriately to the NRCs March 12, 2012, Request for Information and associated guidance regarding its flooding reanalysis. The JWRA information that was submitted to the NRC was forwarded to the technical and project management staff who will be reviewing the licensees submittal. If the NRC staff identifies any technical inadequacies or regulatory concerns in its review of Pilgrims submitted flood hazard reevaluation report, then the NRC will address them through appropriate regulatory processes. Also, in response to one of your questions, during the winter storm in January, there was no impact to the site from storm surge and wave action.
Lastly, with respect to your questions associated with the FLEX plan, the NRC review and evaluation of Entergys plan is still ongoing. The questions you raised in your letter will be forwarded to the technical and project management staff who are reviewing Entergys submittal.
Thank you for making us aware of your concerns. If you have any additional questions, please contact Ray McKinley (Raymond.McKinley@nrc.gov Cheryl Khan
Cheryl Khan Senior Project Engineer US Nuclear Regulatory Commission RI/DRP/TSAB Cheryl.khan@nrc.gov 6103375244 15
ATTACHMENT B HTTP://WWW.WCVB.COM/WEATHER/STATE-OF-EMERGENCY-IN-EFFECT-TRAVEL-BAN-IMPOSED/30924606 VIDEO TRANSCRIPT NOW THE GOVERNOR IS ADDRESSING THE STATE FROM FRAMINGHAM AND LET'S LISTEN IN. YESTERDAY MORNING OUR ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, AND THE MASS EMERGENCY AGENCY AND LOCAL OFFICIALS, THE SOMEPLACE AND WITH MEMBERS OF OUR CABINET TO PREPARE FOR THIS STORM. BASED ON DEPENDABLE FORECASTING MODELS, THE COMMONWEALTH WILL EXPERIENCE EXTREME SNOWFALL, HURRICANE FORCE WINDS, AND BLIZZARD CONDITIONS FOR A N EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. WE ARE ANTICIPATING A HISTORIC TOP FIVE STORM BASED ON PROJECTED SNOWFALL. THE STORM WILL RESULT IN WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES THAT MAY EXIST FOR MULTIPLE DAYS DUE TO THE HARD WIND, WHICH IN MANY CASES WILL PREVENT UTILITY CREWS FROM OPERATING. AND THE OUTAGES ARE LIKELY T O BE WORSE IN PLYMOUTH, BRISTOL, AND BARNSTABLE COUNTIES DUE TO WETTER SNOW AND THE HIGH WINDS THAT THEY EXPECT TO HAVE THERE. WITH RESPECT TO THE SNOW ITSELF, WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS AND TREACHEROUS ROADS WILL MAKE DRIVING ANYWHERE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STARTING AROUND MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AND EXTENDING THROUGH MOST OF TUESDAY. I REPEAT, DRIVING WILL BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE IN MANY AREAS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS STARTING LATE TONIGHT AND THROUGH MUCH OF TOMORROW. I URGE EVERYONE EXCEPT ESSENTIAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND TRANSPORTATION WORKERS TO STAY OFF THE ROADS 16
UNTIL THE SNOW HAS PASSED. I CAN'T [ST]RESS THIS PART ENOUGH. PLEASE STAY OFF THE ROADS. EVERYONE SHOULD EXPECT IMPASSABLE ROA DS ACROSS THE STATE STARTING AT AROUND MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AND THROUGH MUCH OF TUESDAY. WE ARE ALSO PREPARING FOR MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING ALONG OUR ENTIRE COASTLINE. HIGH TIDE IS CONVENIENTLY COMING AT ABOUT 4 A.M. IN MOST PLACES, WHICH WILL BE RIGHT AT THE PEAK OF THE STORM AND THE THREAT OF COASTAL FLOODING IS VERY REAL. WE CAN SEE DAMAGE TO COASTAL ROADS AS WELL AND STRUCTURES ALONG THE COAST AND I URGE EVERYONE TO TAKE THE NECES SARY PRECAUTIONS IN LOW LYING COASTAL AREAS. SOME PLACES COULD EXPER IENCE 75 MILE AN HOUR GUSTS, OTHER PLACES 50 TO 60 MILE PER HOUR WINDS ON A SUSTAINED BASIS. THIS WILL TAKE DOWN TREES, AFFECT POWER LINES, AND MAKE DRIVING TREACHEROUS. IT'S EXTRE MELY IMPORTANT THAT EVERYONE STAY OFF THE ROADS. TODAY I AM AN NOUNCING THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS AND WILL GO INTO FURTHER DETAIL ABOUT EACH INITIATIVE. WE HAVE DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. WE WILL IMPLEMENT A STATE WIDE TRAVEL BAN EFFECTIVE TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT. ON TUESDAY, ALLSTATE OFFICES, BUT NOT ALLSTATE FACILITIES WILL BE CLOSED. THE MBTA WILL OPERATE ON A NORMAL SCHEDULE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY TODAY AND ON TUESDAY WE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED. ADDITIONALLY,LL ALSO BE CLOSED.
ADDITIONALLY, I'LL ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING. DEPLOYING THE NATIONAL GUARD, THE MEMA SETUP. (Emphasis added)
MEMA spokesperson discusses travel ban during storm ...
www.myfoxboston.com/.../MEMA%20spokesperson%20discusses%... WFXT MEMA spokesperson discusses travel ban during storm.
http://www.myfoxboston.com/clip/8342098/MEMA%20spokesperson%20discusses%20travel%20ban%
20during%20storm 17
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