ML062210291

E-mail from Vito, PSEG Internal Report

ML062210291
Person / Time
Site:	Salem, Hope Creek
Issue date:	02/20/2004
From:	Vito D NRC Region 1
To:
References
FOIA/PA-2005-0194
Download: ML062210291 (3)

Text

David Vito - Re: PSEG internalý reort--URGPENT-.PLEASE SHARE WITH HUB MILLER Page 1 From: "Iqdy To:

Date: 2/20/04 8:09

Subject:

Re: PSEG internal report-URGENT---PLEASE SHARE WITH HUB MILLER Kymn, As I indicated to you yesterday, we discussed this Level 1 Root cause at our internal meeting. We plan to speak with the originator, to get more info about what prompted it, when it was actually initiated, and what the timeline is for internal response/resolution. I confirmed with the technical staff here that the specific issues referenced were issues that were known the NRC, some of which were, in fact, identified by the NRC. They represent occurrences at the site over the past couple of years. These are the types of NRC inspection issues/findings that contributed to the development of the letter of 1/28104, along with what we have derived from our review into the information you provided.

Regarding your question about INPO, I spoke with several folks here yesterday, and the consensus was that the NRC could not directly request this information from INPO. However, if the information were to be provided to us from another source, (e.g., if an interviewee were to provided us information about a meeting between INPO and the PSEG Board), we would not ignore it.

>>2/5/04 11:18PM >>>>

Dave and Eileen, Last week I sent you a copy of an internal PSEG Nuclear document, a newly written Level 1 Root Case Report on "Uncorrected Global and Interactive Organizational & Programmatic Issues." If you need another copy, let me know.

The report makes no mention of SCWE issues. Instead, it focuses on other issues plaguing the Salem and Hope Creek sites, issues clearly within the jurisdiction of the NRC.

While it is full of acronyms and somewhat difficult to follow, I read it closely tonight I wish I had read it in detail before now.

It basically says this:

1. Senior managers, managers and supervisors do not assure that site activities are performed in accordance with PSEG Nuclear procedures.

2. Managers responsible for fixing organizational and programmatic (O&P) problems cannot do so because they have "inadequate knowledge" and inadequate follow-through. Basically, they cannot "fix" what they do not "see."

3. A lack of accountability is considered the "root cause" of many site issues.

4. Management ineffectiveness, strategic errors in business plan execution and lack of accountability impact plant reliability, nuclear safety and personnel safety-although the impact isn't specified in the report.

5. There is failure to use and follow procedures AT ALL ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS--including Plant Managers, Vice Presidents, CNO, and above.

6. People rely on others to do a better job than they do themselves; as s result there is overconfidence, lack of thoroughness and attention to detail, complacency, and lack of required double-checking (QV&V, self-checking,

.nformation in this record was deleted inaccordance with the Freedom of ntfot t' Act, exemptions FOIA

David Vito - Re: PSEG internal re ort-URGENT---PLEASE SHARE WITH HUB MILLER Page 2 independent verification, etc.).

7. The list of technical/near-miss events cited in the report makes all of the above clear, compelling, and in need of urgent attention.

When one looks at this report in total, and from a nontechnical vantage point, the following could be said in summary:

1. The Salem/Hope Creek site is led, run and staffed by people who:

Do not follow procedures Do not see problems Do not fix problems Rely on others, not themselves, to be thorough and give attention to details (and those people relied upon rely on others to be thorough-thus no one is really being thorough and paying attention to details!)

2. Things are getting worse, not better-"the frequency, number and potential severity of human performance and equipment problems has increased over the last 6 months." The report says:

MANAGEMENT (WILL] BE RESPONSIBLE IF SOMEONE DIES OR IS SERIOUSLY HURT.

SUPERVISION [IS) IRRESPONSIBLE, NEGLIGENT AND LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE.

3. LUCK/GOOD FORTUNE/DIVINE PROVIDENCE is the only thing saving the site from a disastrous event.

This is a most damning report on SALEM/HOPE CREEK It is current. It is written by a PSEG Nuclear employee with a lot of integrity, insight, knowledge and documentation.

I am concerned, and frankly scared, that all the NRC oversight in the world cannot counteract the extent of these failings. Therefore, while well intentioned, Hub Miller's promise to me that on-site NRC inspectors will "step in if necessary" to avert an unsafe act is inadequate and insufficient The failings are so widespread that inspectors cannot be replied upon to "catch everything" that is awry and potentially dangerous.

DavdVto - Re: PSEG internal report-URGENT---PLEASE SHARE WITH HUB MILLER Page 3 My "read" is that this report basically says it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, killed, or a nuclear event happens.

Why is the NRC allowing the Salem/Hope Creek units to be operated under such conditions?

Why isn't the NRC taking the keys away?

One year ago, one of PSEG's own Directors expected the NRC to take such action.

And we have proof things are now worse, not better.

The report says the people who work at SalemlHope Creek are increasingly at risk, as is the general public.

Please act....NOW....don't wait for some arbitrary deadline or company report.

No matter what PSEG writes or tells you, these issues are real. So are the dangers they represent The NRC must exercise its responsibility and authority.

Further delays endanger all of us.

Act NOW.

MAKE 'SAFETY FIRST.'

Please.

I would appreciate hearing from each of you-and Hub Miller.

Thank you.

Kymn cell phonw* Y.W/