IR 05000324/2003003
ML031190450 | |
Person / Time | |
---|---|
Site: | Brunswick |
Issue date: | 04/28/2003 |
From: | Fredrickson P NRC/RGN-II/DRP/RPB4 |
To: | Keenan J Carolina Power & Light Co |
References | |
IR-03-003 | |
Download: ML031190450 (32) | |
Text
ril 28, 2003
SUBJECT:
BRUNSWICK STEAM ELECTRIC PLANT - NRC INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT NOS. 50-325/03-03 AND 50-324/03-03
Dear Mr. Keenan:
On March 29, 2003, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at your Brunswick Units 1 and 2 facilities. The enclosed integrated inspection report documents the inspection findings, which were discussed on March 28, 2003, with you and other members of your staff.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of significance were identified.
In accordance with 10CFR 2.790 of the NRCs Rules of Practice, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRCs document system (ADAMS). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).
Sincerely,
/RA/
Paul E. Fredrickson, Chief Reactor Projects Branch 4 Division of Reactor Projects Docket Nos.: 50-325, 50-324 License Nos: DPR-71, DPR-62
Enclosure:
NRC Inspection Report 50-325, 324/03-03 w/Attachment: Supplemental Information
REGION II==
Docket Nos: 50-325, 50-324 License Nos: DPR-71, DPR-62 Report No: 50-325/03-03 and 50-324/03-03 Licensee: Carolina Power and Light Facility: Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, Units 1 & 2 Location: 8470 River Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Dates: December 29, 2002 - March 29, 2003 Inspectors: J. Austin, Resident Inspector R. Holbrook, Senior Resident Inspector Browns Ferry J. Reece, Resident Inspector Watts Bar G. MacDonald, Senior Project Engineer (Sections, 1R04.2, 1R05, 1R19)
R. Hagar, Resident Inspector Shearon Harris (Section 1R22)
J. Blake, Senior Project Manager (Section 1R08)
R. Moore, Reactor Inspector (Section 1R17)
G. Kuzo, Senior Radiation Specialist (Sections 2OS1, 2PS2)
D. Jones, Senior Radiation Specialist Sections 2OS2, 4OA1)
F. Wright, Senior Radiation Specialist (Section 2OS2)
A. Nielsen, Radiation Specialist (Section 2OS1)
Approved by: Paul Fredrickson, Chief, Reactor Projects Branch 4 Division of Reactor Projects
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
IR 05000325/2003-003, 05000324/2003-003; Carolina Power and Light; on 12/29/02 -
03/29/03; Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, Units 1 and 2; integrated inspection report.
The report covered a three month period of inspection by resident inspectors, regional radiation specialists, a senior project manager, a senior project engineer and a regional reactor inspector. The NRCs program for overseeing the safe operation of commercial nuclear power reactors is described in NUREG-1649, Reactor Oversight Process, Revision 3, dated July 2000.
A. Inspector Identified and Self-Revealing Findings No findings of significance were identified.
Licensee Identified Violations
None
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Plant Status
Unit 1 began the report period operating at full power. The unit operated at full power for the entire report period with the following exceptions. On January 12, Unit 1 experienced an automatic reactor scram from full power that was caused by a trip of the 1B reactor feed pump due to low oil pressure. The reactor was restarted the same day and reached full power on January 16. On January 17, power was reduced to 78 percent for rod improvement and steam leak repairs. On March 1, power was reduced to 54 percent for main condenser waterbox repairs.
Unit 2 began the report period operating at full power. On February 17, the 2A reactor recirculation pump tripped due to a trip of the motor generator set on a loss of excitation. Unit 2 operated in single loop operation at approximately 40 percent reactor power until the 2A motor generator set was repaired. The unit returned to two loop operation following the repairs and achieved full power on February 18. On March 7, Unit 2 commenced a power reduction and shutdown for Refueling Outage B216R1. Unit 2 remained in the refueling outage throughout the remainder of the report period.
REACTOR SAFETY
Cornerstones: Initiating Events, Mitigating Systems, Barrier Integrity
1R04 Equipment Alignment
a. Inspection Scope
.1 Partial Walkdown
The inspectors reviewed plant documents to determine correct system lineup, and observed equipment to verify that the systems were correctly aligned while the other train or system was inoperable or out-of-service. The inspectors conducted a review to verify that the licensee had properly identified and resolved equipment alignment problems that could cause initiating events or impact mitigating system availability.
Inspector observations and licensee performance were compared to Procedure CAP-NGGC-0200, Corrective Action Program. The inspectors verified the following three system alignments:
- 2OP-18, Core Spray System Operating Procedure, while risk for the shutdown unit was increased to yellow
- 0OP-50.1, Diesel Generator Emergency Power System Operating Procedure, during Unit 2 switchyard work activities
- 2OP-17, Residual Heat Removal System Operating Procedure, following maintenance activities on the system
.2 Complete Walkdown
The inspectors performed a complete walkdown, of the accessible portions of the Unit 1 service water (SW) system. The inspectors focused on verifying adequate material condition and correct system alignment. The inspectors reviewed the Technical Specifications (TS), operating procedures, and the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR). The inspectors held discussions with the SW system engineer to review system status including a review of open system modifications, temporary modifications, open work requests for the system, operator work-arounds, and open adverse conditions or action requests (ARs) to ensure that the impact on equipment functionality was properly evaluated. The inspectors used the procedures and other documents listed below to verify system alignments:
- Operating Procedure (OP),1OP-43, Unit 1 Service Water System Operating Procedure
- TS Section 3.7.2, Service Water (SW) System and Ultimate Heat Sink (UHS)
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R05 Fire Protection
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed current ARs, and impairments associated with the fire suppression system. The inspectors reviewed the status of ongoing surveillance activities to verify that they were current to support the operability of the fire protection system. In addition, the inspectors observed the fire suppression and detection equipment to determine whether any conditions or deficiencies existed which would impair the operability of that equipment. The inspectors toured the following areas important to reactor safety and reviewed the associated documents:
- Fire areas DG-1, DG-2, DG-3, DG-4 and DG-5, Diesel Generator Building basement and engine cells--Prefire Plan 0PFP-DG, Diesel Generator Building Prefire Plans
- Fire area SW1-1, Service Water Building--Prefire Plan 0PFP-PBAA, Service Water Building Prefire Plans Additional documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R08 Inservice Inspection Activities
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors observed in-process inservice inspection (ISI) work activities during the first outage of the 2nd interval of the 3rd ISI period, and reviewed selected ISI records.
The observations and records were reviewed for compliance to the TS and the applicable Code (ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,Section XI, 1989 Edition, with no Addenda).
Portions of the following Unit 2 ISI examinations were observed:
Ultrasonic (UT) - Feedwater nozzle inner radius examination for 2B11-RPV-N4A-IRS Visual Examination (VT-3) - IVVI examination of feedwater header welds IVVI examination of core spray piping and nozzles.
Qualification and certification records for examiners, equipment and consumables, and nondestructive examination (NDE) procedures for the above ISI examination activities were reviewed. In addition, a sample of ISI issues in the licensees corrective action program were reviewed to ensure that they met the requirements of Procedure CAP-NGGC-0200, Corrective Action Program. The following records/documents were reviewed:
- NDE examiner/QC inspector qualification certification and visual acuity records:
Examiner Method-Level JA UT-II, PDI UT-1,-2,-3,-5,-8, IGSCC JD UT-III, PDI UT-1,-2,-3,-5,-8,-10, IGSCC DG UT-II, PDI UT-1,-2,-3,-5,-10 AJ UT-II, TB VT-III, VT-1, VT-2, VT-3
- Ultrasonic examination records:
FW nozzle inner radius 2B11-RPV-N4A-IRS FW nozzle inner radius 2B11-RPV-N4B-IRS FW nozzle inner radius 2B11-RPV-N4C-IRS FW nozzle inner radius 2B11-RPV-N4D-IRS Recirculation system inlet nozzle to shell weld 2B11-RPV-N2E
- Work Order (WO) Package 191267-01 for the Code repair of a through-wall indication in the main service water supply pipe to the residual heat removal (RHR) SW pumps.
- AR 88097, Deferral of the UT inspection of inlet nozzle N2D until the next refueling outage due to higher than expected radiation levels.
- AR 88210, PRR (Procedure Revision Request) for the revision of Procedure OSP-03-001 to correct inconsistency in allowed UT cable length.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R12 Maintenance Rule Implementation
a. Inspection Scope
For the equipment issues described in the ARs listed below, the inspectors reviewed the licensees implementation of the Maintenance Rule (MR)(10 CFR 50.65) with respect to the characterization of failures, the appropriateness of the associated MR a(1) or a(2)classification, and the appropriateness of either the associated a(2) performance criteria or the associated a(1) goals and corrective actions. The inspectors also reviewed operations logs and licensee event reports to verify unavailability times of components and systems if applicable. Licensee performance was compared to the requirements of Procedure ADM-NGG-0101, Maintenance Rule Program. The inspectors verified that the licensee had identified and resolved deficiencies in accordance with Procedure CAP-NGGC-0200, Corrective Action Program.
- AR 76076, Unit 2 high pressure coolant injection (HPCI) loss of safety function due to equipment failure and isolation
- AR 76664, Expert panel review of repeat functional failures of Unit 2, 2-CAC-AT-4410
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R13 Maintenance Risk Assessments and Emergent Work Evaluation
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the licensees risk assessments for the following plant configurations. The inspectors reviewed the licensees implementation of 10 CFR 50.65 (a)(4) requirements during scheduled and emergent maintenance activities using 0AP-025, BNP Integrated Scheduling and Technical Requirements Manual (TRM) 5.5.13, Configuration Risk Management Program. The inspectors reviewed the effectiveness of licensee actions to plan and control scheduled work to minimize overall plant risk. The inspectors reviewed the applicable plant risk profiles, work week schedules, and maintenance work requests associated with the following out of service equipment:
- Unit 2 0MST-APRM20Q, Average power range monitor (APRM) flow-bias flow units C&D channel calibration during DG #3 outage
- WO 00351534-01, 2-DG1-ENG, exhaust bellows inspection
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R14 Personnel Performance During Non-Routine Evolutions
.1 Unit 1 Scram Following a Trip of Reactor Feedwater Pump 1B
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed personnel performance during part of the Unit 1 startup activities following a scram on January 12. The scram was due to a low reactor water level that resulted from a trip of the 1B reactor feedwater pump. The cause of the reactor feedwater pump trip was low lube oil pressure. The in-service lube oil pump tripped when a motor starter relay failed and the standby lube oil pump failed to supply adequate pressure prior to the feedwater pump trip. The inspectors reviewed Procedures, 0-OI-01.2, Shift Routines and Operating Practices, 0GP-01, Pre-startup Checklist, 0GP-04, Increasing Turbine Load to Rated Power, and 0GP-10, Rod Sequence Checkoff Sheets, to verify operator performance, procedure usage, equipment checks; and TS required activities, including control rod coupling integrity checks, and control rod reed switch position indications met regulatory requirements.
The inspectors reviewed control room formality, communications, shift manning, and team work to verify that they met procedure requirements. Additional information is documented in Section 4OA3.1 and the associated licensee event report (LER) is closed in Section 4OA3.4.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Unit 2A Recirculation Motor-Generator (M-G) Set Trip
a. Inspection Scope
On February 16 with Unit 2 operating at full power, the 2A reactor recirculation pump tripped as a result of the trip of the M-G set. Unit 2 reactor power reduced to approximately 40 percent reactor thermal power (RTP) following the reactor recirculation pump trip. The M-G set trip was caused by the failure of a circuit board in the voltage regulator. The circuit board had several damaged (over heated) resistors which caused the loss of excitation and the reactor recirculation M-G set field breaker to trip. The inspectors evaluated personnel performance to confirm that appropriate mitigating actions were performed. The inspectors reviewed control room logs, parameter recorders, and discussed plant response with personnel that were onsite duuring the event to verify performance was as required by procedure and equipment response was as described in design basis documents. The inspectors compared operator performance to the requirements in procedure 0OI-01.02, Shift Routines and Operating practices, and abnormal operating procedure 2AOP-04.0, Low Core flow. The inspectors evaluated licensee actions following the event and recovery of the reactor recirculation loop.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R15 Operability Evaluations
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the two following evaluations affecting risk significant systems or components to assess, as appropriate:
- (1) the technical adequacy of the evaluations;
- (2) the justification for continued system operability;
- (3) whether other existing degraded conditions were considered as compensatory measures;
- (4) where compensatory measures were involved, the placement, operation and control of the compensatory measures;
- (5) where continued operability was considered unjustified, the impact on TS limiting condition for operations (LCOs) and the risk significance. Licensee performance was compared to the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59 and Procedure ENG-NGGC-0005, Engineering Change.
- Unit 2 - 50256R0, Storage of temporary lead shielding blankets in the Unit 2 drywell during power operations
- Unit 2 - 01-00112, Injection sealant into packing of safety related valve 2-B32-F031B
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R16 Operator Work-Arounds (OWAs)
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the status of OWAs for Units 1 and 2 to determine if the functional capability of the system or operator reliability in responding to an initiating event was affected. The review was to evaluate the effect of the OWA on the operators ability to implement abnormal or emergency operating procedures during transient or event conditions. The inspectors compared licensee actions to the requirements of Procedure 0OI-01.08, Control of Equipment and System Status.
The two OWAs reviewed were:
- OWA-403, Auxiliary Operator or Instrumentation and Control Technician Isolate Three High Pressure Oil Switches Prior to Resetting a Reactor Feedwater Pump Turbine or Starting A Reactor Feedwater Pump Turbine Oil Pump
- OWA-103, Reactor Building to Torus Vacuum Breakers Accumulating Moisture in Valve Bodies
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R17 Permanent Plant Modifications
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed a sample of risk significant modifications related to the Unit 2 extended power uprate (EPUR) to verify the plant modifications were in accordance with the licensing and design bases, licensee commitments and the UFSAR. In addition, the inspectors reviewed the licensees actions to incorporate lessons learned from a similar Unit 1 EPUR conducted in 2002, and industry boiling water reactor power uprate experience. The EPUR startup test plan was reviewed to assess acceptance criteria related to the heat balance calorimetric and alternate power indicators. The design, re-scaling, and calibration of feedwater flow and steam flow instrumentation were reviewed to verify the new higher flow values resulting from the EPUR were within the capability of the equipment. Field walkdowns were performed to assess the status and condition of ongoing installations. Documents and procedures reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R19 Post Maintenance Testing
a. Inspection Scope
Using the WOs listed below, the inspectors reviewed the test procedure and witnessed the testing and/or reviewed test records to confirm that the scope of testing adequately verified that the work performed was correctly completed; and whether the test demonstrated that the affected equipment was capable of performing its intended function and was operable in accordance with TS requirements. The inspectors verified licensee actions were in accordance with Procedure 0PLP-20, Post-Maintenance Testing Program.
- WO 00366928-01, Investigate and repair Unit 1 Traversing Incore Probe (TIP)cable drive mechanism C, 0PT-01.2.2a, TIP System Valve Operability Test, 0PT-20.3, Local Leak Rate Testing
- WO 00349653-01, 1-B21-NVT-1-A, DC surge suppressor ground wire change, 0LP-NVT001, RPS, ECCS and RSDP Inverter and Power Supply, 0SPP-CBL001, Termination of Electrical Cables
- WO 00378988-01, Repair packing leak on 1-E41-F003, 0PT-09.7, HPCI System Valve Operability Test
- WO 00296648, Unit 2 valve 2-G16-F003, following maintenance to replace filter and valve regulator), Procedure OPT-11.3, Drywell Drains System Valve Operability Test (PMT)
- WO 00030301-07, Replace strainer vessel for 1B nuclear SW pump strainer, OSPP-HYDRO0501, Functional Pressure Testing, OPM-STR501, Inspection of RP Adams Self-Cleaning Strainers models VWS16 and VWS34
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R20 Refueling and Outage Activities
a. Inspection Scope
Risk For the Unit 2 refueling outage (B216R1, approximately 27 days) which commenced on March 7, the inspectors reviewed the Unit 2 B216R1 Refueling Outage Safe Shutdown Risk Assessment Report, to verify the licensee had appropriately considered risk, industry experience, and previous site-specific problems in developing and implementing a plan that assured maintenance of defense-in-depth. The inspectors review of this report was compared to the requirements in Procedure 0AP-022, BNP Outage Risk Management, to verify that procedure requirements were met. The review was also to verify that, for identified high risk significant conditions, due to equipment availability and/or system configurations, contingency measures were identified and incorporated into the overall outage and response plan, and that defense- in-depth was maintained. The inspectors frequently observed the posted color for the current risk condition and discussed the reason for the posted conditions with operations and outage personnel to verify the condition was as-identified in the overall outage risk report and to assess licensee personnel knowledge of the risk condition and mitigation strategies. The inspectors observed licensee performance to identify, record, track, and correct problems during the outage.
Shutdown and Cooldown Process The inspectors observed the shutdown of Unit 2 to enter the refueling outage to verify that activities were in accordance with Procedure 0GP-5.0, Unit Shutdown.
Decay Heat Removal The inspectors reviewed Procedures 2OP-17, RHR System Operating Procedure, 2OP-13, Fuel Pool Cooling and Cleanup System Operating Procedure, and 0OP13.1, Supplemental Spent Fuel Pool Cooling System Operating Procedure. The inspectors also conducted a main control room panel walkdown and walked down portions of the systems in the plant to verify system availability and to confirm that no work was ongoing that might prevent system use for decay heat removal. The inspectors conducted a review of the increased outage risk condition of Orange, including the Supplemental Spent Fuel Pool Cooling Contingency Planning Summary, for the removal of decay heat, to verify the plant conditions and systems identified in the risk mitigation strategy were available to remove decay heat. The inspectors reviewed operational logs to verify that procedure and TS requirements to monitor and record reactor coolant temperature were met. Additional items reviewed included the following:
- Controls implemented to ensure that outage work did not impact the ability of operators to operate the spent fuel pool cooling and RHR shutdown cooling system
- Monitoring of decay heat removal process and spent fuel pool water temperature profile
- Configuration control for heat removal systems Reactivity Control The inspectors observed licensee performance during shutdown, outage, and refueling activities to verify that reactivity control was conducted in accordance with procedure and TS requirements. The inspectors conducted a review of outage activities and risk profiles to verify activities that could cause reactivity control problems were identified.
Licensee performance was compared to Procedure 0AP-038, Reactivity Management Program Manual. Reactivity manipulations observed included the following:
- Power reduction with control rods and recirculation flow
- Fuel movement from the core to the spent fuel pool
- New fuel movement from the spent fuel pool to the core
- Control rod movement for testing Inventory Control The inspectors reviewed the following licensee activities related to inventory control during the refueling outage to verify that they were in accordance with Procedure 0AP-022, BNP Outage Risk Management:
- Reactor water inventories and controls including flow paths, system configurations, and alternate means for inventory addition and controls to prevent inventory loss
- Operator monitoring and control of reactor temperature and level profiles
- Outage work and configuration control for activities that had the potential to drain the reactor vessel Electrical Power The inspectors reviewed the following licensee activities related to electrical power during the refueling outage to verify that they were in accordance with Procedure 0AP-022, BNP Outage Risk Management:
- Controls over electrical power systems and components to ensure emergency power was available as specified in the outage risk report
- Controls and monitoring of electrical power systems and components and work activities in the power transmission yard
- Operator monitoring of electrical power systems and outages to ensure that TS requirements were met
- Review of clearance activities to verify that equipment was identified and controlled to support work and testing activities and that equipment was correctly returned to service or standby conditions Containment Control and Closure The inspectors reviewed the following licensee activities related to containment control and closure during the refueling outage to verify that they were in accordance with Procedure 0AP-022, BNP Outage Risk Management:
- Confirm secondary containment requirements during fuel movement
- Verify containment isolation valve leak rate test results met TS requirements Additional documents and procedures reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
1R22 Surveillance Testing
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors either witnessed portions of surveillance tests or reviewed test data for the seven risk significant structures, systems and components (SSC) surveillances, listed below, to verify the tests met TS surveillance requirements, UFSAR commitments, in-service testing (IST), and licensee procedure requirements. The inspectors review was to confirm that the testing effectively demonstrated that the SSCs were operationally capable of performing their intended safety functions.
- PT-01.7, Reactor Heatup and Cooldown Verification following Unit 1 reactor trip
- PT-01.11, Core performance parameter check during Unit 1 startup
- WO 00312599-01, Unit 2 125VDC Batteries weekly operability test
- WO 00312641-01, Unit 2 HPCI Turbine Exhaust Diaphragm High Pressure Channel Calibration
- 0PT-12.2C, No. 3 Diesel Generator Monthly Load Test
- 0MST-HPCI22Q, HPCI Steam Line Low Pressure Instrument Channel Calibration
- This procedure included IST requirements.
Documents reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
RADIATION SAFETY
Cornerstones: Occupational Radiation Safety (OS) and Public Radiation Safety (PS) 2OS1 Access Control To Radiologically Significant Areas
.1 Access Controls
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated licensee activities for monitoring and controlling worker access to radiologically significant areas during the Unit 2 refueling outage. The inspection included direct observation of administrative and physical controls; appraisal of radiation worker (radworker) and health physics technician (HPT) knowledge and proficiency in implementing radiological controls; and review of the adequacy of procedural guidance and its implementation.
The inspectors observed implementation of radiological controls for selected radiation areas (RAs), radioactive material areas (RMAs), and high radiation areas (HRA) within selected licensee radiological controlled area (RCA) locations. Posting and labeling of materials at these locations were evaluated for consistency with procedural guidance and compliance with regulations. The inspectors directly observed the posting and locking status of locked high radiation area (LHRA) locations in the Unit 1 and 2 reactor buildings, Unit 1 turbine building, and the radioactive waste (radwaste) processing and storage facilities. Independent dose-rate measurements were conducted in the Unit 1 south residual heat removal heat exchanger room, along the Unit 1 east spent fuel pool heat exchanger wall, and in radwaste processing and storage areas. Results of the independent measurements were compared to current licensee surveys.
The inspectors evaluated radworker performance during instrumentation work underneath the reactor vessel. The inspectors attended the pre-job briefing, observed work via closed-circuit television, evaluated the use of radiological controls, observed HPT and radworker actions, evaluated radiation work permit (RWP) requirements and electronic dosimeter (ED) alarm setpoints, and discussed the task evolution with selected personnel. During general observations of drywell work, the inspectors questioned radworkers on RWP requirements.
The inspectors reviewed, in part, administrative guidance documents for control of material stored in spent fuel pools, posting of areas, access controls to LHRAs and very high radiation areas (VHRAs), survey of areas, and RWP use. The inspectors reviewed selected RWPs and surveys of such areas to evaluate the adequacy of radiological controls for RAs, HRAs, and airborne areas. In addition, training records for selected individuals were evaluated to determine the type of training provided to senior health physics (HP) technicians. HP supervision were interviewed regarding administrative control of LHRA and VHRA keys, as well as changes to procedural guidance for access controls. Three internal dose assessments resulting from intakes of airborne radioactive material during the refueling outage were reviewed and evaluated.
Radiation Protection Program activities and their implementation were evaluated against 10 CFR Part 19.12; 10 CFR Part 20, Subparts B, C, F, G, H, and J; TS Section 5.7, High Radiation Area; and approved licensee procedures. Licensee guidance documents, records, and data reviewed within this inspection area are listed in the
.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Problem Identification and Resolution
a. Inspection Scope
Selected corrective action program (CAP) documents initiated for access controls issues were reviewed. Three AR documents and one self-assessment were reviewed in detail and discussed with HP supervision. The inspectors assessed the licensees ability to characterize, prioritize, and resolve the identified issues in accordance with Procedure CAP-NGGC-0200, Corrective Action Program. Documents and procedures reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
2OS2 As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Planning and Controls
a. Inspection Scope
The plant collective exposure history for the years 1998 through 2000, based on the data reported pursuant to 10 CFR 20.2206 (c), was reviewed and discussed with the licensee. Implementation of the licensee's ALARA program during the Unit 2 refueling outage was also observed and evaluated by the inspectors. The inspectors reviewed ALARA planning, dose estimates, and prescribed ALARA controls for the five outage work activities expected to incur the maximum collective exposures. The reviewed activities included: installation and removal of temporary lead shielding, mechanical valve repair, reactor head inspection and replacement, and air actuator valve work.
Incorporation of the planning, established work controls, and expected dose and dose rates into ALARA pre-job briefings and RWPs for those activities also was reviewed.
Those elements of the ALARA program were evaluated for consistency with the methods, practices, and philosophy delineated in the licensee's ALARA System Manual.
The inspectors also independently verified that selected job site dose rates were consistent with the dose rates recorded on pre-job survey maps for selected work areas in the Unit 2 drywell.
Records of year-to-date individual radiation exposures sorted by work groups were examined for significant variations of exposures among workers. Exposure tracking during the Unit 2 outage and records of exposures to declared pregnant workers incurred during December 2002 through March 2003 were also reviewed.
Selected elements of the licensees source term reduction and control program were examined to determine whether the program was effective in reducing exposure and implemented as described in the ALARA System Manual. Reviewed areas included hot spot identification and reduction, primary chemistry shutdown controls, radiation field monitoring and trending, and temporary shielding.
The licensees ALARA program implementation and practices were evaluated for consistency with TS Section 5.4.1, Procedures, and TS Section 5.7, High Radiation Area Controls; 10 CFR Part 20 requirements; Regulatory Guide 8.29, and procedural guidance listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Problem Identification and Resolution
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed ARs and audits related to the ALARA program. The inspectors assessed the licensees ability to identify, characterize, prioritize, and resolve the identified issues in accordance with Procedure CAP-NGGC-0200, Corrective Action Program. Documents and procedures reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
2PS2 Radioactive Material Processing and Transportation
.1 Waste Processing and Characterization
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated the operational status of selected liquid and solid radwaste processing systems and equipment. Inspection activities included document and record review, interviews with responsible plant personnel, and direct inspection of selected processing equipment and associated piping.
The inspectors directly observed processing equipment material condition and configuration for liquid processing and solid radwaste systems. Health Physics and Operations staff knowledge of resin processing, sluicing activities, and solid radwaste system operations were assessed through interviews and discussion of equipment function and operability. Piping and system components were inspected for material condition and for configuration compliance with UFSAR Section 11. Procedural guidance involving transfer of resin and filling of waste packages was reviewed for consistency with the Process Control Program (PCP) and the UFSAR. In addition, the inspectors directly observed the material condition of abandoned radioactive waste centrifuge and hopper equipment located within the radwaste facility.
Licensee radionuclide characterizations of selected solid waste streams were evaluated.
For dry active waste (DAW), primary resin, secondary resin, and filters, the inspectors evaluated PCP and licensee procedural guidance against 10 CFR 61.55 and the Branch Technical Position on radioactive waste classification details. Comparison data between the current waste sample gamma-emitter concentrations and those of a vendor laboratory were evaluated. The licensees analysis for and the use of scaling factors for hard-to-detect nuclides were assessed.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Transportation
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors evaluated the licensees activities related to transportation of radioactive material. The evaluation included review of procedures and completion of shipping records, assessment of worker knowledge and proficiency in shipping activities, and direct observation of shipment preparation activities.
Shipping-related procedures, guidance documents and selected shipping records were evaluated for compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Current training records for individuals involved in transportation activities were reviewed.
The inspectors observed loading bracing, and packaging feed-water heater equipment, and compacting and preparing DAW material for offsite burial. Responsible staff were interviewed regarding bracing and packaging requirements, and radiation dose rate, and contamination limits.
Transportation program guidance and implementation were reviewed against regulations detailed in 10 CFR 71 and 49 CFR 170-189, and applicable licensee procedures. In addition, training activities were assessed against 49 CFR 172 Subpart H, and the guidance documented in Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Bulletin 79-19. Documents and procedures reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.3 Problem Identification and Resolution
a. Inspection Scope
Licensee corrective action for issues listed in Section 2PS2 of the Attachment, including self-assessments, audits, and ARs associated with radwaste processing and radioactive material transportation activities were reviewed. The inspectors assessed the licensees ability to identify, characterize, prioritize, and resolve the identified issues in accordance with Procedure CAP-NGGC-0200, Corrective Action Program.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
4OA1 Performance Indicator (PI) Verification
.1 Occupational Radiation Safety PI
a. Inspection Scope
The licensees records and data generated during Calendar Year (CY) 2002 for the Occupational Exposure Control Effectiveness PI were reviewed. The information reviewed included data reported to the NRC, pertinent corrective action program issues and selected radiological control program records. The inspectors assessed the licensees CY 2002 monthly reviews for PI occurrences which were performed pursuant to Procedure REG-NGGC-0009, NRC Performance Indicators, Rev. 1. The licensees disposition of the reviewed issues was evaluated against NEI 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Rev. 2. Documents and procedures reviewed are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 Public Radiation Safety PI
a. Inspection Scope
The licensees records and data generated during CY 2002 for the Radiological Effluent Control PI were reviewed. The information reviewed included data reported to the NRC, pertinent corrective action program issues and selected radiological effluent control program records. The inspectors assessed the licensees CY 2002 monthly reviews for PI occurrences which were performed pursuant to Procedure REG-NGGC-0009, NRC Performance Indicators, Rev. 1. The licensees disposition of the reviewed issues was evaluated against NEI 99-02, Regulatory Assessment Performance Indicator Guideline, Rev. 2. Specific procedures, records, and ARs reviewed and evaluated for this PI are listed in the Attachment.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
4OA3 Event Follow-up
.1 Unit 1 Scram Following a Trip of the 1B Reactor Feedwater Pump
a. Inspection Scope
The inspectors reviewed the licensees actions in response to a Unit 1 scram on low reactor water level that occurred on January 12, 2003, following a trip of the 1B reactor feedwater pump. The inspectors reviewed control room logs, parameter recorders, and discussed plant response with operators on shift during the scram to verify performance was as required by procedure and equipment response was as described in design basis documents. The inspectors compared operator performance to the requirements in Procedure 0OI-01.02, Shift Routines and Operating Practices; Abnormal Operating Procedure 0AP-23.0, Condensate/Feedwater System Failure; and Emergency Operating Procedure 1EOP-01-LPC, Level Power Control, 1EOP-01-RSP, Reactor Scram Procedure and 1EOP-01-RVCP, Reactor Vessel Control Procedure. In addition, the inspectors reviewed Procedure 0OI-01.06, Post Trip Review to verify the initial data gathering, equipment response and post-trip review were conducted in accordance with the procedure requirements. The inspectors also reviewed the initial 10 CFR 50.72 notification and compared the licensees reporting to the requirements in Procedure 0OI-01.07, Notifications, and 10 CFR 50.72. The licensee entered this event into their corrective action program as AR 00081455. Licensee personnel performance is discussed in Section 1R14. The associated LER is closed in Section 4OA3.4.
b. Findings
No findings of significance were identified.
.2 (Closed) LER 50-325/2002-001-00, Oscillation Power Range Monitor (OPRM)
Inoperable Due to Non-Conservative Setpoint This LER reported a non-conservative condition affecting the Unit 1 OPRM system identified in a November 22, 2002, 10 CFR 21 report. This system design is not implemented on Unit 2. The non-conservative condition was for the T-min value used in OPRM algorithm. The licensee determined the root cause was an incomplete analysis performed by the original vendor (GE) when establishing oscillation period ranges. The OPRM upscale trip function provides protection against exceeding the fuel minimum critical power ratio safety limit, should thermal-hydraulic power oscillations occur. The licensee declared the OPRM system inoperable and entered TS Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) 3.3.1.1, Reactor Protection System Instrumentation. On November 27, 2002, the licensee completed a modification that revised the T-min value and restored the system back to operable status. The LER was reviewed by the inspectors and no findings of significance were identified.
.3 (Closed) LER 50-324/2002-001-00, Instrument Malfunction Results in Loss of Safety
Function for the High Pressure Coolant Injection System This LER documented an equipment failure that resulted in the loss of the HPCI system.
A steam line high flow analog trip unit malfunction resulted in a HPCI steam outboard isolation valve closure and HPCI system inoperability. The licensee entered TS LCOs 3.5.1, Emergency Core Cooling System-Operating, and 3.3.6.1, Primary Containment Isolation Instrumentation. The licensee later determined that the spurious actuation of the analog trip unit was due to a malfunction of the output transistor. The licensee replaced the trip unit and the system was returned to operable status. This event was entered into the licensees Corrective Action Program as AR 00076076. This event did not constitute a violation of NRC requirements.
.4 (Closed) LER 50-325/2003-001-00, Reactor Feed Pump Trip Results in Specified
System Actuations This LER documents a Unit 1 reactor feed pump trip on January 12, 2003, that resulted in a decreasing reactor water level and subsequent reactor scram. The licensee determined the cause of the reactor feed pump trip was due to low lube oil pressure.
The in-service lube oil pump tripped when a motor start relay coil failed due to an end-of-life short. The standby lube oil pump failed to start and restore lube oil header pressure prior to the feed pump trip. The licensee planned further investigations to resolve the lube oil pump problem. Licensee actions and plant response are described in Section 40A3.1. This LER was entered into the licensees Corrective Action Program as AR 00081455. This event did not constitute a violation of NRC requirements.
4OA6 Meetings, including Exit
On March 28 the inspectors presented the inspection results to Mr. J. Keenan and other members of his staff. The inspectors confirmed that proprietary information was not provided or examined during the inspection.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
KEY POINTS OF CONTACT
Licensee Personnel
- A. Brittain, Manager Security
- W. Dorman, Manager Nuclear Assessment
- N. Gannon, Director of Site Operations
- J. Gawron, Training Manager
- D. Hinds, Manager Brunswick Engineering Support Section
- J. Keenan, Site Vice President
- E. ONeil, Manager Site Support Services
- W. Noll, Plant General Manager
- E. Quidley, Manager Maintenance
- H. Wall, Manager Outage and Scheduling
- M. Williams, Manager Operations
NRC Personnel
- P. Fredrickson, Branch Chief, Division of Reactor Projects (DRP), Region II (RII)
LIST OF ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
50-324/2002-001-00 LER Instrument Malfunction Results in Loss of Safety Function for the HPCI System (Section 40A3.3)
50-325/2002-001-00 LER OPRM Inoperable Due To Non-
Conservative Setpoint (Section 40A3.2)
50-325/2003-001-00 LER Reactor Feed Pump Trip Results in Specified System Actuations (Section 40A3.4)
Discussed
None