05000298/LER-2003-008, Regarding Inadequate Evaluation Leads to Technical Specification Prohibited Operation
| ML040370687 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Cooper  |
| Issue date: | 02/02/2004 |
| From: | Jason Christensen Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) |
| To: | Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| NLS2004003 LER 03-008-00 | |
| Download: ML040370687 (6) | |
| Event date: | |
|---|---|
| Report date: | |
| 2982003008R00 - NRC Website | |
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Nebraska Public Power District Always there when you need us NLS2004003 February 2, 2004 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attention: Document Control Desk Washington, D.C. 20555-0001
Subject:
Licensee Event Report No. 2003-008 Cooper Nuclear Station, NRC Docket 50-298, DPR-46 The subject Licensee Event Report is forwarded as an enclosure to this letter.
Sincerely, John Christensen Plant Manager
/cb Enclosure cc: Regional Administrator w/enclosure USNRC - Region IN' Senior Project Manager w/enclosure USNRC - NRR Project Directorate IV-1 Senior Resident Inspector w/enclosure USNRC NPG Distribution w/enclosure INPO Records Center w/enclosure SORC Administrator w/enclosure Records w/enclosure COOPER NUEAR STATION P.O. Box 98 / Brownville, NE 6832140098 Telephone: (402) 825-3811 / Fax: (402) 825-5211 www.nppd.com
Abstract
On December 3, 2003 after a reactor scram, operators exited a Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) and entered Mode 2 for unit startup based on an inadequate engineering evaluation of the acceptability of the reactor coolant system for continued operations. This resulted in operations prohibited by Technical Specifications. Upon determination that the evaluation was inadequate unit was returned to a Mode 3 condition.
The root cause of the problem that resulted in the use of an inaccurate and incomplete engineering evaluation to support the decision to commence a reactor startup was individual human performance error.
Immediate actions were to return the plant to hot shutdown and correct the engineering evaluation to support a reactor startup.
Long term corrective actions include counseling of involved individuals, revised processes to improve controls when exiting LCO's based on engineering evaluations, and improvements to the post-event review and startup approval process.
NRC FORM 366 (7-2001)
(If more space is required, use additional copies of (If more space is required, use additional copies of (If more space is required, use additional copies of NRC Form 366A)
Revise the Post-Event Review and Startup Approval process to make the process more comprehensive. (Due May 28, 2004)
N Produce a formal document delineating the standards for preparing, reviewing and approving engineering documents including handling of formal comments and resolutions. Communicate this to the engineering staff. (Due May 31, 2004)
Develop a formal process for exiting LCO action statements based on engineering evaluation. (Due April 30, 2004)
Prepare and present training to the engineering staff of events associated with the engineering evaluation of the heat*
up and cool-down transients that occurred after the automatic reactor scram on November 28, 2003. (Due June 30, 2004)
PREVIOUS EVENTS None ATTACHMENT 3 LIST OF REGULATORY COMMITMENTS© I
Correspondence Number: NLS2004003 The following table identifies those actions committed to by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) in this document. Any other actions discussed in the submittal represent intended or planned actions by NPPD. They are described for information only and are not regulatory commitments. Please notify the Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Manager at Cooper Nuclear Station of any questions regarding this document or any associated regulatory commitments.
COMMITTED DATE
COMMITMENT
OR OUTAGE May 28, 2004 Revise the Post-Event Review and Startup Approval process to y
make the process more comprehensive.
Produce a formal document delineating the standards for preparing, reviewing and approving engineering documents, May 31, 2004 including handling of formal comments and resolutions.
Communicate this to the engineering staff.
Develop a formal process for exiting LCO action statements April 30, 2004 based on engineering evaluation.
Prepare and present training to the engineering staff of events associated with the engineering evaluation of the heat-up and June 30, 2004 cool-down transients that occurred after the automatic reactor scram on November 28, 2003.
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