The licensee experienced an apparently spurious actuation of the
CO2 (
carbon dioxide) suppression system in the North Anna Unit 1 turbine building (specifically the
main turbine, low pressure turbine, and
exciter area). The licensee responded and determined there was no fire and secured the
CO2 release within two minutes. The event was classified as an unusual event per item K.13 of the emergency action levels due to onsite release of a toxic gas.
The licensee has pulled the actuation fuses on the system, isolated the CO2 storage tank, and is in the process of ventilating the area. A fire watch has been posted and the licensee is checking CO2 levels throughout the area.
There were no injuries as a result of the discharge and no significant operational impairment. The licensee has notified appropriate state and local authorities as required due to the declaration of an unusual event. The licensee will also notify the NRC resident inspector.
- * * UPDATE 14:53 EDT ON 10/08/04 FROM DAVE NUNBERG TO BILL HUFFMAN * * *
The licensee terminated the unusual event at 14:45 EDT following inspection of the turbine building and confirmation that
CO2 levels did not represent a personnel hazard. R2DO (Ogle);
NRR EO (Reis);
NSIR IRD (Wilson);
FEMA (Dunker); and the
DHS senior watch officer have been notified.
