This condition is being reported in accordance with
10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v) as a condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function.
On 12/02/2011 at 1311 CST, the Low Pressure Coolant Injection (LPCI) was declared inoperable when voiding was discovered in the 'B' Residual Heat Removal (RHR) inject vent line.
Initial review of this condition for immediate reportability under 50.72(b)(3)(v), event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function, concluded the condition was not reportable based on the availability of other Emergency Core Cooling Systems (ECCS). Specifically, Core Spray and HPCI were both available to perform the function of emergency core cooling. On 12/03/2011 at 1650 CST, LPCI was declared operable based on further examinations to determine extent of voiding, system filling and venting and completion of supporting engineering evaluations. Subsequent reviews determined that the reportability decision under 50.72(b)(3)(v) as a event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function should be based on safety function at the system level, rather than at the ECCS function level. The decision to report the inoperability of LPCI under 50.72(b)(3)(v) was made at 1319 CST on 12/08/2011.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
