On August 22, 2012, it was determined, based on a remote video camera inspection inside the secondary shield wall, that a primary system leak at a Pressurizer Heater bundle exists and is not isolable. Technical Specification (TS) Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.1.6.4 does not allow any leakage through a nonisolable
RCS strength boundary. The discovery of leakage from the Pressurizer Heater bundle is considered a degradation of a principal safety barrier. This condition does not represent a reduction in the public health and safety.
This is reportable as a 4-hour ENS notification under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(i) due to the initiation of a nuclear plant shutdown required by the plant's Technical Specifications.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
The licensee expects to also notify state and local government agencies of the shutdown. The current leak rate, as calculated by the plant process computer, is approximately .2 gallons per minute.
