The following information was provided by the licensee via fax or email:
At 1159 EST, on 2/16/2022, the Watts Bar Nuclear, Shift Manager was notified that Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) attempted to notify Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) regarding routine siren testing at 0750 EST. TVA was unable to reach TEMA via telephone land line or the Emergency Communication and Notification System (ECNS). TEMA Watch Point staff were located at their back-up facility. TVA subsequently notified TEMA via cell phone that there were communication issues with the primary and backup notification methods. It was determined that the TEMA back-up facility was not able to receive incoming calls. At 0820 EST, TEMA positioned personnel at their primary facility in order to respond to notifications. This restored primary and backup means of notifying the state because the primary facility was not affected by the communication issues.
This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) as a Major Loss of Offsite Communications Capability because it affected TVA's ability to notify the State of TN.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
