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ENS 5605920 August 2022 04:42:00Technical Specification Required Shutdown

The following information was provided by the licensee via fax or email: At 2342 CDT on August 19, 2022, with Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Mode 1 and at 40 percent power, the station initiated a normal shutdown to comply with its Technical Specifications (TS). The station entered Mode 3 at 0000 CDT August 20, 2022 to comply with (LCO) 3.5.1 Condition G Action G.1 due to the condition reported to NRC previously (EN 56058). This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i) as a shutdown required by the plant's technical specifications. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector was notified. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: The plant is now in a 36-hour LCO to be in Mode 4 due to Low Low Set Valves inoperability per TS 3.6.1.6.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 10/14/2022 AT 1311 FROM JEFF HARDY TO LAUREN BRYSON * * *

Grand Gulf Nuclear Station (GGNS) is performing this notification to retract event EN 56059 that was reported on August 20, 2022. Previously, GGNS notified the NRC that it had initiated a shutdown required by Technical Specifications to comply with Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) 3.5.1 Condition G.1 due to the inoperability of four Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) valves. Following the shutdown, GGNS completed walkdowns and determined that the condition affected only one ADS valve. As a result, the shutdown to satisfy the required actions of TS LCO 3.5.1 Condition G.1 was not required. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of the retraction. R4DO (Kellar) was notified.

ENS 5605819 August 2022 17:15:00Four Automatic Depressurization System Valves Inoperable

The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 1215 CDT on 8/19/2022, with Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Mode 1 and at 100 percent power, four Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) valves were rendered inoperable due to a loss of system pressure. The station entered Technical Specification 3.5.1 Condition G. This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of a safety function. There were no other systems affected as a result of this condition. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector was notified. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: Plans are to remain in Mode 1 until corrected or until driven by the Technical Specifications to shut down (12-hour LCO from 1215 CDT on 8/19/2022).

  • * * RETRACTION ON 10/14/22 AT 1311 EDT FROM JEFF HARDY TO KAREN COTTON * * *

Grand Gulf Nuclear Station (GGNS) is performing this notification to retract event EN 56058 that was reported on August 19, 2022. Previously, GGNS notified the NRC that four Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) valves were inoperable due to a loss of system pressure. Based upon further investigation, the condition reported in EN 56058 was found to affect only a single ADS valve. As a result, it was determined that an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of a safety function did not exist at GGNS. Sufficient redundancy existed to perform the safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of the retraction. R4DO (Kellar) was notified.

ENS 543716 November 2019 00:11:00Two Diesel Generators Concurrently Inoperable

On November 5, 2019 at 1811 CST, station service water A and the Division 1 diesel generator (DG) were declared inoperable based on the results of an engineering evaluation of a Class 3 piping leak. This was determined to be a potential inability to fulfill a safety function due to concurrent inoperability of two emergency diesel generators. Division 3 DG was inoperable due to planned maintenance on November 4, 2019 at 0000 CST. This event is being reported an 8-hour non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(v)(D) as an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of a safety function (Accident Mitigation). Division 3 DG and high pressure core spray have been restored, and the fulfillment of the accident mitigation safety function has been restored. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 11/11/19 AT 1739 EST FROM GABRIEL HARGROVE TO BETHANY CECERE * * *

This was initially reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). However, subsequent engineering evaluation determined that the condition did not affect safety system operability. The evaluation determined that the leakage was within allowable limits and piping structural integrity was not challenged at this time nor in the past three years. The Division 1 DG and SSW A were at the time of discovery OPERABLE and EN54371 is being retracted. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Drake).

Time of Discovery
ENS 5333513 April 2018 17:08:00Two Cracks Identified at the Feed Water Line 'B' Containment Concrete Penetration

At 1208 CDT on April 13, 2018, GGNS (Grand Gulf Nuclear Station) identified cracks in the primary containment concrete penetration (outer wall) around feed water line 'B'. There are no available dimensions for crack width or depth until further inspections are performed. In accordance with NUREG 1022, Event Reporting Guidelines 10 CFR 50.72 and 10 CFR 50.73, Section 3.2.4, any event or condition that results in the condition of the nuclear power plant, including its principal safety barriers being seriously degraded, requires that when a principal safety barrier is declared inoperable the condition must be reported under 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(ii). The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM GERRY ELLIS TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 2012 EDT ON 4/15/18 * * *

Grand Gulf Nuclear Station (GGNS) personnel performed an inspection of the wall around feed water line 'B'. This inspection included the protective coating in the identified area and a partial inspection of the underlying concrete. The inspection of the protective coating found a collection of non-linear anomalies, chipping, and flaking. The inspection found non-significant linear indications in the concrete. Grand Gulf Nuclear Station determined that the collection of non-significant coating imperfections and non-significant indications in the concrete do not constitute serious degradation of primary containment. The indications do not adversely impact the operability, mission time, or safety-function (as described per Technical Specification 3.6.1.1, Primary Containment) of the containment structure. The as-found conditions have been entered into the GGNS corrective action program for final disposition. The containment structure is operable, therefore, GGNS is retracting this event notification. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Kellar).

Mission time
ENS 5309025 November 2017 08:38:00Manual Reactor Scram During Startup

At 0238 (CST) a manual reactor scram was inserted by placing the Reactor Mode Switch in Shutdown. At 0149 (CST), with reactor power just above the point of adding heat, IRM (Intermediate Range Monitor) channels A, C, and D received a spurious upscale trip signal which immediately cleared. Upon investigation, operability of RPS (Reactor Protection System) scram function for Intermediate Range Detectors was placed in question. This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), as any event or condition that results in actuation of the Reactor Protection System (RPS), when the reactor is critical. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE ON NOVEMBER 26, 2017, AT 1850 FROM GRAND GULF TO MICHAEL BLOODGOOD * * *

At 0238 (CST) a manual reactor scram was inserted by placing the Reactor Mode Switch in Shutdown. At 0149 (CST), with reactor power just above the point of adding heat, Intermediate Range Monitor neutron flux detector (IRM) channels A, C, and D received a spurious Upscale Trip signal which immediately cleared. Upon investigation, IRM channels A, C, and D were declared Inoperable. IRM G was already Inoperable for another reason. RPS scram function from IRM channels B, E, F, and H was always Operable and available. That event is being reported under 10CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), as any event or condition that results in actuation of the Reactor Protection System (RPS), when the reactor is critical. This Revised Statement to Event Notification # 53090 is being made to make it clear that only four IRM channels (A, C, D, G) were Inoperable and that the IRM RPS SCRAM function was still available from the four remaining Operable IRM channels (B, E, F, and H). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (O'Keefe)

  • * * RETRACTION ON 01/16/2018 AT 1629 EST FROM JASON COMFORT TO DAVID AIRD * * *

On 11/25/17, at 0149 (CST), with reactor power just above the point of adding heat, Intermediate Range Monitor neutron flux detector (IRM) channels A, C, and D received a spurious Upscale Trip signal which immediately cleared. Upon investigation, IRM channels A, C, and D were declared Inoperable. IRM G was already Inoperable for another reason. At 0238 (CST) a manual reactor scram was inserted by placing the Reactor Mode Switch in Shutdown. RPS scram function from IRM channels B, E, F, and H was always Operable and available. That event was initially being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), as any event or condition that results in actuation of the Reactor Protection System (RPS), when the reactor is critical. After the trip alarms were received, the Operators spent approximately twenty minutes investigating possible causes and implications, and consulted with Reactor Engineering and the Shift Technical Advisor. The investigation showed that the plant was stable and the upscale IRM alarms were spurious. A review of plant technical specifications by the operators determined that a plant shutdown was not required. After further discussions, Operations concluded that a shutdown to allow further investigation of the issue was the prudent course of action. Prior to shutting down, Operations spent approximately twenty minutes reviewing procedures, notifying personnel to exit containment, and conducting a brief. The shutdown was then conducted by inserting a manual reactor scram by placing the reactor mode switch in SHUTDOWN. This was initially reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) as an actuation of the RPS. Based on the sequence of events, and Operator actions in conducting the shutdown, the event is considered 'part of a pre-planned sequence during testing or reactor operation' as specified in 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) and 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A). In accordance with NUREG-1022, Section 3.2.6, the event is not reportable as an actuation of RPS. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Taylor).

ENS 5303826 October 2017 19:45:00Both Divisions of Drywell Vacuum Relief Declared Inoperable

At 1055 (CDT), drywell purge supply/initial vacuum relief 1E61F003B was declared INOPERABLE for Drywell Vacuum Relief System while performing a monthly surveillance. 1E61F003B is a Division II powered valve. Division 1 Emergency Diesel Generator is INOPERABLE due to a tagout. At 1455, under LCO 3.8.1.B.2 the station declared both divisions of Drywell Vacuum Relief INOPERABLE. GGNS (Grand Gulf Nuclear Station) identified that a loss of Safety Function occurred due to a loss of two 10-inch vacuum relief lines from the Drywell required by Technical Specification 3.6.5.6 and therefore could have prevented fulfillment of its safety function. That event is being reported under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), as any event or condition that, at the time of discovery, could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Both divisions inoperable has placed the plant in a 72-hr. LCO shutdown action statement. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM RALPH FLICKINGER TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 1643 EST ON 12/15/17 * * *

At 1055 (CDT on 10/26/17), Drywell purge supply/initial vacuum relief 1E61F003B was declared INOPERABLE for Drywell Vacuum Relief System while performing a monthly surveillance. 1E61F003B is a Division II powered valve. Division 1 Emergency Diesel Generator was INOPERABLE due to a tagout. At 1455 (CDT on 12/26/17), under LCO 3.8.1.B.2, the station declared both divisions of Drywell Vacuum Relief INOPERABLE. GGNS identified that a loss of Safety Function occurred due to a loss of two 10-inch vacuum relief lines from the Drywell required by Technical Specification 3.6.5.6 and therefore could have prevented fulfillment of its safety function. This was initially reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(v)(D). Div. 1 EDG was initially taken out of service at 1455 on 10/26 for preplanned maintenance (OP-EVAL). It was subsequently declared INOPERABLE-INOP due to a visible flaw indication in the exhaust manifold (1117 on 10/27). A subsequent Maintenance Functional Failure Evaluation and Past Operability Determination concluded the diesel was capable of performing its intended function for the required mission time, and therefore met the definition of OPERABLE. NUREG-1022 provides clarification for 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(v). NUREG Section 3.2.7, paragraph 4, states '...unless a condition is discovered that would have resulted in the system (otherwise) being declared inoperable, reports are not required when systems are declared inoperable solely as a result of Required Actions for which the bases is the assumption of an additional random single failure (i.e., . ..LCO 3.8.1, 'AC Sources Operating,' Required Actions .., B.2, or C.1). Per ACTION 3.8.1 .B.2, both trains of Drywell vacuum and Drywell Purge were inoperable for the purposes of Tech Specs. However, the normal power supply was available to Division 1 and there were no conditions which would have rendered the Division 1 diesel inoperable. Therefore, per Section 3.2.7 of NUREG-1022, this was not a Loss of Safety Function and was not reportable under 50.72(b)(2)(v)(D). The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Deese).

Time of Discovery
Mission time
Past operability
ENS 511378 June 2015 03:59:00Unusual Event - Fire in Protected Area Lasting Greater than 15 Minutes

At 2359 EDT on June 7, 2015, the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station declared a Notice of Unusual Event in accordance with Emergency Action Level HU4 for a fire in the protected area lasting greater than 15 minutes. The fire started in the wiring of a terminal box for Electro Hydraulic Pump C, the running pump located in the turbine building. The running pump was then deenergized by operators and the standby pump started. The site fire brigade responded and extinguished the fire. The emergency was terminated at 0030 on June 8, 2015. The licensee notified state and local agencies and will inform the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, NICC Watch Officer, and FEMA NWC and Nuclear SSA via email.

  • * * RETRACTION AT 1645 ON 7/9/2015 FROM KEITH HUFF TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *

The notification of an Unusual Event is being retracted because the event did not meet the definition of 'fire' in NEI 99-01 Revision 5, 'Methodology of the Development of Emergency Action Levels'. The document was endorsed by the NRC on February 22, 2008 (see ADAMS ascension # ML080450149) and is part of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station's current licensing basis. Per the guidance, a 'fire' is defined as: 'Combustion characterized by heat and light. Sources of smoke such as slipping drive belts or overheated electrical equipment do not constitute as 'fires'. Observation of flame is preferred but is NOT required if large quantities of smoke and heat are observed.' According to eyewitness reports from personnel, flames were not observed at any time and evidence of large quantities of heat and smoke were not observed. Additionally, the definition of 'fire' specifically excludes overheated electrical equipment. This information leads to the conclusion that the event did not meet the definition of a 'fire' per NEI 99-01 Revision 5. Therefore, the event is not an immediately reportable Unusual Event under 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and will notify the state and local governments. Notified the R4DO (Haire) and NRR EO (Morris via e-mail).

ENS 507864 February 2015 15:34:00Control Room Ventilation Inoperable Due to Mispositioned Ventilation Inspection Port

At 0934 CST hours on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 during a housekeeping inspection, an inspection port (18x18 inch opening) on the Control Room Fresh Air (CRFA) System was discovered open. The opening of the inspection port resulted in the loss of safety function for both trains of CRFA as a loss of control room envelope boundary. The cause of the inspection port being open is currently unknown and is under investigation. The Control Room was notified and an operator immediately secured the inspection port returning both trains of CRFA to operable status. The reactor was at approximately 100 percent power at the time of the discovery of the event. The Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) Technical Specification 3.7.3, Control Room Fresh Air (CRFA) System, is two CRFA subsystems shall be OPERABLE. This Technical Specification is applicable in MODES 1, 2, and 3, and during operations with a potential for draining the reactor vessel. This condition is reportable as an 8 hour call in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION AT 1520 EST ON 02/13/15 FROM PAUL SALGADO TO S. SANDIN * * *

Grand Gulf Nuclear Station is retracting this event notification based on the following: Regulatory Guidance in NUREG-1022, Revision 3, Event Reporting Guidelines 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73, Sections 2.8 Retraction and Cancellation of Event Reporting and 4.2.3 ENS Notification Retraction. Once the inspection port was discovered open, the control room was notified and an operator immediately secured the inspection port. After the port was secured, detailed engineering calculations were initiated to analyze the situation. Due to the time needed to perform the detailed calculations versus the time required for notification (8 hours) a conservative decision was made to report the event based on knowledge at the time of the event and rough calculations. Subsequently detailed calculations were performed to evaluate and support system operability evaluation. The calculations evaluated dose sensitivity analysis for the increased Control Room in-leakage due to the open inspection port. A test determined the control building in-leakage to be 585 cfm, the in-leakage from other sources to be 15 cfm, and the calculation determined the flow rate through the opening to be 1245 cfm. This total in-leakage rate of 1845 cfm is below the maximum allowable control building in-leakage of 2000 cfm. The calculation performed a sensitivity analysis with recent ILRT results applied and concluded that 4200 cfm in-leakage is permissible to maintain within the limits of 10CFR50.67. By subtracting the measured in-leakage assuming all ports closed ( 585+15= 600 cfm) from the in-leakage permissible to maintain within the limits of 10CFR50.67 (4200 cfm), there Is a resulting margin of 3600 cfm. Technical Specification 3.7.3, Control Room Fresh Air (CRFA) System, requires TWO CRFA subsystems shall be OPERABLE, and the calculations show that the CFRA was OPERABLE. The calculations lead to the conclusion that the system would have fulfilled its safety function needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Therefore, this event is not an 8-hour notification under 50.72(b)(3)(v). The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Allen).

ENS 4902512 May 2013 22:43:00Unusual Event Due to Fire on Auxiliary Transformer Inside Protected the Area

At 1743 CDT on 05/12/13, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station declared an Unusual Event due to a fire lasting greater than 15 minutes in an auxiliary transformer inside the Protected Area (PA). The transformer was isolated. The plant continues to operate at 100% power. The license remains in a Unusual Event pending further investigation. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and State and Local Authorities. Notified DHS SWO, FEMA, and DHS NICC.

  • * * UPDATE FROM ROBERT BRINKMAN TO JOHN SHOEMAKER AT 2112 EDT ON 5/12/13 * * *

The Licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 1921 CDT on 5/12/13 based on electrically isolating the auxiliary transformer and termination of smoke coming from the transformer. At no time were flames seen during this event. The transformer is located outside of the turbine building and is used to supply various loads and office space during outages. There was no other impact on the plant. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and State and Local Authorities. Notified R4DO (Drake), NRR EO (Bahadur), IRD (Marshall), DHS SWO, FEMA, and DHS NICC.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON TO JOHN SHOEMAKER AT 1057 EDT ON 5/29/13 * * *

EN #49025 documents an emergency declaration of Notification of Unusual Event due to a fire lasting greater than 15 minutes within the protected area. The basis for retraction is that this event did not meet the definition of FIRE in NEI 99-01 Rev 5, 'Methodology for the Development of Emergency Action Levels'. This document was endorsed by the NRC on February 22, 2008 (see ADAMS ascension # ML080450149) and is part of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station's current licensing basis. Per the guidance, a FIRE is defined as: Combustion characterized by heat and light. Sources of smoke such as slipping drive belts or overheated electrical equipment do not constitute FIRES. Observation of flame is preferred but is NOT required if large quantities of smoke and heat are observed. Grand Gulf performed interviews of operators and personnel responding to the event and subsequently examined photos of the affected auxiliary transformer. According to eyewitness reports from personnel, flames were not observed at any time nor was there any light emanating from the source of smoke. Personnel also reported that at the immediate vicinity of the smoke source, heat was not at a level which would be indicative of a fire. Photos of the affected transformer did not show signs of charring, burns, warping, or deformation as would be expected during a FIRE. Additionally, the definition of a FIRE specifically excludes overheated electrical equipment. Notified R4DO (Azua), NRR EO (Chernoff), and IRD (Morris).

ENS 4095214 August 2004 15:25:00Grand Gulf Standby Service Water "C" and High Pressure Core Spray Declared Inoperable

During underwater inspection of the Standby Service Water 'C' system, four piping supports were found with considerable degradation. As a result, the Standby Service Water 'C' and High Pressure Core Spray systems were declared inoperable per Technical Specifications (TS). High Pressure Core Spray is a single - train system that performs a safety function." The licensee entered the applicable sections of TS 3.7.2, High Pressure Core Spray Service Water System, and TS 3.5.1, High Pressure Core Spray. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 9/2/04 AT 1610 EDT FROM MICHAEL LARSON TO ARLON COSTA * * *

Reactor Plant Event Number 40952 was reported on August 14, 2004 at 1344 for an inoperable Standby Service Water 'C' and High Pressure Core Spray system due to degraded Standby Service Water 'C' lateral piping supports. This event is hereby retracted. The retraction is based on engineering evaluations and calculations performed that determined that the Standby Service Water 'C' and High Pressure Core Spray System were both OPERABLE and capable of performing their intended safety function. The engineering evaluation and calculations concluded that even without the degraded lateral piping supports, the Standby Service Water 'C' piping maintained its structural integrity and would have performed its intended safety function. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (W. Jones).