Semantic search
| Discovered date | Reporting criterion | Title | Description | LER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 56887 | 13 December 2023 07:02:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation | Automatic Reactor Scram | The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: At 0102 CST, while operating at 100 percent (reactor) power, River Bend Station experienced an automatic reactor scram caused by a turbine trip signal. The cause of the turbine trip signal is not known at this time and is being investigated. At 0108, reactor core isolation cooling (RCIC) was initiated due to a loss of reactor feed pumps following feedwater heater string isolation. At 0114, reactor water level control was transferred back to feedwater and RCIC was secured. Reactor water level is being maintained by feedwater pumps and reactor pressure is being maintained by turbine bypass valves. The scram was uncomplicated and all other plant systems responded as designed. 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 and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) specified system actuation as result of expected post scram (reactor water) level 3 isolations and manual initiation of RCIC. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: The cause of the turbine trip, while still under investigation, was likely due to an electrical transient involving the main generator. Walkdowns in the switchyard post-scram identified damage to one of the output breaker disconnects. | |
| ENS 56863 | 18 November 2023 05:55:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation | Manual Reactor Scram | The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: On November 17, 2023, at 2215 CST, River Bend Station (RBS) was operating at 30 percent reactor power performing plant startup activities when an isolation of low-pressure feedwater string `A' occurred. The team entered applicable alternate operating procedures and inserted control rods to exit the restricted region of the power to flow map. Feedwater temperature continued to lower until it challenged the prohibited region of the AOP-0007 graph requiring a reactor scram. The team inserted a manual reactor scram at 2355 from 24 percent reactor power. All control rods fully inserted and there were no complications. All systems responded as designed. Currently RBS Unit 1 is stable with reactor level being maintained 10 to 51 inches with feed and condensate, and pressure being maintained 500 to 1090 psig using steam drains. 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 and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) Specified System Actuation as result of Group 3 isolations. The NRC Senior Resident inspector has been notified. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: The electric plant is in a normal lineup for current plant conditions with all emergency diesel generators available. The cause of the initial isolation of low-pressure feedwater string "A" is still under investigation. | |
| ENS 56825 | 31 October 2023 13:00:00 | 10 CFR 26.719, FFD Reporting requirements | False Negative on Blind Performance Sample | The following information was provided by the licensee via phone call and email: On October 31, 2023, at 0800 CDT, River Bend Station discovered that the results of a blind performance sample provided to an Health and Human Services (HHS)-certified testing facility were inaccurate (false negative). This report is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 26.719(c)(3). The HHS-certified testing facility has been informed of the error. The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector.
On November 1, 2023, River Bend Station personnel were informed by the HHS-certified testing facility that the cut-off levels used for analysis of the performance testing sample in question were the correct (higher) cut-off levels currently being used by the licensee. This resulted in a correct negative test. The performance testing sample sent to the HHS-certified testing facility was purchased for use based on the new lower cut-off levels in accordance with the new fit for duty (FFD) rule being implemented by the licensee on November 6, 2023. Because the higher confirmatory cut-off levels were used at the HHS-certified testing facility, the results provided were correct. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified." Notified R1DO (Eve) and FFD Group (email) | |
| ENS 56641 | 18 July 2023 20:14:00 | 10 CFR 21.21(d)(3)(i), Failure to Comply or Defect | Part 21 Report - Motor Driven Relay Failed Testing | The following information is a synopsis provided by the licensee via email: River Bend Station completed an internal Part 21 evaluation concerning a motor driven relay that failed pre-installation testing due to a buildup of corrosion between the rotor and relay core. The relay was planned for use in the Remote Shutdown System. The NRC Resident has been notified. A written notification will be provided within 30 days. Affected known plants include only River Bend at the time of the notification. | |
| ENS 56491 | 26 April 2023 15:48:00 | 10 CFR 26.719, FFD Reporting requirements | Fitness for Duty Report | A non-licensed supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access to the plant has been terminated. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 56428 | 14 March 2023 14:26:00 | 10 CFR 26.719, FFD Reporting requirements | FITNESS-FOR-DUTY Report - Subversion of the FFD Process | A non-licensed contract supervisor was confirmed to have violated the FFD policy by attempting to subvert the testing process. The individual's authorization for site access was immediately terminated. The licensee notified the R4 Branch Chief (Josey)
The following information was provided by the licensee via email: The Medical Review Officer (MRO) was provided with additional information on the collection process in question. Based on this additional information, the MRO was unable to conclude with a high degree of certainty that an attempt to subvert the FFD collection process had occurred." Notified R4DO (Gaddy) and via email the FFD Group. | |
| ENS 56390 | 5 March 2023 05:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xii), Transport of a Contaminated Person Offsite | Transport of a Potentially Contaminated Person Offsite | The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 2300 CST on March 4, 2023, River Bend Station (RBS) was shut down in Mode 5 when an individual was transported offsite for treatment at an offsite medical facility. Due to the nature of the medical condition, the individual was not thoroughly surveyed prior to being transported offsite. Follow-up surveys performed by radiation protection technicians identified no contamination of the worker or of the ambulance and response personnel. This is an eight-hour notification, non-emergency for the transportation of a contaminated person offsite. This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xii). The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 56116 | 19 September 2022 06:32:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | Safety System Inoperability | The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 0132 CDT on September 19, 2022, River Bend Station (RBS) was operating at 100% power when the high pressure core spray (HPCS) system was declared inoperable in accordance with technical specification 3.8.9, condition E (declare HPCS and standby service water system pump 2C inoperable immediately) due to a E22-S003, HPCS transformer feeder malfunction. The HPCS is a single train system at RBS, therefore this event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as an event or condition that could have prevented the fulfilment of a safety function. The reactor core isolation cooling system has been verified to be operable. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: RBS has entered a 14-day limiting condition for operation due to the loss of HPCS and they have upgraded their on-line plant risk model to "yellow". | |
| ENS 55169 | 2 April 2021 15:17:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Automatic Reactor Scram Due to Turbine Trip | At 1017 CDT on April 2, 2021, while operating at 85 percent power, River Bend Station experienced an automatic reactor scram caused by a turbine trip signal. The cause of the turbine trip signal is not known at this time and is being investigated. Reactor water level is being maintained by feedwater pumps and reactor pressure is being maintained by turbine bypass valves. The scram was uncomplicated and all plant systems responded as designed. 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 and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) Specified System Actuation as result of expected post scram level 3 isolations. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. | |
| ENS 55154 | 25 March 2021 14:18:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Manual Reactor Trip Due to Lowering Condenser Vacuum | On March 25, 2021 at 0901 CDT, River Bend Station Unit 1 (RBS) was operating at 93 (percent) reactor power (limited by 100 (percent) recirculation flow) when condenser vacuum began to lower due to ARC-AOV1A, Steam Jet Air Ejector Suction Valve, going closed. At 0918 CDT, a manual reactor SCRAM was inserted at approximately 80 (percent) reactor power due to condenser vacuum continuing to lower. After the SCRAM, all systems responded as designed and condenser vacuum was restored by starting a mechanical vacuum pump. The cause of the Steam Jet Air Ejector Suction Valve closure is unknown at this time and being investigated. Currently RBS is stable, and pressure is being maintained using Turbine Bypass Valves. The Main Steam Isolation Valves remained opened throughout the event. 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 and 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(iv)(A) Specified System Actuation as result of expected post SCRAM level 3 isolations. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event. | |
| ENS 55012 | 30 November 2020 13:00:00 | 10 CFR 26.719, FFD Reporting requirements | Fitness for Duty Report | A non-licensed employee supervisor had a confirmed positive for a controlled substance. The employee's access to the plant has been terminated. The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 54991 | 11 November 2020 00:27:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Inadvertent/Malfunctioning Siren Activation | On November 10, 2020, at 1827 CST, River Bend Station (RBS) received a report of a single inadvertent and malfunctioning siren which is part of the Emergency Notification System. The siren was heard by residences in the area and they contacted local agencies, who in turn contacted RBS. This siren activation was not related to any condition or event and no emergency has occurred at RBS. RBS has notified the appropriate authorities and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness of the inadvertent siren activation. RBS has sent a team to locally disable the siren to prevent any further inadvertent sounding and it is now disabled. A press release from Entergy is not planned at this time. The NRC resident has been notified of the event. The licensee also notified the East and West Feliciana Parish Authorities. If an emergency notification were required, there is overlap of working sirens to cover the area of the siren that is out of service. | |
| ENS 54880 | 4 September 2020 01:48:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | High Pressure Core Spray Inoperable | River Bend Station experienced an inadvertent initiation and injection of High Pressure Core Spray (HPCS) at 2048 (CDT) on 9/3/2020 while operating at 92% power. Initial investigation indicates a power supply failure in the Division III trip units which feeds HPCS and Division III Diesel Initiation signals. The Control Room Operator responded to the event by taking manual control of Feedwater Level Control to maintain Reactor Water Level nominal values. The HPCS injection valve was open for approximately 25 seconds before operators manually closed the valve. The manual closure of the injection isolation valve caused the system to be incapable of responding to an automatic actuation signal. The manual override of the injection isolation valve was reset approximately 52 minutes after the event. The HPCS system has remained inoperable. The event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as a condition that caused loss of function of the HPCS System. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event. The Senior NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. These conditions put the unit in a 14-day LCO (3.5.1) for HPCS Inoperability and a 30-day LCO (3.7.1) for one Standby Service Water Pump Inoperable (2C). | |
| ENS 54849 | 21 August 2020 14:18:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Manual Reactor Scram | On August 21, 2020 at 0908 CDT, River Bend Station was operating at 100% reactor power when reactor recirculation pump 'B' tripped. At 0918 CDT, a manual reactor scram was inserted at 67% reactor power after receiving indications of thermal hydraulic instability as indicated by flux oscillations on the period based detection system (PBDS) and average power range monitors (APRMs). All control rods fully inserted and there were no complications. All systems responded as designed. Currently River Bend Station Unit 1 is stable and pressure is being maintained using turbine bypass valves. 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 and 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(iv)(A) Specified System Actuation as result of Group 3 isolations. NRC Resident Inspector has been briefed on this event. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. | |
| ENS 54470 | 9 January 2020 17:32:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor | Loss of Chillers | The Division I Control Building Chiller 'A' failed to start during post maintenance testing. By design, the Division II Control Building Chiller 'B' should have started automatically but did not. Operators then manually placed the Division I Control Building Chiller 'C' in service. This condition rendered both Divisions of the Control Building Air Conditioning System Inoperable. The applicable LCO was entered and exited 10 minutes later with all required actions and completion times met. The cause of the failure is not known at this time. The plant was at 100% power at the time of the event and is currently stable at 100% power. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 54348 | 24 October 2019 15:35:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | Automatic Depressurization System Inoperable | At 1035 CDT the Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) was rendered inoperable due to the failure of the 'A' Safety Vent Valve (SVV) Compressor (SVV-C4A) to manually start with SVV-C4B tagged out. System pressure slowly dropped below 131 psig (normal pressure is 165 psig). This caused the ADS safety relief valves to be declared inoperable. The station entered Technical Specification 3.5.1 Condition G. The Required Action was to be in Mode 3 in 12 hours. As a result, the station was in a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of a safety function. The breaker for SVV-C4B was reset and the clearance for SVV-V4B was released. System pressure was restored to greater than 131 psig at 1116 CDT which allowed exit of the action statement to be in Mode 3 in 12 hours. System parameters are currently stable in the normal pressure range. Investigation for the cause of the system failure is ongoing. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 54338 | 18 October 2019 07:07:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | En Revision Imported Date 11/20/2019 | EN Revision Text: INADVERTENT OPENING OF MAIN TURBINE BYPASS VALVES POTENTIONALLY AFFECTED SAFE SHUTDOWN CAPABILITY At 0207 (CDT), the Bypass Electro-Hydraulic Control (EHC) system was secured for planned maintenance. When the Bypass EHC pumps were secured, both of the Main Turbine Bypass Valves unexpectedly opened to approximately 4.5 percent. Plant parameters indicated no impact to Turbine Control Valve position, Reactor Pressure, Turbine First Stage Pressure, or Main Steam Line flows. There were no other abnormal indications noted. With the Turbine Bypass Valves partially open, there is a potential to affect instrumentation that trips on high Turbine First Stage Pressure. Therefore, this event is being reported as a potential loss of Safety Function. At 0256, the Bypass EHC system pumps were restored and the Turbine Bypass Valves Closed. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
This Event Notification was contingent on the Main Turbine Bypass Valves opening which resulted in the inoperability of Turbine First Stage Pressure monitoring instrumentation. A detailed review of system design and plant parameter trends has confirmed that the Main Turbine Bypass Valves remained closed for the duration of the event, permitting the instrumentation systems dependent on accurate Turbine First Stage Pressure to perform their respective design and licensing basis functions. Valve drift in the open direction was observed by position indication when hydraulic control pressure was removed. However, the valves were at an over-travel closed position prior to the event allowing the valves to settle at a position where an internal spring could provide closing force to the valve disc. Multiple plant parameter trends including Turbine First Stage Pressure, Reactor Pressure, Main Steam Line flows, and Main Turbine Bypass Valve discharge line temperatures indicate that the Main Turbine Bypass Valves remained closed for the duration of the event. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (O'Keefe). | |
| ENS 54096 | 1 June 2019 04:45:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation | Manual Reactor Scram Due to Low Reactor Water Level | At 2345 CDT at River Bend Station (RBS) Unit 1, a manual Reactor scram was inserted in anticipation of receiving an automatic Reactor Water Level 3 (9.7") scram due to the isolation of the 'B' Heater String with the 'A' Heater String already isolated. The 'B' heater string isolation caused loss of suction and subsequent trip of the running Feed Water Pumps 'A' and 'C'. All control rods fully inserted with no issues. Subsequently Reactor level was controlled by the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system. Feed Water Pump 'C' was restored 4 minutes after the initial trip and the RCIC system secured. Currently RBS-1 is stable and is being cooled down using Turbine Bypass Valves. No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit. The plant is currently under a normal shutdown electrical lineup. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
This amended event notification is being made to provide additional information that was not included in the original notification made on 6/1/19 at 0315 EDT. This event was reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) which was not annotated or described in the original report. Forty-two minutes after the Feed Water Pump 'C' was started, the pump tripped causing a Reactor Water Level 3 (9.7") RPS actuation. Feed Water was restored five minutes later using the Feed Water Pump 'A'. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified the R4DO (Warnick). | |
| ENS 54121 | 30 April 2019 11:50:00 | 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1), Submit an LER | 60-Day Optional Telephonic Notification Due to Invalid Actuation of a General Containment Isolation Signal | This 60-day telephone notification is being made in accordance with the reporting requirements specified by 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1) and 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) to describe an invalid actuation of a general containment isolation signal affecting multiple systems. On April 30, 2019, at approximately 0650 CDT, a level 2 containment isolation signal was introduced when a fuse for the Nuclear Steam Supply Shutoff System was removed for a maintenance clearance. The level 2 containment isolation signal caused a trip of the Division I DC bus back-up charger, leaving only the Division I battery to carry the DC bus. At 0707 CDT the bus was de-energized when another unrelated clearance opened the battery supply breaker to the DC bus causing another containment isolation signal. This event did not affect Shutdown Cooling or any other protected Safety Related Equipment. The containment isolation signals caused an isolation of the systems listed below. All components that were not removed from service, gagged in position, already in the expected position due to plant conditions, or de-energized due to plant condition performed as designed. Containment Isolation valves for the following systems isolated as expected: Drywell and Containment Floor Drains, Drywell and Containment Equipment Drains, Condensate Makeup, Fire Protection Water, Service Air, Instrument Air, Reactor Water Cleanup, Spent Fuel Cooling and Cleanup, Reactor Plant Component Cooling Water, Chilled Water, Reactor Recirculation, Main Steam Drains, Reactor Building Ventilation, and Fuel Building Ventilation. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 54031 | 26 April 2019 16:47:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A), Seriously Degraded | Through Wall Leak on Standby Liquid Control System Piping | At 1147 (CDT) on 4/26/19, a through wall leak (reported as 1 drop every 1 to 2 minutes) was identified and confirmed by operation and NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) personnel on the Standby Liquid Control injection line during pressure testing activities. The line is 1.5 inch in diameter and classified as an ASME Section Ill, Class 1 line. The leak is currently isolated from the reactor vessel by a danger tagged manual valve. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 53756 | 27 November 2018 06:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material | En Revision Imported Date 12/4/2018 | EN Revision Text: INOPERABILITY OF EQUIPMENT FOR CONTROL OF RADIOLOGICAL RELEASE At 2130 CST on 11/27/2018, Division 1 Main Steam Positive Leakage Control System (MS-PLCS) was declared inoperable because of a leaking check valve that caused excessive cycling of the associated air compressor. Division 2 MS-PLCS had been declared inoperable on 11/27/2018 at 1400 CST when a pressure control valve in the system exceeded the maximum allowable stroke time. Because MS-PLCS supplements the isolation function of the main steam isolation valves (MSIVs) by processing fission products that could leak through the closed MSIVs, both divisions of MS-PLCS inoperable at the same time represents a condition that could prevent the fulfillment of a safety function of an SSC (Structures, Systems and Components) that is needed to control the release of radioactive material. The station diesel air compressor is available to supply backup air to the safety relief valves as required by the Technical Requirements Manual." (This is associated with operability of the safety relief valves, due to the inoperable MS-PLCS air compressor.) The unit is in a 7 day shutdown Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO), 1-TS1-18-Div 1 & 2 MSPLCS-685, for the two divisions of MS-PLCS being inoperable. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
This event was initially reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) as a condition that could have prevented the Main Steam Positive Leakage Control System (MS-PLCS) from fulfilling its safety function to control the release of radioactive material. Division I was declared inoperable due to a failed component. Division II was declared inoperable due to a pressure control valve in the system exceeding the maximum allowable time to close by 0.50 seconds. An engineering evaluation has since been performed and concluded that the 2 second maximum allowable time to close was based on the pressure control valve being classified as a rapid closure valve and was established from the original baseline data of 0.50 seconds. This baseline data is an administrative target value per the In-Service Testing Program. There are no technical specification requirements associated with the 2 second closure time. The engineering evaluation also determined that the volume of air supplied through the pressure control valve during the extra 0.50 seconds of valve closure would have an inconsequential effect on the pressure within the volume of leakage barrier between the Main Steam Isolation Valves associated with the MS-PLCS pressure control valve or have any effect on containment over-pressurization. Based on the information provided by the engineering evaluation, the Division II MS-PLCS has been declared operable-degraded non-conforming since time of initial discovery. Consequently, this event is not reportable as a condition that could have prevented the Main Steam Positive Leakage Control System (MS-PLCS) from fulfilling its safety function. The (NRC) Resident Inspector has been notified via e-mail. Notified the R4DO (Gaddy). | |
| ENS 53732 | 10 November 2018 05:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Automatic Reactor Scram on High Reactor Pressure | At 0046 CST, River Bend Station experienced an automatic reactor scram on high reactor pressure. Initial indications are that the cause of the scram was an uncommanded closure of the #3 turbine control valve. The plant is stable with reactor water level in the normal level band of 10-51 inches being maintained with feedwater and condensate. Reactor pressure is in the prescribed band of 500-1090 psig, being maintained with turbine bypass valves and steam line drains. No injection systems were actuated either manually or automatically as a result of the event. The reactor scrammed on a Reactor Pressure High scram signal. A Reactor Level 3 signal resulted from the normal post-scram water level response. All systems responded as designed. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) as an automatic RPS actuation with the reactor critical. All control rods fully inserted. The Unit is in a normal shutdown electrical alignment. All control rods inserted properly and all systems functioned as designed. The licensee is investigating the cause of the event. The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector. | |
| ENS 53622 | 25 September 2018 05:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition | Control Building Chillers in Unanalyzed Condition | At 1200 CDT on September 25, 2018, while the plant was in MODE 1 at 90 percent power, it was identified that an additional condition existed which had not previously been considered in developing the compensatory measures implemented for design flaws and single point vulnerabilities associated with the Control Building Chilled Water System. Specifically, a 20 minute 'quick restart timer' on Control Building Chillers that have analog control systems (HVK-CHL1A & 1B) would prevent the chillers from starting in specific scenarios. The recommended compensatory actions to address the new condition were implemented at 1235 CDT on September 25, 2018. Currently the Chilled Water System is otherwise operating as designed. Operator actions are in place to ensure the plant meets all required design safety system functions. Work is currently underway to identify and correct all design vulnerabilities. The (NRC) Senior Resident Inspector has been notified. This was identified by engineering during an extended condition search. | |
| ENS 53382 | 4 May 2018 16:29:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B), Loss of Safety Function - Remove Residual Heat 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition | Unanalyzed Condition Associated with Damaging Effects of Tornados | During performance of an extent of condition evaluation of protection for Technical Specification (TS) equipment from the damaging effects of tornados, River Bend Station identified non-conforming conditions in the plant design such that specific TS equipment is considered to not be adequately protected from tornado missiles. The reportable condition is postulated by tornado missiles entering the Diesel Generator Building through conduit and pipe penetrations. A tornado could generate multiple missiles capable of striking Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 Diesel Generator support equipment rendering all Safety Related Diesel Generators inoperable. This condition is reportable per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B) for any event or condition that results in the nuclear power plant being in an unanalyzed condition that significantly degrades plant safety, and per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v) for 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 (A) Shut down the reactor and maintain it in a safe shutdown condition, (B) Remove residual heat, or (D) Mitigate the consequences of an accident. This condition was identified as part of an on-going extent of condition review of potential tornado missile related site impacts. Enforcement discretion per Enforcement Guidance Memorandum EGM 15-002 has been implemented and required actions taken. Corrective actions will be documented in a follow-on licensee event report. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 53365 | 26 April 2018 20:31:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation - ECCS Discharge | Inadvertent Injection of High Pressure Core Spray | River Bend Station experienced an inadvertent initiation and injection of High Pressure Core Spray (HPCS) at 1531 (CDT) on 4/26/2018 while operating at 100 percent power. During replacement of Level Transmitter B21-LTN081C 'Reactor Vessel Low Water Level 1', Main Control Room received an inadvertent initiation and injection of High Pressure Core Spray. The HPCS injection valve was open for approximately 40 seconds before the operators manually closed the valve. Feedwater Level Control responded per design and maintained Reactor Water Level nominal values. The Division 3 Diesel Generator (DG) also automatically started in response to the actuation signal. The DG did not automatically connect to the Division 3 switchgear since there was not a low voltage condition on the bus. The manual closure of the injection isolation valve caused the system to be incapable of responding to an automatic actuation signal. The manual override of the injection isolation valve was reset approximately 16 minutes after the event, restoring the system to its standby condition. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A) as a condition that caused ECCS (Emergency Core Cooling System) discharge to RCS (Reactor Coolant System) and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as a condition that caused the loss of function of the HPCS System. The Senior NRC Resident inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 53324 | 11 April 2018 06:50:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition | Condition That Could Impair Function of Control Building Ac System | At time 0150 CDT on April 11, 2018, a condition was identified that could impair the ability of the Control Building Air Conditioning System to perform its design function. Engineering determined that the time delay relays HVKA11-80YB or HVKA11-80YD (Division II chilled water LOW FLOW relays) could fail in a manner that challenges the design safety function of the Control Building Chilled Water System during a Loss of Offsite Power (LOP) Event. A failure of the time delay relay HVKA11-80YB or HVKA11-80YD (Division II chilled water LOW FLOW relays) to provide the time delay function would cause both the Division I and Division II HVK chilled water pumps to start after a LOP, which in turn could hinder the auto start of either Division I or Division II chillers. Currently the Chilled Water System is otherwise operating as designed. All operator actions are in place to ensure the plant meets all required designed safety system functions. Work is currently underway to correct this design vulnerability. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this condition. | |
| ENS 53192 | 1 February 2018 16:57:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Manual Reactor Scram | At 1057 CST on February 1, 2018 with the unit in Mode 1 at approximately 27% power, a manual actuation of the Reactor Protection System (RPS) was initiated due to an unexpected trip of the B Recirc Pump with A Recirc Pump in fast speed. B Recirc Pump tripped during transfer from slow to fast speed resulting in single loop operation. Operators were unable to reconcile differing indications of core flow. This resulted in a conservative decision to initiate a manual scram. The cause of the B Recirc Pump trip and the apparent issues with core flow indication are under investigation. The plant is currently stable in Mode 3. The plant response to the scram was as expected. All control rods (fully) inserted as expected; the feedwater system is maintaining reactor vessel water level in the normal control band and reactor pressure is being maintained with steam line drains and main turbine bypass valves. The NRC Senior Resident (Inspector) has been notified.
This event was initially reported under 10 CFR 72(b)(2)(iv)(B) as a manual actuation of the RPS due to an unexpected trip of the B Reactor Recirculation Pump with the A Reactor Recirculation Pump running in fast speed (Single Loop Operations). Operations was unable to reconcile differing indications of core flow and made the conservative decision to perform a planned shutdown in accordance with normal operating procedures. Therefore, this event 'resulted from and was part of a pre-planned sequence during testing or reactor operation' as specified in 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) and NUREG-1022 Section 3.2.6. Consequently, this event is not reportable as an actuation of RPS. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. R4DO (Groom) has been notified. | |
| ENS 52995 | 27 September 2017 15:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | Accident Mitigation - Loss of Secondary Containment | Security personnel reported to the Main Control Room that at time 1000 CDT (on 9/27/2017), an alarm indicated that a secondary containment door was open beyond the normal delay time allowed for entry and exit. Security personnel responded and found the door open and unattended with the dogs extended meaning that the door was unable to be closed. Security personnel secured the door at time 1004 CDT. No deficiencies were found with the door. The fact the door was open and unattended beyond the time allowed for normal entry and exit results in Technical Specification 3.6.4.1 'Secondary Containment-Operating,' not being met because surveillance requirement SR 3.6.4.1.3 is not met. This surveillance requires that doors be closed except during normal entry and exit. By definition in NUREG-1022, when Secondary Containment is inoperable, it is not capable of performing its specified safety function which in turn makes this condition reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 52915 | 19 August 2017 01:55:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Automatic Scram While at 100 Percent Power | At 2055 CDT on August 18, 2017, an automatic actuation of the reactor protection system occurred while the plant was operating at 100 percent power. No plant parameters requiring the actuation of the emergency diesel generators or the emergency core cooling system were exceeded. The main feedwater system remained in service following the scram to maintain reactor water level, and the main condenser remained available as the normal heat sink. The scram occurred after a planned swap of the main feedwater master controller channels in preparation for scheduled surveillance testing. When the channel swap was actuated, the feedwater regulating valves moved to the fully open position. The scram signal originated in the high-flux detection function of the average power range monitors, apparently from the rapid increase in feedwater flow. The cause of the apparent feedwater controller malfunction is under investigation. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. No safety relief valves opened. Decay heat is being removed via steam to the main condenser using the bypass valves and steam drains. The licensee intends to go to Cold Shutdown to investigate the malfunction. | |
| ENS 52908 | 15 August 2017 20:13:00 | 10 CFR 26.719, FFD Reporting requirements | Fitness for Duty - Blind Sample Returned with Inaccurate Results | A blind sample provided from an independent laboratory to fleet testing facility was returned with inaccurate results. This is in violation of 10 CFR 26.719(c)(3) and requires a 24-hour report. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 52897 | 10 August 2017 15:34:00 | 10 CFR 26.719, FFD Reporting requirements | Non Licensed Supervisor Confirmed Positive for Alcohol | A non licensed supervisor confirmed positive for alcohol during a fitness for duty test. The employee's access has been terminated. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 52825 | 24 June 2017 01:18:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Automatic Reactor Scram on Main Generator Trip | While performing a scheduled generator voltage regulator test, River Bend Station experienced an automatic scram when the main generator tripped. It is unknown at this time why the main generator tripped. There were no equipment issues that materially impacted post scram operator response. The intention at this time is to go to cold shutdown while the cause of the trip is investigated. All rods inserted during the scram. Reactor water level is being maintained via normal feedwater with decay heat being removed via turbine bypass valves to the main condenser. The electrical grid is stable and supplying plant loads via the normal shutdown electrical lineup. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 52631 | 23 March 2017 07:56:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | High Pressure Core Spray Declared Inoperable | River Bend Station personnel declared the High Pressure Core Spray (HPCS) system inoperable at 0256 on 3/23/2017. During performance of the HPCS Pump and Valve Operability Test, the operators observed an unusual system response after E22-MOVF023 (HPCS Test Return to the Suppression Pool) was stroked closed. A field check showed that the key that connects the E22-MOVF023 valve stem to the anti-rotation device had become dislodged. E22-MOVF023 is a Primary Containment Isolation Valve (PCIV) and is designed to close automatically on an ECCS (Emergency Core Cooling System) initiation signal to ensure that injection flow is directed to the reactor vessel. Technical Specification (TS) 3.6.1.3 requires that containment penetrations associated with an inoperable PCIV be isolated. E22-MOVF023 was declared inoperable at 0028. Operators were unable to close or demonstrate that E22-MOVF023 was fully closed as required by TS 3.6.1.3 and proceeded to isolate the associated containment penetration by closing other system valves. This action was completed at 0320. The net effect of the actions taken to isolate the containment penetration is that HPCS is inoperable as of 0256. This results in 14 day LCO. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
The Event Time was 0028 CDT rather than 0256 CDT. "The scheduled surveillance test of the high pressure core spray system was initiated at 2355 CDT on March 22, and the pump was secured at 0028 CDT on March 23. The inspection of the HPCS test return valve to the suppression pool occurred at 0050 CDT, and it was at that point that an apparent malfunction of the valve had occurred to the extent that it did not appear to be able to perform its safety function to close upon receipt of a design basis system initiation signal. Thus, the event time for this condition would be more accurately defined as 0028 CDT. Notified R4DO (James Drake) via e-mail. | |
| ENS 52602 | 10 March 2017 13:14:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation | Manual Reactor Scram Due to Closure of the Main Turbine Control Valves | At 0714 CST on March 10, 2017, with the unit in Mode 1 at approximately 17% power, a manual actuation of the reactor protection system (RPS) was initiated due to rising reactor pressure caused by the closure of the Main Turbine Control Valves (MTCV's). The cause of the closure of the MTCV's is under investigation. The unit is currently stable in Mode 3. All control rods inserted as expected; water level control is stable in the normal control band and reactor pressure is being maintained with steam line drains (aligned to the main condenser). The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 52568 | 20 February 2017 18:40:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition | Unanalyzed Condition Due to Potential Failure of Control Room and Control Building Air Handling Units | During the investigation associated with Event Notification 52566 that was reported on 2/18/17, it has been determined that an unanalyzed condition (new potential single failure concerns) exists. This condition exists only during periods of manually alternating divisions of Control Building Chilled Water systems; in that potential failures of Control Room Air Handling Units (HVC-ACU1A or B) or Control Building Air Handling Units (HVC-ACU2A or B) could fail in a manner that challenges the operability of the alternate division. As reported in Event Notification 52566, the impact of this event was a loss of safety function cooling to both Division 1 and 2 AC/DC power distribution systems and Divisions 1 and 2 Control Room Fresh Air systems. Contingency actions are in development to address the impact of the potential failure mode. The plant remains in a planned refueling outage, Mode 5 with water level greater than 23' above the vessel flange. Shutdown cooling remains in service and is not affected by this issue. Investigation is ongoing. The NRC Resident Inspector has been briefed on this issue.
The licensee updated information in the first paragraph of the original above with the following: During the investigation associated with Event Notification 52566 that was reported on 2/18/17, it has been determined that an unanalyzed condition (new potential single failure concerns) exists. During periods of alternating divisions of Control Building Chilled Water systems, the potential exists for failures of Control Room Air Handling Units (HVC-ACU1A or B) or Control Building Air Handling Units (HVC-ACU2A or B) that could challenge the operability of the alternate division. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector of this update. Notified R4DO (Gepford)
After further investigation it has been determined that an unanalyzed condition (new single failure concerns) exists with the dampers associated with the Control Room Fresh Air system. The potential exists for damper failures for HVC-FN1A Control Room Booster Fan 1A motor and HVC-FN1B Control Room Booster Fan 1B motor that could challenge the operability of the alternate division. Contingency actions are in development to address the impact of the potential failure mode. The plant remains in a planned refueling outage, Mode 5, with water level greater than 23 feet above the vessel flange. Shutdown cooling remains in service and is not affected by this issue. Investigation is ongoing. The NRC Resident Inspector has been briefed on this issue. Notified R4DO (Pick). | |
| ENS 52566 | 18 February 2017 21:37:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B), Loss of Safety Function - Remove Residual Heat | Loss of Control Building Chilled Water | At 1537 CST on February 18th, 2017, while the plant was in MODE 5 for a scheduled refueling outage, the main control room experienced a loss of Control Building chilled water and the associated ventilation systems while attempting to alternate divisions for testing. An equipment malfunction in a breaker supplying a Main Control Room air handling unit caused a loss of both divisions of Control Room and Control Building chilled water systems and associated ventilation systems until 1737 CST. During the period between 1537 and 1737, neither division of Control Building chilled water was able to perform the support function for cooling Division 1 and 2 AC and DC power distribution systems or the support function for the Division 1 and 2 Control Room Fresh Air systems. Shutdown Cooling remained in service throughout this event. There were no apparent effects on any plant equipment from the loss of chill water and ventilation. The Division 1 Control Building chill water and ventilation system was returned to service at 1737 on February 18, 2017. Actions were initiated to terminate the OPDRV (operations with potential to drain the reactor vessel) that was in progress at the time of the event by installing the reactor recirculation pump seal. As a conservative measure, actions were initiated to set containment and containment was set at 2145. Troubleshooting and analysis is ongoing to confirm and correct the problem which caused the loss of the Control Building chill water and ventilation system. This condition is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B). The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 52517 | 29 January 2017 08:09:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B), Loss of Safety Function - Remove Residual Heat | Loss of Both Divisions of Control Building Chill Water and Ventilation System | At 0209 CST, on January 29, 2017, while the plant was in MODE 4 for a refueling outage, the main control room crew removed the AC/DC inverter in the Division 1, 120 VAC electrical distribution system from service due to an equipment malfunction. Removing the inverter from service caused a loss of the associated 120 VAC instrument buss. This instrument buss loss caused a trip of the Division 1 Control Building Chill Water and Ventilation system. The Division 2 Control Building Chill Water and Ventilation System was locked out for surveillance testing at the time of the equipment failure. This condition rendered both divisions of Control Building Chill Water and Ventilation Systems unable to perform the support function for cooling Division 1 and 2 AC and DC power distribution systems. These systems are required to support the operability of two required divisions of shutdown cooling. Division 2 Shutdown Cooling System was in service and remained in service through out the event. The Division 2 Control Building Chill Water and Ventilation System was returned to service at 0220 CST on January 29, 2017. Division 1 Control Building Chill Water remains inoperable pending restoration with the installed backup Division 1 DC/AC inverter. Actions are ongoing to place this component in service and restore the associated 120 VAC instrument buss. The equipment malfunction was limited to the Division 1 inverter. The investigation of the inverter failure is ongoing. This condition is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B). The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 52293 | 10 October 2016 15:32:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification Due to a Spill of a Reportable Quantity of Hydraulic Oil Onsite | At 1032 (CDT) on October 10, 2016, it was determined that a spill of hydraulic oil that occurred earlier in the morning on the site was of sufficient quantity (approximately 60 gallons) to warrant a notification to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. This report will be made within 24 hours of the determination. The spill was the result of a hydraulic system failure on a truck that was on site to pick up non-radioactive trash. The truck was on company property but outside the Security Owner Controlled Area (SOCA). There are no radiological or off-site impacts arising from this event. The spill did not reach surface water and is now contained. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) as a condition requiring the notification to State environmental authorities. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 51928 | 13 May 2016 17:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material | Existing Design Inadequacy Could Prevent Standby Gas Treatment System Operablity | At 1200 (CDT) May 13, 2016, while the plant was operating at 100% power, it was brought to the attention of the River Bend Station Main Control Room staff that an existing design inadequacy could prevent both trains of the Standby Gas Treatment System (GTS) from performing its design function. Under certain specific conditions, the installed Masterpact breakers may not close to allow energization of the filter train exhaust fans. A start signal (reactor level 2, drywell pressure 1.68 psid, annulus high radiation, annulus low flow) combined with a trip signal within a certain time differential, could result in a failure of the breakers to close. As a result of this condition, both Standby Gas Trains were declared inoperable, which required entry into LCO 3.6.4.3 Condition C (requires entering Mode 3 in 12 hours). Declaring both trains of Standby Gas Treatment System inoperable resulted in loss of the safety function since a system that has been declared inoperable is one in which the capability has degraded to the point where it cannot perform with reasonable expectation or reliability. The Standby Gas Treatment System (GTS) limits release to the environment of radioisotopes, which may leak from the primary containment, ECCS systems, and other potential radioactive sources to the secondary containment under accident conditions. At 1240 (CDT) May 13, 2016, one division of GTS, GTS 'A', was manually started from the Main Control Room. This action prevents the breaker failure mode, restored the operability of one train and restored the safety function of the GTS system. LCO 3.6.4.3 Condition A (restore Operability in 7 days) is currently entered for Standby Gas Train 'B'. During the 40 minutes of inoperability, both trains of Standby Gas remained available. At no time was the health or safety of the public impacted. This condition is being reported in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) as an event that could have caused a loss of safety function to control the release of radioactive material. The Senior NRC Resident was notified.
Further review has determined that the design inadequacy discussed in EN #51928 could adversely effect the ability of the main control building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to perform its design safety function, based upon a particular sequence of events occurring within a short window of time (approximately 75 milliseconds). River Bend has implemented compensatory actions to ensure operability of the main control building HVAC system. The Resident Inspector has been notified by the licensee. Notified the R4DO (Miller). | |
| ENS 51899 | 3 May 2016 03:29:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | High Pressure Core Spray System Inoperable Due to a Control Room Chiller Trip | At 2229 (CDT) on 05-02-2016, River Bend Station declared the High Pressure Core Spray system INOPERABLE in accordance with Technical Specification 3.8.9, Condition E (Declare High Pressure Core Spray System and Standby Service Water System Pump 2C inoperable immediately) due to Division 1 Control Room Air Conditioning System HVK-CHL1C being INOPERABLE due to a trip of the chiller on high inboard bearing temperature. Actions taken to exit the LCO: Alternated divisions of Control Room Air Conditioning System to Division 2 HVK-CHL1D in service and Division 1 HVK-CHL1A in standby. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Supplement: An operability evaluation has been performed based on system operating procedures in place at the time of this event, and on calculations regarding heat-up rates of the spaces served by the main control room air conditioning system. Operating procedures already in place on May 2 specified the operator actions required to restore the air conditioning system to service following the unanticipated trip of a chiller. The normal shift complement was on duty at the time of the event, and could have provided an adequate number of operators to accomplish this task. The operability evaluation made no new assumptions regarding availability of operators. The manual actions to be performed for the start of an alternate chiller following a trip of an in-service chiller system have been determined to require 2.15 hours, based on ANSI 58.8 guidance. (ANSI/ANS 58.8, Time Response Design Criteria for Nuclear Safety Related Operator Actions, provides the industry guidance In this regard.) Calculations of building heat-up rates have demonstrated that the loss of the air conditioning system can be sustained for 19 hours before temperatures in the rooms containing the Division 3 electrical equipment that support operability of the HPCS system exceed their maximum allowable ambient value. Based on the conclusions of the operability evaluation, the trip of the 'C' HVK chiller on May 2 had no actual adverse effect on the ability of the electrical distribution systems in the main control building to support the safety function of the HPCS system. Event Notification No. 51899 is hereby withdrawn. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Rollins). | |
| ENS 51754 | 24 February 2016 17:00:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor | Electrical Breaker Issue Identified During an Engineering Review | At 1100 CST on February 24, 2016, with the plant in cold shutdown (Mode 4), the shift manager was notified of a condition that could potentially prevent the automatic closure of the circuit breakers powering the emergency ventilation fans in the both the Division 1 and 2 emergency diesel generator rooms. These fans are not in Technical Specifications, however, they provide a support function to the emergency diesel generators, requiring that both diesel generators to be declared inoperable. This inoperability constitutes a condition that could potentially prevent fulfillment of the safety function of onsite AC power sources, and is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). Four additional breakers are affected by the same condition. These breakers supply power to Division 1 and 2 containment unit coolers and the Division 1 and 2 auxiliary building 141 ft. elevation general area unit coolers. The auxiliary building unit coolers are not in Technical Specifications, however, they provide a support function to the electrical distribution system. The Technical Specification required action is to declare both trains of the residual heat removal system (shutdown cooling mode) inoperable. This inoperability constitutes a condition that could potentially prevent the fulfillment of the decay heat removal safety function, and is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). Division 2 residual heat removal is operating in shutdown cooling, satisfactorily maintaining reactor coolant temperature. The affected breakers can be manually operated to start/stop their associated equipment, if necessary for operation. This condition was identified during an Engineering review. The licensee has compensatory measures in place. Long term corrective actions are under review. The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 51701 | 29 January 2016 21:18:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation | Specified System Actuation After Loss of One Offsite Power Source | On January 29, 2016, at 1518 CST, with the plant in cold shutdown, power was lost on reserve station service (RSS) line no. 1. This is one of two sources of offsite power required by Technical Specifications. The power loss de-energized the Division 1 onsite AC safety-related switchgear, causing an automatic start of the Division 1 emergency diesel generator (EDG). The Division 1 reactor protection system (RPS) bus was also de-energized, causing a half-scram signal. Approximately 8 minutes later, a full actuation of the RPS occurred due to a high water level condition in the control rod drive hydraulic system scram discharge volume header. All reactor control rods were already fully inserted. The loss of Division 1 RPS also caused the actuation of the Division 1 primary containment isolation logic. The Division 1 isolation valves in the balance-of-plant systems closed as designed. Both trains of the standby gas treatment system actuated. The loss of RSS no. 1 occurred during post-modification testing on relays at the local 230kV switchyard. The exact cause of the event is under investigation. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). The unit remains in cold shutdown with 1 source of offsite power and all 3 (EDG) available. The (NRC) Resident Inspector has been notified. | |
| ENS 51784 | 10 January 2016 08:43:00 | 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1), Submit an LER | Invalid Actuation of the Primary Containment Isolation Logic | On January 10, 2016, at 0243 CST, with the plant in cold shutdown, the primary containment isolation logic was actuated as the result of an invalid signal. This condition occurred while operators were installing electrical jumpers designed to bypass certain isolation signals for the suction valves in the residual heat removal (RHR) system that comprise the shutdown cooling flow path. These jumpers are installed under procedural guidance for the purposes of increasing the reliability of the shutdown cooling loop by disabling isolation signals that are not required to be operable in certain plant operating modes. Although it could not be proven, it appears that inadvertent contact with an energized circuit occurred during the jumper installation, causing a fuse to blow, de-energizing part of the primary isolation logic. This caused the automatic closure of Division 1 suction and return valves in the shutdown cooling loop, as well as valves connecting the reactor plant sampling systems to the RHR system. The main control room crew implemented recovery procedures to restore shutdown cooling to service at 0401 CST, prior to exceeding any temperature limits. This event resulted from the failure to maintain corrective actions in place that were develop after a similar event in 1994. Additionally, the operators were not using the type of jumpers required by the procedure, which likely contributed to the blown fuse. The RHR system operating procedure has been revised to require that the potentially affected valves in the shutdown cooling loop will be de-energized during jumper installation to eliminate the possibility of inadvertent isolation. This is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1) as an invalid actuation of the primary containment isolation logic. During this event, the RCS temperature increased from approximately 130 to 190 degree F. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 51644 | 9 January 2016 08:37:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation | Automatic Reactor Scram on Main Steam Isolation Due to Electrical Fault | On 1/9/16 at 0237 (CST), River Bend Station sustained a reactor scram during a lightning storm. An electrical transient occurred resulting in a full main steam isolation (MSIV) (Group 6) and a Division II Balance of Plant isolation signal. During the scram, level 8 occurred immediately which tripped the feed pumps. A level 3 signal occurred also during the scram. Subsequent level 3 was received three times due to isolated vessel level control. The plant was stabilized and all spurious isolation signals reset, then the MSIVs were restored. The plant is now stable in Mode 3 and plant walkdowns are occurring to assess the transient. During the scram, all rods inserted into the core. The plant was initially cooled down using safety relief valves. Offsite power is available and the plant is in its normal shutdown electrical lineup. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 51637 | 6 January 2016 04:58:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material | Secondary Containment Declared Inoperable | At (2258) CST, on January 5, 2016, with the plant operating at 100 percent power, the main control room alarm indicating high pressure in the auxiliary building actuated. Operators confirmed that the building pressure, corrected for temperature, indicated slightly positive, whereas the building pressure limit in Technical Specifications is 0.0 - 3.0 inches of water negative pressure. Secondary containment was declared inoperable, and the Division 2 standby gas system was started. This action restored building pressure to the acceptable range, and the building was declared operable at (0027 CST) on January 6. This condition is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) as an event that caused the secondary containment to be potentially incapable of performing its safety function. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector was notified. | |
| ENS 51600 | 11 December 2015 10:16:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | High Pressure Core Spray Declared Inoperable | At 0416 (CST) on 12-11-2015, River Bend Station declared the High Pressure Core Spray system INOPERABLE in accordance with Technical Specification 3.8.9, Condition E (Declare High Pressure Core Spray System and Standby Service Water System Pump 2C inoperable immediately) due to Division 2 Control Room Air Conditioning System HVK-CHL1D tripping off because of high inboard bearing temperature of 180 deg F. Actions taken to exit LCO: Alternated divisions of Control Room Air Conditioning System to Division 1 HVK-CHL1C in service and Division 2 HVK-CHL1B in standby and exited LCO at 0439. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 51568 | 27 November 2015 10:31:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation | Automatic Reactor Scram Following Partial Loss of Offsite Power | At 0431 CST on November 27, 2015, an automatic reactor scram occurred following the trip of the main generator. The generator trip was apparently caused by a partial loss of offsite power, which resulted from a differential ground on the north bus of the local 230 kV switchyard. The ground signal caused the reserve station service line no. 1 to de-energize, which tripped the Division 1 offsite power source to station, as well as the main generator. The plant responded as designed as follows: The Division 1 emergency diesel generator started and tied to the bus restoring Division 1 emergency power. The Division 3 emergency diesel generator started and tied to the bus, restoring power on the Division 3 switchgear. The reactor protection system tripped as designed. Reactor water level was controlled normally with condensate and feed water. A level 3 reactor water level scram signal occurred as expected, and RPV (Reactor Pressure Vessel) water level was restored to normal level band. Reactor pressure was controlled by the bypass valve system, and a normal cool down was initiated. The reactor is being taken to cold shutdown pending an investigation of the event. The loss of power also resulted in a partial loss of normal service water cooling to the plant, and emergency service water cooling automatically initiated per design. At the time of event, the reactor protection system was aligned to the backup power supply, which was momentarily lost. This resulted in multiple system isolations including reactor water clean up, and outboard balance of plant isolations. These isolations were initiated due to loss of offsite power, and all responded as designed. The isolation resulted in a loss of the running decay heat removal pump for the spent fuel pool. The standby pump is available for service and being aligned for service. The plant is currently stable in hot shutdown. Transmission and distribution personnel are currently investigating the ground in the 230 kV switchyard. All control rods inserted. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 51552 | 19 November 2015 13:24:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | High Pressure Core Spray Declared Inoperable | At 0724 (CST) on 11-19-2015, River Bend Station declared the High Pressure Core Spray System inoperable in accordance with Technical Specification 3.8.9, Condition E (Declare High Pressure Core Spray System and Standby Service Water System Pump 2C inoperable immediately) due to Division 2 Control Room Air Conditioning System Chiller HVK-CHL1D being inoperable due to a significant lube oil leak. HVK-CHL1D tripped on Low Lube Oil Differential Pressure. Division 1 Control Building Air Conditioning System Standby Chiller HVK-CHL1A automatically started as expected. Actions taken to exit LCO (Limiting Condition of Operation): Operators alternated to HVK-CHL1B in standby. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 51545 | 18 November 2015 05:55:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident | High Pressure Core Spray Declared Inoperable | At 2355 (CST) on 11/17/2015, River Bend Station declared the High Pressure Core Spray (HPCS) system inoperable in accordance with Technical Specification 3.8.9, Condition E (Declare HPCS system and Standby Service Water System Pump 2C inoperable immediately) due to Division 1 Control Room Air Conditioning System HVK-CHL1C being inoperable because of a significant Freon leak on SWP-PVY32C. Actions taken to exit LCO: Alternated divisions of Control Room Air Conditioning System to Division 2 HVK-CHL1D in service and Division 1 HVK-CHL1A in standby. The basis for declaring High Pressure Core Spray inoperable was that the control room chiller also chills the switchgear room that supplies power to the HPCS. HPCS was out of service for less than one hour while the chillers were swapped from Division 1 to Division 2. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. | |
| ENS 51599 | 3 August 2015 21:30:00 | 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi), Notification to Government Agency or News Release | Offsite Notification for Condensate Spill in the Turbine Building | On August 1, 2015, during tagging activities to support planned maintenance on a condensate demineralizer, operators incorrectly positioned certain air-operated components which, combined with apparent leakage past a solenoid valve, resulted in a drain opening on a demineralizer that was in service. Flow through the drain line caused a turbine building sump to overflow to the floor of the 67 foot elevation of the Turbine Building. Immediate actions were taken to stop the leak. The spill volume was approximately 60,000 gallons of condensate. The tritium activity of the water is estimated at 1.32E-2 microCi/ml. Gamma activity was from noble gases only in a concentration of approximately 2.30E-6 microCi/ml. The spill was confined to the Turbine Building. The affected area contains degraded floor seals which might allow the spill to reach groundwater. The reason for this notification is that industry and governmental officials were notified of this event on August 3, 2015. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector was notified and informal notification was made to the NRC Region IV office, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and West Feliciana Parish government authorities. The Nuclear Energy Institute was informed as specified in their ground water protection initiative. Plant cleanup activities arising from the spill are complete. |