Semantic search

Jump to navigation Jump to search
 Start dateReporting criterionTitleEvent descriptionSystemLER
ENS 551181 March 2021 20:11:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentMain Control Room Inoperable Due to Mcr Door Being AjarAt 1511 EST on March 1, 2021, it was discovered that the main control room (MCR) envelope was inoperable due to a MCR door being found ajar; therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). The door was closed, restoring the MCR envelope to operable at 1513 EST. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5478115 July 2020 12:35:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentMain Control Room Envelope Inoperable Due to Mcr Door Being AjarAt 0835 EDT on July 15, 2020, it was discovered that the main control room (MCR) envelope was inoperable due to a MCR door being found ajar; therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). The door was closed, restoring the MCR envelope to operable at 0839 EDT. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5471819 May 2020 17:29:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentControl Room Envelope InoperableAt 1329 EDT on May 19, 2020, it was discovered that the main control room (MCR) envelope was inoperable due to a control room envelope (CRE) door being found ajar; therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). The CRE door was closed, restoring the MCR envelope to operable at 1331 EDT. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5439116 November 2019 04:53:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Control Room Envelope BoundaryAt 2353 EST on November 15, 2019, a Main Control Room (MCR) alarm was received for low control room positive pressure. At 2355 EST, a Control Room Envelope (CRE) door was found ajar and immediately closed. Technical Specification 3.7.10 Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREVS) was declared not met for both trains. Watts Bar Unit 1 and Unit 2 entered Condition B. At 2355 EST on November 15, 2019, the alarm cleared, CREVS was declared operable and LCO 3.7.10 Condition B was exited for both units. This condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. See similar EN #54390. The licensee has taken compensatory measures while investigating the cause.Control Room Emergency Ventilation
ENS 5439016 November 2019 03:34:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Control Room Envelope BoundaryAt 2234 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 15, 2019, a Main Control Room (MCR) alarm was received for low control room positive pressure. At 2236 EST, a Control Room Envelope (CRE) door was found ajar and immediately closed. Technical Specification 3.7.10 Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREVS) was declared not met for both trains. Watts Bar Unit 1 and Unit 2 entered Condition B. At 2236 EST on November 15, 2019, the alarm cleared, CREVS was declared operable and LCO 3.7.10 Condition B was exited for both units. This condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Control Room Emergency Ventilation
ENS 5411212 June 2019 12:49:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentLoss of Control Room Emergency Air Temperature Control SystemAt 0849 (EDT), a significant air leak on an inline air filter was identified. At 0908, the leak on the filter was isolated. A subsequent review of this situation determined that this air leak impacted operation of the A Train of the Control Room Emergency Air Temperature Control System (CREATCS) which is required to be operable in accordance with Technical Specification 3.7.10. At the time of this event, the B Train of CREATCS was out of service for planned maintenance. With both trains of CREATCS out of service, both Watts Bar Units entered a condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function. This condition was terminated when the leaking air filter was isolated. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 5402123 April 2019 06:32:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Control Room Envelope BoundaryAt 0232 EDT on April 23, 2019, a Main Control Room (MCR) alarm was received for low control room positive pressure. At 0233 EDT, a Control Room Envelope (CRE) door was found ajar and immediately closed. Technical Specification 3.7.10 Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREVS) was declared not met for both trains. Watts Bar Unit 1 entered Condition B. Watts Bar Unit 2 was not performing movement of irradiated fuel assemblies and did not meet the APPLICABILITY for CREVS per LCO 3.7.10. At 0233 EDT on April 23, 2019, the alarm cleared, CREVS was declared operable and LCO 3.7.10 Condition B was exited. The safety function of the CRE boundary is to ensure the in-leakage of unfiltered air into the CRE will not exceed the in-leakage assumed in the licensing basis analysis of Design Basis Accident (DBA) consequences to CRE occupants. From 0232 EDT to 0233 EDT, (Watts Bar Nuclear) WBN was unable to validate that CREVS could fulfill its required Safety Function. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Control Room Emergency Ventilation
ENS 5359311 September 2018 04:00:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentControl Room Emergency Ventilation System InoperableAt 0113 EDT on September 11, 2018, it was discovered both trains of CREVS (control room emergency ventilation system) were simultaneously inoperable; therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The door to the main control room habitability zone from the turbine building was left open and unattended for about a minute, breaking the pressure boundary in the room, resulting in an alarm. The door was closed, clearing the alarm and the CREVS was considered operable.Control Room Emergency Ventilation
ENS 5339811 May 2018 14:11:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Containment Shield Building InoperableAt 1011 EDT on May 11, 2018, Containment Shield Building Annulus differential pressure exceeded the required limit. The Shield Building was declared inoperable requiring entry into Technical Specification (TS) 3.6.15 Conditions A and B. The event was initiated by failure of the operating annulus vacuum fan. Main Control Room Operators manually started the stand-by annulus vacuum fan to recover pressure. Shield Building Annulus differential pressure was restored to the required value at 1016 EDT and TS 3.6.15 Condition A and B were exited on May 11, 2018 at 1016 EDT. The failure mechanism for the annulus vacuum fan is being investigated. The Containment Shield Building ensures the release of radioactive material from the containment atmosphere is restricted to those leakage paths and associated leakage rates assumed in the accident analysis during a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA). The Emergency Gas Treatment System (EGTS) would have automatically started and performed its design function to maintain the Shield Building Annulus differential pressure within required limits. The event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident has been notified.Shield Building
Emergency Gas Treatment System
ENS 5329126 March 2018 22:39:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Control Room Envelope BoundaryAt 1839 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 26, 2018, a Main Control Room (MCR) alarm was received for low control room positive pressure. At 1840 EDT, a Control Room Envelope (CRE) door was found ajar and immediately closed. Technical Specification 3.7.10, Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREVS), was declared not met for both trains and Condition B entered. At 1840 EDT on March 26, 2018, the alarm cleared, CREVS was declared operable and LCO (Limiting Condition for Operation) 3.7.10, Condition B was exited. The safety function of the CRE boundary is to ensure the in-leakage of unfiltered air into the CRE will not exceed the in-leakage assumed in the licensing basis analysis of Design Basis Accident (DBA) consequences to CRE occupants. From 1839 EDT to 1840 EDT, WBN (Watts Bar Nuclear) was unable to validate that CREVS could fulfill its required Safety Function. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). A watch has been posted at the door to prevent recurrence. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Control Room Emergency Ventilation
ENS 5328826 March 2018 14:58:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Control Room Envelope BoundaryAt 1058 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 26, 2018, a Main Control Room (MCR) alarm was received for low control room positive pressure. At 1100 EDT, a Control Room Envelope (CRE) door was found ajar and immediately closed. Technical Specification 3.7.10, Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREVS), was declared not met for both trains and Condition B entered. At 1100 EDT on March 26, 2018, the alarm cleared, CREVS was declared operable and LCO (Limiting Condition for Operation) 3.7.10, Condition B was exited. The safety function of the CRE boundary is to ensure the in-leakage of unfiltered air into the CRE will not exceed the in-leakage assumed in the licensing basis analysis of Design Basis Accident (DBA) consequences to CRE occupants. From 1058 EDT to 1100 EDT, WBN (Watts Bar Nuclear) was unable to validate that CREVS could fulfill its required Safety Function. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Control Room Emergency Ventilation
ENS 5317318 January 2018 01:02:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentShield Building InoperableAt 2002 EST on January 17, 2018, annulus differential pressure exceeded its pressure limit. At that time, the Shield Building was declared inoperable requiring entry into Technical Specification 3.6.15, Conditions A and B. Action was taken by field operators to swap annulus vacuum control dampers to restore annulus differential pressure. At 2024 EST, annulus differential pressure was restored to required limits, the Shield Building was declared operable, and LCO 3.6.15, Conditions A and B were exited. The temporary loss of the Shield Building resulted from a failure of the annulus vacuum control system to maintain the required differential pressure. Manual swap-over of pressure control to the backup damper restored differential pressure to required limits allowing exit from TS LCO 3.6.15 and restoration of the Shield Building safety function. The Shield Building ensures that the release of radioactive material from the containment atmosphere is restricted to those leakage paths and associated leakage rates assumed in the accident analysis during a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA). The Emergency Gas Treatment System (EGTS) would have automatically started and performed its design function to maintain annulus vacuum within required limits. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Shield Building
Emergency Gas Treatment System
ENS 5304430 October 2017 13:42:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Control Room Envelope BoundaryAt 0942 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on October 30, 2017, a Main Control Room (MCR) alarm was received for low control room positive pressure. At 0943 EDT, a Control Room Envelope (CRE) door was found ajar and immediately closed. Technical Specification 3.7.10 Control Room Emergency Ventilation System (CREVS) was declared not met for both trains and Condition B entered. At 0945 EDT the alarm cleared, CREVS was declared operable and LCO 3.7.10, Condition B was exited. The safety function of the CRE boundary is to ensure the in-leakage of unfiltered air into the CRE will not exceed the in-leakage assumed in the licensing basis analysis of Design Basis Accident (DBA) consequences to CRE occupants. From 0942 EDT to 0943 EDT WBN (Watts Bar Nuclear) was unable to validate that CREVS could fulfill its required Safety Function. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Control Room Emergency Ventilation
ENS 5291217 August 2017 16:05:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Actuation of Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump Due to Loss of 6.9Kv Shutdown BoardOn August 17, 2017, at 1205 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) lost power to the 1B-B 6.9kV Shutdown Board. The loss of power to this safety related bus resulted in an automatic start of the Unit 1 Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump (TDAFWP). The motor driven AFW pumps did not start and were not expected to start for this event. No other system actuations occurred as a result of loss of power to the 1B-B 6.9kV Shutdown Board. Power to the 1B-B Shutdown Board was restored at 1505 EDT on August 17, 2017. During the loss of power to the 1B-B Shutdown Board, a reduction in containment and control rod drive mechanism cooling occurred. At 1233 EDT, lower containment average temperature exceeded the procedural limitations specified, and Technical Specification 3.6.5 Condition A was entered for containment average air temperature not within limits. Lower containment average temperature was restored to within limits at 1525 EDT on August 17, 2017. This is reportable as a potential loss of safety function. Other than several common Unit Technical Specifications having not been met, Unit 2 was not operationally impacted by the loss of power to the 1B-B Shutdown Board and remains in Mode 1 at 100% power. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The loss of power occurred during restoration from Emergency Diesel Generator maintenance.Emergency Diesel Generator
Auxiliary Feedwater
Control Rod
ENS 5280815 June 2017 16:19:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Shield BuildingAt 1219 (EDT) on June 15, 2017, annulus vacuum exceeded its pressure limit. At that time, the Shield Building was declared inoperable in accordance with Technical Specification 3.6.15 Condition A and B, due to the inoperability of the Shield Building (CRE). At 1222 (EDT), annulus pressure returned to normal, Shield Building was declared operable and LCO 3.6.15, Condition A and B were exited. The temporary loss of the Shield Building resulted from a loss of pressure control in the Auxiliary Building caused by a loss of Auxiliary Building General Ventilation. The Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System was started to maintain Auxiliary Building pressure within limits and the non-safety related Annulus Vacuum system automatically restored annulus pressure. The Shield Building ensures that the release of radioactive material from the containment atmosphere is restricted to those leakage paths and associated leakage rates assumed in the accident analysis during a LOCA. The EGTS system (Emergency Gas Treatment System) would have automatically started and performed it's design function to maintain Annulus Vacuum within required values. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System
Shield Building
ENS 526696 April 2017 20:20:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentTemporary Loss of Control Room Envelope Boundary

At 1620 EDT on April 6, 2017, a Main Control Room (MCR) door was found ajar. At that time, both control room ventilation filtrations trains (CREVS) were declared inoperable in accordance with Technical Specification 3.7.10, condition B, due to the inoperability of the Control Room Envelope (CRE). At 1623 EDT, the door was closed, CREVS was declared operable and LCO 3.7.10, Condition B was exited. The safety function of the CRE boundary is to ensure the in-leakage of unfiltered air into the CRE will not exceed the in-leakage assumed in the licensing basis analysis of Design Basis Accident (DBA) consequences to CRE occupants. Additionally, it ensures that the occupants are protected from hazardous chemicals and smoke. This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM DAVID ALLEN TO S. SANDIN ON 5/18/17 AT 1459 EDT * * *

Event Notification EN 52669, made on 4/06/2017, is being retracted because additional reviews have been performed supporting that a loss of safety function did not occur. Watts Bar Unit 2 has concluded that there was no loss of safety function, because when the door was found open it was capable of being closed and able to support the control room envelope function. A simulation performed on 04/07/17 also showed that with the door in question opened 1-2 inches that the control room pressure would have remained above the TS required positive pressure of 0.125 inches of water. The control room envelope is designed such that the door is expected to be opened to allow personnel entry and exit, and thus positive pressures in the control room will fluctuate. The event that occurred is similar to a number of individuals entering and exiting the control room in series. Since the control room envelope function was not lost, this event is not reportable and NRC Event Number 52669 is being retracted. The basis for this conclusion will be provided to the NRC Resident Inspector." The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Blamey).

ENS 5179517 March 2016 05:15:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Loss of Emergency and Auxiliary Gas Treatment Systems

On March 17, 2016, at 0115 (EDT), Watts Bar Unit 1 (WBN1) entered Technical Specification Limiting Condition of Operation (TS LCO) 3.0.3 due to the inoperability of both trains of the Emergency Gas Treatment System (EGTS). TS LCO 3.7.12 Condition B was also entered at this time due to the inoperability of both trains of the Auxiliary Gas Treatment System (ABGTS). The train B EGTS and train B ABGTS had been removed from service for scheduled maintenance, when at 0115, the train A Auxiliary Air Compressor became inoperable. On March 17, 2016, at 0133, the train A Auxiliary Air Compressor was declared OPERABLE, and TS LCO 3.0.3 and 3.7.12 Condition B were exited. The auxiliary air system supports the EGTS by providing a safety grade air supply. When train A auxiliary air became inoperable, the supported train A EGTS and ABGTS became inoperable, creating a condition where both trains of EGTS and ABGTS were unavailable. In the event of an accident, the EGTS establishes a negative pressure in the annulus between the shield building and the steel containment vessel and the ABGTS establishes a negative pressure in the Auxiliary Building Secondary Containment Enclosure (ABSCE). Filters in these system mitigate the release of radioactive contaminants to the environment. WBN1 remained in Mode 1 at 100% power and no safety functions were required during the event. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and (D) as a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of a safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION AT 1518 EDT ON 04/19/16 FROM BRIAN MCILNAY TO JEFF HERRERA * * *

The purpose of this notification is to retract event report no. 51795 made on 3/17/16 at 0802 (EDT). Previously, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reported a loss of the Emergency and Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment Systems (EGTS/ABGTS) at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 1 (WBN1). Both trains of EGTS and ABGTS were declared INOPERABLE when the train A auxiliary air system cooling water supply bypass valve was isolated, prior to completing the requisite post maintenance testing following repairs to the normal cooling water supply solenoid valve. Upon recognition, WBN1 operations personnel declared the train A auxiliary air system INOPERABLE, resulting in inoperability of Train A EGTS and ABGTS and forcing entry into TS LCO (Limiting Condition for Operation) 3.0.3 (from TS LCO 3.6.9 EGTS) and 3.7.12 Condition B for ABGTS. At the time the condition was recognized, train B EGTS and train B ABGTS were INOPERABLE for scheduled maintenance. Subsequently, TVA completed the post maintenance testing of the train A auxiliary air system ERCW (Emergency Raw Cooling Water) normal supply solenoid valve and determined that the valve, while not fully qualified at the time, was in fact operable and capable of performing its safety function. Therefore, entry into TS LCO 3.0.3 and 3.7.12 Condition B was not necessary and the event is no longer reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and (D) as a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of a safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified the R2DO (McCoy).

Secondary containment
Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System
Shield Building
Emergency Gas Treatment System
ENS 4981811 February 2014 23:00:0010 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
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition
Nonconservative Operator Manual Actions Identified in Appendix R AnalysisPreliminary Westinghouse transient analysis calculations of Watts Bar Nuclear (WBN) Unit 1 fire protection features revealed that there is less time than previously credited to perform certain operator manual actions (OMA) to prevent Pressurizer (PZR) overfill during an Appendix R fire. Specifically, an assumed Appendix R fire in rooms 713.0-A28, 737.0-A1A, 757.0-A2, 757.0-A5, 757.0-A9, 772.0-A1, 772.0-A2, or 772.0-A5 could result in spurious operation of multiple components in the normal and emergency charging flow paths. Westinghouse's analysis indicates the required time to isolate the normal charging path is approximately two minutes, securing the second charging pump is approximately four minutes and isolating the emergency charging path is approximately 12.5 minutes. Based on this preliminary analysis, WBN procedures are non-conservative since they require these actions to be completed in 18 minutes. TVA has verified that potentially impacted Appendix R equipment remains functional; however, a compensatory fire watch has been established for the above listed areas. This immediate action will ensure that the approved Appendix R Fire Safe Shutdown Plan can be achieved. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.05000390/LER-2014-002
ENS 4954114 November 2013 21:00:0010 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
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Postulated Fire Induced Failure of Centrifugal Charging PumpsDuring analysis of Watts Bar Nuclear (WBN) Unit 2 fire protection features, it was revealed that a potential fire induced failure of centrifugal charging pumps could occur in Unit 1. Specifically, a potential fire induced failure of both Unit 1 Chemical and Volume Control System centrifugal charging pumps (CCPs) (1-PMP-62-108-A and 1-PMP-62-104-B) could occur due a fire in either auxiliary building room 737.0-A1 (general area for elevation 737.0) or 757.0-A2 (6.9 kV and Shutdown Board Room A). It is postulated that a fire in these rooms could cause a spurious closure of the CCP suction valve (1-LCV-62-133-B) from the volume control tank (VCT) (1-TANK-62-129) and could disable the control circuit which opens the flow from the refueling water storage tank (RWST) suction valve (1-LCV-62-135-A). The fire safe shutdown analysis (Fire Protection Report, Part VI) currently addresses this occurrence via the performance of a prompt main control room operator action to open the RWST suction path. However, this procedurally directed action may require several minutes to complete and due to the potentially short duration (possibly as short as a few seconds) for CCP survivability without suction flow, the action has now been determined to be unacceptable. As a result, the loss of charging flow could result in a loss of injection to the reactor coolant pump (RCP) seals which could subsequently lead to a RCP seal failure and a small break loss of coolant event. WBN engineering is continuing to validate whether the CCP minimum flow recirculation would protect the pumps with both suction paths (VCT and RWST) isolated and with the reactor at normal operating pressure. WBN has established compensatory measures to ensure that a fire in affected rooms will not cause a spurious closure of the CCP suctions valves. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 489953 May 2013 05:11:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Temporary Loss of Both Trains of Emergency Gas Treatment SystemOn May 3, 2013, at 0111 (EDT), Technical Specification Limiting Condition of Operation (TS LCO) 3.0.3 was entered due to the loss of both trains of Emergency Gas Treatment System (EGTS). The Train B EGTS had been removed from service for scheduled maintenance and at 0111 the Train A auxiliary air dryer stopped functioning. On May 3, 2013, at 0155, Train B EGTS was restored to service and declared Operable, and TS LCO 3.0.3 was exited. The auxiliary air system is required to support multiple safety related systems. The auxiliary air system is the safety grade air supply for EGTS. As Train A auxiliary air was no longer Operable, and the B train EGTS system was inoperable, the safety function supported by EGTS was not available. The EGTS establishes a negative pressure in the annulus between the shield building and the steel containment vessel. Filters in the system then control the release of radioactive contaminants to the environment. Watts Bar Unit 1 remained in Mode 1 at 100% power. No reactivity was added to the plant. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and (D) as a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of a safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.Shield Building
Emergency Gas Treatment System
ENS 4517027 June 2009 17:20:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System Rendered InoperableOn June 27, 2009, Plant Operations was starting up the U2 (Unit 2) Auxiliary Building General Ventilation System upon completion of U2 damper maintenance. During startup of the U2 Auxiliary Building Ventilation System, the operator started the U2 General Exhaust fan followed by the startup of the U2 General Supply fan. During the time span of less than 1 minute, when the U2 General Exhaust fan was running but before the U2 General Supply fan was running, the differential pressure condition across a set of Auxiliary Building Secondary Containment Enclosure (ABSCE) doors caused the doors to come off of the tracks and therefore created an ABSCE breach. A breach of this magnitude renders both trains of Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System (ABGTS) inoperable. Upon identification of the failed doors at 1320 EDT on June 27, 2009 the plant entered TS Condition 3.7.12.B for 2 trains of ABGTS being inoperable. Repairs to re-establish the integrity of the ABSCE were immediately initiated and TS Condition 3.7.12.B was exited at 1649 EDT, approximately 3 and 1/2 hours later. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and (D) as a condition that could have prevented the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to : (C) Control the release of radioactive material; or (D) Mitigate the consequences of an accident. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Secondary containment
Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System
ENS 4511027 May 2009 23:05:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Both Trains of Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System Rendered InoperableOn May 27, 2009, Plant Operations was shutting down the Auxiliary Building General Ventilation system (ABGTS) as a compensatory measure in response to an historical deficiency that was identified in the surveillance procedure for conducting TS SR 3.7.12.4. The building's general ventilation was being shut down to place the plant in a known tested configuration to ensure continued safe operation while plans were being developed to properly perform SR 3.7.12.4. While shutting down the building's ventilation system, the operator shut down the building's supply fans followed by the shut down of building's exhaust fans. This sequence resulted in an unacceptable differential pressure condition across a set of Auxiliary Building Secondary Containment Enclosure (ABSCE) doors. Upon identification of the failed doors at 1905 EDT on May 27, the plant entered TS Condition 3.7.12.B for 2 trains of ABGTS being inoperable. Repairs to re-establish the integrity of the ABSCE were immediately initiated and TS Condition 3.7.12.B was exited at 2239 EDT, approximately 3 and 1/2 hours later. The reportability of this condition was not recognized at the time of this event. Based upon a review subsequent to the event on June 1, 2009, this event was determined to be reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and (D) as a condition that could have prevented the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to: (C) Control the release of radioactive material; or (D) Mitigate the consequences of an accident. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Secondary containment
Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System
ENS 4408521 March 2008 13:13:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentSystem Injection Determined Inoperable by Failure to Remove Electrical Jumper Prior to Mode Change

In accordance with Instrument Maintenance Instruction (IMI) 99.040, 'Auto Safety Injection (SI) Block, Feedwater Isolation Block, and Maintain Source Range In Service Jumpers,' jumpers were placed to block the SI automatic actuation logic and actuation relays during WBNs (Watts Bar Nuclear) Cycle 8 refueling outage. The automatic actuation function for SI is required in Modes 1, 2, 3, and 4 per Function 1.b of Table 3.3.2-1 of Technical Specification (TS) 3.3.2, 'ESFAS Instrumentation.' WBN entered Mode 4 at 0020 EDT on March 20, 2008 and Mode 3 at 0100 EDT on March 21, 2008. On March 21, 2008, it was discovered that the jumpers installed per IMI-99.040 had not been removed. Due to this, Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.0.3, was entered at 0913 EDT and exited at 0958 EDT when the system was restored. The jumpers being in place in Mode 4 and 3 rendered both trains of SI automatic actuation inoperable for approximately 33 hours and 38 minutes. This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), 'Event or Condition that could have Prevented Fulfillment of a Safety Function.' The licensee attributes the error to a combination of both procedural inadequacy (i.e., the step removing the jumper did not require verification) and personnel error. The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY DOUGLAS HOLT TO JOE O'HARA AT 0213 ON 03/22/08 * * *

This is a follow-up notification to EN#44085 to amend reported information. At 2133 on 3/21/08 when permissive P-11(Low Pressure and Low Steamline Pressure) blocks were cleared, the on-shift crew questioned the presence of the 'AUTO SI Blocked' alarm and determined that it should have been cleared when the SI automatic logic jumper was removed earlier in the day. The crew utilized the procedural guidance of GO-1 to cycle the reactor trip breakers and reinstate the automatic safety injection logic at 2206 on 3/21/08. The previous report that identified that LC0 3.0,3 was exited at 0958 EDT is to be amended. LCO 3.0.3 was exited at 2206 when SI automatic logic was completely reinstated by cycling the reactor trip breakers. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO(Ernstes)

Feedwater05000391/LER-2016-001
05000390/LER-2008-001
ENS 402213 October 2003 19:16:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an AccidentAccident Mitigation System Degraded Due to Both Trains of Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System InoperableThe following information was obtained from the licensee via facsimile: On 10/03/2003, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 1 was in Mode 6 during a refueling outage with core re-load in progress. At 1516 (hrs EDT), the control room became aware that an activity in preparing for an upcoming test had placed the B Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System (ABGTS) 480v Breaker in the off position. An operator was immediately dispatched to close the ABGTS breaker and the breaker was closed at 1521 (hrs), restoring the train to OPERABLE status. The opening of this breaker at about 1324 (hrs) caused the B ABGTS train to be INOPERABLE at a time when the A ABGTS train was available to start but technically INOPERABLE due to the emergency power supply ( A Train Diesel Generator) and a room cooler being out of service. The ABGTS system is required for the mitigation of a postulated fuel handling accident. Site emergency procedures require the operator to promptly confirm ABGTS is in operation, indication is provided in the control room on ABGTS status and breaker restoration can be quickly performed. In addition, with off site power available, the A ABGTS train would have immediately responded to an event and begun to perform the filtration function while the otherwise operable B train was manually restored. However, at the time of discovery, the system could not have performed its function in the event of a postulated accident coincident with a loss of off site power. Accordingly, TVA has determined this event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(v)(D). The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Auxiliary Building Gas Treatment System