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 Start dateReporting criterionEvent description
05000278/LER-2017-00123 October 2017
20 December 2017
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(ii)(A), Seriously Degraded

On 10/23/2017, during a walkdown of containment at the start of the Unit 3 refueling outage, a leak was identified in a socket weld for a 1-inch diameter instrument line. The line is connected to discharge piping for the 'B' recirculation pump and is part of the reactor coolant system pressure boundary. Because the leak was misting, the leakage rate could not be quantified. However, the reactor coolant system unidentified leakage prior to plant shutdown was 0.18 gpm. RCS pressure boundary leakage while in Mode 1 is a violation of Technical Specification 3.4.4 and is a reportable condition.

The cause of the event was a lack of fusion defect in the weld when it was done in the late 1980's. Normal vibration of the line since it was installed resulted in the crack initiating at the weld defect and propagating to the surface. The section of pipe and associated fitting were replaced, along with welds in similar sections of piping. There were no actual safety consequences as a result of this event.

05000278/LER-2016-00122 November 201610 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident

On 9/26/16, at approximately 1845 hours, investigation of a water leak on a 3/4" diameter drain line for the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) turbine determined there was a through-wall flaw resulting in a leak of approximately 2 drops per minute. The pipe is classified as ASME Code Class 2 exempt and operates above 200 degrees F. As a result, the HPCI system was declared inoperable. The flaw was the result of a liquid drop impingement erosion process caused by the flow characteristics upstream of the orifice. The pipe section was replaced and the HPCI system was declared operable on 9/28/16 at approximately 2102 hours.

There were no actual consequences as a result of the leak.

05000278/LER-2015-00126 February 201610 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident

On 12/31/15, at approximately 0630 hours, during shift turnover panel walk-downs, a licensed operator identified that the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) flow controller output indication was showing zero percent. The controller was in automatic with the set point at 5000 gpm, which would typically result in a controller output value of 100%.

This condition would have prevented the HPCI system from performing its design function in the event of an accident.

The HPCI system was declared inoperable and the appropriate Technical Specification Action was entered.

Other standby systems (Reactor Core Isolation Cooling and low pressure emergency core cooling systems) remained operable.

Troubleshooting of the flow controller and related circuitry identified a failed signal converter.

The signal converter was replaced and the HPCI system was declared operable at approximately 2110 hours on 12/31/15.

There were no actual safety consequences associated with this event.

05000278/LER-2013-00117 September 1155 JL10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

Based on information received from a laboratory performing Main Steam Safety Relief Valve (SRV) / Safety Valve (SV) as-found testing, Site Engineering personnel determined on 10/01/13 that SRV / SV setpoint deficiencies existed with four SRVs and one SV that were in place during the Unit 3 19th operating cycle. The SRVs / SV were determined to have their as-found setpoints outside of the Technical Specification allowable ± 1% tolerance. All relief valves outside of their Technical Specification (TS) allowable setpoint range were within the ASME Code allowable ± 3% tolerance. The cause of the SRVs / SV being outside of their allowable as-found setpoints is due operating cycle. There have been previous LERs identified involving SRVs / SVs exceeding their Technical Specification ± 1% setpoint requirement. A license amendment request (LAR) was submitted to the NRC in June 2013 to modify the allowable setpoint from ±1% to ±3%, which is consistent with the setpoint typically used in the industry.

There were no actual safety consequences associated with this event.

NRC FORM 36(.3 (10-2010)

05000278/LER-2012-00310 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident

On October 4, 2012, during surveillance testing of a 4 kV emergency bus, Operations personnel were in the process of placing the Main Control Room Emergency Ventilation (MCREV) System in service. When an initiation signal was generated, with the "K MCREV fan control switch positioned in 'Auto', the fan did not start as expected. The "B" MCREV fan started approximately 45 seconds later, as designed for the fan in standby. The bus that powers the "B" MCREV train was energized, but was considered inoperable due to testing and other work being performed. With both MCREV subsystems inoperable, Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.4 Condition E was entered, which requires the plant to be in Mode 3 in 12 hours.

The cause of this event was that the switch was positioned such that the switch contacts were still open, which prevented a start of the "A" MCREV fan. The switch position indication is not precise enough to ensure the switch contact block is set for a given indicated position.

The switch was repositioned, normal system lineup was restored and the system was returned to an operable status. This event has been placed in the station's corrective action program to further evaluate and track additional actions.

There were no actual safety consequences as a result of this event.

05000278/LER-2012-00110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On 4/18/12, during a calibration surveillance test for the 'A' Core Spray Pump, a differential pressure indicating switch was found to be out of calibration. The switch is used to determine if the minimum flow bypass valve should be opened or closed. On 4/19/12, the same test was performed on the corresponding switch for the `D' Core Spray Pump and the switch was found to be out of calibration. This occurrence is reportable since both Core Spray subsystems were concurrently inoperable due to a single cause. The preferred method for corrective maintenance had been replacement of the entire pressure switch. Replacement and obtaining replacement parts became increasingly difficult during a period of time when manufacture of qualified Barton switches was interrupted. As a result, PBAPS began to place more emphasis on adjustments to the internal components of the switch instead of replacement.

The declining trend was due to insufficient knowledge and skill by maintenance personnel to effectively troubleshoot and maintain the switches. In addition, maintenance procedures did not provide adequate guidance for detecting component failures and to differentiate them from instrument drift. Corrective actions include replacement of the eight Barton pressure switches used for low flow protection of the Units 2 and 3 Core Spray pumps. A site training and qualification program is being developed to establish a group of subject matter experts for Barton pressure switches.

Also, procedure enhancements have been made to provide improved guidance for troubleshooting.

There were no actual safety consequences as a result of this event.

05000278/LER-2009-00610 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation

reactor from 0.2% power as a result of an observed shortening reactor period. The reactor was manually scrammed by placing the mode switch in the shutdown position. There were no actual safety consequences associated with this event. The scram function operated as designed and there were no complications as a result of the manual scram. The event was considered not to be risk significant.

The cause of the manual scram was due to a shortening reactor period during a planned soft shutdown using control rods. The manual scram was required due to a small amount of feedwater being added to the reactor during a time period when control rods were not being inserted. This resulted in a decrease in the reactor period. Plant shutdown procedures for Units 2 and 3 will be revised to provide additional control of operational activities to minimize the likelihood of a short period when performing a soft shutdown.

There were no previous similar LERs identified.

05000278/LER-2006-001On 4/6/06 at approximately 1100 hours, Licensed Operations personnel declared an air-operated Primary Containment Isolation Valve associated with the HPCI Turbine Exhaust Drain Line inoperable in accordance with Technical Specification Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.6.1.3. This declaration was based on questions raised by an NRC Resident Inspector performing an in-plant observation of the position status of the HPCI Turbine Exhaust Line Inboard Isolation Valve (AO-137). The cause of the failure of the AO-137 to properly close was due to foreign material found in the seating areas of the valve. Similar foreign material was found in the associated drain / test connection valves associated with the AO-137 valve. Primary Containment Isolation Valve AO-137 was inoperable for a minimum time period of 15 days (i.e. the time period between the last HPCI operation on 3/23/06 and the return to operable status on 4/7/06). The last assurance of the valve being leak-tight was on 9/30/05 when the valve was leak tested with satisfactory results during the P3R15 Refueling Outage. The valves were repaired and appropriate leak-tightness was verified as part of an as-left local leak rate test. The redundant containment penetration barriers for the affected containment penetrations were operable throughout the period of exposure. Therefore, the Primary Containment isolation safety function was met during the period of non-compliance.
05000278/LER-2005-00410 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability

Based on information received on 10/2/05 from a laboratory performing Safety Relief Valve (SRV) as-found testing, Site Engineering personnel determined that SRV set point and performance deficiencies existed with five SRVs that were installed during the 15th operating cycle for Unit 3. Four of the SRVs were determined to have their as-found set points in excess of the Technical Specification allowable ± 1% tolerance. In addition, one additional SRV was found to not properly re-close when tested. The cause of the four SRVs being outside of their allowable as-found set points is due to set point drift. Concerning the failure of the SRV to re-close, the preliminary laboratory failure analysis identified that the main valve disc had not properly re-seated when closing due to misalignment of the main valve disc spring. The valve was last refurbished in February 2001.

The five SRVs were replaced with different SRVs for the 16th Unit 3 operating cycle. Additional assessment and appropriate corrective actions concerning SRV refurbishment vendor work practices will be further assessed as part of the Corrective Action Program. There were no actual safety consequences associated with this event.

NRC FORM 366 (6-2004) PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER NRC FORM 366A U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (1-2001) FACILITY NAME (1) DOCKET (2) LER NUMBER (6) PAGE (3)

05000278/LER-1999-004, Forwards LER 99-004-00 Re Multiple Unplanned ESF Actuations During Planned Mod Activities in Main Cr,Per Requirements 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(iv)1 October 1999
05000278/LER-1999-002, Forwards LER 99-002-01 to Correct Title Contained in Box (4) of LER Coversheet Form.Rev Does Not Change Reportability Requirements or Any Other Info Contained in Original Submittal of LER12 July 1999
05000278/LER-1999-001, Forwards LER 99-001-00 Re 990312 ESF Actuation of Rcics Due to High Steam Flow Signal During Sys Restoration.Rept Submitted Per 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(iv)8 April 1999
05000278/LER-1998-004, Forwards LER 98-004-00 Re ESF Actuation of Rwcs Due to High Flow Signal During Sys Restoration on 98082017 September 1998
05000278/LER-1998-002, Forwards LER 98-002-00,reporting Failure to Meet TS Requirements for Unit 3 RCIC During Period When Overspeed Trip Function Could Have Resulted in Inadvertent Trip During RCIC Operation22 July 1998
05000278/LER-1998-001, Forwards LER 98-001-00,re Failure of 3A Core Spray Pump to Meet TS 3.5.1 as Result of Foreign Matl Intrusion Into Pump Impeller Area22 April 1998
05000278/LER-1993-0063 September 1993
05000278/LER-1993-0053 September 1993
05000278/LER-1993-00430 August 1993
05000278/LER-1990-00718 July 1990
05000278/LER-1984-001, Revised LER 84-001-02:on 840106,turbine Exhaust Rupture Diaphragm Alarm Annunicated Following Startup of HPCI Turbine.Caused by Rupture of Inner Rupture Disc.Inner Rupture Disc Replaced1 June 1984
05000278/LER-1983-018, Updated LER 83-018/03X-1:on 831117,control Rods 34-35 & 34-7 34-27 Exceeded Allowable Scram Insertion Time of 7 S.Caused by Failure of Scram Solenoid Valve in Both Hydraulic Control Units.Solenoids Replaced10 February 1984
05000278/LER-1983-012, Forwards LER 83-012/-01T-0.Detailed Event Analysis Encl9 May 1983
05000278/LER-1983-011, Forwards LER 83-011/01T-0.Detailed Event Analysis Submitted21 April 1983
05000278/LER-1983-008, Followup LER 83-008/01X-1:on 830214,during Refueling Outage, Surveillance Testing Indicated Combined Leakage for Listed Valves Exceeded Limits or Failed to Meet Requirements.Caused by Seat Surface Degradation13 September 1983
05000278/LER-1983-007, Forwards LER 83-007/01T-0.Detailed Event Analysis Submitted17 March 1983
05000278/LER-1983-006, Forwards LER 83-006/01T-0.Detailed Event Analysis Submitted10 February 1983
05000278/LER-1983-005, Forwards LER 83-005/01T-0.Detailed Event Analysis Submitted25 March 1983
05000278/LER-1983-002, Forwards LER 83-002/01T-0.Detailed Event Analysis Submitted8 February 1983
05000278/LER-1982-022, Revised LER 82-022/01X-1:on 821025-1102,RHR HX 3D Leaked Slightly Radioactive Water Into Intake Structure.Caused by Expansion Bellows Leak Between Inner Floating Head & Drain. HX Repaired11 January 1983
05000278/LER-1982-01113 July 1982
05000278/LER-1982-01013 July 1982
05000278/LER-1982-00928 June 1982
05000278/LER-1982-008, Forwards LER 82-008/01T-0.Detailed Event Analysis Submitted18 June 1982
05000278/LER-1982-00721 June 1982
05000278/LER-1982-00514 June 1982
05000278/LER-1980-026, Forwards LER 80-026/01T-026 November 1980
05000278/LER-1978-019, Forwards LER 78-019/01T-016 October 1978
05000277/LER-2017-0018 March 201710 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On 1/9/17, it was determined that the site's Emergency Diesel Generators do not conform with the licensing basis for protection against tornado generated missiles. The exhaust stacks for the four on-site diesel generators extend approximately seven feet above the roof of the diesel generator building. In the event of a tornado, debris generated from the tornado could strike the exhaust stacks and, if at a sufficient mass and velocity, could crimp the exhaust stacks in a manner that would affect diesel generator operation.

As a result of the non-conforming condition, on 1/9/17 at 1530, all four emergency diesel generators were declared inoperable. Compensatory measures were put in place and, in accordance with NRC guidance contained in EGM 15-002, the diesel generators were returned to an operable but non-conforming status.

This condition has been in existence since original licensing of the plant. It is not known if it was overlooked or considered acceptable at the time of the original licensing process. There are no actual consequences as a result of the non-conforming condition.

05000277/LER-2016-00111 November 201610 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On 9/12/16, an engineering evaluation concluded that a flaw identified on a 1" diameter stainless steel pipe associated with the High Pressure Service Water (HPSW) System could have failed during a seismic event.

Failure of the pipe would cause flooding of the '2C' Residual Heat Removal (RHR) pump room and impact operation of equipment in the room if needed during a design basis event. The 1" diameter pipe supplies sample water to the '2C' HPSW radiation monitor sample pump. The flaw was identified on 8/16/16 when a 120 drop per minute leak was observed. The leak was the result of a crack located in the pipe at the toe of a fillet weld connecting the pipe to a coupling on an 18" diameter pipe that returns HPSW water to the plant discharge canal.

There were no actual consequences as a result of the leak. The pipe was replaced and the equipment was returned to service.

05000277/LER-2015-00110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

As a result of surveillance testing performed on 9/16/15, Operations personnel identified that the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system steam admission valve (MO-2-13-131) would not open when operated from the Remote Shutdown System (RSS) panel. The NRC determined on 9/4/15 that insufficient Surveillance Requirement SR 3.3.3.2.1 testing was being performed for certain functions from the RSS panel. Prompt troubleshooting performed on 9/16/15 identified that a wire within the RSS panel associated with the logic for the MO-2-13-131 valve was not connected.

This condition did not impact the normal operation of the MO-2-13-131 valve from the main control room, nor did it impact the automatic function of the MO-2-13-131 valve for licensed events. Only the manual open function of the valve from the RSS panel (located outside of the control room) was affected. The disconnected wire was immediately re-landed and the MO-2-13-131 was verified to operate properly from the RSS panel.

The cause of the event is due to insufficient RSS panel testing that did not detect this historically disconnected wire. Surveillance test procedures of the RSS panel functions have been upgraded.

05000277/LER-2014-00310 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(ii)(A), Seriously Degraded

On 10/29/14 at approximately 1100 hours, Engineering personnel determined that the N-9A primary containment penetration pathway had leakage that exceeded the maximum allowable primary containment leakage rate (La) value required by Technical Specification (TS) 5.5.12, Primary Containment Leakage Rate Testing Program. This determination was based on as-found leakage through the seats of two redundant feed water check valves (CHK-2-06-28A and CHK-2-06-96A) that are Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs).

The cause of the deficiency in both swing check valves was due to operational wear on the check valve pivot shaft and associated bushings. Both check valves were repaired during the Refueling Outage and as-left leak testing proved appropriate leak-tightness of the check valves in the closed position.

Additional corrective actions are being assessed as part of a causal analysis being performed in accordance with the station's corrective action program. There were no actual safety consequences associated with this event.

05000277/LER-2014-00210 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On August 23, 2014, a pin-hole leak was identified in a 6" diameter pipe elbow in the Emergency Service Water (ESW) system. The piping is classified as safety-related, ASME Code Class 3, moderate energy piping. Engineering evaluated the piping flaw and determined that it did not meet NRC approved ASME code case requirements for acceptance of flaws in Class 3 moderate energy piping.

As a result, both subsystems of the ESW System were declared inoperable at 1300 hours on Saturday, August 23, 2014, for both Units 2 and 3. Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.2, Condition B, requires the unit to be in Mode 3 within 12 hours due to two inoperable ESW subsystems.

Ultrasonic examination of the pipe was performed to determine the size and nature of the flaw. The flaw was caused by internal pitting likely caused by corrosion and flow effects of river water in the elbow. A risk assessment was performed and it was determined that the condition met the requirements for requesting a Notice of Enforcement Discretion (NOED) from the NRC. A verbal request was made to the NRC to extend the required completion time for TS 3.7.2, Condition B by 48 hours, to allow for additional time to obtain an emergent ASME code relief request. The NRC granted the NOED at 1922 hours on August 23, 2014.

05000277/LER-2014-00110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition

On May 21, 2014 at approximately 1100 hours, based on inspections being performed as part of an extent- of-condition review, it was determined that an unanalyzed condition existed that potentially impacted the ability to mitigate an Appendix R fire postulated to occur in the control room and cable spreading room.

Broken wires leading to the alternate fuse for the 125vdc control power supply had been previously identified in the breaker enclosures for three 4 kV safety-related breakers. In the event of an Appendix R fire in the control room and cable spreading room, with a fire-induced short circuit that results in a blown primary control power fuse, the broken wires would result in the loss of control power to the affected breakers. This would impact the ability to close the breaker locally after the control room has been evacuated. Instead of using the handswitch on the front of the breaker enclosure to close the breaker, the operator would have to open the enclosure door and push the manual close button on the breaker.

Based on the plant's fire protection defense-in-depth features and the ability of the operator to perform a simple alternate action to close the breaker, this event would not impact the ability to reach and maintain a safe shutdown condition in the event of an actual fire.

05000277/LER-2009-00110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical SpecificationsOn 2/13/09, Operations personnel discovered that a non-compliance existed with Technical Specifications (TS) when a TS Required Action for an inoperable Control Rod (Control Rod 10 51) was found to be not implemented. Control Rod 10-51 was inoperable since 2/11/09, yet the Control Rod Hydraulic Control Unit directional control valves were discovered to be energized at 0933 hours on 2/13/09. This condition was due to an operator error associated with the performance of a safety clearance that occurred on 2/12/09. Qualifications of individuals involved with this event were removed pending remediation. The lessons learned from this human performance issue will be shared with other personnel. Other management interventions were performed to strengthen administrative programs. There were no actual safety consequences associated with this event. There were no previous similar LERs identified.
05000277/LER-2006-003

On 10/7/06 at 1802 hours, an Unusual Event was declared for Unit 2 as a result of the discovery of a leak at an elbow for piping that penetrates the Primary Containment Suppression Pool (i.e. Torus). The 4" piping is the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) / Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) Torus Flush line. This line is normally isolated from the HPCI / RCIC systems by a closed motor-operated valve and is only used during testing activities. The leak was discovered by an equipment operator at approximately 1741 hours during a planned inspection associated with a RCIC system check valve. The leak occurred on the intrados of a 45 degree elbow of the 4" piping. The elbow was located approximately 1 foot above the Torus penetration (i.e.

the leak was outside of Primary Containment). The cause of the crack in the elbow is due to cavitation and abrasive erosion and/or localized water-jet cutting resulting from excessively high flow velocities through this piping during test conditions in conjunction with an apparent lack of fusion between the weld backing ring and the weld root at the elbow weld. The leaking elbow was replaced and non-destructive testing was performed.

The similar pipe on Unit 3 was examined and no significant concerns were noted. Extensive walk downs of similar piping that is attached to the Torus was conducted for both Units 2 and 3. There were no similar deficiencies discovered. Selected ultrasonic testing was performed on Unit 2 and 3 Torus attached piping that involved higher flow rates. These examinations also did not identify any similar concerns.

05000277/LER-2006-00210 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v), Loss of Safety Function
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

Based on a review of testing performed on Safety Relief Valves (SRVs) during the P2R16 Refueling Outage, Site Engineering personnel determined that the 71B and 71G SRVs did not meet their allowable leak rate for the pneumatic actuation controls for the Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) feature of the SRVs.

Additionally, the 71C SRV, Serial Number (S/N) 83, did not properly re-close on the fourth actuation during , laboratory testing. The cause of the 7IB and 71G ADS SRV pneumatic leakage is attributed to leakage from each of the SRV's actuator diaphragm and solenoid valve. These leaks only occurred when the SRV solenoid valves were energized. The diaphragms and solenoid valves associated with the 71B and 71G ADS SRVs were replaced. As-left leak testing was performed and the valves were restored to an operable condition prior to plant startup from the P2R16 Refueling Outage. A refurbished SRV was installed in the 71C SRV location to replace the S/N 83 SRV. There were no actual safety consequences associated with this event. This event was determined to not be risk significant.

05000277/LER-1999-004, Forwards LER 99-004-00 Re Unplanned ESF Actuations During Planned Electrical Bus Restoration Following Maint Activities20 June 1999
05000277/LER-1999-003, Forwards LER 99-003-00 Re 990318 Failure to Maintain Provisions of Fire Protection Program to Properly Address Effects of Flooding16 April 1999
05000277/LER-1998-005, Forwards LER 98-005-00 Re 980824 Failure to Meet TS Actions for Suppression chamber-to-drywell Vacuum Breaker Not Being Fully Seated29 September 1998
05000277/LER-1998-004, Forwards LER 98-004-00,reporting Failure to Meet TS Surveillance Requirements for One off-site Source Being Inoperable & 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(i)(B)22 July 1998