Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Event Notification Report for June 22, 2004

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
06/21/2004 - 06/22/2004

** EVENT NUMBERS **

40827

Power Reactor	Event Number: 40827
Facility: VERMONT YANKEE Region: 1 State: VT Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] GE-4 NRC Notified By: BRIAN PICHETTE HQ OPS Officer: JOHN MacKINNON	Notification Date: 06/18/2004 Notification Time: 07:48 [ET] Event Date: 06/18/2004 Event Time: 06:50 [EDT] Last Update Date: 06/21/2004
Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT 10 CFR Section: 50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED	Person (Organization): ANTHONY DIMITRIADIS (R1) TERRY REIS (NRR) CALDWELL (FEMA) JANNIE EVERETTE (DHS) DICK WESSMAN (DIRO) SUE GAGNER (PAO)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	A/R	Y	100	Power Operation	0	Hot Shutdown

Event Text

UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO A MAIN TRANSFORMER FIRE LASTING FIRE LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES.

Main transformer fire caused a load rejection/automatic reactor scram. All rods fully inserted into the core. Offsite power is being supplied through their startup transformers. Offsite fire department, Vernon, responded with three fire trucks and one ambulance. Main transformer fire was extinguished at 0751 EDT. There were no personnel injuries. All emergency core cooling systems and their emergency diesel generators are fully operable if needed. Reactor vessel water level is being maintained at its proper level via the condensate and feedwater system. Both recirculation pumps tripped. Licensee is looking into the reason why the recirculation pumps tripped. There was no release of radioactivity from the plant. Licensee notified the states of New Hampshire, Vermont , Massachusetts and local surrounding counties of the declaration of an unusual event.

The NRC Resident Inspector was on scene when the event occurred.

* * * UPDATE FROM LAURIE TKACZYK TO JEFF ROTTON AT 1301 HRS. EDT ON 06/18/04 * * *

At 1245 hrs. EDT, the Licensee terminated the Unusual Event. The basis for the termination was that the fire is out, a reflash watch is established and the plant is stable. The hydrogen in the generator is depressurized and the plant is currently purging the generator with carbon dioxide.

The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. The Headquarters Operations Officer has notified R1DO (Dimitriadis), NRR EO (Reis), FEMA, DHS, DIRO (Wessman), HQPAO (Gagner), DIRO (Andrews), R1 (Blough and Wiggins).

* * * CLARIFICATION TO INITIAL EVENT NOTIFICATION FROM DAVID HALLONQUIST TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 1402 HRS. EDT ON 6/21/04 * * *

The Licensee has amended the initial report statement: "There was no release of radioactivity from the plant." to read "There was no release of radioactivity related to this event".

The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Headquarters Operations notified R1DO (Dimitriadis) and NRR EO (Reis).

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