| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
08/26/2005 - 08/29/2005 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Power Reactor | Event Number: 41943 | Facility: TURKEY POINT
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [3] [4] [ ]
RX Type: [3] W-3-LP,[4] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: BOB HESS
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF ROTTON | Notification Date: 08/24/2005
Notification Time: 23:26 [ET]
Event Date: 08/24/2005
Event Time: 23:04 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/26/2005 | Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
| Person (Organization):
DAVID AYRES (R2)
PAO-TSIN KUO (NRR)
PETER WILSON (IRD)
ANDY AKERS (DHS)
DAVID BARDEN (FEMA)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | | 4 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO HURRICANE WARNING
The licensee declared an Unusual Event in accordance with their emergency procedures due to hurricane force winds expected within 24 hours. The licensee does not have any Limiting Conditions for Operation on safety related equipment. No electrical grid disturbances currently exist and the licensee is currently testing their diesel generators in accordance with their emergency procedures. All emergency diesel generators are operable.
The licensee notified state and local government agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM D. MORRIS TO W. GOTT AT 0141 EDT ON 08/26/05 * * *
The licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 0110. Updated National Weather Service data removed the hurricane warning in the area.
The licensee notified state and local governments. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified R2DO (Ayers), NRR EO (Kuo), IRD Manager (Wilson), FEMA (Irwin), and DHS (Biasco). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 41951 | Facility: PALO VERDE
Region: 4 State: AZ
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: BRIAN FERGUSON
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 08/27/2005
Notification Time: 00:19 [ET]
Event Date: 08/26/2005
Event Time: 18:24 [MST]
Last Update Date: 08/27/2005 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL
| Person (Organization):
WILLIAM JONES (R4)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | A/R | Y | 1 | Startup | 0 | Hot Standby | Event Text RPS ACTUATION - REACTOR SCRAM ON HIGH STEAM GENERATOR LEVEL
"The following event description is based on information currently available. If through subsequent reviews of this event, additional information is identified that is pertinent to this event or alters the information being provided at this time, a follow-up notification will be made via the ENS or under the reporting requirements of 10CFR50.73.
"On August 26, 2005, at approximately 18:24 Mountain Standard Time (MST) Palo Verde Unit 1 experienced an automatic reactor scram on high steam generator #1 level. All rods inserted, as required. Unit 1 was at normal operating temperature and pressure prior to the trip. The main turbine was not yet synchronized to the grid; turbine chest warming was in progress. The main turbine automatically tripped in response to the reactor trip. A reactor startup had been completed and operators were transferring feedwater from a motor driven auxiliary feedwater pump to the steam driven 'A' main feedwater pump at approximately 1.2% reactor power. Steam generator #1 level decreased from a normal level of approximately 40% narrow range (approx. 77% wide range) to approximately 12% narrow range (approx. 66% wide range). An operator took manual control of feedwater to increase level. Upon returning feedwater control to automatic after level was restored, steam generator #1 level continued to increase, resulting in a reactor trip on high steam generator level at approximately the Technical Specification reactor trip and Main Steam Isolation Signal (MSIS) setpoint of 91.5%. The MSIS (ESF actuation) functioned as required. No other ESF actuations occurred or were required. No emergency classification was required per the Emergency Plan. Safety related buses remained energized during and following the reactor trip. The Emergency Diesel Generators did not start and were not required. The offsite power grid is stable. No LCOs have been entered as a result of this event. No major equipment was inoperable prior to the event that contributed to the event. The maximum power level during the feedwater transient was approximately 8.5%.
"Unit 1 is stable at normal operating temperature and pressure in Mode 3. The event did not result in any challenges to fission product barriers and there were no adverse safety consequences as a result of this event. The maximum RCS pressure was approximately 2251 psia (normal 2250). The maximum steam generator pressure was approximately 1188 psia (normal 1165). The event did not adversely affect the safe operation of the plant or the health and safety of the public."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Other Nuclear Material | Event Number: 41952 | Rep Org: EPSILON PRODUCTS
Licensee: EPSILON PRODUCTS
Region: 1
City: MARCUS HOOK State: PA
County:
License #: 37-28586-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: WAYNE APPLEGATE
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 08/27/2005
Notification Time: 02:59 [ET]
Event Date: 08/27/2005
Event Time: 00:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/28/2005 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
| Person (Organization):
WILLIAM COOK (R1)
E. WILLIAM BRACH (NMSS)
| Event Text FIXED GAUGE (OHMART) FAILED TO PROPERLY RETRACT SOURCE
The licensee's RSO reported that a Ohmart fixed gauge (s/n HLM-CR-3) containing a 1200 millicurie Cs-137 source (Capsule # M4695) malfunctioned by failing to fully retract the source. The RSO believes the shutter may have sheared the cable and left the source outside the shielded (fully closed) position. A protective barrier for a less than 2 milliRem/hr area was set up to protect personnel, and work in this area was discontinued. The RSO did not know whether any personnel received an exposure due to this incident, however, the licensee's APS manager was going to the site to determine this. A representative of the Ohmart company is also going to the site to repair the faulty equipment.
* * * UPDATE 08/27/05 AT 1925 FROM W. APPLEGATE TO P. SNYDER * * *
The Ohmart Vega manufacturers representative is onsite to assess the circumstances and is expected to take action tomorrow to correct the problem. Epsilon Products is continuing their "around the clock" investigation of this issue.
Notified R1DO (Cook) and NMSS EO (Brach).
* * * UPDATE 08/28/05 AT 1320 FROM W. APPLEGATE TO P. SNYDER * * *
The source has been retracted back into the holder and secured. The manufacturers representative will stay on-site while the source is packaged and readied for shipment to Ohmart for further evaluation. The temporary barriers have been removed and the area has been returned to normal background radiation levels.
Notified R1DO (Cook) and NMSS EO (Brach). |
| Other Nuclear Material | Event Number: 41953 | Rep Org: MATERIAL TESTING, INC
Licensee: MATERIAL TESTING, INC
Region: 1
City: NEWARK State: NJ
County:
License #: 29-30465-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: FRANK PENNISI
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 08/27/2005
Notification Time: 10:16 [ET]
Event Date: 08/27/2005
Event Time: 08:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/27/2005 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X
| Person (Organization):
WILLIAM COOK (R1)
E. WILLIAM BRACH (NMSS)
TAS (EMAIL) ()
| Event Text TROXLER MOSITURE/DENSITY GAUGE STOLEN
A corporate executive of the licensee stated that about 0800 EDT one of their employees notified him that a Troxler gauge (Model 3411B, s/n 7989) was stolen from the back of his pickup truck. The Troxler gauge, which was correctly chained and boxed in the employee's truck per company regulations, had the chain cut and box removed. The gauge contained 50 milliCuries of Am-241/Be and 10 milliCuries of Cs-137. The LLEA (Newark Police) was notified, however, the report number was not known. The licensee is not offering a reward at this time, and does not expect to make a press release.
Less than the quantity of an IAEA Category 3 source.
Sources that are 'Less than IAEA Category 3 sources,' are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury.
For some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are IAEA Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 41954 | Facility: WATERFORD
Region: 4 State: LA
Unit: [3] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [3] CE
NRC Notified By: KENNY CAMBREY
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF ROTTON | Notification Date: 08/27/2005
Notification Time: 23:22 [ET]
Event Date: 08/27/2005
Event Time: 22:04 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/28/2005 | Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
| Person (Organization):
WILLIAM JONES (R4)
PAO-TSIN KUO (NRR)
MEL LEACH (IRD)
AKERS (DHS)
CASTO (FEMA)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO HURRICANE WARNING
At 2204 CDT, an Unusual Event was declared due to a Hurricane warning in St Charles Parish, LA. The licensee does not have any Limiting Conditions for Operation on safety related equipment. No electrical grid disturbances currently exist.
The licensee will be notifying the NRC Resident Inspector. The licensee notified the State and Local government agencies.
* * * UPDATE FROM J. PIERCE TO M. RIPLEY 1144 EDT 08/28/05 * *
"Waterford 3 will commence a plant shutdown to Mode 4 on August 28, 2005 at 1100 CDT. The goal is to be approximately 325 deg F reactor coolant system temperature with both trains of Shutdown Cooling in service [expected at approximately 0100 CDT 08/29/05] . This is approximately 2 hours before hurricane force winds are expected on site."
Notified R4DO (Jones), NRR EO (Kuo), IRD Mgr. (Wilson), DHS (York), and FEMA (Canupp). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 41955 | Facility: HATCH
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: ED BURKETT
HQ OPS Officer: MIKE RIPLEY | Notification Date: 08/28/2005
Notification Time: 04:50 [ET]
Event Date: 08/28/2005
Event Time: 02:25 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/28/2005 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
DAVID AYRES (R2)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | | 2 | N | Y | 98 | Power Operation | 98 | Power Operation | Event Text FALURE OF NOAA WEATHER SERVICE RADIO
"Failure of the NOAA Weather Service radio was reported by Plant Hatch Site Security after receipt of an alarm message in the Security Secondary Alarm Station. The NOAA Weather Service radio was out of service for greater than 15 minutes as of 0225. The NOAA Weather Service radio was out of service for 1 hour and 16 minutes, from 0209 to 0325 on August 28, 2005.
"The NOAA Weather Service radio has been restored to service by the Jacksonville Weather Service after repair's were done by their local telephone provider. As of 0325 the NOAH Weather Service radio is operable. Discussions with Jacksonville Weather Service indicate they do not know, at this time, what the problems were, or how they were resolved by their telephones service provider."
The licensee notified State and local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 41956 | Facility: HOPE CREEK
Region: 1 State: NJ
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: DARON ZAKARIAN
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 08/28/2005
Notification Time: 11:04 [ET]
Event Date: 08/28/2005
Event Time: 11:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/28/2005 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(i) - PLANT S/D REQD BY TS
50.72(b)(3)(v)(A) - POT UNABLE TO SAFE SD
| Person (Organization):
WILLIAM COOK (R1)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIRED SHUTDOWN DUE TO INOPERABLE SUPPRESSION CHAMBER VACUUM BREAKER
"At 0325 on 8/28/05 the `B' Drywell to Suppression Chamber vacuum breaker indication began cycling from closed to intermediate open. Attempts were made to close the vacuum breaker from the control room were not successful. Attempts to establish a differential pressure between the drywall and suppression chamber airspace were also not successful at getting the vacuum breaker to close and stay closed. Technical Specification 3.6.4.1 was entered at 0325 and a plant shutdown was initiated at 1100 to comply with Technical Specifications. With the vacuum breaker open or partially open, the pressure suppression function of the suppression chamber could be compromised in the event of a postulated loss of coolant accident and therefore this safety function is degraded. The inoperability of this vacuum breaker is reportable in accordance with 50.72(b)(3)(v), The cause of the open vacuum breaker is currently not known. The plant will be taken to cold shutdown to facilitate torus entry to effect repairs.
"There was no other equipment that was unavailable that contributed to this event. All other safety related equipment is currently operable."
The licensee is starting a normal shutdown.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and will be notifying the LAC Township. | |