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 March 5, 2010

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
03/04/2010 - 03/05/2010

** EVENT NUMBERS **

45736

45744

45745

General Information or Other	Event Number: 45736
Rep Org: NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Licensee: DAKOTA GASIFICATION COMPANY Region: 4 City: BEULAH State: ND County: License #: 33-15327-01 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: LOUISE ROEHRICH HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN	Notification Date: 03/01/2010 Notification Time: 11:48 [ET] Event Date: 02/16/2010 Event Time: [MST] Last Update Date: 03/01/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): CHUCK CAIN (R4DO) ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SHUTTER FOUND STUCK CLOSED ON PROCESS GAUGE

During the semi-annual inspection of the gasification facility's process gauges, a gauge was found with its shutter stuck closed. The gauge had not been used since the last licensee inspection so there would have been no indication from operation of the facility that there was a problem. The gauge was a Berthold Model P-2608-100 containing a 5 millicurie Co-60 source. The licensee has determined that the gauge is not really needed to support the process and has contacted Berthold to come to the facility and remove the gauge and take possession of it. The licensee has inactivated the gauge and, with the shutter stuck closed, considers that there is no risk to personnel.

Power Reactor	Event Number: 45744
Facility: WOLF CREEK Region: 4 State: KS Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] W-4-LP NRC Notified By: ERIC CARLSON HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH	Notification Date: 03/04/2010 Notification Time: 13:11 [ET] Event Date: 03/04/2010 Event Time: 11:20 [CST] Last Update Date: 03/04/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION	Person (Organization): CHUCK CAIN (R4DO)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	N	N	0	Hot Shutdown	0	Hot Shutdown

Event Text

OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO DECEASED BIRDS ON SITE

"On the morning of 03/04/2010, approximately 500 dead European starlings were found in the area surrounding the north part of the Turbine Building. Most of the dead birds were found around the main transformers. External examination of the dead starlings initially indicates the birds likely died from respiratory distress as a result of damage to their respiratory system. Initial indications are that the birds were somehow poisoned offsite, came to Wolf Creek to roost, and subsequently died while roosting.

"Wolf Creek notified the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of this event. This is being reported per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) since Wolf Creek made a notification to other government agencies.

"The Senior Resident Inspector was notified of this event."

* * * UPDATE FROM LANCE LANE TO HOWIE CROUCH @ 1904 EST ON 3/4/10 * * *

"Wolf Creek was informed that a bait/poison was applied under permit (USDA & USFWS) at a local dairy farm near Westphalia, KS. Poison was placed on Tuesday, which coincides with some birds in a weakened state Tuesday night and major die off Wednesday. The USDA has agreed to let Wolf Creek know if similar baiting is done in the future."

The licensee will be notifying the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R3DO (Giessner).

Power Reactor	Event Number: 45745
Facility: WOLF CREEK Region: 4 State: KS Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] W-4-LP NRC Notified By: JEFF ISCH HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD	Notification Date: 03/05/2010 Notification Time: 03:25 [ET] Event Date: 03/05/2010 Event Time: 00:07 [CST] Last Update Date: 03/05/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION	Person (Organization): CHUCK CAIN (R4DO)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	N	N	0	Hot Shutdown	0	Hot Shutdown

Event Text

SPECIFIED SYSTEM ACTUATION - FEEDWATER ISOLATION DUE TO HIGH STEAM GENERATOR WATER LEVEL

"A Turbine trip and Feedwater Isolation Signal was generated as a result of high level in 'A' Steam Generator. At approximately 0007 CST, a turbine trip and Feedwater Isolation Signal was generated when the level in the 'A' Steam Generator exceeded the initiation set point of 78%. Steam Generator level returned below the initiation setpoint at approximately 0008 CST. Steam Generator 'A' high level resulted from swell of the Steam Generator after opening the 'A' Main Steam Isolation Valve. Level was approximately 50% prior to the event and returned to approximately 50% within one minute.

"The turbine was already in the tripped condition due to the plant trip that occurred at 1458 CST on 03/02/2010 (Reference EN# 45739).

"Steam Generators are being fed with the motor driven startup Feedwater pump. Decay heat removal is via the Steam Generator Atmospheric Relief Valves and steam dumps. The plant is in Mode 4 with Reactor Coolant System pressure at approximately 500 psig and temperature at approximately 332 degrees F.

"Two Main Feedwater isolation valves did not fully close but the actuators were being supplied with auxiliary medium (air) at the time of the actuation. Feedwater isolation valves are not required to be operable in Mode 4."

The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021