The NRC is modernizing nrc.gov with an updated design and improved navigation to enhance usability. We are committed to a smooth transition and will work to minimize any disruption. The site may be briefly unavailable at times during launch. Thank you for your patience.

Event Notification Report for January 6, 2011

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
01/05/2011 - 01/06/2011

** EVENT NUMBERS **

46521

Power Reactor	Event Number: 46521
Facility: PILGRIM Region: 1 State: MA Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] GE-3 NRC Notified By: MERT PROBASCO HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ	Notification Date: 01/05/2011 Notification Time: 09:03 [ET] Event Date: 01/05/2011 Event Time: 01:20 [EST] Last Update Date: 01/05/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION	Person (Organization): NEIL PERRY (R1DO)

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

REACTOR CORE ISOLATION COOLING DECLARED INOPERABLE

"On January 5, 2011, at 0120 hours, with the reactor at 100% thermal power and steady state conditions, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNSP) declared the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system inoperable due to the RCIC suction isolation valve from the Torus/Suppression Pool (RCIC-26) failing to go fully closed during planned surveillance testing. The RCIC-26 is a motor-operated valve (MOV) and its normal position is closed. The RClC-26 valve is redundant to the RCIC-25 valve, and is not the credited containment isolation valve. The RCIC-26 valve has a safety function to be (manually) opened during certain event mitigation scenarios requiring a transfer of suction sources from the Condensate Storage Tank (CST) to the Torus.

"Based on the valve failing to fully close during MOV stroke time testing per PNPS Procedure 8.5.5.4, the RCIC system was declared inoperable at 0120 hours and the appropriate LCO was entered. The RCIC-26 was subsequently returned to a full open position, caution tagged and the RCIC system was declared operable. The LCO was exited at 0200 hours. An investigation of the event is underway and continuing.

"This event had no impact on the health and/or safety of the public.

"The NRC Resident Inspector is on-site and has been notified.

"This is an 8-hour notification made in accordance with 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D)."

The licensee will notify the State of Massachusetts.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, September 08, 2026