Event Notification Report for February 02, 2011
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
02/01/2011 - 02/02/2011
EVENT NUMBERS
46588465894658446585
Power Reactor
Event Number: 46588
Facility: SOUTH TEXAS
Region: 4 State: TX
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: RON GIBBS
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Region: 4 State: TX
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: RON GIBBS
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 02/02/2011
Notification Time: 17:14 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 08:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/02/2011
Notification Time: 17:14 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 08:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/02/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
LINDA HOWELL (R4DO)
LINDA HOWELL (R4DO)
| 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 | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
PARTIAL LOSS OF PROMPT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM (PNS) EMERGENCY SIRENS DUE TO A LOSS OF POWER
"At approximately 0830 [CST] on 2/2/2011, eleven (11) of thirty-two (32) STP Prompt Notification System (PNS) sirens were not operable due to loss of power. The sirens were subsequently polled at approximately 0909 [CST] and all sirens except 3 were operable. The loss of power was caused by rolling outages due to unusually severe cold weather. ERCOT issued an order requiring load shedding to maintain a steady state system frequency of 59.8 Hertz (Hz) on the grid. The outages were suspended at 1400 hrs but rolling outages could continue through the end of the week potentially affecting the sirens. All 32 sirens were likely affected during the outages for some un-quantified period of time. Continuous polling of the sirens was not performed or advisable since polling depletes the batteries which could affect the operability of the sirens.
"STPNOC [South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company] has notified Matagorda County Sheriff Department. Compensatory measures have been verified to be available should the Prompt Notification System be needed. This consists of using Local Law Enforcement Personnel for 'Route Alerting' of the affected areas of the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). Matagorda County Emergency Management has verified that the Matagorda County Sheriffs Department is on standby for Route Alerting.
"STPNOC is currently transitioning to new sirens. While the new sirens are not currently credited in the STP Emergency Plan, we have received final FEMA approval. All of the new battery-backed sirens were tested and verified to remain operable and capable of notifying the population in the EPZ.
"This notification is being made under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) due to a significant loss of the offsite Prompt Notification System. It is possible that rolling outages may recommence in the next several days."
The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector and the offsite agencies identified above.
"At approximately 0830 [CST] on 2/2/2011, eleven (11) of thirty-two (32) STP Prompt Notification System (PNS) sirens were not operable due to loss of power. The sirens were subsequently polled at approximately 0909 [CST] and all sirens except 3 were operable. The loss of power was caused by rolling outages due to unusually severe cold weather. ERCOT issued an order requiring load shedding to maintain a steady state system frequency of 59.8 Hertz (Hz) on the grid. The outages were suspended at 1400 hrs but rolling outages could continue through the end of the week potentially affecting the sirens. All 32 sirens were likely affected during the outages for some un-quantified period of time. Continuous polling of the sirens was not performed or advisable since polling depletes the batteries which could affect the operability of the sirens.
"STPNOC [South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company] has notified Matagorda County Sheriff Department. Compensatory measures have been verified to be available should the Prompt Notification System be needed. This consists of using Local Law Enforcement Personnel for 'Route Alerting' of the affected areas of the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). Matagorda County Emergency Management has verified that the Matagorda County Sheriffs Department is on standby for Route Alerting.
"STPNOC is currently transitioning to new sirens. While the new sirens are not currently credited in the STP Emergency Plan, we have received final FEMA approval. All of the new battery-backed sirens were tested and verified to remain operable and capable of notifying the population in the EPZ.
"This notification is being made under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) due to a significant loss of the offsite Prompt Notification System. It is possible that rolling outages may recommence in the next several days."
The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector and the offsite agencies identified above.
Fuel Cycle Facility
Event Number: 46589
Facility: B&W NUCLEAR OPERATING GROUP, INC.
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [] [] []
RX Type: URANIUM FUEL FABRICATION
NRC Notified By: BARRY COLE
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [] [] []
RX Type: URANIUM FUEL FABRICATION
NRC Notified By: BARRY COLE
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 02/03/2011
Notification Time: 14:22 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 14:30 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/03/2011
Notification Time: 14:22 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 14:30 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/03/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
PART 70 APP A (b)(2) - LOSS OR DEGRADED SAFETY ITEMS
10 CFR Section:
PART 70 APP A (b)(2) - LOSS OR DEGRADED SAFETY ITEMS
Person (Organization):
GEORGE HOPPER (R2DO)
PATTI SILVA (NMSS)
FUELS GROUP email
GEORGE HOPPER (R2DO)
PATTI SILVA (NMSS)
FUELS GROUP email
DISCOVERY OF AN UNFAVORABLE VOLUME CONTAINER IN THE URANIUM RECOVERY CONTAINER CONTROLLED AREA
"On February 2, 2011 at 1430 hrs [EST], an unfavorable volume container was found in the Uranium Recovery Container Controlled Area (CCA). The container was immediately removed from the area. At the time of the discovery, the facility was not processing SNM due to planned maintenance work. Also, there was no SNM found in the container. Based on interviews with area personnel, it is believed that the container had been in the area when SNM operations were in progress in the past. The control of container volume is an [Item Relied On For Safety] IROFS. Having this container in the CCA in the past constitutes a loss of an IROFS.
"The as-found condition did not have any safety significance since no SNM was present in the area or in the container. There was no immediate risk or threat to the safety of workers or the public as a result of this event.
"An evaluation is currently being performed [by the licensee].
"B&W NOG-Lynchburg is making this 24 hour report in accordance with 10 CFR 70, Appendix A, (b)(2) - Loss or degradation of items relied on for safety that results in failure to meet the performance requirement of º70.61.
The container is used during maintenance and had been left in the area during previous maintenance activities.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
"On February 2, 2011 at 1430 hrs [EST], an unfavorable volume container was found in the Uranium Recovery Container Controlled Area (CCA). The container was immediately removed from the area. At the time of the discovery, the facility was not processing SNM due to planned maintenance work. Also, there was no SNM found in the container. Based on interviews with area personnel, it is believed that the container had been in the area when SNM operations were in progress in the past. The control of container volume is an [Item Relied On For Safety] IROFS. Having this container in the CCA in the past constitutes a loss of an IROFS.
"The as-found condition did not have any safety significance since no SNM was present in the area or in the container. There was no immediate risk or threat to the safety of workers or the public as a result of this event.
"An evaluation is currently being performed [by the licensee].
"B&W NOG-Lynchburg is making this 24 hour report in accordance with 10 CFR 70, Appendix A, (b)(2) - Loss or degradation of items relied on for safety that results in failure to meet the performance requirement of º70.61.
The container is used during maintenance and had been left in the area during previous maintenance activities.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 46584
Facility: SURRY
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: CURTIS LYCKE
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: CURTIS LYCKE
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 02/02/2011
Notification Time: 08:52 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 05:33 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/02/2011
Notification Time: 08:52 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 05:33 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/02/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
Person (Organization):
GEORGE HOPPER (R2DO)
GEORGE HOPPER (R2DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | A/R | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby |
AUTOMATIC REACTOR TRIP DUE TO LOSS OF RCS COOLANT FLOW IN ONE LOOP
"Unit 2 Reactor automatically tripped at 0533 EST. This was due to loss of coolant flow in the 'C' RCS Loop. The first indication of the reactor trip was the annunciator for 'Loss of Coolant Flow > P8.' The 'C' RCP is running with motor current indicating normal. 'C' LOOP RCS flow is approximately 25% on all three channels with 'A' & 'B' RCS LOOP FLOW approximately 104%. All three auxiliary feedwater [AFW] pumps automatically initiated as designed on low-low steam generator level following the trip. Currently, RCS temperature is being maintained stable at no load temperature. All systems responded as expected with the exception of the Intermediate Range Neutron Indication. N36 indication was undercompensated and Source Range indication did not automatically energize, but was subsequently manually energized.
"This notification is being made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) for 4-hour notification of RPS Activation and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) for 8-hour notification of actuation of AFW. Plant responded as expected. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event and is on site.
"There were no radiation releases due this event, nor were there any personnel injuries or contamination events."
This was an uncomplicated reactor trip and all control rods fully inserted. The plant is in a normal electrical alignment. AFW has been secured and the steam generators are being feed from main feedwater. Decay heat is being released through the main condenser steam dumps. Estimated time for repair and re-start is not known.
"Unit 2 Reactor automatically tripped at 0533 EST. This was due to loss of coolant flow in the 'C' RCS Loop. The first indication of the reactor trip was the annunciator for 'Loss of Coolant Flow > P8.' The 'C' RCP is running with motor current indicating normal. 'C' LOOP RCS flow is approximately 25% on all three channels with 'A' & 'B' RCS LOOP FLOW approximately 104%. All three auxiliary feedwater [AFW] pumps automatically initiated as designed on low-low steam generator level following the trip. Currently, RCS temperature is being maintained stable at no load temperature. All systems responded as expected with the exception of the Intermediate Range Neutron Indication. N36 indication was undercompensated and Source Range indication did not automatically energize, but was subsequently manually energized.
"This notification is being made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) for 4-hour notification of RPS Activation and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) for 8-hour notification of actuation of AFW. Plant responded as expected. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event and is on site.
"There were no radiation releases due this event, nor were there any personnel injuries or contamination events."
This was an uncomplicated reactor trip and all control rods fully inserted. The plant is in a normal electrical alignment. AFW has been secured and the steam generators are being feed from main feedwater. Decay heat is being released through the main condenser steam dumps. Estimated time for repair and re-start is not known.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 46585
Facility: CLINTON
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: JAMES FORMAN
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: JAMES FORMAN
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 02/02/2011
Notification Time: 10:08 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 07:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/03/2011
Notification Time: 10:08 [ET]
Event Date: 02/02/2011
Event Time: 07:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/03/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
RICHARD SKOKOWSKI (R3DO)
LINDA HOWELL (R4DO)
RICHARD SKOKOWSKI (R3DO)
LINDA HOWELL (R4DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 97 | Power Operation | 97 | Power Operation |
PARTIAL LOSS OF EMERGENCY SIRENS DUE TO SEVERE WINTER STORM
"February 2, 2011, at approximately 0600 hours (CST), a Severe Winter Ice Storm was experienced causing a loss of 11 of 40 emergency sirens (approximately 28 percent) for Clinton Power Station. At 0700 hours (CST), since the sirens were not restored to operation within one hour, this event was determined to be a major loss of emergency assessment capability. Currently, 29 of 40 sirens are operational and no estimated return to service has been provided for the remaining sirens.
"DeWitt County, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the NRC Resident Inspector have been informed of this information."
Unit operation is not affected by the storm. No additional contingency actions have been planned. No press release is planned.
Also notified R4DO (Howell) due to weather issue at Region 3.
* * * UPDATE AT 1245 EST ON 2/3/11 FROM ALAN DARELIUS TO S. SANDIN * * *
"At 0700 [CST] on February 3, 2011, 39 of 40 sirens are in service. Ten of the eleven sirens [that were out of service] have been restored to service following power restoration. The one siren remaining will sound, however it does not rotate as designed. Troubleshooting and repair continues on that siren.
"The DeWitt County, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the NRC Resident have been informed of this updated information."
Notified R3DO (Skokowski).
"February 2, 2011, at approximately 0600 hours (CST), a Severe Winter Ice Storm was experienced causing a loss of 11 of 40 emergency sirens (approximately 28 percent) for Clinton Power Station. At 0700 hours (CST), since the sirens were not restored to operation within one hour, this event was determined to be a major loss of emergency assessment capability. Currently, 29 of 40 sirens are operational and no estimated return to service has been provided for the remaining sirens.
"DeWitt County, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the NRC Resident Inspector have been informed of this information."
Unit operation is not affected by the storm. No additional contingency actions have been planned. No press release is planned.
Also notified R4DO (Howell) due to weather issue at Region 3.
* * * UPDATE AT 1245 EST ON 2/3/11 FROM ALAN DARELIUS TO S. SANDIN * * *
"At 0700 [CST] on February 3, 2011, 39 of 40 sirens are in service. Ten of the eleven sirens [that were out of service] have been restored to service following power restoration. The one siren remaining will sound, however it does not rotate as designed. Troubleshooting and repair continues on that siren.
"The DeWitt County, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the NRC Resident have been informed of this updated information."
Notified R3DO (Skokowski).