Event Notification Report for March 29, 2021
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
03/28/2021 - 03/29/2021
Agreement State
Event Number: 55164
Rep Org: COLORADO DEPT OF HEALTH
Licensee: South Metro Fire Rescue Authority
Region: 4
City: Cherry Hills State: CO
County:
License #: GL001765
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Kathryn Mote
HQ OPS Officer: Bethany Cecere
Licensee: South Metro Fire Rescue Authority
Region: 4
City: Cherry Hills State: CO
County:
License #: GL001765
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Kathryn Mote
HQ OPS Officer: Bethany Cecere
Notification Date: 03/31/2021
Notification Time: 15:30 [ET]
Event Date: 03/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 03/31/2021
Notification Time: 15:30 [ET]
Event Date: 03/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 03/31/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
ALEXANDER, RYAN (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION, (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL)
ALEXANDER, RYAN (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION, (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 4/30/2021
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETERS
The following is a summary of information received from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment by email:
The General License coordinator requested past due inventory registrations. After the licensee conducted a thorough search, two ion mobility spectrometers (Ni-63; 0.01 Ci each) could not be found.
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
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. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are 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. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETERS
The following is a summary of information received from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment by email:
The General License coordinator requested past due inventory registrations. After the licensee conducted a thorough search, two ion mobility spectrometers (Ni-63; 0.01 Ci each) could not be found.
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
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. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are 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. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
Part 21
Event Number: 55223
Rep Org: Paragon Energy Solutions
Licensee: Paragon Energy Solutions
Region: 4
City: Fort Worth State: TX
County:
License #:
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Tracy Bolt
HQ OPS Officer: Joanna Bridge
Licensee: Paragon Energy Solutions
Region: 4
City: Fort Worth State: TX
County:
License #:
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Tracy Bolt
HQ OPS Officer: Joanna Bridge
Notification Date: 04/29/2021
Notification Time: 19:52 [ET]
Event Date: 03/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 06/20/2025
Notification Time: 19:52 [ET]
Event Date: 03/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 06/20/2025
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
21.21(d)(3)(i) - Defects And Noncompliance
10 CFR Section:
21.21(d)(3)(i) - Defects And Noncompliance
Person (Organization):
SCHROEDER, DAN (R1DO)
MILLER, MARK (R2DO)
RIEMER, KENNETH (R3DO)
PROULX, DAVID (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION, (EMAIL)
SCHROEDER, DAN (R1DO)
MILLER, MARK (R2DO)
RIEMER, KENNETH (R3DO)
PROULX, DAVID (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION, (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 6/23/2025
EN Revision Text: PART 21 - FAILURE OF SIZE 1 AND 2 FREEDOM SERIES FULL VOLTAGE REVERSING STARTERS
The following is a summary of information received from Paragon Energy Solutions:
On 3/29/2021, Dominion - North Anna Station has identified instances where size 1 and 2 starters have failed to function as expected in assemblies that were originally supplied by Nuclear Logistics LLC (NLI). The mechanical interlock exhibited binding that prevented the contactor from closing when energized. The identified failed starters are utilized in an application of operating Motor Operated Valves (MOV). This is an intermittent duty application.
The issue was identified on Eaton Starter Model AN56DN*, AN56GN*, CN55DN*, CN55GN* style starters and contactors with supplied date codes T4514 (week 45 of year 2014) and T4215 (week 42 of year 2015). Paragon is in the process of identifying the date codes to provide the specific information to the identified plants.
The following plants were supplied starters from September 2014 through October 2018: Beaver Valley, Columbia, Ergytech, Harris, Millstone, NEK KRSKO, North Anna, Prairie Island.
The component design that exhibited the failure was revised by the original equipment manufacturer (Eaton) in October 2018. There have been no reported failures of the interlock mechanism in vintages manufactured before September 2014 or after October 2018.
These recommendations are based on the specific application: The reversing starters and reversing contactors are typically wired in a configuration that will electrically lock out one of the contactors when the other one is being energized to prevent both contactors from being energized at the same time. Therefore, the mechanical interlock is not required to prevent both contactors from being closed at the same time when the electrical interlock configuration is being implemented. In this scenario, the mechanical interlocks are not required and can be removed.
The motor control centers that contain the mechanical interlock should be monitored to ensure that there is no binding during operation.
The evaluation being performed by Paragon is expected to be completed by May 29, 2021.
Tracy Bolt
Chief Nuclear Officer, CNO
817-284-0077
Paragon Energy Solutions, LLC
7410 Pebble Drive
Ft. Worth, TX 76118
* * * UPDATE ON 5/3/2021 AT 1559 FROM TRACY BOLT TO BRIAN LIN * * *
The following revision was received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email and corrects the identified date code and includes the size and serial number of the starter that failed:
The issue was identified on supplied Size 1, 73262-025-00028 (Date Code: T4515 - 45th week of 2015) and Size 2, 73262-028-00001 (Date Code: T4215 - 42nd week of 2015).
Notified R1DO (Young), R2DO (Miller), R3DO (Orlikowski), R4DO (Deese), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 5/28/2021 AT 1558 FROM TRACY BOLT TO KERBY SCALES * * *
The following update (Interim Report) was received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email:
"Paragon is submitting this Interim Report since this condition is currently under evaluation but will not be completed within 60 days.
"Paragon is in communication with EATON, the OEM for the starters/contactors to determine the extent of condition. The evaluation is expected to be completed by June 30, 2021.
"It was determined that Dominion - Millstone should not be included in the list of affected plants. Millstone will be removed from the list in the final revision of P21-03302021."
Notified R1DO (Bower), R2DO (Miller), R3DO (Feliz-Adorno), R4DO (Gepford), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 6/29/2021 AT 1658 EDT FROM TRACY BOLT TO BETHANY CECERE * * *
The following is a synopsis of an update (completion of the evaluation) received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email:
"Paragon has identified the date codes of the supplied starters and contactors to provide the specific information to the identified plants. This information has been provided directly to the specific plant." [Millstone was removed from the list of plants.]
"The component design that exhibited the failure was revised by the original equipment manufacturer (EATON) in September of 2014. The failed units were from Date Codes T4215 and T4515 which are in the 42nd and 45th weeks of 2015. In September 2018 the drawing was revised again. In discussions with the OEM the revision of the drawing was due to a change in material type and was not a result of binding issues.
"This condition has not been identified on assemblies manufactured after September 2018.
"Due to the number of starters that have been installed and in service without issue, it is highly unlikely that there is a defect within all the supplied starters in the date range of September 2014 through September 2018. To date, Paragon has been unable to obtain any conclusive information from EATON regarding the potential cause of the binding issue. One of the failed starters along with samples of binding and non-binding interlocks have been provided to EATON for them to perform their own analysis on the potential causes of the binding issue.
"Until more information is gathered from the OEM (EATON) Paragon recommends the following:
"The reversing starters and reversing contactors are typically wired in a configuration that will electrically lock out one of the contactors when the other one is being energized to prevent both contactors from being energized at the same time. Therefore, the mechanical interlock is not required to prevent both contactors from being closed at the same time when the electrical interlock configuration is being implemented. In this scenario, the mechanical interlocks are not required and can be removed at the plant's discretion.
"Replacement mechanical interlocks may be ordered to replace the existing interlocks from the affected date code range if the plant application will not allow for removal.
"The motor control center cubicles or starter assemblies with date codes within the September 2014 through September 2018 range should be monitored to ensure that there is no binding during operation. It is possible that if the starter is found to bind during operation, the bound condition could be released by cycling the power to the starter. This action may release the bound condition and will allow the starter to operate."
Notified R1DO (Lilliendahl), R2DO (Miller), R3DO (Stone), R4DO (Werner), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 6/20/2025 AT 0557 EDT FROM RICHARD KNOTT TO JOSUE RAMIREZ * * *
The following is a summary of an update received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email:
Paragon Energy Solutions has expanded the affected date range of starters supplied. This was done based on the evaluation of a recent failure identified by Callaway nuclear plant. The affected range is now from September 2014 through March 2022.
Additional affected plants based on the expanded date range scope of supply include Callaway, Turkey Point, and Watts Bar.
Richard Knott, Vice President, Quality Assurance
Paragon Energy Solutions, LLC
7410 Pebble Drive
Ft. Worth, TX 76118
Notified R1DO (Warnek), R2DO (Blamey), R3DO (Zurawski), R4DO (Drake), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.
EN Revision Text: PART 21 - FAILURE OF SIZE 1 AND 2 FREEDOM SERIES FULL VOLTAGE REVERSING STARTERS
The following is a summary of information received from Paragon Energy Solutions:
On 3/29/2021, Dominion - North Anna Station has identified instances where size 1 and 2 starters have failed to function as expected in assemblies that were originally supplied by Nuclear Logistics LLC (NLI). The mechanical interlock exhibited binding that prevented the contactor from closing when energized. The identified failed starters are utilized in an application of operating Motor Operated Valves (MOV). This is an intermittent duty application.
The issue was identified on Eaton Starter Model AN56DN*, AN56GN*, CN55DN*, CN55GN* style starters and contactors with supplied date codes T4514 (week 45 of year 2014) and T4215 (week 42 of year 2015). Paragon is in the process of identifying the date codes to provide the specific information to the identified plants.
The following plants were supplied starters from September 2014 through October 2018: Beaver Valley, Columbia, Ergytech, Harris, Millstone, NEK KRSKO, North Anna, Prairie Island.
The component design that exhibited the failure was revised by the original equipment manufacturer (Eaton) in October 2018. There have been no reported failures of the interlock mechanism in vintages manufactured before September 2014 or after October 2018.
These recommendations are based on the specific application: The reversing starters and reversing contactors are typically wired in a configuration that will electrically lock out one of the contactors when the other one is being energized to prevent both contactors from being energized at the same time. Therefore, the mechanical interlock is not required to prevent both contactors from being closed at the same time when the electrical interlock configuration is being implemented. In this scenario, the mechanical interlocks are not required and can be removed.
The motor control centers that contain the mechanical interlock should be monitored to ensure that there is no binding during operation.
The evaluation being performed by Paragon is expected to be completed by May 29, 2021.
Tracy Bolt
Chief Nuclear Officer, CNO
817-284-0077
Paragon Energy Solutions, LLC
7410 Pebble Drive
Ft. Worth, TX 76118
* * * UPDATE ON 5/3/2021 AT 1559 FROM TRACY BOLT TO BRIAN LIN * * *
The following revision was received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email and corrects the identified date code and includes the size and serial number of the starter that failed:
The issue was identified on supplied Size 1, 73262-025-00028 (Date Code: T4515 - 45th week of 2015) and Size 2, 73262-028-00001 (Date Code: T4215 - 42nd week of 2015).
Notified R1DO (Young), R2DO (Miller), R3DO (Orlikowski), R4DO (Deese), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 5/28/2021 AT 1558 FROM TRACY BOLT TO KERBY SCALES * * *
The following update (Interim Report) was received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email:
"Paragon is submitting this Interim Report since this condition is currently under evaluation but will not be completed within 60 days.
"Paragon is in communication with EATON, the OEM for the starters/contactors to determine the extent of condition. The evaluation is expected to be completed by June 30, 2021.
"It was determined that Dominion - Millstone should not be included in the list of affected plants. Millstone will be removed from the list in the final revision of P21-03302021."
Notified R1DO (Bower), R2DO (Miller), R3DO (Feliz-Adorno), R4DO (Gepford), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 6/29/2021 AT 1658 EDT FROM TRACY BOLT TO BETHANY CECERE * * *
The following is a synopsis of an update (completion of the evaluation) received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email:
"Paragon has identified the date codes of the supplied starters and contactors to provide the specific information to the identified plants. This information has been provided directly to the specific plant." [Millstone was removed from the list of plants.]
"The component design that exhibited the failure was revised by the original equipment manufacturer (EATON) in September of 2014. The failed units were from Date Codes T4215 and T4515 which are in the 42nd and 45th weeks of 2015. In September 2018 the drawing was revised again. In discussions with the OEM the revision of the drawing was due to a change in material type and was not a result of binding issues.
"This condition has not been identified on assemblies manufactured after September 2018.
"Due to the number of starters that have been installed and in service without issue, it is highly unlikely that there is a defect within all the supplied starters in the date range of September 2014 through September 2018. To date, Paragon has been unable to obtain any conclusive information from EATON regarding the potential cause of the binding issue. One of the failed starters along with samples of binding and non-binding interlocks have been provided to EATON for them to perform their own analysis on the potential causes of the binding issue.
"Until more information is gathered from the OEM (EATON) Paragon recommends the following:
"The reversing starters and reversing contactors are typically wired in a configuration that will electrically lock out one of the contactors when the other one is being energized to prevent both contactors from being energized at the same time. Therefore, the mechanical interlock is not required to prevent both contactors from being closed at the same time when the electrical interlock configuration is being implemented. In this scenario, the mechanical interlocks are not required and can be removed at the plant's discretion.
"Replacement mechanical interlocks may be ordered to replace the existing interlocks from the affected date code range if the plant application will not allow for removal.
"The motor control center cubicles or starter assemblies with date codes within the September 2014 through September 2018 range should be monitored to ensure that there is no binding during operation. It is possible that if the starter is found to bind during operation, the bound condition could be released by cycling the power to the starter. This action may release the bound condition and will allow the starter to operate."
Notified R1DO (Lilliendahl), R2DO (Miller), R3DO (Stone), R4DO (Werner), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 6/20/2025 AT 0557 EDT FROM RICHARD KNOTT TO JOSUE RAMIREZ * * *
The following is a summary of an update received from Paragon Energy Solutions via email:
Paragon Energy Solutions has expanded the affected date range of starters supplied. This was done based on the evaluation of a recent failure identified by Callaway nuclear plant. The affected range is now from September 2014 through March 2022.
Additional affected plants based on the expanded date range scope of supply include Callaway, Turkey Point, and Watts Bar.
Richard Knott, Vice President, Quality Assurance
Paragon Energy Solutions, LLC
7410 Pebble Drive
Ft. Worth, TX 76118
Notified R1DO (Warnek), R2DO (Blamey), R3DO (Zurawski), R4DO (Drake), NMSS Events Notification, and Part 21 Group via email.