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INFORMATION REPORT SECY-03-0207 December 1, 2003
Contact: A. Boland, OEDO Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Dresden Unit 2 Startup - Bypassing of Containment Pressure Suppression Function On November 10, 2003, the plant was in startup mode. After completing the Unit 2 Refueling Outage 18 (D2R18), control room operators determined that both the torus and drywell purge valves were simultaneously left open, thus directly connecting the torus air space to the drywell. This bypassed the pressure suppression function of the torus water and put the unit in an unanalyzed condition. The containment pressure suppression function is credited in the loss-of-coolant accident analysis to limit drywell pressure. It accomplishes this by condensing steam from the drywell as it passes through torus water. Control room operators immediately restored proper valve alignment. The licensee reported the incident to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), performed a prompt investigation, and implemented interim corrective actions. A more in depth root cause evaluation will be conducted by the licensee. The NRC resident inspectors are following the licensee's root cause determination and corrective action. Quad Cities Unit 1 - Steam Dryer Damage On November 12, 2003, Quad Cities Unit 1 entered a forced outage to inspect and repair the unit's steam dryer. Thru-wall cracking was found in the upper dryer hood cover plate in the 270-degree azimuth of the dryer. The plate is a ½ inch thick cover plate welded in place with internal bracing, and the cracking is in the base metal of the plate. A piece of the plate, approximately 7 by 9 inches, cracked off and is currently missing. Inspections of the main steam lines have not indicated any evidence of the missing piece, and the licensee plans to check the annulus of the reactor for the missing piece next. Initial inspections inside the steam dryer also identified cracking and damage to internal support bracing. The licensee has assembled a team of Exelon, General Electric, and industry experts to assess the damage and develop repairs and corrective actions. Public Meeting with South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company (STPNOC) to discuss Proposed Risk-Informed Inservice Testing Program On November 18, 2003, NRR staff met with representatives of STPNOC to discuss a Risk-Informed Inservice Testing (RI-IST) Program that might be proposed for implementation at STP Units 1 and 2. During the meeting, the licensee addressed concerns raised by the NRC staff in a letter dated May 29, 2003, regarding a previously proposed RI-IST Program that was subsequently withdrawn by STPNOC. The licensee also described its categorization and treatment processes for pumps and valves at STP under a newly proposed RI-IST Program which is to be developed. In response to staff questions during the meeting, the licensee plans to provide follow-up information on the categorization process for the proposed RI-IST Program, and the differences with the categorization process used to support its previously approved exemption from specific special treatment requirements in 10 CFR Part 50 for low safety significant structures, systems, and components at STP. Upon completion of the NRC staff review of the STPNOC follow-up information, the licensee intends to submit a request to implement the proposed RI-IST Program as an alternative to the ASME Code IST provisions incorporated by reference in the NRC regulations that provides an acceptable level of quality and safety in accordance with 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3). The NRC staff and licensee participants considered the meeting successful in terms of clarifying the licensee's plans for the proposed RI-IST Program at STP. Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes Meeting On November 12-13, 2003, the Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) held its semi-annual public meeting in Rockville, Maryland. Staff from different NRC offices, as well as members of the public, industry, and societies participated in the meeting. The principal topics discussed included: (1) an update on the National Material Pilot Project on operating experience; (2) implementation of the proposed revisions to 10 CFR Part 35, "Medical Use of Byproduct Material"; (3) training and experience under Part 35; (4) emerging technologies; (5) access to the Nuclear Materials Event Database; and (6) dose reconstruction. Of particular interest was the presentation on medical events linked to the use of the Novoste Beta-Cath intravascular brachytherapy device. At the request of NRC staff, ACMUI performed an evaluation to determine the root cause of events involving the Novoste Beta-Cath device and provided recommended actions that NRC staff could take to help reduce the numbers of events involving this product. Meeting Regarding International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Transportation Safety Regulations On November 10-14, 2003, staff from the Spent Fuel Project Office participated in the IAEA Second Review Panel of the Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, in Bonn, Germany. Approximately 80 people attended the meeting, representing 23 countries, industry, and modal organizations. The meeting was held for evaluation and disposition of Member State comments regarding proposed changes to TS-R-1, the IAEA "Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material." Of the 63 proposed changes to the regulations submitted by Member States, 37 were accepted by the Review Panel. The Transport Safety Standards Committee (TRANSSC) will forward recommendations for regulatory changes for review and approval. Changes that TRANSSC approves will be incorporated in the edition of the regulations scheduled for publication in 2005. NRC/Department of Energy (DOE) Quarterly Quality Assurance and Management Meetings On November 12-13, 2003, staff and senior managers from NRC and the DOE met, in two public meetings, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss quality assurance and programmatic issues concerning DOE's potential license application for a geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Video and audio connections were also available with connections to the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses in San Antonio, Texas, and NRC Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Various stakeholders, including representatives from the State of Nevada, Nye County, Clark County, Lincoln County, the General Accounting Office, industry, the Nevada Nuclear Waste Task Force, and members of the public attended the meeting. Discussion topics at the Quality Assurance meeting included: (1) status of significant corrective actions; and (2) program improvements, metrics, and effectiveness regarding the license application, procedural compliance, corrective action program, and staff accountability. Discussion topics at the Management meeting included: (1) DOE and NRC Program Updates; (2) Status of DOE's FY 2004 budget; (3) key technical issue resolution; (4) safety-conscious work environment; and (5) license application status. At the conclusion of each meeting, participants from DOE and NRC reviewed the status of previous meetings' action items, closed most of them, and identified some new action items. Amendment Request Meeting with Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) On November 19, 2003, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards staff met with NFS to initiate the review of the amendment request for the Oxide Conversion Building and the Effluent Processing Building in the Blended Low-Enriched Uranium (BLEU) Complex. Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response staff attended the meeting also. This is the third and final amendment request for the BLEU Project at NFS. An acceptance review is almost complete and the NRC staff expects to publish a notice of receipt and opportunity to request a hearing in the Federal Register soon. During the open portion of the meeting, NFS provided an overview of the amendment and the proposed licensing schedule. A member of the public attended and asked several questions. During the closed portion of the meeting, NFS provided a more detailed briefing of proprietary information in its request. Proposed Rule Revision of 10 CFR Part 72.214 On November 20, 2003, the Executive Director for Operations (EDO) approved a proposed rule which revises 10 CFR Part 72.214, "List of approved spent fuel storage casks," for the Transnuclear, Inc., Standardized NUHOMS® Horizontal Modular Storage System (Standardized NUHOMS® System) to include Amendment No. 7 in Certificate of Compliance (CoC) Number 1004. Amendment No. 7 which will incorporate changes in support of the Amergen Corporation plans to load damaged fuel and additional fuel types at its Oyster Creek Nuclear Station. Specifically, the amendment will add damaged Boiling Water Reactor spent fuel assemblies and additional fuel types to the authorized contents of the NUHOMS®-61BT Dry Shielded Canister under a general license. In addition, the amendment includes three minor changes to the Technical Specifications to correct inconsistencies and remove irrelevant references. Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research Post-Storage Characterization and Creep Testing of Spent Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Fuel Rods The Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) has completed an experimental program post-storage characterization and creep testing of representative PWR fuel rods, stored for over 15 years in a dry storage cask. The objective of the program was to provide a technical basis supporting the revision of Interim Staff Guidance (ISG-11), which will be used by NRC to grant license extensions for dry storage casks. The experimental program and the results are documented in NUREG/CR-6831. The results are also summarized in a research information letter (RIL). The results suggest that the PWR spent fuel cladding, after 15 years in a dry storage environment, retained sufficient structural integrity to remain as a barrier to fission product release. The results provide a sound technical basis in support of Revision 2 of Interim Staff Guidance (ISG-11), and for granting an extension of cask licenses, thereby reducing regulatory burden on licensees while maintaining the safety of spent fuel storage. Note that the results are valid for spent fuel with a burnup limit of 45 gigawatt days per metric ton of uranium (GWd/MTU). RES is currently conducting a similar experimental program for high burnup spent fuel cladding (burnup in excess of 45 GWd/MTU). Public Meeting on Generic Safety Issue (GSI)-191 On November 19, 2003, RES staff and management participated in the public meeting on GSI-191, "Assessment of Debris Accumulation on PWR Sump Performance." The purpose of the meeting was to discuss NRC's and industry's activities associated with the resolution of GSI-191. RES staff presented a summary of technical findings from recent NRC research related to debris impact on PWR sump performance. Extensive discussions were also held with industry representatives on integrated tests to assess the overall chemical effects on debris formation, transport, and head loss across PWR sump screens. Risk-Informed Inservice Inspection Training From November 10-14, 2003, in response to an invitation, a staff member from RES traveled to South Korea to provide technical training to Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) on RI-ISI methodologies and implementation. The staff member also visited the Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI) and made a presentation on the status of RI-ISI activities in the U.S. In addition, the KINS staff members presented the Korean approach and status for implementation of risk-informed regulation (RIR) and pilot RI-ISI application. Issuance of the Report on Containment Debris Chemical Tests On November 19, 2003, RES staff made public the contractor report (draft NUREG) on chemical tests "Small Scale Experiments: Effects of Chemical Reactions on Debris Bed head Loss." The independent peer review comments will be included as attachments. This work was done in response to a concern raised by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS). This study was performed to assess the potential for chemically induced corrosion products to impede the performance of emergency core cooling system recirculation after a loss-of coolant accident (LOCA) at PWR plants. Issuance of Regulatory Guide 1.82, Revision 3 On November 19, 2003, RES staff issued Revision 3 to Regulatory Guide 1.82, "Water Sources for Long-Term Recirculation Cooling Following a Loss-of-Coolant Accident." This Regulatory Guide describes methods acceptable to the NRC staff for implementing regulatory requirements related to PWR post-LOCA sump performance and methods for evaluating sump screen vulnerability to clogging due to debris from a LOCA. Office of Administration Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Publication of Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the Disposal of Low-Activity Radioactive Waste: Request for Comment (Part 61) A document announcing the publication of an EPA advance notice of proposed rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2003 (68 FR 64993). EPA is requesting comment on a number of issues associated with the disposal of mixed waste, that is waste characterized as hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and radioactive waste under the Atomic Energy Act. The comment period for this action closes March 17, 2004. Minor Changes to Decommissioning Trust Fund Provisions (Part 50 - AH32) A direct final rule that amends regulations pertaining to decommissioning trust fund provisions was published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2003 (68 FR 65386). This action corrects typographical errors and clarifies provisions concerning notification requirements, investment prohibitions, and the option for licensees to retain existing license conditions. The direct final rule becomes effective December 24, 2003. The companion proposed rule for this direct final rule was published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2003 (68 FR 65415). The comment period closes December 22, 2003. Contract Award As a result of a small business set-aside acquisition, a firm fixed price type contract, No. NRC-10-04-413 entitled, "Building Operation and Management Services," was awarded to Urban/Meridian Joint Venture on November 18, 2003. The contractor shall provide all labor and materials to operate and maintain all architectural, engineering, mechanical, and electrical building systems for the One White Flint North and Two White Flint North buildings. The contract runs for 13 months with four option periods. Chief Information Officer Meeting Held with the Small Business Administration (SBA) about Electronic Government (e-Gov) Business Gateway Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) staff participated in a meeting with the SBA to discuss the NRC's role in the e-Gov Business Gateway Project and the financing strategy that was used to determine NRC's contribution. As a result of the meeting, the SBA agreed that NRC's contribution was inconsistent with contributions from similar size agencies. They agreed to meet with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the proper interpretation of the data that was provided by OMB from NRC's Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) plan. Information Technology (IT) Security NRC's online computer security training courses have been updated to reflect the latest guidance from the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). A network announcement was distributed and all employees and contractors with IT system access have begun taking the updated course. FISMA requires that the computer security awareness course be completed annually. NRC also conducted its annual "Computer Security Awareness Day" on November 20th. The event was very successful in accomplishing its goal of enhancing computer security awareness at NRC as the event well attended by NRC staff. Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Requests received during the period of November 14 through November 20, 2003:
Chief Financial Officer Draft FY 2004-2009 Strategic Plan On November 18, 2003, the draft Strategic Plan was placed on the agency's internal web site, and on November 19, 2003, on the external web site for comment by interested stakeholders. A network announcement, press release, and Federal Register notice on this matter provide information about the availability of the draft plan and how to comment. In addition, a communication plan on the draft Strategic Plan was developed by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the EDO and circulated to office directors and regional administrators with guidance on encouraging stakeholders to comment. Further, key stakeholders in Congress and OMB are being sent a copy of the draft plan for their review. The comment period ends December 31, 2003. e-Payroll Update The Department of Interior's (DOI) Federal Personnel/Payroll System (FPPS) became the agency system of record effective November 2, 2003. FPPS will produce NRC's first payroll for Pay Period 24, 2003. NRC's official pay day will remain the second Tuesday following the end of the pay period (the pay date for Pay Period 24 is November 25, 2003). DOI provides a special feature called "Accelerated Pay Day" which allows employees that use Direct Deposit to generally have their net pay and allotments deposited into their account on the Friday before the Tuesday pay day (the accelerated pay date for pay period 24 is November 21, 2003). DOI provides an employee self service system called Employee Express (EEX) to their customers. Employee Express allows employees to view their Earnings and Leave Statement (ELS) and to enter discretionary personnel/payroll actions using the Internet. EEX will be mailing Personal Identification Number (PIN) letters to all NRC employees on November 21, 2003. Office of Human Resources
Office of Public Affairs Media Interest Criticism by Nevada officials of NRC's decision to hold closed-door evaluations of the Energy Department's quality assurance program on the Yucca Mountain Project. Provisions in proposed energy legislation approved by a congressional conference committee that would benefit the nuclear industry. Issuance of the U.S. - Canadian Joint Power System Outage Task Force interim report on the causes of the August 14 blackout in the Northeast.
Office of International Programs Visit of Louisa Zondo, South Africa On November 20, 2003, Louisa Zondo, Chief Executive Officer, National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa, met with Commissioner Merrifield to update him on the licencing status of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR). Additionally, Ms. Zondo met with the staff to discuss the NRC/Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) interface relating to reactor operator training, and to be briefed on current NRC research activities. Office of the Secretary
Commission Correspondence
Federal Register Notices Issued
Region I Haddam Neck Community Decommissioning Advisory Committee Meeting On November 18, 2003, Region I staff attended the Haddam Neck (CT) Community Decommissioning Advisory Committee (CDAC) meeting. The licensee discussed recent site activities regarding safety performance, radiological exposure performance, status of decommissioning, and status of groundwater monitoring. The NRC provided an overview of recent inspection findings, confirmatory measurements inspection results, and future planned inspection activities. Confirmatory measurements were performed by an NRC contractor on selected open land area survey units for which the licensee had completed final status surveys. The NRC confirmed that the licensee's results were below the approved guidelines for release for unrestricted use. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) presented an overview of the residential well groundwater investigation, which included sampling and analysis of fish. The CTDEP confirmed that the licensee's results for offsite groundwater and fish were less than the minimum detectable activity for plant related radionuclides. The meeting was open to the public; approximately 35 people attended. Rhode Island Follow-up Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) Review On November 17-18, 2003, a follow-up IMPEP review of the Rhode Island Agreement State Program was conducted by staff from Region I and the Office of State and Tribal Programs. This review focused on the State's performance for the indicator "Status of Materials Inspection Program" over the last year and actions taken in response to recommendations made during the IMPEP review conducted in November 2002. The review team determined that the State performed all but one of its overdue inspections and conducted other core inspections at their required frequencies. Peach Bottom Augmented Inspection Team (AIT) Exit Meeting/Visit by Regional Administrator The Region I Regional Administrator and NRC staff conducted an exit meeting with Exelon, the Peach Bottom licensee, on the findings of an AIT inspection. The AIT inspection was conducted to examine the licensee's performance during a complicated dual-unit scram after an electric grid disturbance on September 15, 2003. The meeting was open for public observation. At the end of the meeting the Regional Administrator and the NRC staff addressed public and media questions. Prior to the evening exit meeting, the Regional Administrator visited the Peach Bottom site. He was accompanied by the Director, Division of Reactor Projects, Deputy Director, Division of Reactor Safety and other members of Region I staff. During the site visit, the Regional Administrator discussed with Exelon staff plant performance issues and toured the facility. The Regional Administrator also discussed with Exelon senior management several issues related to performance of other Exelon plants, including Limerick, Three Mile Island and Oyster Creek. Pilot of Materials Security Temporary Instruction (TI) On November 18-20, 2003, a team of inspectors from Region I's King of Prussia and Atlanta offices, along with staff from NSIR and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, piloted the use of a TI for inspecting compensatory measures at the Ion Beam Applications (IBA) irradiator in New Jersey. This pilot effort provided valuable insights into the content of the TI and the resources needed to implement it at Agreement State and NRC-licensed irradiators. Region II Visit by Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear Official On November 17, 2003, the Regional Administrator, accompanied by Mr. José Villadóniga of the Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear in Spain, met with representatives at INPO in Atlanta, Georgia and later met with Senior Managers in the Region II Office. Region II Management Retreat On November 18-19, 2003, the Regional Administrator, all regional Senior Managers and Branch Chiefs attended the Region II Management Retreat in Athens, Georgia. Duke Energy Corporation - Oconee Nuclear Plant On November 21, 2003, the Regional Administrator visited the Oconee Nuclear Plant in Seneca, South Carolina. The purpose of the visit was to tour the facility and meet with licensee management and the resident inspectors. Dominion Energy A post-docketing inspection of Dominion Energy's Early Site Permit (ESP) activities was conducted on November 17-21, 2003. The objective of the inspection was to review data collection methodologies and Quality Assurance controls in support of the ESP application. Region IV Predecisional Enforcement Conference (PEC) - State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT) On November 18 and 19, 2003, the Regional Administrator and members of the Region IV staff, as well as selected members of the headquarters staff conducted a closed PEC, in the Region IV office, with representatives of ADOT. The purpose of the PEC was to discuss six apparent violations of NRC requirements involving exposure to licensee employees and to discuss an apparent violation of employee protection requirements. Office of Congressional Affairs
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