Grand Gulf remains stuck at 88%. The other two made it up to 100%.Five days of power history in region IV and more. This is highly erratic operation. with RB and Waterford. The steep power changes from day to day.
Facility: WATTS BAR
Region: 2 State: TN
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: BRIAN MCLINAY
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCONotification Date: 07/25/2017
Notification Time: 11:07 [ET]
Event Date: 07/25/2017
Event Time: 04:28 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/25/2017Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATIONPerson (Organization):
ALAN BLAMEY (R2DO)Event Text
Unit SCRAM Code RX CRIT Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode 2 M/R N 0 Hot Standby 0 Hot Standby
MANUAL REACTOR TRIP DUE TO ROD POSITION INDICATION SYSTEM BEING INOPERABLE
"On July 25, 2017, at 0428 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) Unit 2 was in Mode 3, beginning a Reactor Startup. While in the initial phase of withdrawing the first of four Control Rod banks, the two associated group demand position indicators deviated greater than 2 steps from each other. In accordance with Technical Requirement 3.1.7, Position Indication System, Shutdown, with one or more group demand position indicators inoperable, the reactor trip breakers are to be opened immediately. Operations personnel opened the reactor trip breakers immediately by initiating a manual trip of the Reactor Protection System (RPS). The Auxiliary Feedwater system was in service and controlling Steam Generator water levels at the time of the event and did not receive any valid actuation signals. No other system actuations occurred as a result of this reactor trip and all systems operated as designed.
"The cause of the position indication system inoperability is currently under investigation.
"NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Can Millstone Survive Natural Gas? Malloy Orders State Review
Stephen SingerContact Reporter
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Tuesday ordered a state review of whether the Millstone nuclear plant can continue operating in energy markets that increasingly rely on natural gas.
The executive order he signed directs an assessment of the Waterford plant, evaluating the “current and projected economic viability” for its continued operation.
Dominion Energy Inc., Millstone’s parent company, has broadly hinted it would close the plant without legislation it sought rewriting the state’s energy rules giving it broader access to Connecticut’s power markets.
Critics scoffed at Dominion’s threat, citing ISO-New England, the region’s power grid operator, that said the next opportunity to retire Dominion will not be until 2022.
Malloy’s order follows the failure, for the second year in a row, of the legislation Dominion sought. The Richmond, Va.-based energy company said the measure was needed to help compete with abundant and relatively cheap natural gas. Several nuclear plants nationwide have closed recently as natural gas overtakes nuclear energy as the preferred source of power.
Critics of the legislation said rewriting the law to benefit Millstone would have driven up electricity costs for residents and businesses.
Opponents also said Dominion, which refused to make its financial records public, failed to prove it needs special assistance from the state. Malloy’s order authorizes the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to use the best available information, including audited financial statements, “and such other financial data that is reasonably requested.”
Malloy’s order directs the two agencies to review the role of nuclear generating plants and large-scale hydropower and measures used to reduce demand, promote energy storage and emissions-free renewable energy.
The agencies are directed to determine the best way to ensure continued progress toward interim and long-term carbon and other emissions targets.
The governor’s directive says a review must consider the compatibility of efforts to reach those targets with competitive wholesale and retail electricity markets and their effect on ratepayers.
Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, and co-chairman of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said a study is “is just one step forward, but we also need action.”
“It’s apparent that there is a problem in the market. Given the many nuclear facility closings around the country, it’s clear we need to act now before we become the next state where such a closure occurs,” he said.
The legislation approved by the Senate on the final day of the General Assembly June 7 authorized the state to decide whether to select one of two competitive procurement processes for nuclear power-generating facilities and in some cases, large-scale hydropower plants. The measure died in the House of Representatives.
Malloy’s order cites the lack of adequate natural gas pipeline capacity in New England, the “critical role” of emissions-free sources of electricity such as nuclear and Millstone’s importance to Connecticut’s economy.
A study commissioned in October by Dominion said Millstone generates $1.47 billion in annual economic impact and employs more than 1,000 workers. It accounts for 59 percent of the power consumed by Connecticut utility customers, Dominion said.
Three nuclear plants operate in New England: Millstone, Pilgrim in Massachusetts and Seabrook in New Hampshire. Nuclear power accounted for 30 percent of energy generated in the region in 2015, down from 34 percent the previous year, according to ISO-New England.
The agencies are directed to determine the best way to ensure continued progress toward interim and long-term carbon and other emissions targets.
The governor’s directive says a review must consider the compatibility of efforts to reach those targets with competitive wholesale and retail electricity markets and their effect on ratepayers.
Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, and co-chairman of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said a study is “is just one step forward, but we also need action.”
“It’s apparent that there is a problem in the market. Given the many nuclear facility closings around the country, it’s clear we need to act now before we become the next state where such a closure occurs,” he said.
The legislation approved by the Senate on the final day of the General Assembly June 7 authorized the state to decide whether to select one of two competitive procurement processes for nuclear power-generating facilities and in some cases, large-scale hydropower plants. The measure died in the House of Representatives.
Malloy’s order cites the lack of adequate natural gas pipeline capacity in New England, the “critical role” of emissions-free sources of electricity such as nuclear and Millstone’s importance to Connecticut’s economy.
A study commissioned in October by Dominion said Millstone generates $1.47 billion in annual economic impact and employs more than 1,000 workers. It accounts for 59 percent of the power consumed by Connecticut utility customers, Dominion said.
Three nuclear plants operate in New England: Millstone, Pilgrim in Massachusetts and Seabrook in New Hampshire. Nuclear power accounted for 30 percent of energy generated in the region in 2015, down from 34 percent the previous year, according to ISO-New England.
The idea this didn't get into a anticipatory ALERT is ridiculous. Something is wrong with the Emergency Classification system.
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July 7, 2017Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-52 NRC Docket No. 50-260https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML17188A157Subject: Licensee Event Report 50-260/2017-004-00On May 8, 2017, the Tennessee Valley Authority was presented with as-found testing results indicating that four of th hirteen Main Steam Relief Valves (MSRV5) from Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 2, were outside the +/- 3 percent setpoint band required for their operability. Troubleshooting determined that three MSRVs exceeded their setpoints when their valve discs failed by corrosion bonding to their valve seats. The valve discs were previously platinum coated to prevent this, but the valve seat's rough Stellite surface caused the coating to delaminate. This was the first Unit 2 MSRV service interval to implement the improved surface treatment since a resolution to the delamination issue was identified in 2015. The valve which failed below its setpoint band was determined to have a faulty pilot spring.Ihese four MSRVs were found to have been inoperable for an indeterminate period of time between April 9, 2015, and February 25, 2017, and longer than permitted by Technical Specifications. The affected valves remained capable of maintaining reactor pressure within American Society of Mechanical Engineers code limits. Additionally, the valves' ability to open under remote-manual operation, activation through the Automatic Depressurization System, or MSRV \utomatic Actuation Logics were not affected. The valves remained capable of performing their required safety unction…
Obama Center Adds Exelon to top Donor ListManya Brachear PashmanContact ReporterChicago TribuneTechnology and energy corporations have joined the list of top donors to the Obama Foundation, which on Friday made public the names of more than 700 patrons from the last three months.Exelon and Microsoft have given more than a million dollars to the foundation, which was founded in 2014 but boosted its fundraising efforts after President Barack Obama left the White HouseThe list of new donors also includes at least one anonymous contributor who directed more than a million dollars through a donor-advised fund managed by The New York Community Trust and another who gave a half-million dollars through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.Chicago's billionaire Crown family gave between $250,001 and $500,000. Meanwhile, the family foundation of investor Andrew Hauptman, owner of the Chicago Fire, has brought its cumulative contribution closer to the million dollars it has pledged.In addition to Hoffman and wife Michelle Yee, two other philanthropists who previously donated have now given more than $1 million: billionaire David Shaw and wife Beth, who advised Obama on financial capability; and through their family foundation, Debbie and Glenn Hutchins, who co-founded a private equity firm specializing in technology and technology-enabled companies such as Skype.Every three months, the foundation posts the names of those who have contributed more than $200 and their gifts, listed in a range of dollars. The quarterly postings lack the specificity of Federal Election Commission filings, which give the exact contribution to candidates for federal office. FEC reports also give information about donors, including their address, employer and occupation.The Obama Presidential Center is slated to open in Chicago's Jackson Park in 2021. While the foundation declines to provide a cost estimate, the George W. Bush library and endowment broke records at more than $500 million.mbrachear@chicagotribune.com
July 14, 2017
EA-14-008 EA-14-088 EA-16-124
SUBJECT: ARKANSAS NUCLEAR ONE – NRC CONFIRMATORY ACTION LETTER (EA-16-124) FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION REPORT 05000313/2017011 AND 05000368/2017011
June 28, 2017
Mr. Eric Larson Site Vice President Operations Entergy Operations, Inc. Grand Gulf Nuclear Station P.O. Box 756 Port Gibson, MS 39150
SUBJECT: ASSESSMENT FOLLOW-UP LETTER FOR GRAND GULF NUCLEAR STATION
Dear Mr. Larson:
As a result of our continuous review of plant performance the NRC updated its assessment of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. The NRC’s evaluation consisted of a review of performance indicators and inspection results. This letter informs you of the NRC’s assessment and its plans for a future inspection at your facility. This letter supplements, but does not supersede, the annual assessment letter issued on March 1, 2017 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML17059D517).
The NRC’s review of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station identified that the Unplanned Power Changes Per 7,000 Critical Hours performance indicator has crossed the Green-to-White threshold. The performance issues included in this performance indicator were associated with three unplanned downpower events that occurred in the second quarter of 2016 due to operator actions to reset turbine stop valves, an unplanned downpower and shutdown required by technical specifications that occurred in the third quarter of 2016 due to a failure of residual heat removal subsystem A, and an unplanned downpower that occurred in the first quarter of 2017 due to condensate booster pump seal degradation.
The NRC determined the performance at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station remains in the Regulatory Response Column of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix following a second White performance indicator input in the Initiating Events cornerstone beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016. Therefore, the NRC plans to conduct a supplemental inspection in accordance with Inspection Procedure 95001, “Supplemental Inspection Response to Action Matrix Column 2 Inputs” due to the Uplanned Power Changes Per 7,000 Critical Hours performance indicator. Additionally, the NRC previously indicated our intent to perform a supplemental inspection in accordance with Inspection Procedure 95001 due to the Unplanned Scrams Per 7000 Critical Hours performance indicator crossing the Green-to-White threshold in the third quarter of 2016 as indicated in a letter sent on November 8, 2016 (ADAMS Accession No. ML16313A169). As of the date of this letter we have not been notified that you are ready for this inspection. The objectives of the supplemental inspection are: (1) to assure that the root causes and contributing causes of significant performance issues are understood, (2) to independently...
July 6, 2017
EA-17-028
Mr. Mark E. Reddemann Chief Executive Officer Energy Northwest P.O. Box 968 (Mail Drop 1023) Richland, WA 99352-0968
SUBJECT: COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION - FINAL SIGNIFICANCE DETERMINATION OF A WHITE FINDING, NOTICE OF VIOLATION, FOLLOW-UP ASSESSMENT LETTER, AND NRC INSPECTION REPORT 05000397/2017009
Dear Mr. Reddemann:
This letter provides you the final significance determination of the preliminary White finding discussed in our letter dated April 10, 2017, which included Special Inspection Report 05000397/2016009 (Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession ML17100A499). The finding involved the failure to ensure that the contents of a radioactive waste container did not exceed the radiation level requirements for shipping.
A regulatory conference was held on May 2, 2017, to discuss your views on this issue. During the meeting, your staff described your assessment of the significance of the apparent violation and associated corrective actions, including the root-cause evaluation. Specifically, your staff stated that the root cause was that station procedures to implement spent fuel pool clean-up activities and the associated radioactive waste surveys, processing, and shipping activities were not sufficient to ensure compliance with all requirements. Additionally, your staff identified contributing causes of inadequate management oversight and non-conservative decision-making. Your staff indicated that the corrective actions included developing and issuing an updated procedure to implement the clean-up activities and that key personnel had been trained to provide increased and more effective oversight...
Marine aircraft disaster: FBI seeks answers in Mississippi crash that killed at least 16
The FBI reportedly has joined local and state agencies to investigate what caused a U.S. military plane to corkscrew out of the sky and into a Mississippi field on Monday, killing at least 16.
A KC-130, used as a refueling tanker, "experienced a mishap" when it spiraled down about 4 p.m. into a soybean field, about 85 miles north of Jackson, the Marine Corps said. The aircraft's debris scattered in a radius of about 5 miles.
Leflore County Sheriff Ricky Banks told The Associated Press that officials were continuing to look for possible survivors. Banks earlier told the Greenwood Commonwealth 16 people were believed to be on board, but would not confirm that information to The Associated Press.
"We're still searching the area," Banks said. "It's hard to find bodies in the dark."
I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore)," Trump tweeted. "Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe [Scarborough,] came to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year's Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!"
I call it the Madman Theory, Bob. I want the North Vietnamese to believe I've reached the point where I might do anything to stop the war. We'll just slip the word to them that, "for God's sake, you know Nixon is obsessed about communism. We can't restrain him when he's angry—and he has his hand on the nuclear button" and Ho Chi Minh himself will be in Paris in two days begging for peace.[1]
USS Fitzgerald to return to U.S. for extensive repairs
KyodoYOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA PREF. – The U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald will return home for repairs following its fatal collision last month with a Filipino freighter south of Tokyo Bay, a naval official said Friday.
Seven crew members died in the collision on June 17. Whether the crew of the vessel will also return home remains undecided, the official said, adding that the United States will continue to cooperate with Japanese authorities to shed light on the incident.
According to the official, the U.S. side will share information such as the accounts of the crew members.
Once the 8,315-ton warship goes back, the Japan Coast Guard, which is investigating the accident, will be unable to assess the damage.
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, equipped with the state-of-the-art Aegis missile defense system, sustained heavy damage to its starboard side near the bridge. The bodies of the seven sailors were found in their flooded cabins.
The damaged destroyer is currently berthed at Yokosuka naval base. The extent of the damage will be assessed after it is moved to a dock at the base early this month. The navy will then decide whether it can sail on its own or require towing by other vessels...
NRC Announces Resident Inspectors at Harris Nuclear Plant
Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials in Atlanta have announced that John Zeiler is the agency’s senior resident inspector and Andy Patz is the resident inspector at Duke Energy’s Harris nuclear power plant, located near New Hill, N.C., about 20 miles southwest of Raleigh.
CNN: Government websites in 3 states hacked with ISIS messages
The websites of Ohio Governor John Kasich and other state government agencies were hacked on Sunday with a posting professing love for the jihadist group Islamic State.Ten state websites and two servers were affected, and they’ve been taken off line for an investigation with law enforcement into how the hackers were able to deface them, said Tom Hoyt, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.
British Parliament Hit by Cyberattack, Affecting Email Access
By STEVEN ERLANGERJUNE 24, 2017
LONDON — The British Parliament was the target of a cyberattack that left many legislators unable to connect to their email on Saturday as remote access to accounts was disabled as a security measure.Legislators were made aware of the problem on Friday night, and Chris Rennard, a Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords, publicized the problem in a Twitter message on Saturday, saying those with “urgent messages” should text him.Last week, there were reports in The Times of London that the passwords of British cabinet ministers, ambassadors and senior police officers were being sold online after Russian hacking groups gained access.According to The Times, the stolen data revealed the private login details of 1,000 British members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, 7,000 police employees and more than 1,000 Foreign Office officials.The National Cyber Security Center, which was set up to protect the country against cyberattacks, said that it would reissue guidance to government departments after being presented with the findings.The parliamentary authorities are also working with the center to protect the network and ascertain the scale of the damage, according to a spokeswoman for the House of Commons, who did not provide a name by British convention.In a statement, the spokeswoman said that “the Houses of Parliament have discovered unauthorized attempts to access parliamentary user accounts. We are continuing to investigate this incident and take further measures to secure the computer network, liaising with the National Cyber Security Center.”
The parliamentary authorities are also working with the center to protect the network and ascertain the scale of the damage, according to a spokeswoman for the House of Commons, who did not provide a name by British convention.
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June 23 12:10 PM (5 minutes ago)
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