ML062220072
| ML062220072 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Salem, Hope Creek  |
| Issue date: | 10/13/2004 |
| From: | Blough A Division of Nuclear Materials Safety I |
| To: | |
| References | |
| FOIA/PA-2005-0194 | |
| Download: ML062220072 (2) | |
Text
DvdVito - Re: Hop2e Creek Pipe_ Break--Another "arnSinPge11 From:
"o To:
Date:
Subject:
Re: Hope Creek Pipe Break---Another "Warning Sign" We have been following this event since it happened. In fact, one of our inspectors who was at the site identified the additional issues reported by Hope Creek last night (Event #41117), wherein they misapplied the time limits for achieving a cold shutdown condition.
We are forming a followup inspection team that will soon take over the NRC review of the event, focusing on causes of the failure, as well as PSEGs operational performance in responding to the event. Included in our review will be judgements about PSEGs eventual 'extent-of-condition' reviews, i.e., what else they decide they need to look at.
PSEG has their reviews ongoing and I know some of the recent arrivals from Exelon are involved. (There have been several swaps announced; I trust that you and dave have both gotten that info.)
It's too soon to say What was the contribution to this event from the types of issues we've been highlighting in NRC assessments over the past couple years, but it's quite possible some of the same themes contributed, and that it will underscore the need for steadfast and enduring commitment from PSEG toward better performance.
The overall significance of this event is mitigated by the fact that the safety systems worked, additional backup equipment was available, and the plant was safely taken to cold shutdown. Also, the line that failed was a lower energy line than in the Japanese event. Nonetheless, we are taking this event seriously and will do a thorough followup.
- regards, randy
- M0/12104 10:57PM >>>
- Randy, I am very concerned about the ongoing problems at PSEG Nuclear, especially yesterday's pipe break at HC.
A PSEG employee called me today, astounded that he heard of plans to allow the plant to restart as early as this weekend. He's concerned about extent of condition, the ignored notification written weeks ago about this very problem, and a myriad of problems related to the reactor scram. He told me this incident is "eerily similar" to the one in Japan that resulted in numerous fatalities.
Is the NRC going to allow Hope Creek to restart?
I sincerely hope not.
I believe this incidence gives further credence to the viewpoint that the reactor should not be restarted until all known safety problems are fixed. I believe the trend of incidents shows we are coming closer and closer to a tragedy-a fatality or nuclear event. PLEASE do not wait any longer.
Randy, please call me to discuss this.
Thank you.
K y m n 7 /
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FOIA-
I1 David Vito - Re: Hope Creek Pipe Break-Another "Warnina Sion" Pnriý91 9 W
CC:
dlochbaum@ucsusa.org