Incident Chronology at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Plant: 1974- 2012

he is expected to receive $7 million when leaves the Company in April, 2002. He

will also receive a bonus payment. McNeill made $2.5 million in 2001.*

“His severance equals triple the sum of his annual base salary plus the

average of his bonus over the last two years.

“McNeill is the company’s largest individual shareholder. His 1.53 million

shares are worth $79.1 million based on yesterday’s closing price of $51.70.”

(Philadelphia Inquirer, C-1, March 14, 2002.)* Corbin A. McNeill’s base salary, after the merger increased, from

$659,857 to $855,830, and his bonus was increased from $1 million to

$1,081,572. In addition, McNeill's restricted stock increased from $942,188 to

$2.8 million. [May 20, 2001.]

(See June 13 and September 28, October 24 & December 21, 2001, for

information on 900 job cuts, and refer to January 29, 2002, for further job

cuts. ”)
March 28, 2002 - The NRC admitted that Peach Bottom and the 102

nuclear power plants could not withstand an impact of airplane the size of those

that crashed into the Pentagon and World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

(March 28, 2002, Patriot News.) (See October 2001 & October 17, 2001 and

January, 9 and 30, 2002, for related incidents.)

deportation after attempting to enter an unprotected area of the Peach Bottom

Atomic Power Station. All three remained in INS custody Wednesday.”(York

Daily Record, April 4, 2002.) (See January, 2001, October 6, 2001 & October

17, January, 9 and 30, 2002, and March 21 and May 15, 2002, for related

inc ident s . )

operator, said yesterday that it would end its bid to develop the next generation

of nuclear reactors.

The Chicago-based parent of Peco Energy Co. said it would terminate its

nearly two-year relationship with Eskom, South Africa's state-owned utility, in

building a prototype gas-cooled reactor. Exelon is getting out of the business of

designing nuclear plants and will concentrate instead on operating them.

The company spent $20 million on the project, of which it owned 12.5

percent. Exelon said it already had paid for its share as a research-anddevelopment expense. It has not decided what to do with the 12 employees it had

working on the project, a spokeswoman said. (Benjamin Y. Lowe, Philadelphia

Inqui r e r, April 17, 2002.) (See December 5 & 10, 2001, for background

i n f o rma t i o n . )

... as mild winter weather and maintenance costs hurt results.

“The country's largest operator of nuclear power plants reported late

Monday net income of $8 million, or two cents a share, compared with net

income of $399 million, or $1.23 a share, a year earlier.

“The latest results included a charge of $230 million, or 71 cents a share,

from the effect of adopting SFAS 142 for goodwill amortization, while year-

earlier results included a tax benefit for the implementation of SFAS 143 for

derivatives. Excluding these items, the company said it had operating earnings

of 77 cents a share, compared with operating earnings of $387 million, or $1.19

a share.” (Mon Apr 22,10:53 PM ET , CHICAGO -- Exelon Corp. )

(See June 13 and September 28, October 24 & December 21, 2001; and,

January 29 & February 26, 2002. For information related economic

de v e lopment s . )

alleging the electric and gas utility made false and misleading statements that

artificially inflated its share price. The law firm of Charles J. Piven said it filed a

lawsuit on behalf of buyers of Exelon shares between April 24, 2001, and

September 27.” (Philadelphia Inquirer, D-3, May 11, 2002.)
May 15, 2002 - “A foreign intelligence service recently warned that a

nuclear power plant in the Northeast could be the target of a July 4 terrorist

attack...Published reports suggested that the target could be Pennsylvania’s

Three Mile Island, but a second US official with knowledge of the information said

no specific facility had been named.” (Knight Ridder, May 15, 2002.) (See

January, 2001, October 6, 2001 & October 17, January, 9 and 30, 2002, and

March 21, for related incidents.)
May 28, 2002 - “Exelon Corp. and three other utilities [Main Yankee

Atomic Power Co., Omaha Public Power District & Sacramento Municipal Utility

District] lost a $2.2 billion legal challenge to the federal government’s nuclearwaste cleanup plan...In 1992, Congress ordered utility companies that use

government uranium-enrichment services to pay one-third of the cleanup bill.

The U.S. Supreme Court said yesterday that it would not hear an appeals from

the companies that argue that the assessments are unconstitutional.”

(“Associated Press”, May 29, 2002.)
June 2, 2002 -An alert began at around 12:30 am, ending at 3:01 am,

relating to the activation of the fire suppression system due to EDG failure which

released carbon dioxide into a room where two employees were working. No

injuries were reported and both Peach Bottom 2 & 3 remained at 100% power.

(Exelon Nuclear, News Release, June 2, 2002, 4:10 am.) (See November 26,

2002 for follow-up, and July 11, 2003 for absolution.)

mandates KI stockpiles out to 20 miles.

that the emergency planning siren base station at the site, was unable to

communicate with the off site sirens, due to external radio frequency noise in the

area.” (IR-50-277/02-05; 50-278/02-05)

not identify that key information needed by the emergency director (ED) to

classify the simulated event as a General Emergency was not provided to the ED

by members of the Emergency Response Organization (ERO). The finding was

preliminary classified as White because the critique failed to identify a problem

associated with the implementation of a risk significant planning standard.”

...Continued on the following page...Exelon disputed the findings on September 4, 2002.

The NRC reasserted that “the critique problems were more than minor but

the Issuance of the White finding is not appropriate because the inadequate

critique did not result in a failure to identify a risk significant planning standard

(RSPS) problem.”

The incident is classified a Non-Cited Violation.

(Final Significance Determination for Green and White Findings and a Notice

of Violation at Peach Bottom, IR-50-277/02-07; 50-278/02-07).

This was the twenty-fifth Non-Cited Violation since June 1998. Exelon's

total cost avoidance, i.e., “credit” for 25 Non-Cited Violations = $1 ,255,000.

removed from service for end-of-cycle coast down.” (IR-50-277/02-05; 50-

278/02-05). (See August 4, 2002 for related event.)
July 23, 2002- “Exelon did not evaluate in a prompt manner whether it

was appropriate to disable the electrical trips of the EDGs from the cardox

injection fire protections system after NRC inspectors identified that the trips

were still active with the EDG cardox system isolated” (IR-50-277/03-02; 50-

278/03-02) (Also refer to IR-50-277/02-04; 50-278/02-04).

(See April 23, 2004 for NCV).

removed from service.” (IR-50-277/02-05; 50-278/02-05). (See July 21, 2002

for related event.)
August 15, 2002 - Despite a favorable EIS of Exelon’s request for a license

extension at Peach Bottom-2 & -3, the NRC listed three safety issues that need to

be addressed prior to approval: replacement o electric fuse clips; removal of the

anti-aging plan; and, replacement of faulty cables.

prior to shut down the 3 ‘A’ recirculating water pump because of high

differential pressures on the circulating water intake screens. The high

differential pressures were caused by a sudden surge in the amount of fish

(Gizzard Shad) that entered the intake canal and clogged the screens. Unit 3

power was returned to 100 percent following cleaning of the circulating water

screens and restating of the 3’A’ circulating water pump.” (IR-50-277/02-05;

50-278/02-05).

annually or $550,300 less than John W. Rowe’s base salary.- September 5, 2002 -- Three Mile Island Alert filed a formal Petition for

Rulemaking with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to include day-care

centers and nursery schools in emergency evacuation planning. The proposed

rule would affect all 103 operating nuclear plants in the United States.
September 10, 2002 - The Office of Homeland Security announced that

the “yellow” warning had been increased to a heightened state of alert or an

“orange” upgrade at 1:00 pm. (Exelon Public Relations.)

- “...Unit 2 was manually scrammed, in preparation for the 2R14

refueling outage” (IR-50-277/02-05; 50-278/02-05).

November, 2002 - “ Governor Schweiker “directed the National Guard to

join State Police in a joint security mission at the state’s nuclear facilities.” In

December, the Governor extended the joint mission of the National Guard and

the State Police at the Commonwealth’s five nuclear generating stations until

March 4, 2002. (DEP, Update, December 6, 2002.)
September 21, 2002 - A Non Cited Violation was issued for incident

“when a chain broke” on a “rigging hoist and the motor, weighing

approximately 48,000 pounds, fell approximately ten inches into the

pump/motor stand.”

This was the twenty-sixth Non-Cited Violation since June 1998. Exelon's

total cost avoidance, i.e., “credit” for 26 Non-Cited Violations = $1 ,355,000.

classified a Non-Cited Violation. (See June 2, 2002, for precursor event.)

(Final Significance Determination for Green and White Findings and a Notice of

Violation at Peach Bottom, IR-50-277/02-07; 50-278/02-07).

This was the twenty-seventh Non-Cited Violation since June 1998.

Exelon's total cost avoidance, i.e., “credit” for 27 Non-Cited Violations =

$1 ,355,000.

December 10, 2002 - A security challenge occurred at an Exelon nuclear

power plant outside of Chicago.

“BRAIDWOOD -- A crazed Chicagoan, swearing to be an extraterrestrial

alien, crashed his car through the gates of the Braidwood nuclear facility late

Monday before speeding away only to be arrested for reckless driving in

Wilmington minutes later.

...Continued on the following page... No injuries resulted. Metta said the intruder is alleged to have

penetrated the parking area by crashing through closed gates, flashing past a

plant checkpoint and then doing "donuts" in the parking lot. (“The Daily

Journal”, Kankakee IL.)” (See January 9 and December 20, 2002, for related

inc ident s . )
December 12, 2002 - TMI sirens malfunctioned in Cumberland and York

counties. In Dauphin County, 28 sirens malfunctioned due to the “inadvertent”

discharge of the “space bar” by a computer operator. (Refer to June 22, August

15 and October 5-9, 2001 and January 11, March 3 2002, for related

problems.)
December 20, 2002 - Another security challenge occurred at an Exelon

nuclear power plant outside of Chicago:

“BRAIDWOOD -- She was the second driver to breeze past the guard station

at Braidwood’s nuclear facility in the span of a week.

“But its unclear if the trespasses arrest of Wilmington’s Christina Staley,

Tuesday, will result in changes to the nuclear generating station’s security

apparatus.

“Neal Miller, station director, noted that Ms. Staley, 31, had apparently

become disoriented and was looking for some place to turn around when she

drove past the security at 9 a.m.”

(“The Daily Journal”, Kankakee IL.)”

(See January 9 and December 10, 2002, for related incidents.)

north of Peach Bottom, on the Susquehanna River

"At 1450 EST on 12/13/2002, Susquehanna LLC Main Control Room

received a request for additional information from the Pennsylvania Emergency

Management Agency (PEMA). PEMA received rumors that a HAZMAT team had

been dispatched to Susquehanna in response to a spill associated with a potential

sabotage event.
December 17, 2002 - “...Unit 2 power was reduced to approximately 16

percent to facilitate leak repairs on the Caldon LEFM flow measurement system.

After repairs, Unit 2 returned to 100 percent power in the afternoon of December

21” (IR 50-277/02-06; 50-278/02-06). (See April 30 - May 11, 2003, for a

similar problem).
December 21, 2002 - An LER was recorded after “Unit 2 automatically

shutdown from 100% power when the main steam isolation valves closed due to

a Group I Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIC) actuation” (IR 50-277-

03-02; IR-50-278/03-02). “For example, on Dec. 21, 2002, a Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Unit 2 electro-hydrolic control system circuit card failure triggered a scram, according to the NRC’s report. That system controls the wide-range speed control of the turbine, Sheehan said.“In other words,” Sheehan said, “it serves as a sort of high-tech throttle for the plant’s turbine, thereby controlling the plant’s power output.”“On Dec. 22, 2004, the NRC report said, another part of that same system malfunctioned, causing a loss of reactor pressure and forcing a scram.” (“York Sunday News”, March 13, 2005)

correct and maintain “preventative maintenance activities and procedures on

critical, safety related ventilation dampers since 1988...A contributing cause to

the length of time that Exelon did not identify this issue was related to the

Problem Identification and Resolution crosscutting area. Peach Bottom plant

personnel did not identify the lack of preventative maintenance for safetyrelated dampers following the identification of excessive stroke times...in June

2000 or...failure to stroke on June 16, 2002” (IR 50-277-02-06; IR-50-278/02-

0 6 ) .

Exelon's total cost avoidance, i.e., “credit” for 28 Non-Cited Violations =

$1 ,405,000.
February 11, 2003 - A Severity Level IV violation was issued by the

NRC. Exelon made changes to their emergency plans without prior NRC

a p p r o v a l .

“The finding was determined to be more than minor as its significance was

related to the impact it would have on the mobilization of the emergency

response organization and preclude offsite agencies from being aware of adverse

conditions on site” (NCV 50-277; IR-50-278/03-006-01);

This Violation was classified a Non-Cited Violation. This was the twentyninth Non-Cited Violation since June 1998. Exelon's total cost avoidance,

i.e., “credi t” for 29 Non-Cited Violations = $1 ,455,000.
February 17, 2003 - PEACH BOTTOM-2 WAS REDUCED TO 45%

POWER AFTER A RECIRCULATION PUMP tripped. Exelon spokesman Dave

Simon said the trip occurred Feb. 17 at 6:48 a.m. The root cause of the trip has

not yet been determined, he added. Simon declined to say how long the unit is

expected to be operating at the reduced power level. Peach Bottom-2 was at full

power prior to incident (Reut e r s.) The plant ramped up to full power by February

20, 2003. Reuters: Exelon's Pa. Peach Bottom 2 nuke drops to 41 pct

Tuesday February 18, 8:25 am ET NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (Reuters) - Exelon Nuclear's 1,110 megawatt Peach Bottom 2 nuclear unit in Pennsylvania was at 41 percent power early Tuesday, down from full power on Friday, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in its power reactor status report. It was not immediately known why the unit, located in Delta, Pennsylvania, had been reduced. Meanwhile, the adjacent 1,110 MW Unit 3 continued to operate at full

power on Monday. The NRC did not issue a reactor status report on Monday due to the U.S. Presidents Day holiday. Exelon Nuclear is a unit of Exelon Corp. of Chicago.
April 12-15, 2003 - At Unit-2, “an automatic reactor shutdown occurred

due to high reactor pressure after the ‘D’ outboard main steam isolation valve

(MSIV) collapsed. The MSIV closes as a result of a failed instrument line valve.

Unit 2 returned to 100% power on April 15, 2003”. On April 12, 2003, “Unit 2 unexpectedly shut down when a single main steam isolation valve failed to close, based on a broken air-supply line. Exelon concluded that the valve’s air tubing was vulnerable to a fatigue failure.“While the plant did inspect more than 200 pneumatic lines linked to airoperated valves on both Unit 2 and Unit 3, the review did not take into account similar equipment such as instrument lines, according to the report” (“York Sunday News”, March 13, 2005.)- April 19, 2003 - A Green Non-Cited Violation was issued “when approximately 25 minutes into a planned load endurance test run for the E2 EDG, a small fire occurred on the EDG manifold” (IR 50-277-200-3003; IR-50-278/200-3003). This was the thirtieth Non-Cited Violation since June 1998. Exelon's total cost avoidance, i.e., “credit” for 30 Non-Cited Violations = $ 1 , 505 ,000.

with the EDG cardox system on July 23, 2002.

This was the thirty-first Non-Cited Violation since June 1998. Exelon's

total cost avoidance, i.e., “credi t” for 31 Non-Cited Violations = $1 ,555,000.

with emergency lighting units from November 6, 2002 through March 30,

2003. Eight-hour support batteries for three areas were not provided, i.e. Unit 2

RHR room, Unit 3 RHR room and Unit 3 RB “south isolation valve room.”

(IR 50-277-03-02; IR-50-278/03-02).

This was the thirty-second Non-Cited Violation since June 1998.

Exelon's total cost avoidance, i.e., “credit” for 32 Non-Cited Violations =

$1,610,000.

30 percent to facilitate repairs to the Caldon leading edge flow meter (LEFM)

system and for power suppression testing, to identify a leaking fuel assembly.

During power ascension to approximately 85 percent, on May 6, following

repairs to the Caldon LEFM system and after the leaking fuel assembly was

identified and the adjacent control rod was inserted and de-energized, the #3

main turbine control valve started oscillating. Unit power was reduced to

approximately 40 percent to facilitate repairs to the main turbine control valve.

On May 11, 2003, Unit 2 returned to 10o percent power after the #3 main

turbine control valve was repaired” (IR 50-277-200-3003; IR-50-278/200-

3003). (See December 17, 2002, for a similar problem).
May 8, 2003 --The NRC RENEWED THE OPERATING LICENSES FOR

PEACH BOTTOM-2 AND -3 FOR AN additional 20 years, the agency said today.

The licenses will now expire on August 8, 2033 for unit 2 and July 2, 2034 for

unit 3. Exelon had submitted the license renewal application on July 2, 2001

(Platts, Nuclear News.)
May 8, 2003 --EXELON LOWERED POWER AT PEACH BOTTOM-2 TO FIX

A TURBINE CONTROL VALVE. The problem was discovered at around 3 p.m.

yesterday as the unit was powering back up following completion of power

suppression testing, company spokesman Dave Simon said. The unit had been

operating at around 61% since April 30 while the power suppression testing was

being conducted. It reached as high as 86% before being lowered to 42% to repair

the control valve. Simon declined to say how long the repairs would take or when

the unit would be returned to full power (Platts, Nuclear News. )

for the station power supply” was broken. (IR 50-277-03-02; IR-50-278/03-02).

This was the thirty-third Non-Cited Violation since June 1998. Exelon's

total cost avoidance, i.e., “credit” for 33 Non-Cited Violations =

$1,665,000.

SCRAM: APPENDIX "R" ISSUE AT PEACH BOTTOM 3

- "On May 14, 2003, at approximately 0410, the shift supervisor

determined that the Alternate Shutdown Panel on Unit 3 was not operable

following discovery of a de-energized power supply. The panel provides the

capability to maintain a safe shutdown path for a fire in the cable spreading

room, main control room or main control room fan room. Therefore, operators

would have been prevented from implementing required actions for a fire in

those areas. The apparent cause of the loss of power was a broken wire, which

was discovered during routine testing of the panel.

"Power was restored to the Alternate Shutdown Panel at approximately

1030 on May 14, 2003 and further investigation is in progress to determine the

cause of the broken wire and full extent and effect of the de-energization of the

panel." (U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Operations Center,

Event Reports For 05/14/2003 - 05/15/2003.)

“Pa. Nuclear Operator Found Drunk on Job”

has been suspended for being intoxicated on the job, according to a Nuclear

Regulatory Commission report. The employee tested positive as being under the influence of alcohol during a random May 14 drug test at the Limerick Generating Station, according to the report. The test was given at 9:45 a.m., when the employee had already been at work for several hours, the report stated.

...Continued on the following page...The employee had been licensed to operate reactors at the Limerick plant in Montgomery County and the Peach Bottom plant in York County before being suspended by Exelon Nuclear, officials said.

The NRC considers nuclear workers with a blood-alcohol content of 0.04 or

above to be intoxicated. The state of Pennsylvania considers drivers with a 0.10

reading to be intoxicated and unfit to drive. The NRC is considering whether to issue the company a violation for the incident or revoke the operator's license. (See November 14, 2003, for a related d e v e l o pme n t . )