8-KOther Events

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ 8-K Report (Dec 10, 2001)

Filed December 10, 2001For Securities:ETR

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Entergy Corporation on December 10, 2001, addresses critical operational and regulatory matters concerning its Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) plants, specifically Units 1 and 2. The report details responses to a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) bulletin regarding reactor vessel head penetration nozzles, a known area susceptible to water stress corrosion cracking. ANO Unit 1 experienced a leaking nozzle in March 2001, which was repaired, while ANO Unit 2's inspection is scheduled for April 2002. Entergy has received favorable indications from the NRC for continued operation of both units. The filing also highlights issues with steam generators at ANO Unit 1, where several tubes have been plugged due to cracks, though the number remains within NRC limits and has not impacted output. Projections suggest these steam generators have a lifespan through 2011, with mid-cycle outages potentially needed around 2005 for further repairs. In contrast, ANO Unit 2's steam generator was replaced in late 2000. Importantly, ANO Unit 1's operating license has been renewed through May 2034. Entergy is evaluating options for permanent repairs or replacements of reactor vessel heads and steam generators at both ANO units, a decision expected in 2002, with potential for significant capital expenditures and possible unscheduled outages.

Key Highlights

  • 1Entergy's ANO Units 1 & 2 are subject to NRC scrutiny regarding reactor vessel head penetration nozzles due to potential water stress corrosion cracking.
  • 2ANO Unit 1 had a leaking control rod drive mechanism nozzle discovered and repaired in March 2001.
  • 3ANO Unit 2's inspection for nozzle integrity is scheduled during its April 2002 refueling outage.
  • 4Entergy has received favorable responses from the NRC regarding the continued operation of ANO Units 1 and 2.
  • 5Cracked steam generator tubes were found in ANO Unit 1, but repairs (plugging) are within NRC limits and have not affected output; lifespan projected through 2011.
  • 6ANO Unit 1's operating license was renewed by the NRC, extending operations through May 2034.
  • 7Entergy is assessing significant capital expenditure options for permanent reactor vessel head and steam generator repairs/replacements at ANO, with a decision expected in 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

The NRC issued a bulletin requiring pressurized water reactor owners to report on the structural integrity of their reactor vessel head penetration nozzles due to susceptibility to water stress corrosion cracking. This is to justify continued operations beyond December 31, 2001.

Inspections of ANO Unit 1's steam generators revealed cracks in certain tubes. These have been repaired by plugging, and the current number of plugged tubes is below the limit set by the NRC for continued operation. The steam generators are projected to last until 2011.

Entergy is currently gathering information and assessing various options for permanent repair or replacement of the reactor vessel heads and steam generators at ANO Units 1 and 2. A decision is anticipated in 2002.

Yes, the filing states that certain options for permanent repair or replacement could require significant capital expenditures and/or result in additional unscheduled mid-cycle outages. The fabrication for a permanent replacement could take up to 4 years if selected.