[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 226 (Friday, November 24, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58112-58113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-28604]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket Nos. STN 50-529 and STN 50-530]
Arizona Public Service Company, et al., Palo Verde Nuclear
Generating Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3; Environmental Assessment and
Finding of No Significant Impact
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is
considering issuance of amendments to Facility Operating License Nos.
NPF-51 and NPF-74, issued to Arizona Public Service Company, et al.
(the licensee), for operation of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating
Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3, located in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Environmental Assessment
Identification of the Proposed Action
The proposed action would delete provisions added by previous
amendments as a result of previous sale and leaseback arrangements
entered into by El Paso Electric Company. El Paso Electric Company
would re-obtain full ownership rights and continue to receive electric
output from Palo Verde at its proportionate share. The requested
rescission is part of a reorganization plan being pursued by El Paso
Electric Company under a pending case before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court
for the Western District of Texas subsequent to its filing for
protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on January 8,
1992.
The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's
application for amendment dated October 3, 1995.
The Need for the Proposed Action
The proposed action in the form of an amendment is needed for
approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas
of a reorganization plan being pursued by El Paso Electric Company in a
proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code initiated on
January 8, 1992.
Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action
The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed action
and concludes that there will be no changes to the facility or to the
operating, maintenance, engineering or other nuclear-related personnel
as a result of the proposed reorganization and license
[[Page 58113]]
amendment. No changes resulting from the reorganization are expected
with regard to the following: lines of authority and responsibility,
essential nuclear support functions provided to Palo Verde,
effectiveness of the organization, priorities and ongoing plant
improvement projects, technical qualifications, and corporate financial
resources presently available in support of Palo Verde operations.
The change will not increase the probability or consequences of
accidents, no changes are being made in the types of any effluents that
may be released offsite, and there is no significant increase in the
allowable individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure.
Accordingly, the Commission concludes that there are no significant
radiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed action.
With regard to potential nonradiological impacts, the proposed
action does not involve features located entirely within the restricted
area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20. It does not affect nonradiological
plant effluents and has no other environmental impact. Accordingly, the
Commission concludes that there are no significant nonradiological
environmental impacts associated with the proposed action.
Alternatives to the Proposed Action
Since the Commission has concluded there is no measurable
environmental impact associated with the proposed action, any
alternatives with equal or greater environmental impact need not be
evaluated. As an alternative to the proposed action, the staff
considered denial of the proposed action. Denial of the application
would result in no change in current environmental impacts. The
environmental impacts of the proposed action and the alternative action
are similar.
Alternative Use of Resources
This action does not involve the use of any resources not
previously considered in the ``Final Environmental Statement Related to
the Operation of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2,
and 3,'' dated February 1982.
Agencies and Persons Consulted
In accordance with its stated policy, on November 9, 1995, the
staff consulted with the Arizona State official, Mr. William Wright of
the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency, regarding the environmental
impact of the proposed action. The State official had no comments.
Finding of No Significant Impact
Based upon the environmental assessment, the Commission concludes
that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the
quality of the human environment. Accordingly, the Commission has
determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the
proposed action.
For further details with respect to the proposed action, see the
licensee's letter dated October 3, 1995, which is available for public
inspection at the Commission's Public Document Room, The Gelman
Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC, and at the local public
document room located at the Phoenix Public Library, 12 N. Central,
Phoenix, Arizona 85004.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 15th day of November 1995.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Charles R. Thomas,
Project Manager, Project Directorate IV-2, Division of Reactor
Projects--III/IV, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 95-28604 Filed 11-22-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P
