[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 148 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40013-40035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: X96-10731]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Biweekly Notice
Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses
Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations
I. Background
Pursuant to Public Law 97-415, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (the Commission or NRC staff) is publishing this regular
biweekly notice. Public Law 97-415 revised section 189 of the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), to require the Commission to
publish notice of any amendments issued, or proposed to be issued,
under a new provision of section 189 of the Act. This provision grants
the Commission the authority to issue and make immediately effective
any amendment to an operating license upon a determination by the
Commission that such amendment involves no significant hazards
consideration, notwithstanding the pendency before the Commission of a
request for a hearing from any person.
This biweekly notice includes all notices of amendments issued, or
proposed to be issued from July 6, 1996, through July 19, 1996. The
last biweekly notice was published on July 17, 1996 (61 FR 37295).
Notice Of Consideration Of Issuance Of Amendments To Facility
Operating Licenses, Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration
Determination, And Opportunity For A Hearing
The Commission has made a proposed determination that the following
amendment requests involve no significant hazards consideration. Under
the Commission's regulations in 10 CFR 50.92, this means that operation
of the facility in accordance with the proposed amendment would not (1)
involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an
accident previously evaluated; or (2) create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated;
or (3) involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. The basis
for this proposed determination for each amendment request is shown
below.
The Commission is seeking public comments on this proposed
determination. Any comments received within 30 days after the date of
publication of this notice will be considered in making any final
determination.
Normally, the Commission will not issue the amendment until the
expiration of the 30-day notice period. However, should circumstances
change during the notice period such that failure to act in a timely
way would result, for example, in derating or shutdown of the facility,
the Commission may issue the license amendment before the expiration of
the 30-day notice period, provided that its final determination is that
the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. The final
determination will consider all public and State comments received
before action is taken. Should the Commission take this action, it will
publish in the Federal Register a notice of issuance and provide for
opportunity for a hearing after issuance. The Commission expects that
the need to take this action will occur very infrequently.
Written comments may be submitted by mail to the Chief, Rules
Review and Directives Branch, Division of Freedom of Information and
Publications Services, Office of Administration, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, and should cite the
publication date and page number of this Federal Register notice.
Written comments may also be delivered to Room 6D22, Two White Flint
North, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15
p.m. Federal workdays. Copies of written comments received may be
examined at the NRC Public Document Room, the Gelman Building, 2120 L
Street, NW., Washington, DC. The filing of requests for a hearing and
petitions for leave to intervene is discussed below.
By August 30, 1996, the licensee may file a request for a hearing
with respect to issuance of the amendment to the subject facility
operating license and any person whose interest may be affected by this
proceeding and who wishes to participate as a party in the proceeding
must file a written request for a hearing and a petition for leave to
intervene. Requests for a hearing and a petition for leave to intervene
shall be filed in accordance with the Commission's ``Rules of Practice
for Domestic Licensing Proceedings'' in 10
[[Page 40014]]
CFR Part 2. Interested persons should consult a current copy of 10 CFR
2.714 which is available at the Commission's Public Document Room, the
Gelman Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC and at the local
public document room for the particular facility involved. If a request
for a hearing or petition for leave to intervene is filed by the above
date, the Commission or an Atomic Safety and Licensing Board,
designated by the Commission or by the Chairman of the Atomic Safety
and Licensing Board Panel, will rule on the request and/or petition;
and the Secretary or the designated Atomic Safety and Licensing Board
will issue a notice of a hearing or an appropriate order.
As required by 10 CFR 2.714, a petition for leave to intervene
shall set forth with particularity the interest of the petitioner in
the proceeding, and how that interest may be affected by the results of
the proceeding. The petition should specifically explain the reasons
why intervention should be permitted with particular reference to the
following factors: (1) the nature of the petitioner's right under the
Act to be made a party to the proceeding; (2) the nature and extent of
the petitioner's property, financial, or other interest in the
proceeding; and (3) the possible effect of any order which may be
entered in the proceeding on the petitioner's interest. The petition
should also identify the specific aspect(s) of the subject matter of
the proceeding as to which petitioner wishes to intervene. Any person
who has filed a petition for leave to intervene or who has been
admitted as a party may amend the petition without requesting leave of
the Board up to 15 days prior to the first prehearing conference
scheduled in the proceeding, but such an amended petition must satisfy
the specificity requirements described above.
Not later than 15 days prior to the first prehearing conference
scheduled in the proceeding, a petitioner shall file a supplement to
the petition to intervene which must include a list of the contentions
which are sought to be litigated in the matter. Each contention must
consist of a specific statement of the issue of law or fact to be
raised or controverted. In addition, the petitioner shall provide a
brief explanation of the bases of the contention and a concise
statement of the alleged facts or expert opinion which support the
contention and on which the petitioner intends to rely in proving the
contention at the hearing. The petitioner must also provide references
to those specific sources and documents of which the petitioner is
aware and on which the petitioner intends to rely to establish those
facts or expert opinion. Petitioner must provide sufficient information
to show that a genuine dispute exists with the applicant on a material
issue of law or fact. Contentions shall be limited to matters within
the scope of the amendment under consideration. The contention must be
one which, if proven, would entitle the petitioner to relief. A
petitioner who fails to file such a supplement which satisfies these
requirements with respect to at least one contention will not be
permitted to participate as a party.
Those permitted to intervene become parties to the proceeding,
subject to any limitations in the order granting leave to intervene,
and have the opportunity to participate fully in the conduct of the
hearing, including the opportunity to present evidence and cross-
examine witnesses.
If a hearing is requested, the Commission will make a final
determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration. The
final determination will serve to decide when the hearing is held.
If the final determination is that the amendment request involves
no significant hazards consideration, the Commission may issue the
amendment and make it immediately effective, notwithstanding the
request for a hearing. Any hearing held would take place after issuance
of the amendment.
If the final determination is that the amendment request involves a
significant hazards consideration, any hearing held would take place
before the issuance of any amendment.
A request for a hearing or a petition for leave to intervene must
be filed with the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attention: Docketing and
Services Branch, or may be delivered to the Commission's Public
Document Room, the Gelman Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington DC,
by the above date. Where petitions are filed during the last 10 days of
the notice period, it is requested that the petitioner promptly so
inform the Commission by a toll-free telephone call to Western Union at
1-(800) 248-5100 (in Missouri 1-(800) 342-6700). The Western Union
operator should be given Datagram Identification Number N1023 and the
following message addressed to (Project Director): petitioner's name
and telephone number, date petition was mailed, plant name, and
publication date and page number of this Federal Register notice. A
copy of the petition should also be sent to the Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001,
and to the attorney for the licensee.
Nontimely filings of petitions for leave to intervene, amended
petitions, supplemental petitions and/or requests for a hearing will
not be entertained absent a determination by the Commission, the
presiding officer or the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board that the
petition and/or request should be granted based upon a balancing of
factors specified in 10 CFR 2.714(a)(1)(i)-(v) and 2.714(d).
For further details with respect to this action, see the
application for amendment 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 for
the particular facility involved.
Detroit Edison Company, Docket No. 50-341, Fermi-2, Monroe County,
Michigan
Date of amendment request: March 25, 1996 (NRC-96-0003)
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
modify the charcoal testing standards for the Control Room Emergency
Filtration System (CREFS) and the Standby Gas Treatment System (SGTS)
to the current industry standard. The changes affect Surveillance
Requirements (SRs) 4.6.5.3.b.2, 4.6.5.3.c, 4.7.2.1.c.2, and 4.7.2.1.d
in Technical Specifications (TS) 3/4.6.5.3 ``Standby Gas Treatment
System'' and TS 3/4.7.2 ``Control Room Emergency Filtration System.''
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed TS changes do not involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously
evaluated. By providing an improved protocol for charcoal testing
the proposal provides greater assurance that the installed charcoal
can perform its design function and, thus, the consequences of
evaluated accidents remain valid. The method of laboratory analysis
has no effect upon how the plant is operated, including the method
of sample removal. Therefore, the probability [or consequences] of
any evaluated accident is unchanged.
2. The proposed TS changes do not create the possibility of a
new or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated. The proposal has no effect on the manner of plant
operation. The proposal does not involve any change to the plant
design. Therefore, the change creates no new accident modes.
[[Page 40015]]
3. The proposed TS changes do not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety. By providing an improved protocol
for charcoal testing the proposal acts to maintain existing safety
margins. The change to the SGTS charcoal acceptance criteria also
acts to ensure that the existing margins, as discussed in Regulatory
Guide 1.52, Revision 2 [Design, Testing and Maintenance Criteria for
Post-Accident Engineered Safety-Feature Atmosphere Cleanup System
Air Filtration and Adsorption Units of Light-Water-Cooled Nuclear
Power Plants], are maintained.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Monroe County Library System,
3700 South Custer Road, Monroe, Michigan 48161
Attorney for licensee: John Flynn, Esq., Detroit Edison Company,
2000 Second Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226
NRC Project Director: Mark Reinhart, Acting
Duquesne Light Company, et al., Docket Nos. 50-334 and 50-412,
Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2, Shippingport,
Pennsylvania
Date of amendment request: June 18, 1996
Description of amendment request: For Beaver Valley Power Station,
Unit No. 1 (BVPS-1) only, the proposed amendment would revise Technical
Specification (TS) 3.4.5 and associated Bases; the Bases for TS 3.4.6.2
would also be revised. The proposed changes are editorial in nature and
are intended to provide consistency between the TSs and associated
Bases. Index page XIX would be revised to reflect the revision of page
numbers for TS Tables 4.4-1 and 4.4-2 due to shifting of text.
For Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit No. 2 (BVPS-2) only, the
proposed amendment would implement a voltage-based repair criteria for
steam generator tubes similar to the changes approved for BVPS-1 by
License Amendment No. 198. The proposed changes are intended to reflect
the guidance provided in NRC Generic Letter 95-05, ``Voltage-Based
Repair Criteria for Westinghouse Steam Generator Tubes Affected by
Outside Diameter Stress Corrosion Cracking.'' The proposed changes
would revise TSs 3.4.5 and 3.4.6.2 and associated Bases. TS Table 4.4-2
would be revised to reference TS 6.6 for reporting requirements.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. Does the change involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
Tube burst criteria are inherently satisfied during normal
operating conditions due to the proximity of the tube support plate
(TSP). Test data indicates that tube burst cannot occur within the
TSP, even for tubes which have 100% throughwall electric discharge
machining notches, 0.75 inch long, provided that the TSP is adjacent
to the notched area. Since tube-to-TSP proximity precludes tube
burst during normal operating conditions, use of the criteria must
retain tube integrity characteristics which maintain a margin of
safety of 1.43 times the bounding faulted condition, main steamline
break (MSLB) pressure differential. The Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.121
criterion requiring maintenance of a safety factor of 1.43 times the
MSLB pressure differential on tube burst is satisfied by 7/8''
diameter tubing with bobbin coil indications with signal amplitudes
less than 8.6 volts, regardless of the indicated depth measurement.
The upper voltage repair limit (VURL) will be determined
prior to each outage using the most recently approved NRC database
to determine the tube structural limit (VSL). The structural
limit is reduced by allowances for nondestructive examination (NDE)
uncertainty (VNDE) and growth (VGR) to establish
VURL. Using the Generic Letter (GL) 95-05 NDE and growth
allowances for an example, the NDE uncertainty component of 20% and
a voltage growth allowance of 30% per full power year can be
utilized to establish a VURL of 5.7 volts. The 20% NDE
uncertainty represents a square-root-sum-of-the-squares (SRSS)
combination of probe wear uncertainty and analyst variability. The
degradation growth allowance should be an average growth rate or 30%
per effective full power year, whichever is larger.
Relative to the expected leakage during accident condition
loadings, it has been previously established that a postulated MSLB
outside of containment but upstream of the main steam isolation
valve (MSIV) represents the most limiting radiological condition
relative to the plugging criteria. In support of implementation of
the revised plugging limit, analyses will be performed to determine
whether the distribution of cracking indications at the tube support
plate intersections during future cycles are projected to be such
that primary-to-secondary leakage would result in postulated site
boundary and control room doses exceeding 10 CFR 100, 10 CFR 50
Appendix A, and GDC-19 [General Design Criterion-19] requirements,
respectively. A separate calculation has determined the maximum
allowable MSLB leakage limit in a faulted loop. This limit was
calculated using the technical specification reactor coolant system
(RCS) Iodine-131 activity level of 1.0 microcuries per gram dose
equivalent Iodine-131 and the recommended Iodine-131 transient
spiking values consistent with NUREG-0800. The projected MSLB
leakage rate calculation methodology prescribed in Section 2.b of GL
95-05 will be used to calculate the end-of-cycle (EOC) leakage.
Projected EOC voltage distribution will be developed using the most
recent EOC eddy current results and considering an appropriate
voltage measurement uncertainty. The log-logistic probability of
leakage correlation will be used to establish the MSLB leakrate used
for comparison with the faulted loop allowable limit. Therefore, as
implementation of the voltage-based repair criteria does not
adversely affect steam generator tube integrity and implementation
will be shown to result in acceptable dose consequences, the
proposed amendment does not result in any increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated in
the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR).
The proposed changes to the BVPS-1 Index, Specifications and
associated Bases and the proposed change to BVPS-2 Table 4.4-2 are
editorial in nature. Therefore, these changes do not involve an
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
2. Does the change create the possibility of a new or different
kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
Implementation of the proposed steam generator tube voltage-
based repair criteria does not introduce any significant changes to
the plant design basis. Use of the voltage-based repair criteria
does not provide a mechanism which could result in an accident
outside of the region of the tube support plate elevations as no
outside diameter stress corrosion cracking (ODSCC) is occurring
outside the thickness of the tube support plates. Neither a single
or multiple tube rupture event would be expected in a steam
generator in which the plugging limit has been applied (during all
plant conditions).
Duquesne Light Company will implement a maximum primary-to-
secondary leakage rate limit of 150 gpd [gallons per day] per steam
generator to help preclude the potential for excessive leakage
during all plant conditions. The RG 1.121 criterion for establishing
operational leakage rate limits that require plant shutdown are
based upon leak-before-break considerations to detect a free span
crack before potential tube rupture during faulted plant conditions.
The 150 gpd limit provides for leakage detection and plant shutdown
in the event of the occurrence of an unexpected single crack
resulting in leakage that is associated with the longest permissible
crack length. RG 1.121 acceptance criteria for establishing
operating leakage limits are based on leak-before-break
considerations such that plant shutdown is initiated if the leakage
associated with the longest permissible crack is exceeded.
The single through-wall crack lengths that result in tube burst
at 1.43 times the MSLB pressure differential and the MSLB pressure
differential alone are approximately 0.57 inch and approximately
0.84 inch, respectively. A leak rate of 150 gpd will provide for
detection of approximately 0.41 inch long cracks at nominal leak
rates and approximately 0.62 inch long cracks at the lower 95%
confidence level leak rates. Since tube burst is precluded during
normal
[[Page 40016]]
operation due to the proximity of the TSP to the tube and the
potential exists for the crevice to become uncovered during MSLB
conditions, the leakage from the maximum permissible crack must
preclude tube burst at MSLB conditions. Thus, the 150 gpd limit
provides for plant shutdown prior to reaching critical crack lengths
for MSLB conditions using the lower 95% leakrate data. Additionally,
this leak-before-break evaluation assumes that the entire crevice
area is uncovered during blowdown. Partial uncovery will provide
benefit to the burst capacity of the intersection. Analyses have
shown that only a small percentage of the TSPs are deflected greater
than the TSP thickness during a postulated MSLB.
As steam generator tube integrity upon implementation of the
voltage-based repair criteria continues to be maintained through
inservice inspection and primary-to-secondary leakage monitoring,
the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any
accident previously evaluated is not created.
The proposed change to BVPS-1 Index, Specifications and
associated Bases and the proposed change to BVPS-2 Table 4.4-2 are
editorial in nature. These changes do not change the performance of
plant systems, plant configuration or method of operating the plant.
Therefore, the proposed change does not create the possibility
of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
3. Does the change involve a significant reduction in a margin
of safety?
The use of the voltage-based repair criteria at BVPS-2 maintains
steam generator tube integrity commensurate with the criteria of RG
1.121. This guide describes a method acceptable to the Commission
for meeting GDCs 14, 15, 30, 31, and 32 by reducing the probability
or the consequences of steam generator tube rupture. This is
accomplished by determining the limiting conditions of degradation
of steam generator tubing, as established by inservice inspection,
for which tubes with unacceptable cracking should be repaired or
removed from service. Upon implementation of the proposed criteria,
even under the worst case conditions, the occurrence of ODSCC at the
tube support plate elevations is not expected to lead to a steam
generator tube rupture event during normal or faulted plant
conditions. The EOC distribution of crack indications at the tube
support plate elevations will be confirmed to result in acceptable
primary-to-secondary leakage during all plant conditions and that
radiological consequences remain within the licensing basis.
In addressing the combined effects of loss-of-coolant-accident
(LOCA) + safe shutdown earthquake (SSE) on the steam generator
component (as required by GDC 2), it has been determined that tube
collapse may occur in the steam generators at some plants. This is
the case as the tube support plates may become deformed as a result
of lateral loads at the wedge supports at the periphery of the plate
due to the combined effects of the LOCA rarefaction wave and SSE
loadings. Then, the resulting pressure differential on the deformed
tubes may cause some of the tubes to collapse. There are two issues
associated with steam generator tube collapse. First, the collapse
of steam generator tubing reduces the RCS flow area through the
tubes. The reduction in flow area increases the resistance to flow
of steam from the core during a LOCA which, in turn, may potentially
increase peak clad temperature. Second, there is a potential that
partial through-wall cracks in tubes could progress to complete
through-wall cracks during tube deformation or collapse.
The results of an analysis using the larger break inputs show
that the LOCA loads were found to be of insufficient magnitude to
result in steam generator tube collapse or significant deformation.
Since the leak-before-break methodology is applicable to the reactor
coolant loop piping, the probability of breaks in the primary loop
piping is sufficiently low that they need not be considered in the
structural design of the plant. The limiting LOCA event becomes the
pressurizer spray line break. Analysis results have demonstrated
that no tubes were subject to deformation or collapse. No tubes have
been excluded from application of the subject voltage-based steam
generator tube repair criteria.
Addressing RG 1.83 considerations, implementation of the
voltage-based repair criteria is supplemented by: enhanced eddy
current inspection guidelines to provide consistency in voltage
normalization, the bobbin coil inspection will include 100% of the
hot-leg TSP intersections and cold-leg intersections down to the
lowest cold-leg TSP with known ODSCC, the determination of the TSPs
having ODSCC will be based on the performance of at least 20% random
sampling of tubes inspected over their full length, and rotating
pancake coil inspection requirements for the larger indications left
inservice to characterize the principal degradation as ODSCC.
As noted previously, implementation of the tube support plate
intersection voltage-based repair criteria will decrease the number
of tubes which must be repaired. The installation of steam generator
tube plugs reduces the RCS flow margin. Thus, implementation of the
voltage-based repair criteria will maintain the margin of flow that
would otherwise be reduced in the event of increased tube plugging.
The proposed change to the BVPS-1 Index, Specifications and
associated Bases and the proposed change to BVPS-2 Table 4.4-2 are
editorial in nature. These changes will not reduce the margin of
safety because they have no impact on any safety analysis
assumptions.
Based on the above, it is concluded that the proposed license
amendment request does not result in a significant reduction in
margin with respect to plant safety as defined in the UFSAR or any
BASES of the plant technical specifications.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: B. F. Jones Memorial Library,
663 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001
Attorney for licensee: Jay E. Silberg, Esquire, Shaw, Pittman,
Potts & Trowbridge, 2300 N Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037.
NRC Project Director: John F. Stolz
Entergy Operations, Inc., Docket No. 50-313, Arkansas Nuclear One,
Unit No. 1, Pope County, Arkansas
Date of amendment request: May 9, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment changes
both technical and administrative requirements associated with station
batteries. The proposed changes are modeled after ``Standard Technical
Specifications - Babcock and Wilcox Plants,'' NUREG-1430 and Nuclear
Energy Institute guidance, ``IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance,
Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary
Applications,'' IEEE Std 450-1995.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
Criterion 1 - Does Not Involve a Significant Increase in the
Probability or Consequences of an Accident Previously Evaluated.
The switchyard 125V DC control power source requirements do not
meet the criteria for inclusion in Technical Specifications (TSs) as
evaluated with respect to the selection criteria of 10 CFR 50-36.
These control power sources are not assumed to mitigate accident or
transient events. The effects of a loss of these control power
sources are enveloped by the Loss of Offsite Power (LOOP) event and
relocation is considered to have a non-significant impact on the
probability or severity of a LOOP event. These requirements will be
relocated from the TSs to an appropriate administratively controlled
document and maintained pursuant to 10 CFR 50.59.
Proposed changes incorporating the requirements of TS 3.7.1.D,
3.7.2.E, 3.7.2.F, and 3.7.2.A, as related to the DC electrical power
subsystems in the new TS 3.7.3 results in a more stringent
requirement for the ANO-1 TSs in that reductions to lower conditions
of operation in shorter periods of time are now required. These more
stringent requirements are not assumed to be initiators of any
analyzed events and will not alter assumptions relative to
mitigation of accident or transient events.
Proposed changes incorporating TS 3.7.4. requirements for the
station batteries allowing the battery parameters to be outside
[[Page 40017]]
the limits of the Battery Inspection Program for 31 days do not
result in an increase in the frequency of consequences of any
analyzed accident, as the actions require more frequent checks of
other parameters to ensure battery capability during this 31 day
period. The Battery Inspection Program also requires evaluations to
determine battery operability in the event these limits are
exceeded. If an evaluation shows the battery is incapable of
performing its design basis function, that DC electrical subsystem
will be declared inoperable, and the appropriate actions taken.
Proposed changes to allow the use of float current in lieu of
specific gravity incorporate current industry guidance on
operability measures for station batteries, as stated in IEEE-450,
``IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and
Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary
Applications.'' This Surveillance Requirement is not considered to
initiate or mitigate any analyzed accident.
The proposed incorporation of a Battery Inspection Program
relocates maintenance requirements from the TSs to a program under
10 CFR 50.59 control and allows the TSs to concentrate on those
items required to ensure battery operability. These relocated
requirements are not considered to be initiators of any analyzed
accident. Battery operability is assured by the combination of TS
Surveillance Requirements and Battery Inspection Program maintenance
requirements based on IEEE-450 guidance.
Proposed changes in Surveillance Requirements and Frequencies
reflect current industry guidance on maintenance and testing of the
station batteries. These requirements, in themselves, are not
considered to be initiators of any analyzed accident condition.
Although some frequencies have been extended, continued performance
of maintenance activities in accordance with IEEE-450, in addition
to the required Surveillance Requirements, ensures that corrective
maintenance can be performed prior to a condition challenging an
operability limit.
Therefore, this change does not involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of any accident previously
evaluated.
Criterion 2 - Does Not Create the Possibility of a New or
Different Kind of Accident from any Previously Evaluated.
The proposed changes do not change the design, configuration, or
method of operation of the plant.
Therefore, this change does not create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any previously evaluated.
Criterion 3 - Does Not Involve a Significant Reduction in the
Margin of Safety.
Relocation of the switchyard 125V DC control power source
requirements has no impact on any safety analysis assumptions. In
addition, the requirements associated with these control power
sources are relocated to an owner controlled document for which
future changes will be evaluated pursuant to the requirements of 10
CFR 50.59.
Proposed changes incorporating the requirements of TS 3.7.1.D,
3.7.2.E, 3.7.2.F, and 3.7.2.A, as related to the DC electrical power
subsystems, in the new TS 3.7.3 impose more stringent requirements
than previously specified for ANO-1.
Proposed changes incorporating TS 3.7.4 requirements for the
station batteries allowing the battery parameters to be outside the
limits of the Battery Inspection Program for 31 days may involve an
incremental reduction in the margin of safety since the battery may
be in a slightly degraded state. However, this reduction is not
considered significant in that the associated actions require more
frequent checks of other parameters to ensure battery capability
during this 31 day period. The attery Inspection Program also
requires evaluations to determine battery operability in the event
these limits are exceeded.
If an evaluation shows the battery is incapable of performing
its design basis function, that DC electrical subsystem will be
declared inoperable, and the appropriate actions taken.
The proposed change to allow the use of float current in lieu of
specific gravity as a measure of battery operability is expected to
result in a more representative measure of operability. IEEE-450
states that specific gravity may not be an appropriate measure of
battery capability following addition of electrolyte or when the
battery is on recharge following a discharge.
Proposed incorporation of a Battery Inspection Program relocates
maintenance requirements from the TSs to a program under 10 CFR
50.59 controls and allows the TSs to concentrate on those items
required to ensure battery operability. The relocation of these
requirements is not considered to be a reduction in the margin of
safety. Battery operability is assured by the combination of TS
Surveillance Requirements and Battery Inspection Program maintenance
requirements based on IEEE-450 guidance.
Proposed changes in Surveillance Requirements and Frequencies
reflect current industry guidance on maintenance and testing of the
station batteries. Although some frequencies have been extended,
continued performance of maintenance activities in accordance with
IEEE-450, in addition to the required Surveillance Requirements,
ensures that corrective maintenance can be performed prior to a
condition challenging an operability limit.
Therefore, this change does not involve a significant reduction
in the margin of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Tomlinson Library, Arkansas
Tech University, Russellville, AR 72801
Attorney for licensee: Nicholas S. Reynolds, Esquire, Winston and
Strawn, 1400 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005-3502
NRC Project Director: William D. Beckner
Entergy Operations Inc., Docket No. 50-382, Waterford Steam
Electric Station, Unit 3, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana
Date of amendment request: June 27, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment will
modify Technical Specification 3/4.3.3.6, ``Accident Monitoring
Instrumentation,'' based on the Combustion Engineering improved
Standard Technical Specifications (STS) issued by the NRC as NUREG
1432. The amendment will also revise the Technical Specification (TS)
to include Accident Monitoring Instrumentation as recommended by
Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.97, Revision 3.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
The proposed change deletes all non-Type A and non-Category 1
instruments from the requirements of TS 3/4.3.3.6, ``Accident
Monitoring Instrumentation.'' Type A variables provide the primary
information required to permit the control room operators to take
specific manually controlled actions, for which no automatic control
is provided, that are required for safety systems to accomplish
their safety functions during a DBA [Design Basis Accident].
Category 1, non-Type A variables are important in reducing public
risk and are retained in TS because they are intended to assist
operators in minimizing the consequences of accidents. Category 2
instruments are generally designated for indicating system operating
status and are not designated as essential key variables necessary
for the safe shutdown of the plant. The proposed change preserves
the safety requirements of RG 1.97, Revision 3, and will not
adversely affect any material condition of the plant that could
directly contribute to causing or mitigating the affects of an
accident.
The proposed change also adds two parameters to TS 3/4.3.3.6
which were previously controlled administratively or per another TS.
Containment Pressure (Wide Wide Range) is being added because it is
a Category 1 parameter required in addition to Containment Pressure
(Wide Range), which is currently in the TS. Neutron Flux is being
added to distinguish the RG 1.97 channels from the non-RG 1.97
channels and to provide action and surveillance requirements
consistent with the other accident monitoring instrumentation. These
additions to TS 3/4.3.3.6 contribute to the overall safety of the
plant and therefore in no way increase the probability or
consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
Additionally, the proposed change also extends the AOTs [Allowed
Outage Times] for TS 3/4.3.3.6 and replaces the HOT SHUTDOWN
requirement for the number of OPERABLE channels being less than the
Required Number of channels with a Special Report requirement. These
changes are based
[[Page 40018]]
on the relatively low probability of an accident occurring which
would require these instruments, the passive nature of these
instruments, and alternate means of monitoring available. This is
consistent with the CE improved STS and associated safety analyses
which have been approved and issued by the NRC as NUREG 1432.
The remainder of the proposed change provides enhancements and
clarifications to TS 3/4.3.3.6 which have no potential to impact
plant operations. No previous accident scenario is changed, and
initiating conditions and assumptions remain as previously analyzed.
Therefore, the proposed change will not involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequences of any accident
previously evaluated.
The proposed change will not alter the operation of the plant or
the manner in which the plant is operated. No new or different
failure modes have been introduced. TS 3/4.3.3.6 ensures the
OPERABILITY of essential Post Accident Monitoring Instrumentation.
This instrumen-tation provides information to the control room
operators during an accident so that appropriate actions can be
taken to mitigate the consequences of the accident. These
instruments are passive in nature in that no critical automatic
action is assumed to occur from these instruments. Therefore, the
proposed change will not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
The proposed change revises TS 3/4.3.3.6 based on the
information provided in CE improved STS, NUREG 1432. The deletion
and addition of specific components from the TS per this change is
commensurate with the safety significance of their associated
parameters. The proposed change ensures the operability of the post
accident monitoring instrumentation which has been designated, by RG
1.97 and Waterford 3's associated analysis, as essential for
availability during and following a DBA. The proposed change
preserves the single failure criteria required for this
instrumentation and maintains the level of safety currently
established in the Technical Specifications. The proposed change
will not affect any physical protective boundary. Therefore, the
proposed change will not involve a significant reduction in a margin
of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room Location: University of New Orleans
Library, Louisiana Collection, Lakefront, New Orleans, LA 70122
Attorney for licensee: N.S. Reynolds, Esq., Winston & Strawn 1400 L
Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005-3502
NRC Project Director: William D. Beckner
GPU Nuclear Corporation, et al., Docket No. 50-219, Oyster Creek
Nuclear Generating Station, Ocean County, New Jersey
Date of amendment request: July 17, 1996 (TSCR 242, Rev. 2)
Description of amendment request: The proposed change to the
Technical Specifications would allow the implementation of 10 CFR Part
50, Appendix J, Option B. This application supersedes the previously
submitted application dated February 23, 1996, which was noticed in the
Federal Register on March 27, 1996 (61 FR 13526).
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
GPU Nuclear has determined that this TSCR involves no
significant hazards considerations as defined by NRC in 10 CFR
50.92.
1. Operation of the facility in accordance with the proposed
amendment would not involve a significant increase in the
probability or occurrence or the consequences of an accident of
malfunction of equipment important to safety as previously evaluated
in the Safety Analysis Report.
The proposed change implements Option B of 10 CFR 50, Appendix J
on performance based containment leakage testing. The proposed
change does not involve a change to the plant design or operation.
Therefore, the proposed change does not affect any of the parameters
or conditions that contribute to initiation of any of the analyzed
accidents or malfunctions. The proposed change does not request an
allowable extension of containment testing. Therefore, a
hypothetical leak could remain undetected for a greater period of
time. This slight increase in risk has been determined to be
insignificant as:
Type A Testing
NUREG 1493 [Performance-Based Containment Leak Test Program]
determined that the effect of containment leakage on overall
accident risk is small as risk is dominated by accident sequences
that result in the failure or bypass of the containment. Industry
wide PCILRTs [primary containment integrated leak rate tests] have
demonstrated that only a small fraction of the leaks discovered
during testing exceeded acceptance criteria, and that the leak rate
has been only marginally above the acceptable limit. Only 3% of all
leaks can be detected only by PCILRT, therefore, only 3% of the
theoretical leaks are affected by the extension to the Type A test
interval. Experience at Oyster Creek agrees with the industry wide
data in that the majority of the detected leakage from the primary
containment is found through Type B and C testing. NUREG 1493 found
that these observations, together with the insensitivity of reactor
accident risk to the containment leakage rate, demonstrates that
increasing the Type A leakage test intervals would have a minimal
impact on public risk.
Type B and C Testing
Penetrations are designed to ensure reliability of the
containment isolation function. Type B penetrations use a double
passive seal (e.g. o-ring, gasket) and Type C penetrations use a
double isolation valve design to ensure reliability of the isolation
function. Because valves perform the isolation function actively,
they are more likely to fail on demand (e.g. failure to completely
close on demand). To address this failure mode, Type C valves are
subjected to increased design constraints and testing to ensure both
acceptable leak rates and stroke times. The proposed change does not
alter the installation, operation, operating environment, or testing
method of these valves. Therefore, the proposed change does not
introduce any new component failure modes, nor does it affect the
probability of occurrence of any existing evaluated failure mode.
The failure of any single penetration barrier (isolation valve
or passive seal) does not cause penetration failure. Therefore, a
double failure would have to occur to cause a failure of the
penetration and affect containment. Additionally, the proposed
change does not change the acceptance criteria for acceptable
leakage testing.
The proposed change does not alter plant design or operation,
nor does it alter the allowable maximum leakage rate limit. Thus,
the proposed change does not affect the probability of occurrence
nor the consequences of any evaluated accident or malfunction of
equipment important to safety.
2. Operation of the facility in accordance with the proposed
amendment would not create the possibility of any accident or
malfunction different from any accident or malfunction previously
evaluated.
The proposed change does not involve a change to the plant
design or operation. As a result, the proposed change does not
affect any of the parameters or conditions that could contribute to
initiation of any accidents. This change only involves the reduction
in Type A, B, and C test frequencies, and the Type A test pressure.
Type A Testing
The only changes proposed to the Type A testing are to frequency
and test pressure. As the proposed test pressure is greater than the
existing test pressure, no new type of accident or malfunction is
created, and the increase in pressure provides an additional margin
of safety. The increase in surveillance interval cannot introduce
any new type of accident or malfunction.
The PCILRT is presently performed at 20 psig. Performance of the
PCILRT at PGG5Ga(35 psig) will provide a more direct leak rate for
analysis. Pa is the design pressure of the torus (the drywell
design pressure is 44 psig, but the torus is non isolable from the
drywell). Therefore, Pa will not create the possibility of the
failure of the torus due to overpressurization. No new accident
modes can be created by extending the test intervals. No safety
related functions
[[Page 40019]]
or components are altered as a result of this change. Therefore, no
new accident or malfunction different from those evaluated in the
Safety Analysis Report can result due to the increase in test
pressure or increase in surveillance interval.
Type B and C Testing
The proposed change only deals with the frequency of performing
Type B and C testing. It does not change what components are tested
or the method of testing. There is no proposed change to the design
or operation of the plant. Therefore, no new accident or malfunction
different from those evaluated in the Safety Analysis Report can
result due to the increase in test pressure or increase in
surveillance interval.
3. Operation of the facility in accordance with the proposed
amendment would not decrease the margin of safety as defined in the
bases of the Technical Specifications.
Type A Testing
Except for the method of defining the test frequency and
pressure at which the PCILRT is performed, the methods for
performing the actual test are not changed. However, the proposed
change can increase the probability that an increase in leakage
could go undetected for an extended period of time. NUREG 1493 has
determined that under several different accident scenarios, the
increased risk of radioactivity release from containment is
negligible with the implementation of these proposed changes.
Type B and C Testing
The proposed change only affects the frequency of Type B and C
testing. The methods for performing the actual test are not changed.
The design or operation of Type B and C components are not changed.
The proposed change will result in a longer interval between tests
of good performing Type B and C components.
The margin of safety that has the potential of being impacted by
the proposed change involves the offsite dose consequences of
postulated accidents which are directly related to containment
leakage rate. The containment isolation system is designed to limit
leakage to La, which is defined by the Oyster Creek Technical
Specifications to be 1.0 percent by weight of the containment air at
35 psig per 24 hours. The limitation on containment leakage rate is
designed to ensure the total leakage volume will not exceed the
value assumed in the accident analyses at the peak accident pressure
(Pa). The margin of safety for the offsite dose consequences of
postulated accidents directly related to the containment leakage
rate is maintained by meeting the 1.0 La acceptance criteria.
The La value is not being modified by this proposed Technical
Specification change request.
Therefore, the margin of safety as defined in the bases for the
Technical Specification will not be reduced.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Ocean County Library,
Reference Department, 101 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Attorney for licensee: Ernest L. Blake, Jr., Esquire. Shaw,
Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge, 2300 N Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037.
NRC Project Director: John F. Stolz
GPU Nuclear Corporation, et al., Docket No. 50-289, Three Mile
Island Nuclear Station, Unit No. 1, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Date of amendment request: June 28, 1996
Description of amendment request: This amendment would allow
implementation of Option B to 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J, which permits
performance based determination of the frequency of containment leak
rate testing.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration (SHC), which is presented below:
The proposed change has been evaluated against the standards in
10 CFR 50.92 and determined not to involve a significant hazards
consideration, in that the editorial changes do not change the
meaning or intent of the technical specifications, and operation of
the facility in accordance with the proposed amendment.
1. Would not involve a significant increase in the probability
of occurrence or the consequences of an accident previously
evaluated, because the proposed changes are either purely
administrative changes (involving format, wording, or reporting
requirements) or changes in containment leakage test requirements
(minor scope changes or increased intervals between containment
leakage tests). None of these changes are related to conditions
which cause accidents. The proposed changes do not involve a change
to the plant design or operation.
NUREG-1493, ``Performance-Based Containment Leak-Test Program,''
contributed to the technical bases for Option B of 10 CFR 50
Appendix J. NUREG-1493 contains a detailed evaluation of the
expected leakage from containment and the associated consequences.
The increased risk due to lengthening of the intervals between
leakage tests was also evaluated and found to be acceptable. Using a
statistical approach, NUREG-1493 determined the increase in the
expected dose to the public from extending the testing frequency to
be extremely small.
2. Would not create the possibility of a new or different kind
of accident from any accident previously evaluated, because the
testing or reporting requirements associated with this change do not
involve a physical alteration of the plant design or changes in the
methods governing normal plant operation. No safety related
equipment or safety related functions are altered as a result of
this change. As a result, the proposed change does not affect any of
the parameters or conditions that could contribute to initiation of
any accidents.
3. Would not involve a significant reduction in a margin of
safety because the proposed changes are either purely administrative
(involving format, wording, or reporting requirements) or changes in
containment leakage test requirements (minor scope changes or
increased intervals between containment leakage tests) such that the
allowable containment leakage rates presently specified in the
Technical Specifications remain unchanged. The Technical
Specifications and the Reactor Building Leakage Rate Testing Program
will ensure that containment system testing is performed in full
compliance with 10 CFR 50 Appendix J.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location:
Law/Government Publications Section, State Library of
Pennsylvania, (REGIONAL DEPOSITORY) Walnut Street and Commonwealth
Avenue, Box 1601, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Attorney for licensee: Ernest L. Blake, Jr., Esquire, Shaw,
Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge, 2300 N Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037.
NRC Project Director: John F. Stolz
Houston Lighting & Power Company, City Public Service Board of San
Antonio, Central Power and Light Company, City of Austin, Texas,
Docket Nos. 50-498 and 50-499, South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2,
Matagorda County, Texas
Date of amendment request: May 1, 1995, as supplemented by letters
dated June 22, August 28, November 22, and December 19, 1995, and
January 4, 8 (two letters), and 23, June 27, and July 9, 1996.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
allow extension of the standby diesel generator allowed outage time to
14 days, and extension of the essential cooling water loop and the
essential chilled water loop allowed outage times to 7 days. The
proposed change would also add to Administrative Controls a description
of the Configuration Risk Management Program (CRMP) used to assess
changes in core damage probability resulting from applicable plant
configurations. This application was previously published in the
Federal
[[Page 40020]]
Register on February 8, 1996, (61 FR 4805).
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed change does not involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
The Standby Diesel Generators are not accident initiators,
therefore the increase in Allowed Outage Times for this system does
not increase the probability of an accident previously evaluated.
The three train design of the South Texas Project ensures that even
during the seven days the Essential Cooling Water loop or the
Essential Chilled Water loop is inoperable there are still two
complete trains available to mitigate the consequences of any
accident. If the Essential Cooling Water and the Essential Chilled
Water loops are operable during the 14 days the Standby Diesel
Generator is inoperable, the Engineered Safety Features bus and
equipment in the train associated with the inoperable Standby Diesel
Generator will be operable. This ensures that all three redundant
safety trains of the South Texas Project design are operable. In
addition the Emergency Transformer will be available to supply the
Engineered Safety Features bus normally supplied by the inoperable
Standby Diesel Generator. These actions will ensure that the changes
do not involve a significant increase in the consequences of
previously evaluated accidents.
The addition of the Configuration Risk Management Program to the
Administrative Section of the Technical Specifications does not
affect current accident analyses.
2. The proposed change does not create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
The proposed changes affect only the magnitude of the Standby
Diesel Generator, Essential Cooling Water and the Essential Chilled
Water Allowed Outage Times as identified by the marked-up Technical
Specification. As indicated above, the proposed change does not
involve the alteration of any equipment nor does it allow modes of
operation beyond those currently allowed. Therefore, implementation
of these proposed changes does not create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
3. The proposed change does not involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety.
The proposed changes result in no significant increase in core
damage or large early release frequencies. Three sets of PSA
[probabilistic safety assessment] results have been presented to the
NRC for the South Texas Project. One submitted in 1989 from the
initial Level 1 PSA of internal and external events with a mean
annual average CDF [core damage frequency] estimate of 1.7E-4, a
second one submitted in 1992 to meet the IPE [individual plant
examination] requirements from the Level 2 PSA/IPE with a CDF
estimate of 4.4E-5, and an update of the PSA that was reported in
the August 1993 Technical Specifications submittal with a variety of
CDF estimates for different assumptions regarding the rolling
maintenance profile and different combinations of modified Technical
Specifications. The South Texas Project PSA was updated in March of
1995 to include the NRC approved Risk-Based AOTs [allowed outage
times] and STIs [surveillance test intervals], Plant Specific Data
and incorporate the Emergency Transformer into the model. This
update resulted in a CDF estimate of 2.07E-5 per reactor year. When
the requested changes are modeled, the resulting CDF estimate is
2.18E 10-5 (sic) [2.18E-5] per reactor year. This corresponds to
5.2% decrease in the Core Damage Frequency calculated for the
previously submitted 21 Day AOT. The Large, Early Release Frequency
is quantified as 4.69E-07 per reactor year which represents a
decrease of 7.5% from the value calculated for the previously
submitted 21 Day AOT. Therefore, it is concluded that there is no
significant reduction in the margin of safety.
Based on the above evaluation, the South Texas Project has
concluded that these changes do not involve a significant hazards
consideration.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
request for amendments involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Wharton County Junior College,
J. M. Hodges Learning Center, 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, TX 77488
Attorney for licensee: Jack R. Newman, Esq., Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius, 1800 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036-5869
NRC Project Director: William D. Beckner
IES Utilities Inc., Docket No. 50-331, Duane Arnold Energy Center,
Linn County, Iowa
Date of amendment request: July 5, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed Technical
Specification (TS) amendment would support implementation of Noble
Metal Chemical Addition (NMCA) at the Duane Arnold Energy Center (DAEC)
as a method to enhance the effectiveness of Hydrogen Water Chemistry
(HWC) in mitigating Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC) in
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) vessel internal components. The proposed
amendment would raise the reactor water conductivity limit in STARTUP
and HOT SHUTDOWN only during the application of NMCA. The reactor water
conductivity will be restored after the NMCA.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed TS amendment will not significantly increase the
probability or consequences of any previously evaluated accidents.
It is expected that during the NMCA application period, the
reactor water conductivity will increase and exceed the conductivity
limit of 2.0 [micro]mhos/cm specified in our current TS. Our current
TS requires that whenever the reactor is in STARTUP or HOT SHUTDOWN
Mode, the conductivity shall not exceed 2.0 [micro]mhos/cm for more
than 48 continuous hours or be in HOT SHUTDOWN within the next 12
hours and in COLD SHUTDOWN within the following 24 hours.
The expected increase in conductivity is due to the presence of
noble metal chemistry in the reactor water and is appropriate during
the [NMCA] application period. The deposited layer of noble metals
is beneficial for mitigating IGSCC in reactor vessel internal
components. Other reactor water chemistry parameters such as
chloride and sulfate are not expected to change; pH is expected to
change but not out of the acceptable range. The reactor water
chemistry parameters will be analyzed to ensure they are within the
normal range, on a frequency consistent with the existing TS,
Sections 4.6.B.2.c and 4.6.B.2.d when conductivity is elevated
during the NMCA application.
During and after the application, the Reactor Water Cleanup
(RWCU) system will continue to operate to remove the excess ions
from the reactor water and restore the reactor water conductivity to
the limit specified in Section 3.6.B. Therefore, this proposed TS
amendment will not significantly increase the probability or
consequences of any previously evaluated accidents.
2. The proposed TS amendment will not create the possibility of
a new or different kind of accident. The proposed TS amendment will
only permit a higher value of the reactor water conductivity limit
during the application period of NMCA. The application is
anticipated to increase the reactor water conductivity.
During and after the application, the RWCU system will continue
to operate to remove the excess ions and restore the reactor water
conductivity to the limit specified in Section 3.6.B. As is
discussed above, the deposited layer of noble metals is beneficial
for mitigating IGSCC in reactor vessel internal components.
Therefore, this proposed TS amendment will not create the
possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident
previously evaluated.
3. The proposed TS amendment will only permit a higher value of
the reactor water conductivity limit during the application period
of NMCA. The increase in
[[Page 40021]]
conductivity is anticipated during the application and is
appropriate. The deposited layer of noble metals is beneficial for
mitigating IGSCC in reactor vessel internal components. During and
after the application, the RWCU system will continue to operate to
remove the excess ions and restore the reactor water conductivity to
the limit specified in Section 3.6.B. Therefore, no margin of safety
is reduced as a result of the anticipated increase in conductivity
due to the addition of the known noble metals.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
thisreview, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Cedar Rapids Public Library,
500 First Street, S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Attorney for licensee: Jack Newman, Kathleen H. Shea, Morgan,
Lewis, & Bockius, 1800 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036-5869
NRC Project Director: Gail H. Marcus
Illinois Power Company and Soyland Power Cooperative, Inc., Docket
No. 50-461, Clinton Power Station, Unit No. 1, DeWitt County,
Illinois
Date of amendment request: June 21, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
modify Section 5.7, ``High Radiation Areas,'' of the ``Administrative
Controls'' section of the Clinton Power Station technical
specifications (TS). The proposed changes include: (1) allowing
utilization of a Radiation Work Permit (RWP) ``or equivalent'' to
control entry into a high radiation area; (2) clarifying the example
given in the TS of individuals who are qualified in radiation
protection procedures; (3) clarifying the requirements for when
specified access controls and barriers for high radiation areas within
large areas like the containment must be established; (4) clarifying
that it is acceptable for an RWP to specify a maximum dose, i.e., a
specified setpoint on an alarming dosimeter in lieu of a stay time for
entry into a high radiation area (where an individual could receive a
deep dose equivalent of 3000 mrem in one hour); (5) eliminating the
upper dose limit for specifying the applicability of the requirements
of Specification 5.7.1; (6) providing additional flexibility regarding
who may control the keys to locked doors for preventing unauthorized
entry into high radiation areas; (7) reorganizing TS Sections 5.7.1,
5.7.2, and 5.7.3 into four sections (5.7.1, 5.7.2, 5.7.3 and 5.7.4);
and (8) making minor edits to enhance readability.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration which is presented below:
(1) None of the proposed changes involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of any accident previously
evaluated.
The proposed changes do not change the design or the operation
of the plant. The proposed changes are only related to the control
of access to high radiation areas for the purpose of controlling
dose to plant personnel. Because no change to plant design is
proposed, there is no impact to any accident mitigating system.
Likewise, because there is no proposed change to plant operating
procedures, plant operation is not impacted. This proposed change
does not impact any accident scenario or the previously calculated
post-accident doses. Therefore, the limits of 10 CFR 100 will
continue to be met. No probability or consequence of any accident
previously evaluated is impacted by the proposed changes to TS.
(2) None of the proposed changes create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
The proposed amendment is administrative in nature and does not
impact directly or indirectly the design or the operation of the
Clinton Power Station, thus no new accident can be created.
(3) None of the proposed changes involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety.
There is no reduction to the margin of safety because the
operating limits and functional capabilities of plant safety systems
are unaffected by the proposed changes to administrative
requirements. As noted previously, the proposed changes do not
impact any accident analyses, including the associated dose
calculations. With respect to controls for controlling operational
dose to plant personnel, the proposed changes are intended to
provide clarity and/or flexibility with respect to the
administration and programmatic controls for controlling such dose,
and yet maintain an adequate margin of safety for minimizing dose to
site personnel consistent with the requirements of 10 CFR 20 and
guidance of Regulatory Guide 8.38.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Vespasian Warner Public
Library, 120 West Johnson Street, Clinton, Illinois 61727
Attorney for licensee: Leah Manning Stetzner, Vice President,
General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, 500 South 27th Street,
Decatur, Illinois 62525
NRC Project Director: Gail H. Marcus
Illinois Power Company and Soyland Power Cooperative, Inc., Docket
No. 50-461, Clinton Power Station, Unit No. 1, DeWitt County,
Illinois
Date of amendment request: June 28, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
allow removal of the Inclined Fuel Transfer System (IFTS) primary
containment blind flange while primary containment is required to be
operable. This will provide flexibility to operate the IFTS for the
purpose of testing and exercising the system during such conditions.
Primary containment integrity will be provided by an alternate means
while the blind flange is removed. The change would be incorporated via
a provisional note into Technical Specification (TS) Surveillance
Requirement 3.6.1.3.3, associated with TS 3.6.1.3, ``Primary
Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs).''
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration which is presented below:
(1) The proposed change allows operation of the IFTS while
primary containment operability is required. The proposed change
does not involve any modifications to plant systems or design
parameters or conditions that contribute to the initiation of any
accidents previously evaluated. Therefore, the proposed change
cannot increase the probability of any accident previously
evaluated.
The proposed change potentially affects the leak-tight integrity
of the containment structure which is designed to mitigate the
consequences of a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). The function of
the primary containment is to maintain functional integrity during
and following the peak transient pressures and temperatures that
result from any LOCA. The primary containment is designed to limit
fission product leakage following the design basis LOCA. Because the
proposed change does not alter the plant design, only the extent of
the boundaries that provide primary containment isolation for the
IFTS penetration, the proposed change does not result in an increase
in primary containment leakage. However, temporarily using the IFTS
transfer tube and its attached appurtenances as part of the primary
containment boundary (which have not been fabricated or installed to
exactly the same requirements as a fully certified primary
containment penetration) can increase the probability that a LOCA
would challenge the pressure retaining integrity of these
components. Since the subject components have been built to
withstand pressure, temperature, and seismic conditions similar to
those of the existing penetration, they are judged to be an
[[Page 40022]]
acceptable barrier to prevent the uncontrolled release of post-
accident fission products for the purposes of this amendment
request.
Further, it has been shown that the largest potential leakage
pathway, the IFTS transfer tube itself, would remain sealed by the
depth of water required to be maintained in the fuel building fuel
transfer pool. The transfer tube drain line constitutes the other
possible leakage pathway, and will be required to be capable of
being isolated via administrative control of the manual isolation
valve in the drain line. Additionally, due to the physical
relationships of the buildings and components involved, any leakage
from either of these pathways is fully contained within the
boundaries of the secondary containment and would be filtered by the
Standby Gas Treatment System prior to release to the environment.
Based on the above, Illinois Power has concluded that the
proposed change will not result in a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of any accident previously evaluated.
(2) The proposed change does not involve a change to the plant
design or operation (except when the IFTS is operated). As a result,
the proposed change does not affect any of the parameters or
conditions that could contribute to the initiation of any accidents.
No new accident modes are created by this change. Extending the
primary containment boundary to include portions of the IFTS has no
influence on, nor does it contribute to the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident or malfunction from those previously
analyzed.
Based on the above, Illinois Power has concluded that the
proposed change will not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident not previously evaluated.
(3) The request does not involve a significant reduction in a
margin of safety. The proposed change only affects the extent of a
portion of the primary containment boundary. Precautions will be
taken to administratively control the IFTS transfer tube drain path
so that the proposed change will not increase the probability that
an increase in leakage from the primary containment to the secondary
containment could occur.
The margin of safety that has the potential of being impacted by
the proposed change involves the offsite dose consequences of
postulated accidents which are directly related to containment
leakage rate. The containment isolation system is designed to limit
leakage to La, which is defined by the Clinton Power Station
Technical Specifications to be 0.65% of primary containment air
weight per day at the calculated peak constant pressure (Pa).
The limitation on containment leakage rate is designed to ensure
that total leakage volume will not exceed the value assumed in the
accident analyses at the peak accident pressure (Pa). The
margin of safety for the offsite dose consequences of postulated
accidents directly related to the containment leakage rate is
maintained by meeting the 1.0 La acceptance criteria. The
La value is not being modified by this proposed technical
specification change. The IFTS will continue to provide an
acceptable barrier to prevent containment leakage during a LOCA, and
therefore this change will not create a situation causing the
containment leakage rate acceptance criteria to be violated.
As a result, Illinois Power has concluded that the proposed
change will not result in a reduction in a margin of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Vespasian Warner Public
Library, 120 West Johnson Street, Clinton, Illinois 61727
Attorney for licensee: Leah Manning Stetzner, Vice President,
General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, 500 South 27th Street,
Decatur, Illinois 62525
NRC Project Director: Gail H. Marcus
Indiana Michigan Power Company, Docket Nos. 50-315 and 50-316,
Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit Nos. 1 and 2, Berrien County,
Michigan
Date of amendment requests: June 11, 1996 (AEP:NRC:80027)
Description of amendment requests: The proposed amendments would
remove from the technical specifications (TS) certain requirements for
administrative controls, related to quality assurance requirements, in
accordance with the guidance of NRC Administrative Letter 95-
06,Relocation of Technical Specifications Administrative
Controls Related to Quality Assurance.''
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
We have evaluated the proposed T/S changes and have determined
that the changes should involve no significant hazards consideration
based on the criteria established in 10 CFR 50.92(c). Operation of
Cook Nuclear Plant in accordance with the proposed amendment will
not satisfy any of the following criteria:
(a) Involve a significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
The proposed change does not involve any physical alteration of
plant configurations, changes to setpoints, or operating parameters.
This proposed amendment is to relocate the T/S requirements for
administrative controls that are related to quality assurance to the
QAPD [Quality Assurance Program Description]. This is in accordance
with the guidance provided in AL 95-06. Also, the relocated
requirements and future changes are controlled by 10 CFR 50.54(a)
which requires prior NRC approval for changes that reduce the
commitments in the program description previously accepted by the
NRC. Therefore, there will be no significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
(b) Create the possibility of a new or different kind of
accident from any previously analyzed.
The proposed change does not involve any physical alteration of
plant configurations, changes to setponts, or operating parameters.
This proposed amendment is to relocate the T/S requirements for
administrative controls that are related to quality assurance to the
QAPD. This is in accordance with the guidance provided in AL 95-06.
Also, the relocated requirements and future changes are controlled
by 10 CFR 50.54(a) which requires prior NRC approval for changes
that reduce the commitments in the program description previously
accepted by the NRC. Therefore, this proposed change does not create
the possibility of a new of different kind of accident from any
previously analyzed.
(c) Involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety.
The proposed change does not involve any physical alteration of
plant configurations, changes to setpoints, or operating parameters.
This proposed amendment is to relocate the T/S requirements for
administrative controls that are related to quality assurance to the
QAPD. This is in accordance with the guidance provided in AL 95-06.
Also, the relocated requirements and future changes are controlled
by 10 CFR 50.54(a), which requires prior NRC approval for changes
that reduce the commitments in the program description previously
accepted by the NRC. Therefore, this proposed change does not
involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment requests involve no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Maud Preston Palenske Memorial
Library, 500 Market Street, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
Attorney for licensee: Gerald Charnoff, Esq., Shaw, Pittman, Potts
and Trowbridge, 2300 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037
NRC Project Director: Mark Reinhart, Acting
Indiana Michigan Power Company, Docket No. 50-315, Donald C. Cook
Nuclear Plant, Unit No. 1, Berrien County, Michigan
Date of amendment request: June 19, 1996 [AEP:NRC:1166AA]
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
modify the technical specifications (T/
[[Page 40023]]
S) to allow continued use of the 2-volt steam generator (SG) tube
plugging criteria for future operating cycles as discussed in NRC
Generic Letter 95-05, ``Voltage-Based Repair Criteria for the Repair of
Westinghouse Steam Generator Tubes Affected by Outside Diameter Stress
Corrosion Cracking.''
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
In accordance with the three factor test of 10 CFR 50.92(c),
implementation of the proposed license amendment is analyzed using
the following standards and found not to: 1) involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated; 2) create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated;
or 3) involve a significant reduction in margin of safety.
Conformance of the proposed amendment to the standards for a
determination of no significant hazards as defined in 10 CFR 50.92
(three factor test) is shown in the following paragraphs:
1) Operation of Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1, in accordance with
the proposed license amendment, does not involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated. Testing of model boiler specimens for free
span tubing
(no TSP [tube support plate] restraint) at room temperature
conditions show burst pressures in excess of 5000 psi for indications
of outer diameter stress corrosion cracking [ODSCC] with voltage
measurements as high as 19 volts. Burst testing performed on pulled
tubes from Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1 with up to a 2.02 volt indication
shows measured burst pressure in excess of 10,000 psi at room
temperature. Burst testing performed on pulled tubes from other plants
show burst pressures in excess of 5,300 psi at room temperatures.
Correcting for the effects of temperature on material properties and
minimum strength levels (as the burst testing was done at room
temperature), tube burst resistance significantly exceeds the safety
factor requirements of RG [Regulatory Guide] 1.121 [Bases for Plugging
Degraded PWR Steam Generatory Tubes]. As stated earlier, tube burst
criteria are inherently satisfied during normal operating conditions
due to the proximity of the TSP. Test data indicates that tube burst
cannot occur within the TSP, even for tubes which have 100% throughwall
electric-discharge machined notches 0.75 inch long, provided the TSP is
adjacent to the notched area. Since tube-to-tube support plate
proximity precludes tube burst during normal operating conditions, it
follows that use of the proposed plugging criteria must, therefore,
retain tube integrity characteristics which maintain the RG 1.121
margin of safety of 1.43 times the bounding faulted condition (steam
line break) pressure differential.
During a postulated main SLB [steamline break], the TSP has the
potential to deflect during blowdown, thereby uncovering the
intersection. Based on the existing data base, the RG 1.121
criterion requiring maintenance of a safety factor of 1.43 times the
SLB pressure differential on tube burst is satisfied by 7/8 inch
diameter tubing with bobbin coil indications with signal amplitudes
less than VSL, regardless of the indicated depth measurement. A
2 volt plugging criteria compares favorably with the current
VSL (8.8 volt) structural limit, considering the previously
calculated growth rates for ODSCC within Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1
SGs. Considering a voltage growth component of 0.8 volts (40%
voltage growth based on 2 volts BOC [beginning of cycle] and a
nondestructive examination uncertainty of 0.40 volts (20% voltage
uncertainty based on 2 volts BOC), when added to the BOC plugging
criteria of 2 volts, results in a bounding EOC [end of cycle]
voltage of approximately 3.2 volts for a cycle operation. A 5.6 volt
safety margin exists (8.8 - 3.2 volt EOC = 5.6 volt margin).
For the voltage/burst correlation, the EOC structural limit is
supported by a voltage of 8.8 volts. Using this VSL of 8.8
volts, a BOC maximum allowable repair limit can be established using
the guidance of RG 1.121. The BOC maximum allowable repair limit
should not permit a significant number of EOC indications to exceed
the VSL and should assure that acceptable tube burst
probabilities are attained. By adding NDE [nondestructive
examination] uncertainty allowances and an allowance for crack
growth to the repair limit, the structural limit can be validated.
The previous plugging criteria submittal established the
conservative NDE uncertainty limit (VNDE) of 20% of the BOC
repair limit. For consistency, a 40% voltage growth allowance
(VGR) to the BOC repair limit is also included. This allowance
is extremely conservative for Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1. Therefore,
the maximum allowable upper voltage repair limit VURL for BOC,
based on the VSL of 8.8 volts, can be represented by the
expression:
VURL + (VNDE x VURL) + (VGR x VURL) =
8.8 volts, or,
the maximum allowable BOC repair limit can be expressed
as,VURL = 8.8 volt structural limit/1.6 = 5.5 volts.
This structural repair limit supports this application for
plugging criteria implementation to repair bobbin indications
greater than 2 volts based on RPC [rotating pancake coil]
confirmation of the indication. Conservatively, an upper limit of
5.5 volts will be used to repair bobbin coil indications which are
above 2 volts but do not have confirming RPC calls.
Relative to the expected leakage during accident condition
loadings, it has been previously established that a postulated main
SLB outside of containment, but upstream of the main steam isolation
valve, represents the most limiting radiological condition relative
to the plugging criteria. In support of implementation of the
plugging criteria, it will be determined whether the distribution of
crack indications at the TSP intersections at the EOC are projected
to be such that primary-to-secondary leakage would result in site
boundary doses within a small fraction of the 10 CFR 100 guidelines.
A separate calculation has determined this allowable SLB leakage
limit to be 8.4 gpm. Although not required by the Cook Nuclear Plant
design basis, this calculation uses the recommended Iodine-131
transient spiking values consistent with NUREG-0800 [Standard Review
Plan], and the T/S reactor coolant system activity limit of 1 micro
curie per gram dose equivalent Iodine-131. Control room dose
calculations were also performed and found to be less limiting than
the offsite dose leakrate. Therefore, the more conservative offsite
dose leakrate is used. The projected SLB leakage rate calculation
methodology prescribed in GL 95-05 and WCAP 14277 [Steam Line Break
Leak Rate and Tube Burst Probability Analysis Methods for Outside
Diameter Stress Corrosion Cracking at Tube Support Plate
Intersections] will be used to calculate EOC leakage, based on
actual EOC distributions and EOC projected distributions. Due to the
relatively low voltage growth rates at Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1 and
the relatively small number of indications affected by the plugging
criteria, SLB leakage prediction per GL 95-05 is expected to be
significantly less than the permissible level of 8.4 gpm in the
faulted loop.
The inclusion of all intersections in the leakage model, along
with application of a probability of detection of 0.6, will result
in extremely conservative leakage estimations. Close examination of
the available data shows that indications of less than 2.8 volts
will not be expected to leak during SLB conditions.
The proposed amendment does not result in any increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated
within the cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1 Final Safety Analysis Report
(FSAR).
2) The proposed license amendment does not create the
possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident
previously evaluated.
Implementation of the proposed SG tube plugging criteria does
not introduce any significant changes to the plant design basis. Use
of the criteria does not provide a mechanism which could result in
an accident outside of the region of the TSP elevations. Neither a
single nor a multiple tube rupture event would, under any plant
conditions, be expected in a SG in which the plugging criteria has
been applied. Specifically, we will continue to implement a maximum
leakage rate limit of 150 gpd (0.1 gpm) per SG to help preclude the
potential for excessive leakage during all plant conditions. The T/S
limits imposed on primary-to-secondary leakage at operating
conditions are a maximum of 0.4 gpm (600 gpd) for all SGs with a
maximum of 150 gpd allowed for any one SG.
The RG 1.121 criteria for establishing operational leakage rate
limits that require
[[Page 40024]]
plant shutdown are based upon leak-before-break (LBB) considerations
to detect a free span crack before potential tube rupture during
faulted plant conditions. The 150 gpd limit should provide for
leakage detection and plant shutdown in the event of the occurrence
of an unexpected single crack resulting in leakage that is
associated with the longest permissible crack length. Regulatory
Guide 1.121 acceptance criteria for establishing operating leakage
limits are based on LBB considerations such that plant shutdown is
initiated if the leakage associated with the longest permissible
crack is exceeded. The longest permissible crack is the length that
provides a factor of safety of 1.43 against bursting at faulted
conditions maximum pressure differential. A voltage amplitude of 8.8
volts for typical ODSCC corresponds to meeting this tube burst
requirement at a lower 95% prediction limit on the burst correlation
coupled with 95/95 lower tolerance limit material properties.
Alternate crack morphologies can correspond to 8.8 volts so that a
unique crack length is not defined by the burst pressure versus
voltage correlation. Consequently, typical burst pressure versus
through-wall crack length correlations were used to define the
``longest permissible crack'' for evaluating operating leakage
limits. Consistent with the cycle 13, 14 and 15 license amendment
requests for plugging criteria, and Section 5 of Enclosure 1 of the
GL, operational leakage limits will remain at 150 gpd per SG. Axial
cracks leaking at this level are expected to provide LBB protection
at both the SLB pressure differential of 2560 psi and, while not
part of any established LBB methodology, LBB protection will also be
provided at a value of 1.43 times the SLB pressure differential.
Thus, the 150 gpd limit provides for plant shutdown prior to
reaching critical crack lengths for SLB conditions. Additionally,
this LBB evaluation assumes that the entire crevice area is
uncovered during blowdown. Partial uncovery will provide benefit to
the burst capacity of the intersection.
3) The proposed license amendment does not involve a significant
reduction in margin of safety.
The use of the voltage-based bobbin probe interim TSP elevation
plugging criteria at Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1 is demonstrated to
maintain SG tube integrity commensurate with the criteria of RG
1.121. Regulatory Guide 1.121 describes a method acceptable to the
NRC staff for meeting GDC [General Design Criteria] 14, 15, 31, and
32 by reducing the probability or the consequences of SG tube
rupture. This is accomplished by determining the limiting conditions
of degradation of SG tubing, as established by in-service
inspection, for which tubes with unacceptable cracking should be
removed from service. Upon implementation of the criteria, even
under the worst case conditions, the occurrence of ODSCC at the TSP
elevations is not expected to lead to a SG tube rupture event during
normal or faulted plant conditions. It will be confirmed by analysis
and calculation that EOC distribution of crack indications at the
TSP elevations will result in acceptable primary-to-secondary
leakage during all plant conditions and that radiological
consequences are not adversely impacted.
In addressing the combined effects of a LOCA [loss-of-coolant
accident] and SSE [safe-shutdown earthquake] on the SG component (as
required by GDC 2), it has been determined that tube collapse may
occur in the SGs at some plants. The postulated tube collapse
results from a deformation of TSPs as a result of lateral loads at
the wedge supports at the periphery of the plate. The lateral loads
result from the combined effects of the LOCA rarefaction wave and
SSE loadings. The resulting pressure differential on the deformed
tubes may then cause some of the tubes to collapse.
There are two issues associated with a postulated SG tube
collapse. First, the collapse of SG tubing reduces the RCS [reactor
coolant system] flow area through the tubes. The reduction in flow
area increases the resistance to flow of steam from the core during
a LOCA which, in turn, may potentially increase peak clad
temperature. Second, there is a potential that partial through-wall
cracks in tubes could progress to through-wall cracks during tube
deformation or collapse.
Consequently, since the LBB methodology is applicable to the
Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1 reactor coolant loop piping, the
probability of breaks in the primary loop piping is sufficiently low
that they need not be considered in the structural design of the
plant. The limiting LOCA event becomes either the accumulator line
break or the pressurizer surge line break. Loss of coolant accident
loads for the primary pipe breaks were used to bound the Cook
Nuclear Plant Unit 1 smaller breaks. The results of the analysis
using the larger break inputs show that the LOCA loads were found to
be of insufficient magnitude to result in SG tube collapse or
significant deformation.
Addressing RG 1.83 [In-Service Inspection of PWR Steam Generator
Tubes] considerations, implementation of the bobbin coil probe,
voltage-based interim tube plugging criteria of 2 volts is
supplemented by enhanced eddy current inspection guidelines to
provide consistency in voltage normalization, a 100% eddy current
inspection sample size at the TSP elevation per T/S, and MRPC
[motorized RPC] inspection requirements for the larger indications
left in-service to characterize the principal degradation as ODSCC.
As noted previously, implementation of the TSP elevation
plugging criteria will decrease the number of tubes which must be
repaired. The installation of SG tube plugs reduces the RCS flow
margin. Thus, implementation of the plugging criteria will maintain
the margin of flow that would otherwise be reduced in the event of
increased tube plugging.
Based on the above, it is concluded that the proposed license
amendment request does not result in a significant reduction in
margin with respect to plant safety as defined in the FSAR or any
Bases of the plant T/Ss.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Maud Preston Palenske Memorial
Library, 500 Market Street, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
Attorney for licensee: Gerald Charnoff, Esq., Shaw, Pittman, Potts
and Trowbridge, 2300 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037
NRC Project Director: Mark Reinhart, Acting
Northern States Power Company, Docket No. 50-282, Prairie Island
Nuclear Generating Plant, Unit No. 1, Goodhue County, Minnesota
Date of amendment request: July 15, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
allow the use of the moveable incore detector system for measurement of
the core peaking factors with less than 75% and greater than or equal
to 50% of the detector thimbles available. The amendment request is a
one-time only change for Prairie Island, Unit 1, Operating Cycle 18. It
is being submitted to allow for continued operation if the number of
detector thimbles drops below 75%.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed amendment will not involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
The proposed changes do not involve an increase in the
probability of an accident previously evaluated. The moveable incore
detector system is used only to provide confirmatory information on
the neutron flux distribution and is not required for the daily safe
operation of the core. The system is not a process variable that is
an initial condition in the accident analyses. The only accident
that the moveable incore detector system could be involved in is the
breaching of the detector thimbles which would be enveloped by the
small break loss of coolant accident (LOCA) analysis. As the
proposed changes do not involve any changes to the system's
equipment and no equipment is operated in a new or more harmful
manner, there is no increase in the probability of such an accident.
The proposed amendments would not involve an increase in the
consequences of an accident previously evaluated. The moveable
incore detector system provides a monitoring function that is not
used for accident mitigation (the system is not used in the primary
success path for mitigation of a design basis accident). The ability
of the reactor protection system or engineered
[[Page 40025]]
safety features system instrumentation to mitigate the consequences
of an accident will not be impaired by the proposed changes. The
small break LOCA analysis (and thus its consequences) continues to
bound potential breaching of the system's detector thimbles.
With greater than or equal to 50% and less than 75% of the
detector thimbles available, core peaking factor measurement
uncertainties will be increased, which could impact the core peaking
factors and as a result could affect the consequences of certain
accidents. However, any changes in the core peaking factors
resulting from increased measurement uncertainties will be
compensated for by conservative measurement uncertainty adjustments
in the Technical Specifications to ensure that pertinent core design
parameters are maintained. Sufficient additional penalty is added to
the power distribution measurements such that this change will not
impact the consequences of any accident previously evaluated.
Therefore, based on the conclusions of the above analysis, the
proposed changes will not involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
2. The proposed amendment will not create the possibility of a
new or different kind of accident from any accident previously
analyzed.
The proposed amendments would not create the possibility of a
new or different kind of accident previously evaluated as they only
affect the minimum complement of equipment necessary for operability
of the moveable incore detector system. There is no change in plant
configuration, equipment or equipment design. No equipment is
operated in a new manner. Thus the changes will not create any new
or different accident causal mechanisms. The accident analysis in
the Updated Safety Analysis Report remains bounding.
Therefore, based on the conclusions of the above analysis, the
proposed changes will not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident.
3. The proposed amendment will not involve a significant
reduction in the margin of safety.
The proposed changes will not involve a significant reduction in
a margin of safety. The reduction in the minimum complement of
equipment necessary for the operability of the moveable incore
detector system could only impact the monitoring/calibration
functions of the system. Reduction of the number of available
moveable incore detector thimbles to the 50% level does not
significantly degrade the ability of the system to measure core
power distributions. With greater than or equal to 50% and less than
75% of the detector thimbles available, core peaking factor
measurement uncertainties will be increased, but will be compensated
for by conservative measurement uncertainty adjustments in the
Technical Specifications to ensure that pertinent core design
parameters are maintained. Sufficient additional penalty is added to
the power distribution measurements such that this change does not
impact the safety margins which currently exist. Also, the reduction
of available detector thimbles has negligible impact on the quadrant
power tilt and core average axial power shape measurements.
Sufficient detector thimbles will be available to ensure that no
quadrant will be unmonitored.
Based on these factors, the proposed changes in this license
amendment will not result in a significant reduction in the plant's
margin of safety, as the core will continue to be adequately
monitored.
Based on the evaluation above, and pursuant to 10 CFR 50,
Section 50.91, Northern States Power Company has determined that
operation of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant in
accordance with the proposed license amendment request does not
involve any significant hazards considerations as defined by NRC
regulations in 10 CFR 50, Section 50.92.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment requests involve no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Minneapolis Public Library,
Technology and Science Department, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55401
Attorney for licensee: Jay Silberg, Esq., Shaw, Pittman, Potts, and
Trowbridge, 2300 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037
NRC Project Director: Mark Reinhart, Acting
Omaha Public Power District, Docket No. 50-285, Fort Calhoun
Station, Unit No. 1, Washington County, Nebraska
Date of amendment request: May 31, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
revise the Technical Specifications (TS) to add a Limiting Condition
for Operation (LCO) for trisodium phosphate (TSP) and increase the
minimum required amount of TSP contained in the containment sump mesh
baskets.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed change does not involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate (TSP) is stored in the
containment sump to raise the pH of the sump and spray water
following a loss of coolant accident (LOCA). As the pH of the water
increases, more radioactive iodine is kept in solution and the
possibility of airborne radioactivity leakage is decreased. An
additional advantage of a higher pH is the beneficial reduction in
chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of austenitic stainless
steel components in the containment following a LOCA.
This chemical is an accident mitigator, not an accident
initiator in that it is not used until after an accident (i.e., a
LOCA) has occurred. At the time it begins to go into solution, the
accident has occurred, containment spray has been activated and
water is collecting in the containment sump. Therefore, increasing
the Technical Specification (TS) minimum amount of TSP verified to
be in containment will not involve a significant increase of the
probability of an accident previously evaluated.
The Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR), Section 14.15, ``Loss
of Coolant Accident,'' does not take credit for a post-LOCA minimum
containment sump pH adjustment to 7.0 for the iodine removal and
retention calculation until ten hours after initiation of the event.
Increasing the amount of TSP (based on recent re-analysis) in the
containment sump ensures that a pH greater than or equal to 7.0 is
achieved and therefore does not increase the consequences of any
accident previously evaluated.
The proposed change to TS 2.3(4) represents a new Limiting
Condition for Operation (LCO) which is added to establish overall
consistency with the CE STS [Combustion Engineering Standard
Technical Specifications] for TSP requirements. The proposed change
establishes a minimum TSP volume that must be maintained during
operating Modes 1 and 2 to ensure that a pH greater than or equal to
7.0 is achieved within four hours following a LOCA; as well as,
establishing times for accomplishing corrective actions should the
LCO not be met. Therefore, this change does not significantly
increase the probability or consequences of any accident previously
evaluated.
The proposed change to TS 3.6(2)d(i) revises the required
surveillance inventory of the TSP baskets consistent with the
aforementioned calculation to ensure that a pH greater than or equal
to 7.0 is achieved. Therefore, this change does not increase the
consequences of any accident previously evaluated.
The proposed change to TS 3.6(2)d(ii) moves the surveillance
test amounts of chemical and water used from the Specification to
the Basis section. This relocation will not alter the test method or
acceptance criteria.
In the Basis, the amount of TSP used in the test is changed to
reflect the ratio of TSP to water that would be found in the
containment sump following a LOCA. The specified concentration of
boron in the test reflects the highest concentration that could be
found in the containment sump following a LOCA. The test temperature
is changed to 115 - 125 deg.F, which is well below the temperature
expected to be found in the containment sump following a LOCA. The
decanting of the solution does not change the intent of the test
method since the dissolving period will still be conducted without
agitation. Therefore, these changes do not involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
[[Page 40026]]
2. The proposed change does not create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
TSP is currently present in the containment sump. The addition
of TSP ensures that a pH greater than or equal to 7.0 is achieved
following a LOCA. The increase in TSP inventory will be accomplished
via a modification to be installed during the 1996 Refueling Outage.
The proposed change to TS 2.3(4) represents a new LCO which is
added to establish overall consistency with the CE STS for TSP
requirements. The proposed change establishes a minimum TSP volume
that must be maintained during operating Modes 1 and 2 to ensure
that a pH greater than or equal to 7.0 is achieved following a LOCA,
as well as, establishing corrective action term limits should the
LCO not be met. This proposed change does not create a possibility
of a new or different kind of accident from any previously analyzed.
The proposed change to TS 3.6(2)d(ii) moves the surveillance
test amounts of chemical and water used from the Specification to
the Basis section to be consistent with the CE STS. This relocation
will not alter the test method or acceptance criteria. In the Basis
section, the amount of TSP used in the test is changed to reflect
the ratio of TSP to water that would be found in the containment
following a LOCA. The specified concentration of boron in the test
reflects the highest concentration that could be found in the
containment sump following a LOCA. The test temperature is changed
to a range of 115 - 125 deg.F which is well below the temperature
expected to be found in the containment sump following a LOCA. The
decanting of the solution does not change the intent of the test
method since the dissolving period will still be conducted without
agitation. Therefore, these changes will not create the possibility
of a new or different type of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
3. The proposed change does not involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety.
TSP is stored in the containment lower level to raise the pH of
the containment sump and recirculated spray water following a LOCA.
As the pH of the water increases, more radioactive iodine is kept in
solution and the possibility of airborne radioactivity leakage is
decreased. Additionally, a higher pH has the beneficial effect of
reducing the possibility of chloride stress corrosion cracking of
austenitic stainless steel components in the containment.
The proposed change to TS 2.3(4) represents addition of a new
LCO for TSP requirements during power operations and hot standby
consistent with CE STS. This change does not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety.
TS 3.6(2)d(i) requires verification that a minimum volume of TSP
is contained in the storage baskets in containment. This change
proposes to increase that volume consistent with the latest ABB/CE
calculation. The increased volume will ensure that the containment
sump, when filled with water from the Reactor Coolant System, Safety
Injection Refueling Water Tank, Safety Injection Tanks and Boric
Acid Storage Tanks, will have a pH greater than or equal to 7.0
within four hours following a LOCA. Therefore, this change does not
involve a reduction in a margin of safety.
The proposed change to TS 3.6(2)d(ii) would move the
surveillance test amounts of chemical and water used from the
Specification to the Basis section. This relocation is consistent
with the CE STS and will not alter the test method or acceptance
criteria. In the Basis, the amount of TSP used in the test is
changed to reflect the ratio of TSP to water that would be found in
the containment following a LOCA. The specified concentration of
boron in the test reflects the highest post-LOCA concentration that
could be found in the containment. The test temperature is changed
to a range of 115 - 125 deg.F which is well below the temperature
expected to be found in the containment sump following a LOCA. The
decanting of the solution does not change the intent of the test
method since the dissolving period will still be conducted without
agitation. Therefore, these changes do not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: W. Dale Clark Library, 215
South 15th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Attorney for licensee: Perry D. Robinson, Winston & Strawn, 1400 L
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005-3502
NRC Project Director: William H. Bateman
Omaha Public Power District, Docket No. 50-285, Fort Calhoun
Station, Unit No. 1, Washington County, Nebraska
Date of amendment request: July 15, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
revise the Technical Specifications (TS) to allow the use of either
zircaloy or ZIRLO cladding and add a reference to Westinghouse Topical
Report, WCAP-12610, June 1990.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed change does not involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
The proposed revision to TS 4.3.2 is based on improved STS 4.2
of NUREG-1432. ZIRLO is similar in chemical composition, physical
and mechanical properties to Zircaloy-4, but features improved
corrosion performance and dimensional stability. These
characteristics ensure that fuel rod cladding integrity and fuel
assembly structural integrity are maintained. Fuel assemblies
manufactured with ZIRLO clad fuel rods meet the same design bases
requirements as fuel assemblies manufactured with Zircaloy-4
cladding and the regulatory requirements of 10 CFR 50.46 are
applicable to either material.
No concerns have been identified pertaining to reactor operation
with a core comprised of fuel assemblies manufactured with Zircaloy-
4 clad rods and fuel assemblies manufactured with ZIRLO clad rods.
ZIRLO clad fuel rods do not require a change to the FCS [Fort
Calhoun Station] reload design and safety analysis limits.
Radiological consequences of previously evaluated accidents are not
increased because the safety analysis dose predictions are not
sensitive to the type of cladding material used. The proposed
limited substitution of zirconium alloy or stainless steel filler
rods in accordance with NRC-approved fuel rod configurations will
allow leaking fuel rods (or potential leakers) to be removed.
Therefore, the radiological consequences of accidents previously
evaluated in the FCS Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) are not
increased by this change.
The revisions to TS 4.3.2 listed above will not result in a
change to any of the process variables that might initiate an
accident or affect the radiological release for an accident. The
operating limits will not be changed and the analysis methods to
demonstrate operation within the limits will remain in accordance
with NRC-approved methodology. There are no physical changes to the
plant associated with the change to TS 4.3.2 other than the changes
to the fuel assemblies. Therefore, this revision does not involve a
significant increase in the probability or consequences of an
accident previously evaluated because the safety analysis to be
performed for each cycle will continue to demonstrate compliance
with all fuel safety design bases.
The proposed revision of TS 4.3.2 is supported by Westinghouse
Topical Report, WCAP-12610, ``VANTAGE + Fuel Assembly Report,''
dated June 1990 (Westinghouse Proprietary). This topical report
describes the fuel rod design bases, criteria and models, which are
affected by the use of ZIRLO cladding. Consequently, WCAP-12610 is
proposed for addition to the list of analytical methods located in
TS 5.9.5b that are used to determine the core operating limits.
Based on the above discussion, these changes do not involve a
significant increase in the probability or consequences of an
accident previously evaluated.
2. The proposed change does not create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
Fuel assemblies manufactured with ZIRLO clad fuel rods must meet
original design criteria and thus they will not be an initiator for
any new or different kind of accident. All design and performance
criteria will continue to be met by fuel assemblies manufactured
with ZIRLO clad fuel rods and
[[Page 40027]]
no new single failure mechanisms have been found.
The use of fuel assemblies manufactured with ZIRLO cladding does
not involve any alterations to plant equipment or procedures that
would introduce any new or unique operational modes or accident
precursors. The substitution of zirconium alloy, stainless steel
filler rods, or lead test assemblies for fuel rods will be limited
to NRC-approved fuel rod configurations. Therefore, the possibility
of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated is not created by this change.
3. The proposed change does not involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety.
The use of fuel assemblies manufactured with ZIRLO clad rods
does not change the proposed FCS reload design and safety analysis
limits. The normal operating conditions allowed for in the Technical
Specifications will be taken into consideration for the use of these
fuel assemblies. For each cycle reload core, the fuel assemblies
will be evaluated using NRC-approved reload design methods to
include consideration of the core physics analysis peaking factors
and core average linear heat rate effects.
NRC-approved methods will also be used to analyze each
configuration of zirconium alloy or stainless steel filler rods in
fuel assemblies to demonstrate continued safe operation within the
limits that assure acceptable plant response to accidents and
transients. Therefore, this change does not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: W. Dale Clark Library, 215
South 15th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Attorney for licensee: Perry D. Robinson, Winston & Strawn, 1400 L
Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005-3502
NRC Project Director: William H. Bateman
Power Authority of The State of New York, Docket No. 50-286, Indian
Point Nuclear Generating Unit No. 3, Westchester County, New York
Date of amendment request: June 21, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
change the frequency of instrument channel calibrations in Table 4.1-1,
``Minimum Frequencies for Checks, Calibrations and Test of Instrument
Channels'' to accommodate operation with a 24-month operating cycle.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. Does operation with the proposed license amendment involve a
significant increase in the probability or consequences of any
accident previously evaluated?
Response:
The proposed changes do not involve a significant increase in
the probability or consequences of any accident previously
evaluated. The proposed changes are being made to extend the
calibration frequency to 24-months for the:
Pressurizer Pressure; Accumulator Level and Pressure; andVolume
Control Tank Level.
These changes are being made, using the guidance of Generic
Letter 91-04, to accommodate a 24-month operating cycle. The
proposed changes in the calibration frequencies do not involve any
plant hardware changes (other than alarm adjustments) or the way the
systems function. The results of the instrumentation drift analysis,
loop accuracy/set point calculations and the evaluation of channel
uncertainties indicate the calibrations can be safely extended to
accommodate the 24-month operating cycle.
The four pressurizer pressure channels are used for high and low
pressure protection (i.e., reactor trip and safety injection) and
for overpower-overtemperature protection. Three of the pressure
channels are also used for pressure control and compensation signals
for rod control. Pressurizer pressure indication is also provided in
the control room for use during normal operation and while using the
EOPs (emergency operating procedure). The loop accuracy/setpoint
calculations confirm that sufficient margin exists between the
pressurizer high and low pressure reactor trip, low pressurizer
pressure SI [safety injection], and overtemperature delta-
temperature analytical limits and the existing field trip settings
based on an extended calibration interval. A small increase in
pressurizer pressure normal indication uncertainty due to increased
sensor drift is within the readability of the indicator and has been
incorporated into the pressurizer pressure initial conditions used
in the evaluation of channel uncertainties (Reference 15) [see
application dated June 21, 1996]. The post-accident indication
uncertainties remain bounded by the existing uncertainties used in
the EOPs. Assurance that the RPS [reactor protection system] and ESF
[engineered safety feature] instrumentation and protection logic
relays will function as required is also provided by on-line
surveillance (channel checks performed each shift and quarterly
channel functional tests) that are designed to detect potential
instrument failures and verify operability of pressurizer pressure
channels.
Water level and pressure in each accumulator is monitored by two
redundant channels designed to provide indication in the control
room. High and low level alarm functions alert the operator to
initiate operations to maintain the accumulator water volume or
pressure within the Technical Specifications limits. The level and
pressure instrumentation do not provide an active protective or
control function and are not required to mitigate an accident
condition. The level (or volume) and pressure limits are important
since they are initial conditions assumed in the safety analysis.
The loop accuracy/setpoint calculations for accumulator level and
pressure were updated to include conservative values for 30-month
calibration uncertainties using Westinghouse sensor drift values and
extrapolated vendor specified uncertainties for rack and indicating
components consistent with industry methods. The increased indicator
uncertainty has been evaluated for both input parameters
(accumulator level and pressure) assumed for the LOCA [loss-of-
coolant accident] and Containment Integrity events (Reference 15)
and a non significant increase in both the peak clad temperature and
containment pressure was identified.
The volume control tank (VCT) level instrumentation is not
required to mitigate the consequences of an accident. The
instrumentation provides control room indication and initiates
automatic actions of the chemical and volume control system (e.g.,
diverts letdown to the holdup tanks on high level, initiates makeup
on low level, changes the charging pump suction on low low level).
The loop accuracy/setpoint calculation for VCT level, updated based
on the increased drift and uncertainty, determined that the existing
setpoints remain valid to ensure the VCT instrumentation can perform
the required design function.
2. Does operation with the proposed license amendment create the
possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any
previously evaluated?
Response:
The proposed changes do not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any previously evaluated. The
proposed changes extend the calibration frequency to 24 months for
the Pressurizer Pressure, Accumulator Pressure and Level, and Volume
Control Tank Level instrumentation to accommodate a 24-month
operating cycle. The proposed changes in calibration frequencies do
not involve any plant hardware changes, nor do they change the way
that the systems function.
The extension of the calibration and surveillance test intervals
were evaluated and the results, documented in Reference 15, indicate
that the calibrations can be safely extended to accommodate the 24-
month operating cycle.
3. Does operation with the proposed license amendment involve a
significant reduction in a margin of safety?
Response:
The proposed changes do not involve a significant reduction in a
margin of safety. The proposed changes extend the calibration
frequency to 24 months for the Pressurizer Pressure, Accumulator
Pressure and Level, and Volume Control Tank Level instrumentation to
accommodate a 24-month operating cycle.
The proposed changes result in an increased instrument channel
uncertainty for the pressurizer pressure. An evaluation (Reference
15) has determined that: all
[[Page 40028]]
current cycle 9 safety analysis limits based on pressurizer pressure
uncertainties remain bounding for extended surveillance intervals
(high and low pressure trips); the safety analysis limits for K1 (a
constant used in the overtemperature [DELTA] T trip setpoint) remain
applicable; and, Engineered Safety Feature Actuation System trip
settings based on pressurizer pressure uncertainty remain bounding
(low pressure safety injection).
The proposed changes result in an increased instrument channel
uncertainty for the accumulator level and pressure. An evaluation
(Reference 15) has determined that increasing the uncertainty
results in non-significant (defined by 10 CFR 50.46(a)(3)(i) as less
than 50 deg.F) increases in the total peak clad temperature (less
than 35 deg.F) for the large break and small break LOCA but the
values remain well within regulatory acceptance criteria. The
evaluation also determined that the peak calculated pressure in
containment following a LOCA would increase due to the lower bound
on pressure and the higher bound on volume in the accumulators. An
assessment of the approximate effect on the peak containment
pressure determined that the Technical Specification integrated leak
rate testing value of 42.42 psig (the licensing basis peak pressure)
remains bounding.
The proposed changes result in an increased instrument channel
uncertainty for the VCT level but there are no changes to any
margins of safety because this instrumentation supports a control
function.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: White Plains Public Library,
100 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601.
Attorney for licensee: Mr. Charles M. Pratt, 10 Columbus Circle,
New York, New York 10019.
NRC Project Director: Jocelyn A. Mitchell, Acting Director
Southern California Edison Company, et al., Docket No. 50-206, San
Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Unit No. 1, San Diego County,
California
Date of amendment request: December 22, 1995
Description of amendment request: The proposed change would revise
the San Onofre Unit 1 License Condition to delete a reference to
License Condition 2.C(4) from License Condition 2.D. This change is
being requested to eliminate a reporting requirement for violations of
the physical protection plans that is redundant to reporting
requirements in 10 CFR 73.71 and 10 CFR 73 Appendix G.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. Will operation of the facility according to this proposed
change involve a significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
No. The proposed change is considered an administrative change.
It has no impact on the probability or consequences of any of the
accidents previously evaluated. This change revises License
Condition 2.D to remove the burden of duplicate reporting
requirements. This change does not affect the physical protection
program as previously approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC).
A reporting requirement in License Condition 2.D is being
revised to remove the reference to License Condition 2.C(4) for the
physical protection program. The reporting requirements for the
physical protection program are located in the regulations, 10 CFR
73.71 and 10 CFR 73 Appendix G.
Therefore, the probability and consequences of an accidently
previously evaluated are not affected by these proposed changes.
2. Will operation of the facility according to this proposed
change create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident
from any accident previously evaluated.
No. This proposed change is considered an administrative change.
It has no impact on equipment, systems, or structures such that a
new or different kind of accident is created. This change revises
License Condition 2.D to remove duplicate and unnecessary reporting
requirements for the physical protection program. There is no change
associated with the implementation and maintenance of the physical
protection program as previously approved by the NRC.
Therefore, the possibility of a new or different kind of
accident from an accident previously evaluated is not created.
3. Will operation of the facility according to this proposed
change involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety?
No. This proposed change is considered an administrative change
only. It has no impact on the margin of safety associated with the
physical protection program. This change revises License Condition
2.D to remove duplicative and unnecessary reporting requirements for
the physical protection program. The maintenance and implementation
of the physical protection program is not affected by this change.
Therefore, there will not be a significant reduction in a margin
of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the analysis of the licensee and, based
on this review, it appears that the three standards of 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Main Library, University of
California, P.O. Box 19557, Irvine, California 92713
Attorney for licensee: James A. Beoletto, Esquire, Southern
California Edison Company, P.O. Box 800, Rosemead, California 91770
NRC Project Director: Seymour H. Weiss
Southern California Edison Company, et al., Docket No. 50-206, San
OnofreNuclear Generating Station, Unit No. 1, San Diego County,
California
Date of amendment request: March 13, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed change would revise
San Onofre Unit 1 License Condition 2.D in the Operating (Possession
Only) License to remove a reporting requirement that is redundant to
reporting requirements in 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73. Additionally, the
proposed change would make administrative and editorial changes in the
Permanently Defueled Technical Specifications, which constitute
Appendix A of the Operating (Possession Only) License.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. Will operation of the facility according to this proposed
change involve a significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
No. San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Unit 1 (SONGS 1) has
been permanently shut down with its reactor defueled and spent fuel
from the reactor stored in the spent fuel pool. The proposed change
will not modify any of the existing plant configurations, controls,
procedures, or Permanently Defueled Technical Specifications (PDTS)
requirements necessary to assure the integrity and safe operation of
the spent fuel pool.
The requested change to License Condition 2.D will result in not
requiring violations of the PDTS to be reported based on License
Condition 2.D. The basis for this change is that all types of
reportable events applicable to a defueled plant are covered by 10
CFR 50.72 and 50.73, which SONGS 1 is required to implement. Any
other reporting requirements imposed through a license condition are
redundant to reporting requirements contained in 10 CFR 50.72 and
50.73. Therefore, this change is administrative.
The requested changes to the PDTS are also administrative in
nature. They consist of changes to reflect the current nuclear
organization and responsibilities, modify administrative
requirements relating to the Onsite Review Committee, modify a
requirement relating to Final Safety Analysis Report documentation
using NRC guidance, and make editorial corrections and improvements
in the text. Since these changes are administrative, they have no
effect on the accidents previously evaluated.
[[Page 40029]]
Therefore, operation of the facility in accordance with this
proposed change will not involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accidently previously evaluated.
2. Will operation of the facility according to this proposed
change create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident
from any accident previously evaluated.
No. The proposed changes do not alter the design, configuration,
or method of operation of the plant. The changes to License
Condition 2.D and the PDTS are administrative or editorial.
Therefore, operation of the facility in accordance with this
proposed change will not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
3. Will operation of the facility according to this proposed
change involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety?
No. The proposed changes do not alter the design, configuration,
or method of operation of the plant. Since the proposed changes are
administrative or editorial, the existing plant safety margins are
not reduced.
Therefore, operation of the facility in accordance with this
proposed change will not involve a significant reduction in a margin
of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the analysis of the licensee and, based
on this review, it appears that the three standards of 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Main Library, University of
California, P.O. Box 19557, Irvine, California 92713
Attorney for licensee: James A. Beoletto, Esquire, Southern
California Edison Company, P.O. Box 800, Rosemead, California 91770
NRC Project Director: Seymour H. Weiss
Southern California Edison Company, et al., Docket Nos. 50-361 and
50-362, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3,
San Diego County, California
Date of amendment requests: May 29, 1996
Description of amendment requests: The licensee proposes to revise
improved Technical Specification (TS) 3.5.1, ``Safety Injection Tanks
(SITs),'' to increase the minimum boron concentration in the safety
injection tanks from 1850 parts per million (ppm) to 2200 ppm. This TS
change is being requested to support the planned increase in the
operating cycle length.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed change does not involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
Southern California Edison (Edison) is increasing the minimum
boron concentration to maintain the ability of the Safety Injection
Tanks (SITs) to perform their intended safety function consistent
with the increase in fuel enrichment up to 4.8 weight percent (w/o)
Uranium-235 and changing the burnable poison from B4C to Erbia
(Erbium-Oxide Er2O3 and fuel mixture) to increase the
length of the operating cycle. Increasing the minimum boron
concentration in the SITs will maintain the ability of the Emergency
Core Cooling System (ECCS) to control core reactivity during and
following an accident.
No change is being made to the design of the safety injection
system. Consequently, there will be no impact on the probability of
initiating an accident which has been previously evaluated.
Increasing the boron concentration in the SITs will ensure the
ability of this system to mitigate the accidents for which it is
required. No other accident conditions, design conditions, Technical
Specifications, or Technical Specification Bases are affected by
this proposed change in boron concentration.
Therefore, the operation of the facility in accordance with this
proposed change does not involve an increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
2. The proposed change does not create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
There is no change in plant design or operational methodology
imposed by the increase in SIT boron concentration. This increase in
boron concentration is required because Edison is increasing the
fuel enrichment up to 4.8 w/o Uranium-235 and changing the burnable
poison from B4C to Erbia to achieve a longer cycle length.
Therefore, additional negative reactivity is required at the
beginning of the fuel cycle for these alternate coolant sources.
Edison believes this change in the SIT minimum boron
concentration limit is, in essence, an administrative change. The
SITs are filled from the refueling water storage tank (RWST), which
has a technical specification minimum boron concentration
requirement of 2350 ppm. Edison maintains the RWST boron
concentration higher than the minimum limit. As a result, for the
past several years the SIT boron concentration has been
approximately 2500 ppm, even though the technical specification
lower limit is 1850 ppm. The maximum boron concentration limit is
not being changed. Increasing the SIT minimum boron concentration
limit of the technical specification narrows the existing operating
band, and maintaining the boron concentration between 2200 ppm and
2800 ppm will keep the boron concentration between the current band
of 1850 ppm to 2800 ppm. Therefore, changing the SIT minimum boron
concentration from 1850 ppm to 2200 ppm does not involve a physical
change to the plant.
Therefore, the operation of the facility in accordance with this
proposed change does not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
3. The proposed change does not involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety.
With the increase in fuel enrichment up to 4.8 w/o Uranium-235
and changing the burnable poison from B4C to Erbia to increase
the length of the operating cycle, increasing the minimum boron
concentration in the SITs is required to maintain the current
margins of safety.
The calculations were performed to ensure the core remains
subcritical (i.e., conservatively 1% shutdown) with the proposed
boron concentration. In addition to the conservative assumptions
used in the calculation, 50 ppm was added to the results.
Therefore, the operation of the facility in accordance with this
proposed change does not involve a significant reduction in a margin
of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment requests involve no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Main Library, University of
California, P. O. Box 19557, Irvine, California 92713
Attorney for licensee: T. E. Oubre, Esquire, Southern California
Edison Company, P. O. Box 800, Rosemead, California 91770
NRC Project Director: William H. Bateman
Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Docket Nos. 50-348 and
50-364, Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2, Houston
County, Alabama
Date of amendments request: June 12, 1996
Description of amendments request: The proposed amendments would
revise the reactor core safety limits, Overtemperature delta T (OTDT)
and Overpressure delta T (OPDT) reactor trip setpoints and allowable
values, and the power distribution limits associated with
implementation of Relaxed Axial Offset Control (RAOC) and FQ
surveillance. The proposed amendments also include changes to the Bases
associated with these specifications and surveillances.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
[[Page 40030]]
1. The proposed safety limits, reactor trip setpoints, HNF [high
neutron flux] setpoints for MSSVs [main steamline safety valves] out
of service, F[delta]H for LOPAR [low parasitic], and RAOC strategy
changes do not increase the probability or consequences of an
accident previously evaluated in the FSAR [Final Safety Analysis
Report]. The core safety limits and trip setpoints were determined
using the NRC reviewed and approved DNB [departure from nucleate
boiling] methodologies, namely RTDP, and approved DNB correlations.
No new performance requirements are being imposed on any system or
component in order to support the revised core limits. Overall plant
integrity is not reduced. The DNB sensitive transients that are
protected by [OPDT] and [OTDT] were reanalyzed or evaluated. The DNB
design criterion continues to be met. None of these changes directly
initiate an accident; therefore, the probability of an accident has
not increased. No new performance requirements are imposed on any
safety-related equipment. The acceptance criteria for the reanalyses
continue to be met; therefore, the consequences of accidents
previously evaluated in the FSAR are not significantly changed. All
dose consequences have been evaluated for these changes and all
acceptance limits continue to be met. All safety analyses that use
the revised [OTDT] and [OPDT] setpoints continue to meet all
acceptance criteria. [Loss-of-coolant accident] LOCA analyses are
not affected by any of these proposed changes.
2. The proposed Technical Specifications changes do not create
the possibility of a new or different kind of accident than any
accident already evaluated in the FSAR. No new accident scenarios,
failure mechanisms or limiting single failures are introduced as a
result of the proposed changes. The proposed Technical
Specifications changes have no adverse effects on any safety-related
system and do not challenge the performance or integrity of any
safety-related system. The DNB design criterion continues to be met.
The use of the revised core limits, reactor trip setpoints and RAOC
have been shown to allow FNP [Farley Nuclear Plant] to operate in a
safe configuration. Therefore, the possibility of a new or different
kind of accident is not created.
3. The proposed Technical Specifications changes do not involve
a significant reduction in a margin of safety. All accident analysis
acceptance criteria continue to be met. The DNB design criterion
remains unchanged. The DNBR [departure from nucleate boiling ratio]
design limit values have not changed. Therefore, the DNB design
limit values associated with the DNB methodology and correlations,
upon which the Technical Specifications changes are based, do not
result in a significant reduction in the margin of safety because
the DNB design criterion continues to be met. The proposed revisions
to the Technical Specifications result in an operating configuration
consistent with the analytic assumptions (including LOCA analyses)
used to form the bases of the Technical Specifications.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Houston-Love Memorial Library,
212 W. Burdeshaw Street, Post Office Box 1369, Dothan, Alabama 36302
Attorney for licensee: M. Stanford Blanton, Esq., Balch and
Bingham, Post Office Box 306, 1710 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham,
Alabama 35201
NRC Project Director: Herbert N. Berkow
Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Docket Nos. 50-348 and
50-364, Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2, Houston
County, Alabama
Date of amendments request: June 20, 1996
Description of amendments request: The proposed amendments would
revise the Technical Specifications (TS) to incorporate the
requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J, Option B. The
Administrative Controls portion would be revised to establish and
reference a ``Containment Leakage Rate Testing Program'' in accordance
with the NRC's Regulatory Guide 1.163 dated September 1995.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. The proposed changes do not involve a significant increase in
the probability of consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
The proposed changes provide a mechanism within the TS for
implementing a performance-based leakage rate test program which was
promulgated by the revision to 10 CFR [Part] 50 to incorporate
Option B to Appendix J. The proposed changes do not involve any
physical or operational changes to structures, systems or
components. The proposed TS Limiting Conditions for Operation (LCO)
are consistent with 10 CFR [Part] 50, Appendix J requirements and
are equivalent to the current LCO requirements. The current safety
analyses and safety design basis for the accident mitigation
functions of the containment, the airlocks, and the containment
isolation valves are maintained. Since the allowable containment
leakage is still maintained within the analyzed limit assumed in the
accident analyses, there is no adverse effect on either onsite or
offsite dose consequences. Furthermore, containment leakage is not
an accident initiator. Therefore, these changes will not increase
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
2. The proposed changes do not create the possibility of a new
or different kind of accident from any accident previously analyzed.
The proposed changes do not involve any physical or operational
changes to structures, systems or components. No new failure
mechanisms beyond those already considered in the current plant
safety analyses are introduced. Therefore, the proposed changes do
not create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident
from any accident previously analyzed.
3. The proposed changes do not involve a significant reduction
in the margin of safety. Extending Type A, B, and C test intervals
from those currently provided in the TS to those provided for in 10
CFR [Part] 50 Appendix J, Option B slightly increases risk due to an
increased likelihood of containment leakage corresponding to the
increased testing intervals. However, this is somewhat compensated
by the corresponding risk reduction benefits received from the
reduction in component cycling, stress, and wear associated with the
increased intervals. When considering the total integrated risk,
which includes all analyzed accident sequences, the additional risk
associated with increasing test intervals is negligible.
The NRC letter to NEI [Nuclear Energy Institute] dated November
2, 1995, recognizes that changes similar to the proposed changes at
FNP [Farley Nuclear Plant] are required to implement Option B of 10
CFR [Part] 50, Appendix J. In NUREG-1493, ``Performance-Based
Containment Leak-Test Program,'' dated September 1995, which forms
the basis for the Appendix J revision, the NRC concludes that
adoption of performance-based test intervals for Appendix J testing
will not significantly reduce the margin of safety. The containment
leak rate data and component performance history at FNP are
consistent with the conclusions reached in NUREG-1493 and NEI 94-01.
Thus, the proposed license amendments do not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety and will continue to support the
regulatory goal of ensuring an essentially leak-tight containment
boundary.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Houston-Love Memorial Library,
212 W. Burdeshaw Street, Post Office Box 1369, Dothan, Alabama 36302
Attorney for licensee: M. Stanford Blanton, Esq., Balch and
Bingham, Post Office Box 306, 1710 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham,
Alabama 35201
NRC Project Director: Herbert N. Berkow
[[Page 40031]]
Toledo Edison Company, Centerior Service Company, and The Cleveland
Electric Illuminating Company, Docket No. 50-346, Davis-Besse
Nuclear Power Station, Unit No. 1, Ottawa County, Ohio
Date of amendment request: May 28, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
increase the test interval for Technical Specification (TS) 3/4.3.1.1,
Reactor Protection System Instrumentation from monthly on a staggered
test basis to semiannually on a staggered test basis for the control
rod drive trip breakers and the reactor trip module logic.
Additionally, the proposed amendment would increase the test interval
from monthly to semiannually for the output logic of the anticipatory
reactor trip system (ARTS) instrumentation as specified in TS 3/
4.3.2.3.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration. The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis
against the standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c). The NRC staff's review is
presented below: (1)
Operation of the DBNPS in accordance with the proposed license
amendment does not involve a significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
Increasing the surveillance interval will not affect the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated since
performance of the surveillance test only ensures operability of the
particular trip function at the time of the test. The licensee
evaluated the maintenance history and surveillance test results of the
control rod drive trip breakers, reactor trip module logic, and ARTS
output logic to show these components have consistently met their
design and operational requirements over the past 8 years.
(2) Create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident
from any accident previously evaluated.
The proposed changes do not modify or affect system design,
function, operation, or manner of testing.
(3) Involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety.
The licensee has performed a reliability evaluation that indicates
insignificant change in reactor trip system unavailability and a
reduction in the potential for spurious trips resulting from testing
which support the conclusion that a significant reduction in a margin
of safety will not occur.
Based on the NRC staff review, it appears that the three standards
of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to
determine that the amendment request involves no significant hazards
consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: University of Toledo, William
Carlson Library, Government Documents Collection, 2801 West Bancroft
Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
Attorney for licensee: Jay E. Silberg, Esquire, Shaw, Pittman,
Potts and Trowbridge, 2300 N Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037
NRC Project Director: Gail H. Marcus
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation, Docket No. 50-271,
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, Vernon, Vermont
Date of amendment request: June 28, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
revise the Technical Specifications for shutdown margin to allow
calculational determination of the highest worth control rod. Editorial
changes are also included.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
(1) During refueling, maintenance may be performed on either the
control rods or the control rod drive mechanisms. Controls, such as
refueling interlocks, are provided to assure inadvertent criticality
does not occur during this maintenance. There are no proposed
revisions to these controls except to lower the threshold for
applicability, which constitutes a more restrictive change.
These controls also continue to assure that the new, higher
minimum shutdown margin is maintained to ensure the reactor can be
returned to a subcritical condition should an inadvertent
criticality occur. The proposed alternate calculational method for
highest worth control rod has additional conservatism to account for
any uncertainties in the calculation and provides equivalent margin.
Therefore, this change will not significantly increase the
probability or consequences of any previously analyzed accident.
(2) The proposed change does not necessitate a physical
alteration of the plant in that no new or different type of
equipment will be installed. The proposed change does propose a
higher minimum shutdown margin and a lower threshold of
applicability for CRD [control rod drive] maintenance, both of which
are more restrictive. The proposed change will provide effective
methods to preserve the safety functions associated with the
prevention or automatic mitigation of design basis accidents. Thus,
this change does not create the possibility of a new or different
kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
(3) The proposed changes to the controls provided to allow
control rod withdrawal for the purposes of maintenance are more
restrictive and thus preserve the safety functions associated with
the prevention or automatic mitigation of design basis accidents.
The addition of a higher minimum shutdown margin requirement and the
proposed calculational alternative for highest worth rod, does not
decrease any of the safety controls or functions to prevent
inadvertent criticalities and provides equivalent or higher margins.
Therefore, this change will not significantly reduce a margin of
safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: Brooks Memorial Library, 224
Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Attorney for licensee: R. K. Gad, III, Ropes and Gray, One
International Place, Boston, MA 02110-2624
NRC Project Director: Jocelyn A. Mitchell, Acting Directorboro, VT
05301
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Docket No. 50-305, Kewaunee
Nuclear Power Plant, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Date of amendment request: July 3, 1996
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
modify Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) Technical Specification (TS)
Section 4.2.b, ``Steam Generator Tubes,'' to: revise the plugging
criteria for tubes in the tubesheet crevice region; add new inspection
criteria for tubes evaluated using the new plugging criteria; add
definitions of terms used in the new plugging criteria; and add
reporting requirements.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration. The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis
against the standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c). The NRC staff's review is
presented below:
1. Operation of the KNPP in accordance with the proposed license
amendment does not involve a significant increase in the probability
or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
The revised plugging criteria ensure that tubes in the tubesheet
with indication(s) are sufficiently inspected and evaluated and, if
necessary, rolled to meet the proposed
[[Page 40032]]
acceptance criteria based on the new definitions of acceptable
distance between the indication and the rolled area. With sufficient
distance between the indication(s) and the hard rolled region of the
tube in the tubesheet, tube rupture probability and the consequences
of tube rupture are the same as previously analyzed. Additionally,
the potential for leakage is within previously analyzed limits.
2. The proposed license amendment request does not create the
possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident
previously evaluated.
Implementation of the proposed tube plugging criteria and
proposed inspection acceptance criteria based on the proposed
definitions does not introduce any significant changes to the plant
design basis. Use of these criteria will not introduce a mechanism
that will result in an accident initiated outside of the tubesheet
crevice region. Any hypothetical accident as a result of tube
indications in the tubesheet crevice region of the tube will be
bounded by the existing tube rupture analysis. Therefore,
application of the revised acceptance criteria for indication(s)
within the tubesheet crevice region will not create the possibility
of a new or different kind of accident.
3. The proposed license amendment does not involve a significant
reduction in the margin of safety.
The use of the proposed inspection criteria and tube plugging
acceptance criteria will maintain the integrity of the tube bundle
commensurate with the requirements of Regulatory Guide 1.121 under
normal and postulated accident conditions. The safety factors used
in verification of the strength of tube(s) evaluated under the new
plugging criteria are consistent with the safety factors in the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code used for steam generator design. The
leak testing acceptance criteria are based on the primary-to-
secondary leakage limits in the TSs and the Updated Safety Analysis
Report accident analyses will be maintained. Therefore, the proposed
TS change will not result in a significant reduction in the margin
of safety.
Based on this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR
50.92(c) are satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine
that the amendment request involves no significant hazards
consideration.
Local Public Document Room location: University of Wisconsin,
Cofrin Library, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54311-7001
Attorney for licensee: Bradley D. Jackson, Esq., Foley and Lardner,
P. O. Box 1497, Madison, Wisconsin 53701-1497
NRC Project Director: Gail H. Marcus
Previously Published Notices Of Consideration Of Issuance Of
Amendments To Facility Operating Licenses, Proposed NoSignificant
Hazards Consideration Determination,And Opportunity For A Hearing
The following notices were previously published as separate
individual notices. The notice content was the same as above. They were
published as individual notices either because time did not allow the
Commission to wait for this biweekly notice or because the action
involved exigent circumstances. They are repeated here because the
biweekly notice lists all amendments issued or proposed to be issued
involving no significant hazards consideration.
For details, see the individual notice in the Federal Register on
the day and page cited. This notice does not extend the notice period
of the original notice.
Northeast Utilities Service Company, Docket No. 50-336, Millstone
Nuclear Power Station, Unit No. 2, New London, Connecticut
Date of amendment request: July 3, 1996Brief
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would
provide a one-time change to Technical Specification 3.9.1, ``Refueling
Operations, Boron Concentration.'' The proposed change would remove the
requirement that the boron concentration in all filled portions of the
Reactor Coolant System be ``uniform.''
Date of publication of individual notice in Federal Register: July
11, 1996 (61 FR 36583)
Expiration date of individual notice: August 12, 1996
Location Public Document Room location: Learning Resources Center,
Three Rivers Community-Technical College, 574 New London Turnpike,
Norwich, Connecticut and the Wateford Library, ATTN: Vince Juliano, 49
Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, Connecticut
Southern California Edison Company, et al., Docket Nos. 50-361 and
50-362, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3,
San Diego County, California
Date of application for amendment: June 3, 1996, as superseded by
application dated June 25, 1996
Brief description of amendment request: The proposed amendment
would revise Technical Specifications 3.3.11, ``Post Accident
Monitoring Instrumentation,'' and 5.5.2.13, ``Diesel Fuel Oil Testing
Program.'' The amendment would reinstate provisions of the current San
Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3 technical
specifications that were revised as part of Amendment Nos. 127 and 116.
These amendments adopted the recommendations of NUREG-1432, ``Standard
Technical Specifications Combustion Engineering Plants.''
Date of individual notice in Federal Register: July 2, 1996 (61 FR
34452)
Expiration date of individual notice: August 1, 1996
Local Public Document Room location: Main Library, University of
California, P.O. Box 19557, Irvine, California 92713
Washington Public Power Supply System, Docket No. 50-397, Nuclear
Project No. 2, Benton County, Washington
Date of application for amendment: April 25, 1995
Brief description of amendment request: The proposed amendment
would add a reactor water cleanup system high blowdown containment
isolation trip function and associated limiting condition for operation
and surveillance requirements.
Date of individual notice in Federal Register: June 28, 1996 (61 FR
33777)
Expiration date of individual notice: July 29, 1996
Local Public Document Room location: Richland Public Library, 955
Northgate Street, Richland, Washington 99352
Washington Public Power Supply System, Docket No. 50-397, Nuclear
Project No. 2, Benton County, Washington
Date of application for amendment: June 6, 1995, as supplemented by
letter dated April 22, 1996.
Brief description of amendment request: The proposed amendment
would make administrative and editorial changes to Section 6.0 of the
technical specifications for WNP-2.Date of individual notice in Federal
Register: June 28, 1996 (61 FR 33779)
Expiration date of individual notice: July 29, 1996
Local Public Document Room location: Richland Public Library, 955
Northgate Street, Richland, Washington 99352
Notice Of Issuance Of Amendments To Facility Operating Licenses
During the period since publication of the last biweekly notice,
the Commission has issued the following amendments. The Commission has
determined for each of these amendments that the application
[[Page 40033]]
complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act
of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and
regulations. The Commission has made appropriate findings as required
by the Act and the Commission's rules and regulations in 10 CFR Chapter
I, which are set forth in the license amendment.
Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment to Facility
Operating License, Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration
Determination, and Opportunity for A Hearing in connection with these
actions was published in the Federal Register as indicated.
Unless otherwise indicated, the Commission has determined that
these amendments satisfy the criteria for categorical exclusion in
accordance with 10 CFR 51.22. Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b),
no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be
prepared for these amendments. If the Commission has prepared an
environmental assessment under the special circumstances provision in
10 CFR 51.12(b) and has made a determination based on that assessment,
it is so indicated.
For further details with respect to the action see (1) the
applications for amendment, (2) the amendment, and (3) the Commission's
related letter, Safety Evaluation and/or Environmental Assessment as
indicated. All of these items are 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 rooms for
the particular facilities involved.
Carolina Power & Light Company, Docket No. 50-261, H. B. Robinson
Steam Electric Plant, Unit No. 2, Darlington County, South Carolina
Date of application for amendment: March 29, 1996.
Brief description of amendment: The amendment revises the technical
specifications (TS) to add an allowance to complete a TS-required
surveillance within 24 hours of discovery of a missed surveillance in
accordance with the guidance of Generic Letter (GL) 87-09, ``Sections
3.0 and 4.0 of the Standard Technical Specifications (STS) on the
Applicability of Limiting Conditions for Operation and Surveillance
Requirements.''
Date of issuance: July 8, 1996
Effective date: July 8, 1996
Amendment No. 170
Facility Operating License No. DPR-23. Amendment revises the
Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: May 22, 1996 (61 FR
25669) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 8, 1996.No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Hartsville Memorial Library,
147 West College Avenue, Hartsville, South Carolina 29550
Duke Power Company, et al., Docket Nos. 50-413 and 50-414, Catawba
Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2, York County, South Carolina
Date of application for amendments: November 2, 1994
Brief description of amendments: The amendments delete the content
of Appendix B, ``Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
(Nonradiological),'' and modify License Condition 2.C.(2) to delete
that portion which refers to the EPP.
Date of issuance: July 8, 1996
Effective date: As of the date of issuance to be implemented within
30 days
Amendment Nos.: 149 and 143
Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-35 and NPF-52: Amendments
revised the Environmental Protection Plan and License Conditions.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: May 22, 1996 (61 FR
25702) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 8, 1996. No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: York County Library, 138 East
Black Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730
Entergy Operations, Inc., System Energy Resources, Inc., South
Mississippi Electric Power Association, and Mississippi Power &
Light Company, Docket No. 50-416, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, Unit
1, Claiborne County, Mississippi
Date of application for amendment: April 18, 1996
Brief description of amendment: The amendment deleted a restriction
on the 24-hour emergency diesel generator operation test in
Surveillance Requirement 3.8.1.14 of the Technical Specifications for
the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, Unit 1. The deletion allows the test to
also be conducted during power operation (i.e., during Modes 1 and 2),
instead of the current requirement to only conduct the test when the
plant is shut down.
Date of issuance: July 15, 1996
Effective date: July 15, 1996
Amendment No: 124
Facility Operating License No. NPF-29: Amendment revises the
Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: May 8, 1996 (61 FR
20847) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 15, 1996. No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Judge George W. Armstrong
Library, 220 S. Commerce Street, Natchez, MS 39120.
Entergy Operations, Inc., System Energy Resources, Inc., South
Mississippi Electric Power Association, and Entergy Mississippi,
Inc., Docket No. 50-416, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, Unit 1,
Claiborne County, Mississippi
Date of application for amendment: May 6, 1996
Brief description of amendment: The amendment reflects that the
name of Mississippi Power & Light Company (MP&L) has been changed to
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. The amendment revises Operating License No.
NPF-29 and the Antitrust Conditions for the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station,
Unit 1 (GGNS) to (1) add the phrase ``(now renamed Entergy Mississippi,
Inc.)'', (2) replace the name of Mississippi Power & Light Company
(MP&L) by the name Entergy Mississippi, Inc., and (3) replace a
footnote by the statement: ``Amendment 125 resulted in a name change
for Mississippi Power & Light Company (MP&L) to Entergy Mississippi,
Inc.''.
Date of issuance: July 16, 1996
Effective date: July 16, 1996
Amendment No: 125
Facility Operating License No. NPF-29. Amendment revises the
operating license.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: June 5, 1996 (61 FR
28613) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 16, 1996.No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Judge George W. Armstrong
Library, 220 S. Commerce Street, Natchez, MS 39120.
Florida Power and Light Company, et al., Docket No. 50-335 St.
Lucie Plant, Unit No. 1, St. Lucie County, Florida
Date of application for amendments: June 1, 1996
Brief description of amendments: Revise Technical Specifications to
reflect reduced reactor coolant system
[[Page 40034]]
flows resulting from increased percentage of plugged steam generator
tubes.
Date of Issuance: July 9, 1996
Effective Date: July 9, 1996
Amendment Nos.: 145
Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-67 and NPF-16: Amendments
revised the Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: June 7, 1996
(61FR29140). The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 9, 1996.No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No.
Local Public Document Room location: Indian River Junior College
Library, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida 34954-9003
Florida Power and Light Company, Docket Nos. 50-250 and 50-251,
Turkey Point Plant Units 3 and 4, Dade County, Florida
Date of application for amendments: July 26, 1995
Brief description of amendments: The amendments modify the
Technical Specifications to allow operation with up to plus or minus 18
steps of rod misalignment at or below 90 percent power.
Date of issuance: July 12, 1996
Effective date: July 12, 1996
Amendment Nos. 186 and 180Facility Operating Licenses Nos. DPR-31
and DPR-41: Amendments revised the Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: September 13, 1995
(60FR47616) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 12, 1996.No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Florida International
University, University Park, Miami, Florida 33199.
GPU Nuclear Corporation, et al., Docket No. 50-219, Oyster Creek
Nuclear Generating Station, Ocean County, New Jersey
Date of application for amendment: May 7, 1996 (TSCR 247)
Brief description of amendment: The amendment adopts the provisions
of the Standard Technical Specifications, NUREG-1433, Rev. 1 which
clarify surveillance requirement applicability and allow a maximum
period of 24 hours to complete a surveillance requirement upon
discovery that the surveillance has been missed.
Date of Issuance: July 15, 1996
Effective date: July 15, 1996
Amendment No.: 185
Facility Operating License No. DPR-16. Amendment revised the
Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: June 5, 1996 (61 FR
28615). The Commission's related evaluation of this amendment is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 15, 1996. No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No.
Local Public Document Room location: Ocean County Library,
Reference Department, 101 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
PECO Energy Company, Public Service Electric and Gas Company
Delmarva Power and Light Company, and Atlantic City Electric
Company, Docket Nos. 50-277 and 50-278, Peach Bottom Atomic Power
Station, Unit Nos. 2 and 3, York County, Pennsylvania
Date of application for amendments: December 21, 1995
Brief description of amendments: The amendments modify the Peach
Bottom Atomic Power Station Units 2 and 3 Facility Operating Licenses
to provide for elimination of outdated or superseded material
regarding, among other things, environmental monitoring and
modifications to the low pressure coolant injection system, and for
making the FOLs for both units consistent.
Date of issuance: July 15, 1996
Effective date: Units 2 and 3, as of the date of issuance, to be
implemented within 30 days.
Amendments Nos.: 215 and 220
Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-44 and DPR-56: The amendments
revised the Facility Operating Licenses.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: March 13, 1996 (61 FR
10396) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 15, 1996.No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Government Publications
Section, State Library of Pennsylvania, (REGIONAL DEPOSITORY) Education
Building, Walnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue, Box 1601, Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania 17105.
Public Service Electric & Gas Company, Docket No. 50-311, Salem
Nuclear Generating Station, Unit No. 2, Salem County, New Jersey
Date of application for amendment: May 7, 1996, as supplemented
June 14, 1996
Brief description of amendment: The amendment made a one-time
change to Technical Specification 3/4.7.6, ``Control Room Emergency Air
Conditioning System,'' which permits refueling of Unit 2 with the
Control Room Emergency Air Conditioning System (CREACS) inoperable in
Modes 5 and 6. This change will expire after the completion of the
Control Room and CREACS upgrade, currently in progress, and the restart
and entry into Mode 4 of Unit 2 from the current outage.
Date of issuance: July 10, 1996
Effective date: As of date of issuance, to be implemented within 30
days.
Amendment No. 165
Facility Operating License No. DPR-75: This amendment revised the
Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: May 22, 1996 (61 FR
25710) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 10, 1996.No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Salem Free Public Library, 112
West Broadway, Salem, New Jersey 08079
Public Service Electric & Gas Company, Docket Nos. 50-272 and 50-
311, Salem Nuclear Generating Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2, Salem
County, New Jersey
Date of application for amendments: April 22, 1996, as supplemented
June 12, 1996
Brief description of amendments: The amendments change the
Technical Specifications to implement 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J,
Option B, for the Type A test by referring to Regulatory Guide 1.163,
``Performance Based Containment Leakage-Test Program.''
Date of issuance: July 11, 1996
Effective date: Both units, As of date of issuance, to be
implemented within 30 days.
Amendment Nos. 184 and 166
Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-70 and DPR-75. The amendments
revised the Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: May 8, 1996 (61 FR
20856) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 11, 1996.No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Salem Free Public Library, 112
West Broadway, Salem, New Jersey 08079
Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Alabama Power Company,
Docket Nos. 50-348 and 50-364, Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant,
Units 1 and 2, Houston County, Alabama
Date of application for amendments: June 24, 1996
Brief description of amendments: The amendments approve a unit
cycle
[[Page 40035]]
specific (Unit 1, Cycle 14 and Unit 2, Cycle 11) Technical
Specification change to Note 4 of Table 4.3-1 that permits continued
operation of both Farley units without performing the required
surveillance of the manual safety injection input to the reactor trip
circuitry for the current operating cycle until the next unit shutdown,
following which, this testing has to be performed prior to entering
Mode 2.
Date of issuance: July 19, 1996
Effective date: July 19, 1996
Amendment Nos.: 120 and 112
Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-2 and NPF-8: The amendments
revised the Technical Specifications.Public comments requested as to
proposed no significant hazards consideration: Yes. (61 FR 34880 dated
July 3, 1996). The notice provided an opportunity to submit comments on
the Commission's proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination. No comments have been received. The notice also provided
for an opportunity to request a hearing by August 2, 1996, but
indicated that if the Commission makes a final no significant hazards
consideration determination, any such hearing would take place after
issuance of the amendment.
The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment, finding of
exigent circumstances, and a final no significant hazards consideration
determination are contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 19, 1996.
Local Public Document Room location: Houston-Love Memorial Library,
212 W. Burdeshaw Street, P.O. Box 1369, Dothan, Alabama
Union Electric Company, Docket No. 50-483, Callaway Plant, Unit 1,
Callaway County, Missouri
Date of application for amendment: January 2, 1996, as supplemented
by letter dated April 12, 1996.
Brief description of amendment: The amendment would revise TS 3.9.4
and its associated Bases to allow the containment personnel airlock
doors to be open during core alterations and movement of irradiated
fuel in containment.
Date of issuance: July 15, 1996
Effective date: July 15, 1996, to be implemented within 30 days of
the date of issuance.
Amendment No.: 114
Facility Operating License No. NPF-30: The amendment revised the
Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: February 14, 1996 (61
FR 5819). The April 12, 1996, supplemental letter provided clarifying
information and did not change the original no significant hazards
consideration determination.The Commission's related evaluation of the
amendment is contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 15, 1996.No
significant hazards consideration comments received: No.
Local Public Document Room location: Callaway County Public
Library, 710 Court Street, Fulton, Missouri 65251.
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation, Docket No. 50-271,
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, Vernon, Vermont
Date of application for amendment: April 4, 1996
Brief description of amendment: The amendment revises the Technical
Specifications regarding secondary containment integrity including
addition of required actions in the event secondary containment
integrity is not maintained when required. It also requires
surveillance of the secondary containment isolation valves under the
licensee's in-service testing program.
Date of issuance: July 10, 1996
Effective date: As of the date of issuance to be implemented within
30 days.
Amendment No.: 147
Facility Operating License No. DPR-28: Amendment revised the
Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: May 8, 1996 (61 FR
20859) The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is
contained in a Safety Evaluation dated July 10, 1996No significant
hazards consideration comments received: No
Local Public Document Room location: Brooks Memorial Library, 224
Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 24th day of July 1996.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Steven A. Varga, Director,
Division of Reactor Projects - I/II Office of Nuclear Reactor
Regulation
[Doc. 96-19317 Filed 7-30-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-F