97-21517. Houston Lighting & Power Company; City Public Service Board of San Antonio; Central Power and Light Company; City of Austin, Texas; Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment to Facility Operating License, Proposed No Significant ...  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 157 (Thursday, August 14, 1997)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 43556-43559]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-21517]
    
    
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    NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
    
    
    Houston Lighting & Power Company; City Public Service Board of 
    San Antonio; Central Power and Light Company; City of Austin, Texas; 
    Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment to Facility Operating 
    License, Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination, 
    and Opportunity for a Hearing
    
    [Docket Nos. 50-498 and 50-499]
        The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is 
    considering issuance of an amendment to Facility Operating License Nos. 
    NPF-76 and NPF-80 issued to Houston Lighting & Power Company, et. al., 
    (the licensee) for operation of the South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2, 
    located in Matagorda County, Texas.
        The proposed amendment would revise Technical Specification (TS)
    
    [[Page 43557]]
    
    Table 2.2-1 and 3/4.2.5 to allow the reactor coolant system (RCS) total 
    flow to be determined using cold leg elbow tap differential pressure 
    measurements. The proposed amendment was initially submitted via letter 
    dated July 16, 1997. The July 16, 1997, submittal contained proprietary 
    information that had not been properly identified. The July 16, 1997, 
    submittal was retrieved and discarded from all NRC files by the NRC 
    staff. Notification of the July 16, 1997, submittal was made in the 
    Federal Register on July 30, 1997, (62 FR 40850). This notice 
    supersedes the one previously published on July 30, 1997.
        Before issuance of the proposed license amendment, the Commission 
    will have made findings required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as 
    amended (the Act) and the Commission's regulations.
        The Commission has made a proposed determination that the amendment 
    request involves 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. 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:
    
        Pursuant to 10[]CFR[]50.92 each application for amendment to an 
    operating license must be reviewed to determine if the proposed 
    change involves a Significant Hazards Consideration. The amendment, 
    as defined below, describing the Technical Specification change 
    associated with the change has been reviewed and determined to not 
    involve Significant Hazards Considerations. The basis for this 
    determination follows.
        Proposed Change: The current Technical Specification Table 2.2-1 
    (page 2-4) ``Reactor Trip System Instrumentation Trip Setpoints,'' 
    provides the Trip Setpoint and Allowable Value for the RCS Flow-Low 
    trip. The Allowable Value will be changed to reflect the increased 
    uncertainty associated with the correlation of the elbow taps to a 
    previous baseline calorimetric. In addition, Technical Specification 
    3.2.5 (page 3/4.2-11), ``Power Distribution Limits, DNB 
    Parameters,'' will be changed to allow the RCS total flow to be 
    measured by the elbow tap delta p method. These changes will include 
    the modification of surveillance requirement 4.2.5.3, which 
    currently requires performance of a precision heat balance every 18 
    months, to allow use of the elbow tap delta p method for RCS flow 
    measurement. Appropriate Technical Specification Bases sections will 
    also be revised to reflect use of the elbow tap delta p method for 
    flow measurement and to provide clarification. The revised Technical 
    Specifications are in Appendix C.
        Background: The 18-month total RCS flow surveillance is 
    typically satisfied by a secondary power calorimetric-based RCS flow 
    measurement. In recent cycles, South Texas Project has experienced 
    apparent decreases in flow rates which have been attributed to 
    variations in hot leg streaming effects. These effects directly 
    impact the hot leg temperatures used in the precision calorimetric, 
    resulting in the calculation of low RCS flow rates. The apparent 
    flow reduction has become more pronounced in fuel cycles which have 
    implemented aggressive low leakage loading patterns. Evidence that 
    the flow reduction was apparent, but not actual, was provided by 
    elbow tap measurements. The results of this evaluation, including a 
    detailed description of the hot leg streaming phenomenon, are 
    documented in Westinghouse report SAE/FSE-TGX-0152, ``RCS Flow 
    Verification Using Elbow Taps.''
        South Texas Project intends to begin using an alternate method 
    of measuring RCS flow using the elbow tap delta p measurements. For 
    this alternate method, the RCS elbow tap measurements are correlated 
    to precision calorimetric measurements performed during earlier 
    cycles which decreased the effects of hot leg streaming.
        The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the impact of using 
    the elbow tap delta p measurements as an alternate method for 
    performing the 18-month RCS flow surveillance on the licensing basis 
    and demonstrate that it will not adversely affect the subsequent 
    safe operation of the plant. This evaluation supports the conclusion 
    that implementation of the elbow tap delta p measurement as an 
    alternate method of determining RCS total flow rate does not 
    represent a significant hazards consideration as defined in 
    10[]CFR[]50.92.
        Evaluation: Use of the elbow tap delta p method to determine RCS 
    total flow requires that the delta p measurements for the present 
    cycle be correlated to the precision calorimetric flow measurement 
    which was performed during the baseline cycle(s). A calculation has 
    been performed to determine the uncertainty in the RCS total flow 
    using this method. This calculation includes the uncertainty 
    associated with the RCS flow baseline calorimetric measurement, as 
    well as uncertainties associated with delta p transmitters and 
    indication via QDPS [qualified display processing system] or the 
    plant process computer. The uncertainty calculation performed for 
    this method of flow measurement is consistent with the methodology 
    recommended by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NUREG/CR-3659, 
    PNL-4973, 2/85). The only significant difference is the assumption 
    of correlation to a previously performed RCS flow calorimetric. 
    However, this has been accounted for by the addition of instrument 
    uncertainties previously considered to be zeroed out by the 
    assumption of normalization to a calorimetric performed each cycle. 
    Based on these calculations, the uncertainty on the RCS flow 
    measurement using the elbow tap method is 2.6% flow which results in 
    a minimum RCS total flow of 391,500 gpm and must be measured via 
    indication with QDPS or the plant process computer at approximately 
    100% power.
        The specific calculations performed were for Precision RCS Flow 
    Calorimetrics for the specified baseline cycles, Indicated RCS Flow 
    (either QDPS or the plant process computer), and the Reactor Coolant 
    Flow--Low reactor trip. The calculations for Indicated RCS Flow and 
    Reactor Coolant Flow--Low reactor trip reflect correlation of the 
    elbow taps to baseline precision RCS Flow Calorimetrics. As 
    discussed above, additional instrument uncertainties were included 
    for this correlation.
        The uncertainty associated with the RCS Flow--Low trip increased 
    slightly. It was determined that due to the availability of margin 
    in the uncertainty calculation, no change was necessary to either 
    the Trip Setpoint (91.8% flow) or to the current Safety Analysis 
    Limit (87% flow) to accommodate this increase. The Allowable Value 
    is to be modified to allow for the increased instrument 
    uncertainties associated with the delta p to flow correlation.
        Since the flow uncertainty did not increase over the currently 
    analyzed value, no additional evaluations of the reactor core safety 
    limits must be performed. In addition, it was determined that the 
    current minimum Measured Flow (MMF) assumed in the safety analyses 
    (389,200 gpm) bounds the required MMF calculated for the elbow tap 
    method (391,500 gpm).
        Based on these evaluations, the proposed change would not 
    invalidate the conclusions presented in the UFSAR [Updated Final 
    Safety Analysis Report].
        1. Does the proposed modification involve a significant increase 
    in the probability or consequences of an accident previously 
    evaluated?
        Sufficient margin exists to account for all reasonable 
    instrument uncertainties; therefore, no changes to installed 
    equipment or hardware in the plant are required, thus the 
    probability of an accident occurring remains unchanged.
        The initial conditions for all accident scenarios modeled are 
    the same and the conditions at the time of trip, as modeled in the 
    various safety analyses, are the same. Therefore, the consequences 
    of an accident will be the same as those previously analyzed.
        2. Does the proposed modification create the possibility of a 
    new or different kind of accident from any accident previously 
    evaluated?
        The proposed change revises the method for RCS flow measurement, 
    and therefore does not introduce any new accident indicators or 
    failure mechanisms.
        No new accident scenarios have been identified. Operation of the 
    plant will be consistent with that previously modeled, i.e., the 
    time of reactor trip in the various safety analyses is the same, 
    thus plant response will be the same and will not introduce any 
    different accident scenarios that have not been evaluated.
    
    [[Page 43558]]
    
        3. Does the proposed modification involve a significant 
    reduction in a margin of safety [?]
        There are no changes to the Safety Analysis assumptions. 
    Therefore, the margin of safety will remain the same.
        The proposed change does not impact the results from any 
    accidents analyzed in the safety analysis.
        Conclusion: Based on the preceding information, it has been 
    determined that this proposed change to allow an alternate RCS total 
    flow measurement based on elbow tap delta p measurements does not 
    involve a Significant Hazards Consideration as defined by 10 CFR 
    50.92(c).
    
        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.
        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. 
    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 hearing and petitions for leave to 
    intervene is discussed below.
        By September 15, 1997 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 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 located at the Wharton County Junior College, J. M. 
    Hodges Learning Center, 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, TX. 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 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 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: Rulemakings and 
    Adjudications Staff, or
    
    [[Page 43559]]
    
    may be delivered to the Commission's Public Document Room, the Gelman 
    Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC, by the above date. 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 Jack R. Newman, Esq., Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, 1800 M Street, 
    N.W., Washington, DC 20036-5869, attorney for the licensee.
        Nontimely filings of petitions for leave to intervene, amended 
    petitions, supplemental petitions and/or requests for hearing will not 
    be entertained absent a determination by the Commission, the presiding 
    officer or the presiding Atomic Safety and Licensing Board that the 
    petition and/or request should be granted based upon a balancing of the 
    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 dated August 6, 1997, which is available for 
    public inspection at the Commission's Public Document Room, the Gelman 
    Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC, and at the local public 
    document room located at the Wharton County Junior College, J. M. 
    Hodges Learning Center, 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, TX.
    
        Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 8th day of August 1997.
    
        For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
    Thomas W. Alexion,
    Project Manager, Project Directorate IV/1, Division of Reactor Projects 
    III/IV, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
    [FR Doc. 97-21517 Filed 8-13-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 7590-01-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
08/14/1997
Department:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Entry Type:
Notice
Document Number:
97-21517
Pages:
43556-43559 (4 pages)
PDF File:
97-21517.pdf