Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment on the Proposed Model Safety Evaluation for Plant-Specific Adoption of Technical Specification Task Force Traveler-446, Revision 3, “Risk Informed Evaluation of Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times (WCAP-15791)”, 47289-47298 [E9-22182]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
Westinghouse on 10 CFR 20.2002
Alternate Disposal Request for Hematite
(ML091690253). If you do not have
access to ADAMS or if there are
problems in accessing the documents
located in ADAMS, contact the NRC
Public Document Room (PDR) reference
staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301–415–4737
or by e-mail to pdr.resource@nrc.gov.
These documents may also be viewed
electronically on the public computers
located at the NRC’s Public Document
Room (PDR) at 11555 Rockville Pike,
Rockville, Maryland 20852. The PDR
reproduction contractor will copy
documents for a fee.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 4th day
of September 2009.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Keith McConnell,
Deputy Director, Decommissioning and
Uranium Recovery Licensing Directorate,
Division of Waste Management and
Environmental Protection, Office of Federal
and State Materials and Environmental
Management Programs.
[FR Doc. E9–22183 Filed 9–14–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
[NRC–2009–0403]
Notice of Opportunity for Public
Comment on the Proposed Model
Safety Evaluation for Plant-Specific
Adoption of Technical Specification
Task Force Traveler-446, Revision 3,
‘‘Risk Informed Evaluation of
Extensions to Containment Isolation
Valve Completion Times (WCAP–
15791)’’
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC).
ACTION: Notice of opportunity for public
comment.
SUMMARY: The NRC is requesting public
comment on the enclosed proposed
model safety evaluation, model no
significant hazards consideration
determination, and model application
for plant-specific adoption of Technical
Specification Task Force (TSTF)
Traveler-446, Revision 3, ‘‘Risk
Informed Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (WCAP–15791).’’
The TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3 is
available in the Agencywide Documents
Access Management System (ADAMS)
under Accession Number
ML080510164. The proposed changes
would revise technical specification
(TS) containment isolation valve (CIV)
completion times for Westinghouse
plants. This model safety evaluation
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
will facilitate expedited approval of
plant-specific adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3.
DATES: Comment period expires October
15, 2009. Comments received after this
date will be considered, if it is practical
to do so, but the Commission is able to
ensure consideration only for comments
received on or before this date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any one of the following methods.
Please include Docket ID NRC–2009–
0403 in the subject line of your
comments. Comments submitted in
writing or in electronic form will be
posted on the NRC Web site and on the
Federal rulemaking Web site
Regulations.gov. Because your
comments will not be edited to remove
any identifying or contact information,
the NRC cautions you against including
any information in your submission that
you do not want to be publicly
disclosed.
The NRC requests that any party
soliciting or aggregating comments
received from other persons for
submission to the NRC inform those
persons that the NRC will not edit their
comments to remove any identifying or
contact information, and therefore, they
should not include any information in
their comments that they do not want
publicly disclosed.
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for documents filed under Docket ID
NRC–2009–0403. Address questions
about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher
301–492–3668; e-mail
Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov.
Mail comments to: Michael T. Lesar,
Chief, Rulemaking and Directives
Branch (RDB), Division of
Administrative Services, Office of
Administration, Mail Stop: TWB–05–
B01M, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555–
0001, or by fax to RDB at (301) 492–
3446.
You can access publicly available
documents related to this notice using
the following methods:
NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR):
The public may examine and have
copied for a fee publicly available
documents at the NRC’s PDR, Public
File Area O–1 F21, One White Flint
North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville,
Maryland.
NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access
and Management System (ADAMS):
Publicly available documents created or
received at the NRC are available
electronically at the NRC’s Electronic
Reading Room at https://www.nrc.gov/
reading-rm/adams.html. From this page,
the public can gain entry into ADAMS,
PO 00000
Frm 00105
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
47289
which provides text and image files of
NRC’s public documents. If you do not
have access to ADAMS or if there are
problems in accessing the documents
located in ADAMS, contact the NRC’s
PDR reference staff at 1–800–397–4209,
301–415–4737, or by e-mail to
pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The Proposed
Model Safety Evaluation for PlantSpecific Adoption of Technical
Specification Task Force Traveler-446,
Revision 3, ‘‘Risk Informed Evaluation
of Extensions to Containment Isolation
Valve Completion Times (WCAP–
15791)’’ is available electronically under
ADAMS Accession Number
ML092260664.
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Public
comments and supporting materials
related to this notice can be found at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
on Docket ID: NRC–2009–0403.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Michelle C. Honcharik, Senior Project
Manager, Special Projects Branch, Mail
Stop: O–12 D1, Division of Policy and
Rulemaking, Office of Nuclear Reactor
Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC, 20555–
0001; telephone 301–415–1774 or e-mail
at michelle.honcharik@nrc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
This notice provides an opportunity
for the public to comment on proposed
changes to the Standard TS (STS) after
a preliminary assessment and finding by
the NRC staff that the agency will likely
offer the changes for adoption by
licensees. This notice solicits comment
on a proposed change to the STS that
modifies the TS. The NRC staff will
evaluate any comments received for the
proposed change to the STS and
reconsider the change or announce the
availability of the change for adoption
by licensees. Licensees opting to apply
for this TS change are responsible for
reviewing the NRC staff’s evaluation,
referencing the applicable technical
justifications, and providing any
necessary plant-specific information.
The NRC will process and note each
amendment application responding to
the notice of availability according to
applicable NRC rules and procedures.
Applicability
TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3, is
applicable to all Westinghouse nuclear
power reactors. The Traveler requires
that a licensee’s plant-specific
application must: (a) address or meet
the requirements stated in Pressurized
Water Reactor Owners’ Group (PWROG)
(formerly Westinghouse Owners’ Group)
Topical Report (TR) WCAP–15791–NP–
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
47290
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
A, Revision 2, ‘‘Risk-Informed
Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times,’’ and (b) address or
meet the requirements stated in Nuclear
Energy Institute (NEI) 99–04, Revision 0,
‘‘Guidelines for Managing NRC
Commitment Changes,’’ (ADAMS
Accession No. ML003680088), and (c)
include a demonstration of probabilistic
risk assessment (PRA) quality for the
licensee’s Tier 3 assessments. The NRC
staff approved NEI 99–04, by letter
dated March 31, 2000 (ADAMS
Accession No. ML003679799). The NRC
issued the final safety evaluation (SE)
for TR WCAP–15791–P, Revision 2, on
February 13, 2008 (ADAMS Accession
No. ML080170680). The PWROG issued
accepted proprietary and nonproprietary versions of the WCAP
(ADAMS Package Accession No.
ML003696998). To efficiently process
the incoming license amendment
requests (LARs), the NRC staff requests
that each licensee applying to
implement the changes proposed in
TSTF Traveler-446 include
documentation regarding the technical
adequacy of the PRA consistent with the
requirements of Section 4.2 of
Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.200, Revision
2, ‘‘An Approach for Determining the
Technical Adequacy of Probabilistic
Risk Assessment Results for RiskInformed Activities,’’ dated March 1,
2009 (ADAMS Accession No.
ML090410014). Applicants proposing to
use PRA models for which NRCendorsed standards do not exist must
submit documentation that identifies
the characteristics of those models
consistent with Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of
RG 1.200 or identify and justify the
methods to be applied for assessing the
risk contribution for those sources of
risk not addressed by PRA models.
The proposed change does not
prevent licensees from requesting an
alternate approach or proposing changes
other than those proposed in TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3. However,
significant deviations from the approach
recommended in this notice or the
inclusion of additional changes to the
license require additional NRC staff
review. This may increase the time and
resources needed for the review or
result in NRC staff rejection of the LAR.
Licensees desiring significant deviations
or additional changes should instead
submit an LAR that does not claim to
adopt TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 2nd day
of September 2009.
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Stacey L. Rosenberg,
Chief, Special Projects Branch, Division of
Policy and Rulemaking, Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation.
Proposed Model Application for PlantSpecific Adoption of TSTF Traveler446, Revision 3, ‘‘Risk Informed
Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (WCAP–15791)’’
Subject: Plant Name
Docket No. 50—
Application For Technical Specification
Change Regarding Risk-Informed
Justification For Containment Isolation
Valve Allowed Outage Time Changes
Dear Sir or Madam:
In accordance with the provisions of
Title 10 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50.90,
‘‘Application for Amendment of
License, Construction Permit, or Early
Site Permit,’’ [LICENSEE] is submitting
a request for an amendment to the
technical specifications (TS) for [PLANT
NAME, UNIT NOS.].
The proposed amendment would
modify [LICENSEE] technical
specifications (TS) requirements for
allowed outage time changes for
containment isolation valves with the
implementation of Topical Report
WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2, ‘‘RiskInformed Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times.’’
Attachment 1 provides a description
of the proposed change, the requested
confirmation of applicability, and plantspecific verifications. Attachment 2
gives the existing TS pages marked to
show the proposed change. Attachment
3 provides revised (clean) TS pages.
Attachment 4 summarizes the regulatory
commitments made in this submittal.
Attachment 5 provides the proposed
changes to the TS Bases. Attachment 6
provides the statement of proposed No
Significant Hazards Consideration.
[LICENSEE] requests approval of the
proposed license amendment by
[DATE], with the amendment being
implemented [BY DATE OR WITHIN X
DAYS].
In accordance with 10 CFR 50.91,
‘‘Notice for Public Comment; State
Consultation,’’ a copy of this
application, with attachments, is being
provided to the designated [STATE]
Official.
I declare [or certify, verify, state]
under penalty of perjury that the
foregoing is correct and true.
Executed on [date] [Signature]
PO 00000
Frm 00106
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
If you should have any questions
about this submittal, please contact
[NAME, TELEPHONE NUMBER].
Sincerely,
[Name, Title]
Attachments:
1. Description and Assessment
2. Proposed Technical Specification
Changes
3. Revised Technical Specification
Pages
4. Regulatory Commitments
5. Proposed Technical Specification
Bases Changes
6. Proposed No Significant Hazards
Consideration
cc: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Regional Office
NRC Resident Inspector
ATTACHMENT 1
DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT
1.0
DESCRIPTION
The proposed amendment would
modify technical specifications (TS)
requirements for allowed outage times
for containment isolation valves (CIVs)
associated with the implementation of
Topical Report (TR) WCAP–15791–NP–
A, Revision 2, ‘‘Risk-Informed
Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times for Westinghouse
Plants.’’
The changes are consistent with the
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s
(NRC’s) approved industry/Technical
Specification Task Force (TSTF)
Standard TS (STS) change, TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3 (Agencywide
Documents Access and Management
System (ADAMS) Accession No.
ML080510164). The Federal Register
notice published on [DATE] announced
the availability of this TS improvement.
2.0
ASSESSMENT
2.1 Applicability of Published Safety
Evaluation
[LICENSEE] has reviewed the model
safety evaluation (SE) dated [DATE].
The [LICENSEE] has also reviewed the
NRC staff SE (ADAMS Accession No.
ML080170680) approving TR WCAP–
15791–NP–A, Revision 2, and the
requirements specified in Nuclear
Energy Institute (NEI) 99–04,
‘‘Guidelines for Managing NRC
Commitment Changes,’’ (ADAMS
Accession No. ML003680088).
[LICENSEE] has concluded that the
justifications presented in the TSTF
proposal and the SE are applicable to
[PLANT, UNIT NOS.] and justify this
amendment for the incorporation of the
changes to the [PLANT] TS.
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
2.2
Optional Changes and Variations
[LICENSEE] is not proposing any
variations or deviations from the STS
changes described in TSTF Traveler446, Revision 3, and the NRC staff’s
model safety evaluation, dated [DATE].
[If the licensee proposes variations or
deviations, then the licensee needs to
describe and justify these variations/
deviations and include a statement,
such as, the proposed amendment is
consistent with the STS changes
described in TSTF Traveler-446,
Revision 3, but [LICENSEE] proposes
variations or deviations from TSTF
Traveler-446, as identified and justified
below.]
3.0
REGULATORY ANALYSIS
3.1 No Significant Hazards
Consideration
[LICENSEE] has reviewed the
proposed no significant hazards
consideration (NSHC) published in the
Federal Register [DATE] ([ ] FR [ ]).
[LICENSEE] has concluded that the
proposed NSHC presented in the
Federal Register notice is applicable to
[PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] and is
provided as Attachment [6] to this
amendment request, which satisfies the
requirements of Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section
50.91(a). [LICENSEE] has forwarded the
NSHC to the appropriate State officials.
3.2 Verifications, Commitments, and
Additional Information Needed
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated the
applicability of TSTF Traveler-446,
Revision 3, to [PLANT NAME, UNIT
NOS] by addressing requirements
specified in TR WCAP–15791–NP–A,
Revision 2, in this license amendment
request (LAR). This LAR provides the
plant-specific information on
limitations and conditions specified in
Section 4.0 and the additional
information specified in Section 5.0 of
the SE approving TR WCAP–15791–NP–
A, Revision 2. In addition, consistent
with TSTF Traveler-446, [LICENSEE]
must demonstrate in this LAR
applicable documentation/evaluation
for Items 3.2.1 through 3.2.12 as noted
below.
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
3.2.1 Demonstration (Simultaneous
LCO Entry Consideration)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has incorporated new
Condition D in TS [LCO 3.6.3
‘‘Containment Isolation Valves
(Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice
Condenser, and Dual),’’] as specified in
TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3.
Option B:
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
[If the licensee did not incorporate
Condition D, then it must demonstrate
that the potential for any cumulative
risk impact of failed CIVs and multiple
CIV LCO entries was evaluated by the
licensee. In addition, the licensee must
demonstrate that the licensee’s Tier 3
risk management program addresses the
possibility of simultaneous LCO entries
for inoperable CIVs in separate
penetrations. The licensee must provide
sufficient information such that defensein-depth for safety systems will be
maintained.]
Discussion:
TR WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2,
is based on only one CIV being in
maintenance at any given time. The TR
states that multiple systems are not
expected to be out of service
simultaneously during extended
completion times (CTs), but it does not
preclude the practice. Although TS LCO
3.6.3, Note 2, allows a separate
condition entry for each penetration
flow path, proposed Condition D
addresses an inoperable CIV in more
than one penetration flow path and
limits the CT to 4 hours. If the licensee’s
proposed TS change does not include
this Condition D, then the licensee’s
application must demonstrate that the
potential for any cumulative risk impact
of failed CIVs and multiple CIV LCO
entries has been evaluated and is
acceptable. The licensee must
demonstrate that its Tier 3 risk
management program, in accordance
with 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), will address
the possibility of simultaneous LCO
entries of inoperable CIVs in separate
penetrations to maintain defense-indepth for safety systems.
3.2.2 Demonstration (Penetration
Configuration)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has incorporated new
Condition D in TS [LCO 3.6.3] as
specified in TSTF Traveler-446,
Revision 3.
Option B;
[If the licensee did not incorporate
Condition D, then it must demonstrate
that the remaining CIVs in the affected
penetration flow path (or another
penetration flow path) are closed before
entering the extended CT for the
inoperable CIV and that the risk impacts
(i.e., core damage frequency (CDF), large
early release frequency (LERF),
incremental conditional core damage
probability (ICCDP) and incremental
conditional large early release
probability (ICLERP)) were evaluated by
the licensee.]
Discussion:
The existing and proposed TS LCO
3.6.3 must not allow multiple
PO 00000
Frm 00107
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
47291
simultaneous extended CIV CTs to
occur for more than 4 hours, which is
the existing CT for an inoperable CIV in
LCO 3.6.3. This is to meet the TR
assumption that only one valve within
a single penetration can be in
maintenance at a time (i.e., for more
than the 4 hours allowed by the current
LCO 3.6.3 Condition A). The existing
LCO 3.6.3 Condition B, and the
proposed LCO 3.6.3 Conditions A and
D, ensure that this assumption is being
met. If the TS do not prevent this case
(i.e., Condition D is not adopted), then
this case must be evaluated in the plantspecific applications to demonstrate that
the risk-impact assumptions of CDF,
LERF, ICCDP and ICLERP remain less
than the acceptance guidelines in
Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.174, ‘‘An
Approach for Using Probabilistic Risk
Assessment in Risk-Informed Decisions
on Plant-Specific Changes to the
Licensing Basis,’’ and RG 1.177, ‘‘An
Approach for Plant-Specific, RiskInformed Decisionmaking: Technical
Specifications.’’ Also, the plant-specific
application must address whether the
position of the remaining CIVs in the
affected penetration flow path (or
another penetration flow path) have
been confirmed before entering the
extended CT for the inoperable CIV.
3.2.3 Demonstration (Failed CIVs and
Multiple CIV LCO Entries)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has incorporated new
Condition D in TS [LCO 3.6.3] as
specified in TSTF Traveler-446,
Revision 3.
Option B:
[If the licensee did not incorporate
Condition D then it must demonstrate
that the cumulative risk impact of failed
CIVs and multiple CIV LCO entries was
evaluated, and that remaining CIVs in
the affected penetration flow path (or
another penetration flow path) are
closed prior to entering the extended
CT. In addition, the licensee must
demonstrate that the licensee’s Tier 3
risk management program address the
possibility of simultaneous LCO entries
for inoperable CIVs in separate
penetrations. The licensee must provide
sufficient information such that defensein-depth for safety systems will be
maintained.]
Discussion:
The licensee needs to address how the
following basis and general assumptions
of TR WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2,
are incorporated in the specific plant
practices, procedures, TS, and
probabilistic risk assessment (PRA):
• Only one CIV is in maintenance
with an extended CT at any given time.
This is a Tier 2 requirement, unless the
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
47292
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
licensee has proposed the additional
STS LCO 3.6.3 Condition D in its plantspecific application.
• Before maintenance or corrective
maintenance (repair) is performed on a
CIV, the TR evaluation assumes that any
other CIVs in the penetration flow path
have been checked to ensure that they
are in their proper position. This is a
Tier 2 requirement.
• Multiple systems are not expected
to be out of service simultaneously
during the extended CTs.
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
3.2.4 Demonstration (CIV
Configuration)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has confirmed that (a) the
CIV configurations for [PLANT NAME,
UNIT NOS.] match the configurations in
TR WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2,
and (b) the risk-parameter values used
in the TR are representative or bounding
for [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS].
Option B:
[If the licensee’s does not confirm the
above, it must provide justification for
the deviation.]
Discussion:
Not all penetrations have the same
impact on CDF, LERF, ICCDP, or
ICLERP; therefore, the licensee needs to
address the applicability of TR WCAP–
15791–NP–A, Revision 2, to the specific
plant. This analysis must include
verification that (a) the CIV
configurations for the specific plant
match the configurations in the TR and
(b) the risk-parameter values used in the
TR are bounding for the specific plant.
Any additional CIV configurations and
extended CTs, not specifically evaluated
by the TR, or nonbounding riskparameter values outside the scope of
the TR, will require an NRC staff review
of the specific penetrations and related
justifications for the proposed CTs.
3.2.5 Demonstration (Tier 2
Evaluation)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that its
Tier 2 evaluation has identified
potentially high-risk plant
configurations associated with the
proposed CIV CTs that should not be
entered while a CIV is in maintenance,
and how these controls have been
implemented by the licensee.
Option B:
[If the licensee’s evaluation identifies
no risk-significant plant configurations
associated with the proposed CIV CTs,
then it must provide justification/
evaluation and state applicable
compensatory measures or
commitments.]
Discussion:
A Tier 2 conclusion of the TR as
applicable to the specific plant, or the
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
plant-specific Tier 2 requirements must
be provided by the licensee.
3.2.7 Demonstration (Plant-Specific
PRA Quality)
3.2.6 Demonstration (Tier 3
Evaluation)
[LICENSEE] has addressed Tier 3
evaluation for [PLANT NAME, UNIT
NOS.] by demonstrating conformance to
the requirements of the maintenance
rule as the requirements relate to the
proposed CIV CTs and the guidance
contained in the Nuclear Management
and Resources Council (NUMARC)
document, NUMARC 93–01, ‘‘Industry
Guideline for Monitoring the
Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear
Power Plants,’’ Revision 2, Section 11,
issued April 1996, as endorsed by RG
1.182, ‘‘Assessing and Managing Risk
Before Maintenance Activities at
Nuclear Power Plants.’’ [LICENSEE] has
provided documentation on the
[LICENSEE’S] maintenance rule
program, with respect to CIVs, includes
a LERF/ICLERP (i.e., ICLERP as defined
in NUMARC 93–01) assessment as part
of the maintenance rule process, and
that the PRA quality is adequate, as part
of the basis of a risk-informed licensing
action.
Discussion:
The licensee needs to describe its
configuration risk management program
(CRMP) or maintenance rule (10 CFR
50.65(a)(4)) program (as appropriate),
including how it reflects the current
PRA model, any simplifications or
deviations in the CRMP model from the
current plant model, and methods to
update the CRMP to reflect the current
plant-specific model.
The licensee needs to address the Tier
3 aspects of RG 1.177, including a
description of the CRMP, and confirm
that the licensee’s Maintenance Rule
Program (10 CFR 50.65(a)(4)) meets all
aspects of Section 2.3.7.2 of RG 1.177,
including the referenced four key
components.
Also, the licensee needs to confirm
that the plant (units) conform to the
requirements of the maintenance rule,
as they relate to the proposed CIV CTs
and the guidance contained in
NUMARC 93–01, Section 11, as
endorsed by RG 1.182, including
verification that the maintenance rule
program, with respect to CIVs, includes
a LERF and ICLERP assessment, as part
of the maintenance rule process, and
that the CRMP is adequate, as part of the
basis for evaluating the risk impact of
CIV maintenance configurations. The
licensee needs to confirm that its CRMP
model calculates ICCDP (or ICDP) and
ICLERP (or ILERP) and that the
licensee’s model is capable of modeling
CIVs or has been modified to include
CIVs.
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that the
plant-specific PRA quality is acceptable
for Tier 3 application, in accordance
with the guidelines given in RG 1.174
and RG 1.177.
Discussion:
The licensee needs to describe the
scope of the plant-specific PRA and
justify its technical adequacy for this
application, in accordance with the
guidance provided in RG 1.174 and RG
1.177. Specifically, the supporting
documentation needs to address each
area in sufficient detail to satisfy the
following:
• Assurance that the plant-specific
PRA reasonably reflects the as-built, asoperated plant.
• Assurance that plant-specific PRA
updates, including any plant
improvements or commitments cited
and credited in the analysis, have been
implemented from the individual plant
evaluation (IPE) and the IPE for external
events (IPEEE) and subsequent peer
reviews and self-assessments. Reference
to past submittals discussing this
information is acceptable.
• Assurance that conclusions from
the peer review, including facts and
observations (A and B), that are
applicable to proposed extended CTs for
CIVs were considered and resolved
consistent with RG 1.200, Revision 2. If
not resolved, the licensee must provide
the justification for the acceptability of
the conclusions (e.g., sensitivity studies
showing negligible impact). The
licensee should indicate the PRA
revisions that underwent the peer
review and were used in the plantspecific application.
• Assurance that there is PRA
configuration control and updating,
including PRA quality assurance
programs, associated procedures, and
PRA revision schedules.
• Assurance that there is PRA
adequacy, completeness, and
applicability with respect to evaluating
the risk associated with the proposed
CIV CT extensions.
• Assurance that plant design or
operational modifications that are
related to or could affect the proposed
CT extensions are reflected in the PRA
revision used in the plant-specific
application or that a justification is
provided for not including these
modifications in the PRA.
As clarified in Regulatory Issue
Summary 2007–06, ‘‘Regulatory Guide
1.200 Implementation,’’ dated March 22,
2007, the NRC staff will use RG 1.200
to assess the technical adequacy of all
risk-informed applications received
PO 00000
Frm 00108
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
after December 2007. RG 1.200, ‘‘An
Approach for Determining the Technical
Adequacy of Probabilistic Risk
Assessment Results for Risk-Informed
Activities,’’ describes an acceptable
approach for defining the technical
adequacy of an acceptable base PRA.
This assessment can be performed by
directly comparing the base PRA to the
supporting requirements in the
endorsed American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Standard
RA–Sb–2005 and addressing the NRC
staff position on each requirement
discussed in Appendix A to RG 1.200.
Alternatively, a licensee can perform the
assessment starting with the results of a
previous peer review, performed in
accordance with the process
documented in NEI 00–02 and
addressing the NRC staff position on
each requirement discussed in
Appendix B to RG 1.200.
3.2.8 Demonstration (External Events
Risk)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that
external events risk is bounded by TR
WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2,
assumptions and will not have an
adverse impact on the conclusions of
the [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.]
analysis for extending the CIV CTs.
Discussion:
External events may include seismic,
high winds, fires, floods, or other
related events applicable to each
licensee. The licensee needs to
demonstrate, by either quantitative or
qualitative means, that external event
risk will not have an adverse impact on
the conclusions of the plant-specific
analyses with respect to the TR
evaluation. For some participating
plants, internal fires and other external
event risks may contribute significantly
to the overall plant baseline risk, which
may affect TR WCAP–15791, so that a
plant-specific application of the TR
methodology may not be found
acceptable in all cases. Specifically, the
risk from external events should not
make the total baseline risk exceed 1E4/yr CDF or 1E-5/yr LERF without
justification.
The licensee’s submittal must discuss
the plant risk associated with external
events and specifically identify
(quantitatively or qualitatively) that the
impact of the proposed CIV CTs on the
risk associated with external events is
small. The licensee needs to confirm
that any increase in external event risk
associated with the proposed CIV CTs
should be minimal. The licensee must
address this impact and discuss why the
risk of external events (including
internal fires) is negligible. Insights from
IPEEE screening or quantitative
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
approaches may be used to support the
licensee’s evaluations.
If the licensee has performed an
updated analysis of an external event
since the NRC staff review of the
licensee’s IPEEE, and a quantitative PRA
demonstration is used to support the
submittal, the licensee needs to describe
the significant changes involved in its
updated analysis and the impact of
these changes on plant risk associated
with the external event and the
proposed CIV CT extensions.
For external events for which the
licensee has a PRA, the licensee needs
to provide the change in CDF, the
change in LERF, the ICCDP, and the
ICLERP associated with specifically
analyzed external events. The licensee
needs to also provide the total plant risk
and total change in risk from all PRA
contributors (the combination of
internal events, internal flooding,
internal fires, and external events). To
conclude that the quantified risk
associated with the proposed CIV CTs is
acceptable, the total CDF and LERF
values and the change in CDF, change
in LERF, ICCDP, and ICLERP must meet
the acceptance guidelines of RG 1.174
and RG 1.177.
For external events not included in
the plant PRA but that rely on a nonPRA method (e.g., seismic margins
analysis or fire-induced vulnerability
evaluation) to confirm that plant risk
remains acceptable, the licensee must
confirm the following: a) that there are
no vulnerabilities or outliers associated
with these external events, b) that any
vulnerabilities or outliers that were
identified have been resolved, or c) that
appropriate plant modifications have
been implemented according to the
licensee’s analysis.
3.2.9 Demonstration (CIV Availability
Monitoring)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated for
[PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] how plantspecific CIV availability is monitored
and assessed at the plant under the
maintenance rule, and that, performance
continues to be consistent with the
analysis assumptions used to justify
extended CIV CTs, including the
assumptions in TR WCAP–15791.
Discussion:
The licensee needs to address how
CIV availability is monitored and
assessed under the maintenance rule,
which includes confirmation that
performance continues to be consistent
with the analysis assumptions used to
justify extended CIV CTs and needs to
describe what actions are to be taken if
a previously approved risk-informed
licensing action is found to no longer
PO 00000
Frm 00109
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
47293
meet the acceptance guidelines of RG
1.174 and RG 1.177.
3.2.10 Demonstration (Cumulative
Risk Evaluation)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that the
cumulative risk has been evaluated for
[PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] in
accordance with guidance in RG 1.174,
with respect to past [PLANT NAME,
UNIT NOS.] license amendments or
additional [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.]
applications for a TS change under NRC
review that have not been incorporated
into the baseline PRA used to evaluate
the proposed change.
Discussion:
The cumulative risk impact of the
proposed CT extensions for CIVs must
be addressed in the plant-specific
application, in accordance with the
acceptance guidelines in RG 1.174. The
cumulative risk impact must include
both previous plant license changes and
additional plant applications still under
review.
3.2.11 Demonstration (PRA
Uncertainty)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that
uncertainty caused by plant PRA
models is addressed in the [PLANT
NAME, UNIT NOS.] submittal according
to RG 1.174 guidance.
Discussion:
Licensee needs to address that
uncertainty due to plant PRA models do
not significantly impact the risk
assessment results and decisions
regarding acceptability.
3.2.12 Demonstration (Regulatory
Commitment)
[LICENSEE] has incorporated a
regulatory commitment addressing how
LERF/ICLERP is assessed and has
provided documentation in the [PLANT
NAME, UNIT NOS.] submittal.
Discussion:
Licensee needs to address the plant
CRMP, including the maintenance rule
program implemented under 10 CFR
50.65(a)(4), and explain how the LERF/
ICLERP is assessed in the program.
4.0
ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
[LICENSEE] has reviewed the
environmental evaluation included in
the proposed safety evaluation dated
[DATE]. [LICENSEE] has concluded that
the proposed determination presented
in the notice is applicable to [PLANT
NAME, UNIT NOS.] and the
determination is provided as an
attachment to this LAR to satisfy the
requirements of 10 CFR 50.91(a).
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
47294
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
Attachment 2: Proposed Technical
Specification Changes (Mark-Up)
this document. Any other statements in
this submittal are provided for
information purposes and are not
considered to be regulatory
commitments. Please direct questions
regarding these commitments to
[CONTACT NAME].
Attachment 3: Proposed Technical
Specification Pages
Attachment 4: List Of Regulatory
Commitments
The following table identifies those
actions committed to by [LICENSEE] in
Regulatory commitments
Due date
[LICENSEE] commits to implementing a methodology for assessing the effect on large early release frequency and incremental conditional large early release probability when using the
extended completion times for containment isolation valves in the program for managing risk
in accordance with 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4).
[Complete, implemented with amendment, OR
within X days of implementation of amendment].
and where the CIV is either intact or not
intact. In addition, this change
addresses conditions where there are
two or more penetration flow paths with
one CIV inoperable (for reasons other
than that the shield building bypass or
purge valve leakage are not within
limits). Basis for proposed no significant
hazards consideration:
As required by Title10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section
50.91(a), the [LICENSEE] analysis of the
issue of no significant hazards
consideration is presented below:
1: Does the Proposed Change Involve
a Significant Increase in the Probability
or Consequences of an Accident
Previously Evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed changes to the
completion times do not change the
response of the plant to any accidents,
have no impact on the reliability of the
CIV, and have an insignificant impact
on the availability of the CIVs. The
proposed changes will not result in a
significant increase in the risk of plant
operation. This is demonstrated by
showing that the impact on plant safety,
as measured by core damage frequency
(CDF) and large early release frequency
(LERF), is not significantly increased,
and is acceptable. In addition, for the
completion time change, the
incremental conditional core damage
probabilities (ICCDP) and incremental
conditional large early release
probabilities (ICLERP) are also
acceptable. These changes are consistent
with the acceptance guidelines in
Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.174, ‘‘An
Approach for Using Probabilistic Risk
Assessment in Risk-Informed Decisions
on Plant-Specific Changes to the
Licensing Basis,’’ and RG 1.177, ‘‘An
Approach for Plant-Specific, RiskInformed Decisionmaking: Technical
Specifications.’’
The proposed changes do not
adversely affect accident initiators or
precursors nor do they alter the design
assumptions, conditions, or
configuration of the facility or the
manner in which the plant is operated
and maintained. The proposed changes
do not alter or prevent the structures,
systems, and components from
performing their intended function to
mitigate the consequences of an
initiating event within the assumed
acceptance limits. The proposed
changes do not affect the source term,
containment isolation, or radiological
release assumptions used in evaluating
the radiological consequences of an
accident previously evaluated.
Furthermore, the proposed changes do
not increase the types or amounts of
radioactive effluent that may be released
offsite, nor do they significantly
increase individual or cumulative
occupational or public radiation
exposures. The proposed changes do not
invalidate the safety analysis
assumptions and resultant
consequences. Therefore, the proposed
changes do not involve a significant
increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
2: Does the Proposed Change Create
the Possibility of a New or Different
Kind of Accident from any Accident
Previously Evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed changes do not result in
a change in the manner in which the
CIVs provide plant protection. No
design changes are associated with the
proposed changes. The changes to
completion times do not change any
existing accident scenarios nor do they
create any new or different accident
scenarios. The changes do not involve a
physical alteration of the plant (i.e., no
new or different type of equipment will
be installed) or a change in the methods
Attachment 5: Proposed Changes To
Technical Specification Bases
Attachment 6: Proposed No Significant
Hazards Consideration
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
Proposed Model No Significant Hazards
Consideration Determination for PlantSpecific Adoption of Tstf Traveler-446,
Revision 3, ‘‘Risk Informed Evaluation
of Extensions to Containment Isolation
Valve Completion Times (Wcap15791)’’
Description of Amendment Request:
The change requests the adoption of an
approved change to the standard
technical specifications (STS) for
Westinghouse plants (NUREG–1431), to
allow modification of containment
isolation valve (CIV) completion times
associated with the implementation of
topical report (TR) WCAP–15791–NP–
A, Revision 2. ‘‘Risk-Informed
Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times,’’ dated March 10,
2006. Technical Specification Task
Force (TSTF) Traveler-446, Revision 3,
‘‘Risk Informed Evaluation of
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (Topical Report
WCAP–15791–P, Revision 2),’’ dated
February 19, 2008 (Agencywide
Documents Access and Management
System (ADAMS) Accession No.
ML080510164). The Notice of
Availability published in the Federal
Register on [Date] [xx FR xxxxx]
described the proposed change.
The proposed change extends the
completion times for containment
penetration flow paths with one CIV
inoperable from 4 hours up to 168 hours
(7 days) for Westinghouse plants. This
change is applicable to containment
penetrations with one or more CIVs, in
which one CIV is inoperable [for reasons
other than shield building bypass or
purge valve leakage not within limit]
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
PO 00000
Frm 00110
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
governing normal plant operation. In
addition, the changes do not impose any
new or different requirements or
eliminate any existing requirements.
The proposed changes do not alter
assumptions made in the safety analysis
and do not invalidate the safety analysis
assumptions and current plant operating
practice.
3: Does the Proposed Change Involve
a Significant Reduction in a Margin of
Safety?
Response: No.
The proposed changes do not alter the
manner in which safety limits, limiting
safety system settings, or limiting
conditions for operation are determined.
The safety analysis acceptance criteria
are not affected by these changes. The
proposed changes will not result in
plant operation in a configuration
outside the design basis. The calculated
impact on risk is consistent with the
acceptance guidelines contained in RG
1.174 and RG 1.177.
Therefore, the proposed changes do
not involve a significant reduction in a
margin of safety.
Based upon the reasoning presented
above, the licensee concludes that the
requested change does not involve a
significant hazards consideration, as set
forth in 10 CFR 50.92(c), ‘‘Issuance of
Amendment.’’
Proposed Model Safety Evaluation for
Plant-Specific Adoption of Technical
Specification Task Force Traveler-446,
Revision 3, ‘‘Risk Informed Evaluation
of Extensions to Containment Isolation
Valve Completion Times (WCAP–
15791)’’
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
1.0
INTRODUCTION
By letter dated [DATE], [LICENSEE]
(the licensee) proposed changes to the
technical specifications (TS) for [PLANT
NAME]. The requested change is the
adoption of NRC-approved Technical
Specification Task Force (TSTF)
Traveler-446, Revision 3, ‘‘Risk
Informed Evaluation of Containment
Isolation Valve Completion Times
(Topical Report WCAP–15791–NP–A,
Revision 2) RITSTF Initiative 4b,’’ dated
February 19, 2008 (Agencywide
Documents Access Management System
(ADAMS) Accession No.
ML080510164). TSTF Traveler-446
proposes a generic change to NUREG–
1431, Revision 3, ‘‘Standard Technical
Specifications Westinghouse Plants,’’
issued June 2004, to implement
containment isolation valve (CIV)
completion time changes associated
with the implementation of Topical
Report (TR) WCAP–15791, Revision 1,
‘‘Risk-Informed Evaluation of
Extensions to Containment Isolation
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
Valve Completion Times,’’ dated April
30, 2004. When implemented, the
traveler would extend the CIV
completion times for TS Limiting
Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.6.3,
‘‘Containment Isolation Valves
(Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice
Condenser, and Dual),’’ from 4 hours up
to 168 hours (7 days). (For isolation
valves that cannot demonstrate
acceptable results for 168 hours, shorter
times are considered and evaluated).
2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION
In Title 10 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50.36,
‘‘Technical Specifications,’’ the NRC
established its regulatory requirements
related to the content of TS. Pursuant to
10 CFR 50.36, TS are required to
include items in the following five
specific categories related to station
operation: (1) safety limits, limiting
safety system settings, and limiting
control settings, (2) LCOs, (3)
surveillance requirements, (4) design
features, and (5) administrative controls.
However, the regulation does not
specify the particular TS to be included
in a plant’s license. TSTF Traveler-446
is proposing changes to the TS LCO that
concern the Category 2 requirements.
The LCOs are the lowest functional
capability, or performance levels, of
equipment required for safe operation of
the facility. When an LCO of a nuclear
reactor is not met, the licensee shall
follow any remedial actions permitted
by the TS until the condition can be met
or shall shut down the reactor.
Furthermore, the completion times
specified in the TS must be based on the
reasonable protection of public health
and safety. As set forth in 10 CFR 50.36,
a licensee’s TS must establish the LCOs
that are the lowest functional capability,
or performance levels, of equipment
required for safe operation of the
facility. This requirement includes
completion times for structures,
systems, and components (SSCs), such
as CIVs. These completion times allow
a certain amount of time in which to
correct a condition that does not meet
the LCO before the reactor must be
brought to a condition that exits the
mode of applicability, in most cases
resulting in the reactor being shut down.
The Maintenance Rule, 10 CFR 50.65,
‘‘Requirements for Monitoring the
Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear
Power Plants,’’ requires licensees to
monitor the performance, or condition,
of SSCs against licensee-established
goals in a manner sufficient to provide
reasonable assurance that SSCs are
capable of fulfilling their intended
functions. The implementation and
monitoring program guidance in Section
PO 00000
Frm 00111
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
47295
2.3 of Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.174, ‘‘An
Approach for Using Probabilistic Risk
Assessment in Risk-Informed Decisions
on Plant-Specific Changes to the
Licensing Basis,’’ and Section 3 of RG
1.177, ‘‘An Approach for Plant-Specific,
Risk-Informed Decisionmaking:
Technical Specifications,’’ states that
monitoring performed in conformance
with the Maintenance Rule can be used
when such monitoring is sufficient for
the SSCs affected by the risk-informed
application. In addition, 10 CFR
50.65(a)(4), as it relates to the proposed
extension of CIV completion times,
requires the assessment and
management of the increase in risk that
may result from the proposed
maintenance activity.
The CIVs help ensure that adequate
primary containment boundaries are
maintained during and after accidents
by minimizing potential pathways to the
environment and help ensure that the
primary containment function assumed
in the safety analysis is maintained. The
following general design criteria (GDC)
apply to this change and establish the
necessary design, fabrication,
construction, testing, and performance
requirements for SSCs important to
safety, which provide reasonable
assurance that the facility can be
operated without undue risk to the
health and safety of the public. [PreGDC (PGDC) facilities not licensed
under the GDC in Appendix A, ‘‘General
Design Criteria for Nuclear Power
Plants,’’ to 10 CFR Part 50, ‘‘Domestic
Licensing of Production and Utilization
Facilities,’’ are licensed under similar
plant-specific design criteria, as
described in the facility’s licensing-basis
documents (such as updated final safety
analysis reports).]
• GDC 54 (or PGDC), ‘‘Piping Systems
Penetrating Containment,’’ requires the
following: Those piping systems that
penetrate primary containment be
provided with leak detection, isolation,
and containment capabilities having
redundancy, reliability, and
performance capabilities that reflect the
importance to safety of isolating these
piping systems. Such piping systems
shall be designed with a capability to
test periodically the operability of the
isolation valves and associated
apparatus and to determine if valve
leakage is within acceptable limits.
• GDC 55 (or PGDC), ‘‘Reactor
Coolant Pressure Boundary Penetrating
Containment,’’ requires the following:
Each line that is part of the reactor
coolant pressure boundary and that
penetrates primary reactor containment
shall be provided with CIVs as follows,
unless it can be demonstrated that the
containment isolation provisions for a
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
47296
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
specific class of lines, such as
instrument lines, are acceptable on
some other defined basis:
(1) One locked closed isolation valve
inside and one locked closed isolation
valve outside containment; or
(2) One automatic isolation valve
inside and one locked closed isolation
valve outside containment; or
(3) One locked closed isolation valve
inside and one automatic isolation valve
outside containment. A simple check
valve may not be used as the automatic
isolation valve outside containment; or
(4) One automatic isolation valve
inside and one automatic isolation valve
outside containment. A simple check
valve may not be used as the automatic
isolation valve outside containment.
Isolation valves outside containment
shall be located as close to containment
as practical and upon loss of actuating
power, automatic isolation valves shall
be designed to take the position that
provides greater safety.
Other appropriate requirements to
minimize the probability or
consequences of an accidental rupture
of these lines or of lines connected to
them shall be provided as necessary to
assure adequate safety. Determination of
the appropriateness of these
requirements, such as higher quality in
design, fabrication and testing,
additional provisions for inservice
inspection, protection against more
severe natural phenomena, and
additional isolation valves and
containment, shall include
consideration of the population density,
use characteristics, and physical
characteristics of the site environs.
• GDC 56 (or PGDC), ‘‘Primary
Containment Isolation,’’ requires the
following:
Each line that connects directly to the
containment atmosphere and penetrates
primary reactor containment shall be
provided with CIVs as follows, unless it
can be demonstrated that the
containment isolation provisions for a
specific class of lines, such as
instrument lines, are acceptable on
some other defined basis:
(1) One locked closed isolation valve
inside and one locked closed isolation
valve outside containment; or
(2) One automatic isolation valve
inside and one locked closed isolation
valve outside containment; or
(3) One locked closed isolation valve
inside and one automatic isolation valve
outside containment. A simple check
valve may not be used as the automatic
isolation valve outside containment; or
(4) One automatic isolation valve
inside and one automatic isolation valve
outside containment. A simple check
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
valve may not be used as the automatic
isolation valve outside containment.
Isolation valves outside containment
shall be located as close to containment
as practical and upon loss of actuating
power, automatic isolation valves shall
be designed to take the position that
provides greater safety.
• GDC 57 (or PGDC), ‘‘Closed System
Isolation Valves,’’ requires the
following: Each line that penetrates the
primary reactor containment and is
neither part of the reactor coolant
pressure boundary nor connected
directly to the containment atmosphere
shall have at least one CIV which shall
be either automatic, or locked closed, or
capable of remote manual operation.
This valve shall be outside containment
and located as close to the containment
as practical. A simple check valve may
not be used as the automatic isolation
valve.
3.0
TECHNICAL EVALUATION
3.1 Probabilistic Risk Assessment
(PRA) for the Proposed Changes
[LICENSEE] adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3, would allow
extending CIV completion times
specified in TS [LCO 3.6.3,
‘‘Containment Isolation Valves
(Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice
Condenser, and Dual)’’]. TR WCAP–
15791–P–A, Revision 2, referenced in
TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3,
describes a method to revise the
completion time for specific conditions
in TS LCO 3.6.3. The NRC staff
reviewed, the risk impact, using the
three-tiered approach referenced in RG
1.174 and RG 1.177 associated with the
proposed TS changes. The first tier
evaluates the probabilistic risk
assessment and the impact of the
proposed extension of completion times
for CIVs on plant operational risk. The
second tier addresses the need to
preclude potentially high-risk plant
equipment outage configurations by
identifying the need for additional
controls or compensatory actions to be
implemented during the time a CIV is
unavailable because of maintenance.
The third tier evaluates the licensee’s
overall configuration risk management
program and confirms that risk insights
are incorporated into the
decisionmaking process before
equipment is taken out of service before
or during CIV maintenance.
The NRC staff determined that the
risk analysis methodology and approach
used by TR WCAP–15791–NP–A,
Revision 2, to estimate the risk impact
was reasonable. The NRC staff stated
that the risk impact of the proposed
extended completion times for CIVs, as
PO 00000
Frm 00112
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
estimated by the change in CDF, the
change in LERF, the ICCDP, and the
ICLERP, is consistent with the
acceptance guidelines specified in RG
1.174 and RG 1.177 and the associated
NRC guidance outlined in Sections 16.1,
19.1, and 19.2 of NUREG–0800,
‘‘Standard Review Plan for the Review
of Safety Analysis Reports for Nuclear
Power Plants.’’ CIV configurations,
completion times, or nonbounding risk
analysis parameters not evaluated by TR
WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2,
require additional justification of the
specific penetrations for the proposed
CIV completion times.
The NRC staff also noted that Tier 2,
as presented in TR WCAP–15791–NP–
A, Revision 2, did not identify generic
Tier 2 risk-significant configurations as
a result of the proposed CIV completion
times. In its review of TR WCAP–15791,
the NRC staff identified TS and analysis
bases that allow only one CIV to be in
maintenance with an extended
completion time at any given time. In
addition, before maintenance or
corrective maintenance is performed,
other CIVs in the penetration flow path
shall be checked for proper position.
The NRC staff’s safety evaluation (SE),
(ADAMS Accession No ML080170680)
also noted that, for licensees adopting
TR WCAP–15791, a plant-specific Tier 2
evaluation should be performed to
confirm the conclusions of the subject
WCAP concerning Tier 2 remaining
applicable to the licensee’s plant.
TR WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2,
did not address Tier 3, and therefore the
NRC SE concluded that licensees
adopting the subject TR would need to
include an evaluation with respect to
Tier 3 in their plant-specific application
in accordance with the principles in RG
1.177.
The NRC-approved TR WCAP–15791–
NP–A, Revision 2, for referencing in
license applications to the extent
specified and under the limitations and
conditions stated in the TR and Section
4.0 of the NRC SE. In addition, per the
SE, applications referencing TR WCAP–
15791 must address items specified in
Section 3.4, ‘‘Regulatory
Commitments,’’ and Section 5.0,
‘‘Additional Information Needed’’ of the
SE.
The licensee’s plant-specific
application requesting adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446 evaluated the conditions,
limitations, and additional information
needed that are referenced in the
Sections 3.4, 4.0, and 5.0 of the NRC SE
of TR WCAP–15791–NP–A, Revision 2.
In its application dated [DATE], the
licensee provided supporting
information for each of the conditions,
limitations, and additional information
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
needed that are referenced in the NRC
SE. The licensee’s supporting
information for each condition and
limitation, as well as for the additional
information needed, met the NRC staff’s
expectations and acceptance criteria
[with the following exceptions: List any
exceptions to the conditions and
limitations or additional information
required, as stated in the licensee’s
submittal, and include the NRC staff’s
evaluation and conclusions].
Technical Assessment for the
Proposed Changes:
[LICENSEE] adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3 would make
changes to the TS [LCO 3.6.3,
‘‘Containment Isolation Valves
(Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice
Condenser, and Dual),’’] as follows:
• TSTF Traveler-446 revises [LCO
3.6.3], which states ‘‘Each containment
isolation valve shall be OPERABLE,’’ to
read ‘‘Each containment isolation valve
(CIV) shall be OPERABLE.’’ Adding the
abbreviation ‘‘(CIV)’’ to the LCO
statement is editorial in nature and does
not change the LCO requirement;
therefore, this change is acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 deletes the
Condition A NOTE, which states ‘‘Only
applicable to penetration flow paths
with two [or more] containment
isolation valves.’’ The existing
Condition C, which is applicable to
penetration flow paths with only one
CIV and a closed system, is being
deleted and replaced by a new
Condition B. The new Condition B,
along with the revised Condition A,
accounts for all of the CIVs covered
under existing Condition C; therefore,
the Condition A NOTE is no longer
required. Revised Condition A and new
Condition B apply to all penetration
flow paths with at least one CIV. This
is consistent with the NRC SE of TR
WCAP–15791 and is therefore
acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 revises
Condition A’s applicability from ‘‘[for
reasons other than Condition[s] D [and
E]]’’ to ‘‘[for reasons other than
Condition[s] E [and F]].’’ This change is
required by the addition of new
Conditions B and D, which results in
renumbering the conditions that follow
Condition D. This change is editorial
and does not result in a technical
change; therefore, it is acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 adds a new
requirement to Condition A, which
states ‘‘Containment isolation valve
pressure boundary intact.’’ This is
required to meet the entry condition for
Condition A. This requirement is
necessary, along with the addition of
new Condition B, which is applicable
when the CIV pressure boundary is not
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
intact, because existing Condition C is
being deleted. Existing Condition C is
applicable to penetration flow paths
with only one CIV and a closed system.
In addition, revised Condition A and
new Condition B are applicable to all
conditions in which a CIV may be
INOPERABLE. Revised Condition A,
along with new Condition B,
encompasses existing Condition C and
is consistent with the NRC’s SE for
WCAP–15791; therefore, it is
acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 revises the
existing 4-hour completion time for
Condition A to completion times that
range from 4 hours up to 7 days,
depending upon the category of the
applicable CIV (Category 1 through 7).
This change has been evaluated and
documented in the NRC SE of TR
WCAP–15791. This change proposed by
TSTF Traveler-446 is consistent with
the NRC SE of TR WCAP–15791 and is
therefore acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 adds a new
Condition B, which states ‘‘One or more
penetration flow paths with one
containment isolation valve inoperable
[for reasons other than Condition[s] E
[and F]] AND containment isolation
valve pressure boundary not intact.’’
This new condition, in conjunction with
revised Condition A, accounts for all
situations where one or more CIVs
become or are made inoperable. The
new Condition B required actions and
completion times are the same as those
in the revised Condition A, with the
exception of the Condition B category of
valves. Condition A completion times
apply to Category 1 through 7 valves
and Condition B completion times
apply to Category 8 through 14 valves.
The addition of new Condition B has
been evaluated and documented in the
NRC SE of TR WCAP–15791. This
change proposed by TSTF Traveler-446
is consistent with the NRC SE of TR
WCAP–15791 and is therefore
acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 renames existing
Condition B and Required Action B.1 as
Condition C and Required Action C.1. In
addition, existing Condition B wording,
which states ‘‘[for reasons other than
Condition[s] D [and E]]’’ is changed to
‘‘[for reasons other than Condition[s] E
[and F]].’’ These changes are editorial in
nature, are caused by adding conditions
proposed by TSTF Traveler-446 that
have been evaluated and documented in
the NRC SE of TR WCAP–15791, and
are therefore acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 deletes the
existing Condition C and Required
Actions C.1 and C.2, which are
applicable to penetration flow paths
with only one CIV and a closed system.
PO 00000
Frm 00113
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
47297
The existing Condition C entry
condition is ‘‘One or more penetration
flow paths with one containment
isolation valve inoperable.’’ With
revised Condition A and the addition of
Condition B, this covers all CIVs that
would have been applicable to existing
Condition C. The required actions for
revised Condition A and new Condition
B are identical to the existing Condition
C. The completion times for revised
Condition A and new Condition B are
changed from the existing Condition C
time of 72 hours and have been
evaluated and documented in the NRC
SE of TR WCAP–15791. The deletion of
existing Condition C is consistent with
WCAP–15791, is accounted for by the
revision to Condition A, and the
addition of new Condition B, and is
therefore acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 adds a new
Condition D, which states ‘‘Two or more
penetration flow paths with one
containment isolation valve inoperable
[for reasons other than Condition[s] E
[and F]].’’ This condition requires
isolating all but one of the affected
penetrations within 4 hours (the
existing completion time for Condition
A). Once this completion time is
satisfied, and since revised Condition A
and new Condition B will still be
applicable, this essentially limits the
completion times in Condition A and B
to a single penetration. This added
requirement enforces the basis of
WCAP–15791 that only one CIV should
be in maintenance at a time. This
change addresses Section 4.0,
‘‘Limitations and Conditions,’’ items 1
and 2, in the NRC SE of TR WCAP–
15791 and is therefore acceptable.
• TSTF Traveler-446 renames
Conditions D, E, and F, along with
Required Actions D.1, E.1, E.2, E.3, F.1,
and F.2, as Conditions E, F, and G, along
with Required Actions E.1, F.1, F.2, F.3,
G.1, and G.2. With the addition of new
Conditions B and D, and the deletion of
current Condition C, the remaining
conditions and required actions need to
be renumbered. This change is editorial,
results in no technical change, and is
therefore acceptable.
4.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The NRC staff has reviewed the
[LICENSEE] proposed adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3, to modify the
TS requirements for allowed outage
times for CIVs associated with the
implementation of TR WCAP–15791–
NP–A, Revision 2. The NRC staff has
reviewed these changes for consistency
with the current NUREG–1431 and
found them to be consistent.
The NRC staff has concluded, on the
basis of the considerations discussed
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
47298
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / Notices
above, that (1) there is reasonable
assurance that the health and safety of
the public will not be endangered by
operation in the proposed manner, (2)
such activities will be conducted in
compliance with the Commission’s
regulations, and (3) the issuance of the
amendments will not be inimical to the
common defense and security or to the
health and safety of the public.
5.0 STATE CONSULTATION
In accordance with the Commission’s
regulations, the [ ] State official was
notified of the proposed issuance of the
amendment. The State official had [(1)
no comments or (2) the following
comments—with subsequent
disposition by the NRC staff].
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATION
The amendment changes a
requirement with respect to the
installation or use of a facility
component located within the restricted
area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20,
‘‘Standards for Protection Against
Radiation.’’ The NRC staff has
determined that the amendment
involves no significant increase in the
amounts and no significant change in
the types of any effluents that may be
released offsite and that there is no
significant increase in individual or
cumulative occupational radiation
exposure. The Commission has
previously issued a proposed finding
that the amendment involves no
significant hazards considerations, and
there has been no public comment on
the finding [FR]. Accordingly, the
amendment meets the eligibility criteria
for categorical exclusion set forth in 10
CFR 51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR
51.22(b), no environmental impact
statement or environmental assessment
need be prepared in connection with the
issuance of the amendments.
7.0 REFERENCES
1. ‘‘Forwarding of TSTFs,’’ dated
October 21, 2002 (ADAMS Package
Accession No. ML022960409).
2. ‘‘TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 1,
‘Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions
to Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (WCAP–15791),’ ’’
dated January 31, 2005 (ADAMS
Accession No. ML050460293).
3. WCAP–15791, Revision 2, ‘‘RiskInformed Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times,’’ (ADAMS Package
Accession No. ML071550223).
4. ‘‘TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 2,
‘Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions
to Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (WCAP–15791),’ ’’
VerDate Nov<24>2008
19:12 Sep 14, 2009
Jkt 217001
dated January 11, 2007 (ADAMS
Accession No. ML070110620).
5. ‘‘TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3,
‘Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions
to Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (WCAP–15791),’ ’’
dated February 19, 2008 (ADAMS
Accession No. ML080510164).
6. NUREG–1431, ‘‘Standard Technical
Specifications Westinghouse Plants,’’
Revision 3, June 2004 (ADAMS
Accession No. ML041830612).
7. Nuclear Energy Institute 99–04,
Revision 0, ‘‘Guidelines for Managing
NRC Commitment Changes,’’ July 1999
(ADAMS Accession No. ML003680088).
8. Final Safety Evaluation (SE) of
Westinghouse Owners Group (WOG)
Topical Report (TR) WCAP–15791–P,
Revision 2, ‘‘Risk-Informed Evaluation
of Extensions to Containment Isolation
Valve Completion Times,’’ dated
February 13, 2008 (ADAMS Accession
No. ML080170680).
answer session, and closing remarks.
Witness lists and any changes affecting
the dates, times or locations for the field
hearings will be posted on the
Commission’s Web site.
The public is invited to attend the
field hearings. Any attendee who needs
special accommodations or has other
questions about the field hearings
should contact Ann C. Fisher, Director
of Public Affairs and Government
Relations, 202–789–6803 or
Ann.Fisher@prc.gov, in advance.
Dated: September 10, 2009.
Judith M. Grady,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–22268 Filed 9–14–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
Site Visits
Postal Regulatory Commission.
Notice of site visits.
[FR Doc. E9–22182 Filed 9–14–09; 8:45 am]
AGENCY:
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
ACTION:
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
Field Hearings
Postal Regulatory Commission.
Notice of field hearings.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
DATES: (1.) September 16, 2009: field
hearing, Independence, Ohio (1 p.m.)
(2.) September 23, 2009, field hearing,
Bronx, New York.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann
C. Fisher, 202–789–6803 or
Ann.Fisher@prc.gov.
This
notice informs the public of the
Commission’s intention to hold public
field hearings to supplement the record
in this proceeding. The first field
hearing will take place on Wednesday,
September 16, 2009 at the Independence
(Ohio) Civic Center. The hearing is
scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and to
conclude at 4 p.m. The address for the
Independence Civic Center is 6363 Selig
Drive, Independence, Ohio 44131.
The second field hearing will take
place on Wednesday, September 23,
2009 at O’Keefe Commons in O’Hare
Hall on Fordham University’s Rose Hill
Campus. The hearing is scheduled to
begin at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 4
p.m. The address for O’Hare Hall is 441
East Fordham Road, Bronx, New York
10458.
The format for presentations at the
field hearings will consist of opening
remarks by Chairman Ruth Y. Goldway
and other Commissioners, testimony
from invited witnesses, a question-and-
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Frm 00114
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
DATES: 1. September 16, 2009: site visit,
Cleveland, Ohio. 2. September 23, 2009,
site visit, Jersey City, New Jersey.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen L. Sharfman, 202–789–6820 or
steven.sharfman@prc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
notice informs the public of two site
visits by Commissioners, assistants and
other designated staff members. One
visit is to the American Greetings
Corporation, One American Way,
Cleveland, Ohio 44144, on Wednesday,
September 16, 2009.
The other is to the U.S. Postal
Service’s New Jersey Network
Distribution Center, 80 County Road,
Jersey City, New Jersey 07097–9998, on
Wednesday, September 23, 2009.
The purpose of the visits is to increase
familiarity with mailing practices and
postal operations. For further
information, contact Stephen L.
Sharfman, 202–789–6820 or
stephen.sharfman@prc.gov.
Dated: September 10, 2009.
Judith M. Grady,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–22272 Filed 9–14–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P
POSTAL SERVICE
Board of Governors; Sunshine Act
Meeting
TIMES AND DATES: 6 p.m., Monday,
September 21, 2009; 1 p.m., Tuesday,
September 22, 2009; and 8 a.m.,
Wednesday, September 23, 2009.
E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM
15SEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 177 (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47289-47298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-22182]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[NRC-2009-0403]
Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment on the Proposed Model
Safety Evaluation for Plant-Specific Adoption of Technical
Specification Task Force Traveler-446, Revision 3, ``Risk Informed
Evaluation of Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve Completion
Times (WCAP-15791)''
AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
ACTION: Notice of opportunity for public comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The NRC is requesting public comment on the enclosed proposed
model safety evaluation, model no significant hazards consideration
determination, and model application for plant-specific adoption of
Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF) Traveler-446, Revision 3,
``Risk Informed Evaluation of Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (WCAP-15791).'' The TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3 is
available in the Agencywide Documents Access Management System (ADAMS)
under Accession Number ML080510164. The proposed changes would revise
technical specification (TS) containment isolation valve (CIV)
completion times for Westinghouse plants. This model safety evaluation
will facilitate expedited approval of plant-specific adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3.
DATES: Comment period expires October 15, 2009. Comments received after
this date will be considered, if it is practical to do so, but the
Commission is able to ensure consideration only for comments received
on or before this date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any one of the following methods.
Please include Docket ID NRC-2009-0403 in the subject line of your
comments. Comments submitted in writing or in electronic form will be
posted on the NRC Web site and on the Federal rulemaking Web site
Regulations.gov. Because your comments will not be edited to remove any
identifying or contact information, the NRC cautions you against
including any information in your submission that you do not want to be
publicly disclosed.
The NRC requests that any party soliciting or aggregating comments
received from other persons for submission to the NRC inform those
persons that the NRC will not edit their comments to remove any
identifying or contact information, and therefore, they should not
include any information in their comments that they do not want
publicly disclosed.
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and
search for documents filed under Docket ID NRC-2009-0403. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher 301-492-3668; e-mail
Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov.
Mail comments to: Michael T. Lesar, Chief, Rulemaking and
Directives Branch (RDB), Division of Administrative Services, Office of
Administration, Mail Stop: TWB-05-B01M, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, or by fax to RDB at (301) 492-
3446.
You can access publicly available documents related to this notice
using the following methods:
NRC's Public Document Room (PDR): The public may examine and have
copied for a fee publicly available documents at the NRC's PDR, Public
File Area O-1 F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike,
Rockville, Maryland.
NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS):
Publicly available documents created or received at the NRC are
available electronically at the NRC's Electronic Reading Room at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. From this page, the public can gain
entry into ADAMS, which provides text and image files of NRC's public
documents. If you do not have access to ADAMS or if there are problems
in accessing the documents located in ADAMS, contact the NRC's PDR
reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by e-mail to
pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The Proposed Model Safety Evaluation for Plant-
Specific Adoption of Technical Specification Task Force Traveler-446,
Revision 3, ``Risk Informed Evaluation of Extensions to Containment
Isolation Valve Completion Times (WCAP-15791)'' is available
electronically under ADAMS Accession Number ML092260664.
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Public comments and supporting
materials related to this notice can be found at https://www.regulations.gov by searching on Docket ID: NRC-2009-0403.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Michelle C. Honcharik, Senior
Project Manager, Special Projects Branch, Mail Stop: O-12 D1, Division
of Policy and Rulemaking, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC, 20555-0001; telephone
301-415-1774 or e-mail at michelle.honcharik@nrc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
This notice provides an opportunity for the public to comment on
proposed changes to the Standard TS (STS) after a preliminary
assessment and finding by the NRC staff that the agency will likely
offer the changes for adoption by licensees. This notice solicits
comment on a proposed change to the STS that modifies the TS. The NRC
staff will evaluate any comments received for the proposed change to
the STS and reconsider the change or announce the availability of the
change for adoption by licensees. Licensees opting to apply for this TS
change are responsible for reviewing the NRC staff's evaluation,
referencing the applicable technical justifications, and providing any
necessary plant-specific information. The NRC will process and note
each amendment application responding to the notice of availability
according to applicable NRC rules and procedures.
Applicability
TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3, is applicable to all Westinghouse
nuclear power reactors. The Traveler requires that a licensee's plant-
specific application must: (a) address or meet the requirements stated
in Pressurized Water Reactor Owners' Group (PWROG) (formerly
Westinghouse Owners' Group) Topical Report (TR) WCAP-15791-NP-
[[Page 47290]]
A, Revision 2, ``Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions to Containment
Isolation Valve Completion Times,'' and (b) address or meet the
requirements stated in Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 99-04, Revision
0, ``Guidelines for Managing NRC Commitment Changes,'' (ADAMS Accession
No. ML003680088), and (c) include a demonstration of probabilistic risk
assessment (PRA) quality for the licensee's Tier 3 assessments. The NRC
staff approved NEI 99-04, by letter dated March 31, 2000 (ADAMS
Accession No. ML003679799). The NRC issued the final safety evaluation
(SE) for TR WCAP-15791-P, Revision 2, on February 13, 2008 (ADAMS
Accession No. ML080170680). The PWROG issued accepted proprietary and
non-proprietary versions of the WCAP (ADAMS Package Accession No.
ML003696998). To efficiently process the incoming license amendment
requests (LARs), the NRC staff requests that each licensee applying to
implement the changes proposed in TSTF Traveler-446 include
documentation regarding the technical adequacy of the PRA consistent
with the requirements of Section 4.2 of Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.200,
Revision 2, ``An Approach for Determining the Technical Adequacy of
Probabilistic Risk Assessment Results for Risk-Informed Activities,''
dated March 1, 2009 (ADAMS Accession No. ML090410014). Applicants
proposing to use PRA models for which NRC-endorsed standards do not
exist must submit documentation that identifies the characteristics of
those models consistent with Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of RG 1.200 or
identify and justify the methods to be applied for assessing the risk
contribution for those sources of risk not addressed by PRA models.
The proposed change does not prevent licensees from requesting an
alternate approach or proposing changes other than those proposed in
TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3. However, significant deviations from the
approach recommended in this notice or the inclusion of additional
changes to the license require additional NRC staff review. This may
increase the time and resources needed for the review or result in NRC
staff rejection of the LAR. Licensees desiring significant deviations
or additional changes should instead submit an LAR that does not claim
to adopt TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 2nd day of September 2009.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Stacey L. Rosenberg,
Chief, Special Projects Branch, Division of Policy and Rulemaking,
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
Proposed Model Application for Plant-Specific Adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3, ``Risk Informed Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times (WCAP-15791)''
Subject: Plant Name
Docket No. 50--
Application For Technical Specification Change Regarding Risk-Informed
Justification For Containment Isolation Valve Allowed Outage Time
Changes
Dear Sir or Madam:
In accordance with the provisions of Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50.90, ``Application for Amendment
of License, Construction Permit, or Early Site Permit,'' [LICENSEE] is
submitting a request for an amendment to the technical specifications
(TS) for [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.].
The proposed amendment would modify [LICENSEE] technical
specifications (TS) requirements for allowed outage time changes for
containment isolation valves with the implementation of Topical Report
WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, ``Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions
to Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times.''
Attachment 1 provides a description of the proposed change, the
requested confirmation of applicability, and plant-specific
verifications. Attachment 2 gives the existing TS pages marked to show
the proposed change. Attachment 3 provides revised (clean) TS pages.
Attachment 4 summarizes the regulatory commitments made in this
submittal. Attachment 5 provides the proposed changes to the TS Bases.
Attachment 6 provides the statement of proposed No Significant Hazards
Consideration.
[LICENSEE] requests approval of the proposed license amendment by
[DATE], with the amendment being implemented [BY DATE OR WITHIN X
DAYS].
In accordance with 10 CFR 50.91, ``Notice for Public Comment; State
Consultation,'' a copy of this application, with attachments, is being
provided to the designated [STATE] Official.
I declare [or certify, verify, state] under penalty of perjury that
the foregoing is correct and true.
Executed on [date] [Signature]
If you should have any questions about this submittal, please
contact [NAME, TELEPHONE NUMBER].
Sincerely,
[Name, Title]
Attachments:
1. Description and Assessment
2. Proposed Technical Specification Changes
3. Revised Technical Specification Pages
4. Regulatory Commitments
5. Proposed Technical Specification Bases Changes
6. Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration
cc: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Regional Office
NRC Resident Inspector
ATTACHMENT 1
DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT
1.0 DESCRIPTION
The proposed amendment would modify technical specifications (TS)
requirements for allowed outage times for containment isolation valves
(CIVs) associated with the implementation of Topical Report (TR) WCAP-
15791-NP-A, Revision 2, ``Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions to
Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times for Westinghouse Plants.''
The changes are consistent with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission's (NRC's) approved industry/Technical Specification Task
Force (TSTF) Standard TS (STS) change, TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3
(Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession
No. ML080510164). The Federal Register notice published on [DATE]
announced the availability of this TS improvement.
2.0 ASSESSMENT
2.1 Applicability of Published Safety Evaluation
[LICENSEE] has reviewed the model safety evaluation (SE) dated
[DATE]. The [LICENSEE] has also reviewed the NRC staff SE (ADAMS
Accession No. ML080170680) approving TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2,
and the requirements specified in Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 99-04,
``Guidelines for Managing NRC Commitment Changes,'' (ADAMS Accession
No. ML003680088). [LICENSEE] has concluded that the justifications
presented in the TSTF proposal and the SE are applicable to [PLANT,
UNIT NOS.] and justify this amendment for the incorporation of the
changes to the [PLANT] TS.
[[Page 47291]]
2.2 Optional Changes and Variations
[LICENSEE] is not proposing any variations or deviations from the
STS changes described in TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3, and the NRC
staff's model safety evaluation, dated [DATE].
[If the licensee proposes variations or deviations, then the
licensee needs to describe and justify these variations/deviations and
include a statement, such as, the proposed amendment is consistent with
the STS changes described in TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3, but
[LICENSEE] proposes variations or deviations from TSTF Traveler-446, as
identified and justified below.]
3.0 REGULATORY ANALYSIS
3.1 No Significant Hazards Consideration
[LICENSEE] has reviewed the proposed no significant hazards
consideration (NSHC) published in the Federal Register [DATE] ([ ] FR [
]). [LICENSEE] has concluded that the proposed NSHC presented in the
Federal Register notice is applicable to [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] and is
provided as Attachment [6] to this amendment request, which satisfies
the requirements of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10
CFR) Section 50.91(a). [LICENSEE] has forwarded the NSHC to the
appropriate State officials.
3.2 Verifications, Commitments, and Additional Information Needed
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated the applicability of TSTF Traveler-446,
Revision 3, to [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS] by addressing requirements
specified in TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, in this license amendment
request (LAR). This LAR provides the plant-specific information on
limitations and conditions specified in Section 4.0 and the additional
information specified in Section 5.0 of the SE approving TR WCAP-15791-
NP-A, Revision 2. In addition, consistent with TSTF Traveler-446,
[LICENSEE] must demonstrate in this LAR applicable documentation/
evaluation for Items 3.2.1 through 3.2.12 as noted below.
3.2.1 Demonstration (Simultaneous LCO Entry Consideration)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has incorporated new Condition D in TS [LCO 3.6.3
``Containment Isolation Valves (Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice
Condenser, and Dual),''] as specified in TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3.
Option B:
[If the licensee did not incorporate Condition D, then it must
demonstrate that the potential for any cumulative risk impact of failed
CIVs and multiple CIV LCO entries was evaluated by the licensee. In
addition, the licensee must demonstrate that the licensee's Tier 3 risk
management program addresses the possibility of simultaneous LCO
entries for inoperable CIVs in separate penetrations. The licensee must
provide sufficient information such that defense-in-depth for safety
systems will be maintained.]
Discussion:
TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, is based on only one CIV being in
maintenance at any given time. The TR states that multiple systems are
not expected to be out of service simultaneously during extended
completion times (CTs), but it does not preclude the practice. Although
TS LCO 3.6.3, Note 2, allows a separate condition entry for each
penetration flow path, proposed Condition D addresses an inoperable CIV
in more than one penetration flow path and limits the CT to 4 hours. If
the licensee's proposed TS change does not include this Condition D,
then the licensee's application must demonstrate that the potential for
any cumulative risk impact of failed CIVs and multiple CIV LCO entries
has been evaluated and is acceptable. The licensee must demonstrate
that its Tier 3 risk management program, in accordance with 10 CFR
50.65(a)(4), will address the possibility of simultaneous LCO entries
of inoperable CIVs in separate penetrations to maintain defense-in-
depth for safety systems.
3.2.2 Demonstration (Penetration Configuration)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has incorporated new Condition D in TS [LCO 3.6.3] as
specified in TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3.
Option B;
[If the licensee did not incorporate Condition D, then it must
demonstrate that the remaining CIVs in the affected penetration flow
path (or another penetration flow path) are closed before entering the
extended CT for the inoperable CIV and that the risk impacts (i.e.,
core damage frequency (CDF), large early release frequency (LERF),
incremental conditional core damage probability (ICCDP) and incremental
conditional large early release probability (ICLERP)) were evaluated by
the licensee.]
Discussion:
The existing and proposed TS LCO 3.6.3 must not allow multiple
simultaneous extended CIV CTs to occur for more than 4 hours, which is
the existing CT for an inoperable CIV in LCO 3.6.3. This is to meet the
TR assumption that only one valve within a single penetration can be in
maintenance at a time (i.e., for more than the 4 hours allowed by the
current LCO 3.6.3 Condition A). The existing LCO 3.6.3 Condition B, and
the proposed LCO 3.6.3 Conditions A and D, ensure that this assumption
is being met. If the TS do not prevent this case (i.e., Condition D is
not adopted), then this case must be evaluated in the plant-specific
applications to demonstrate that the risk-impact assumptions of CDF,
LERF, ICCDP and ICLERP remain less than the acceptance guidelines in
Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.174, ``An Approach for Using Probabilistic Risk
Assessment in Risk-Informed Decisions on Plant-Specific Changes to the
Licensing Basis,'' and RG 1.177, ``An Approach for Plant-Specific,
Risk-Informed Decisionmaking: Technical Specifications.'' Also, the
plant-specific application must address whether the position of the
remaining CIVs in the affected penetration flow path (or another
penetration flow path) have been confirmed before entering the extended
CT for the inoperable CIV.
3.2.3 Demonstration (Failed CIVs and Multiple CIV LCO Entries)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has incorporated new Condition D in TS [LCO 3.6.3] as
specified in TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3.
Option B:
[If the licensee did not incorporate Condition D then it must
demonstrate that the cumulative risk impact of failed CIVs and multiple
CIV LCO entries was evaluated, and that remaining CIVs in the affected
penetration flow path (or another penetration flow path) are closed
prior to entering the extended CT. In addition, the licensee must
demonstrate that the licensee's Tier 3 risk management program address
the possibility of simultaneous LCO entries for inoperable CIVs in
separate penetrations. The licensee must provide sufficient information
such that defense-in-depth for safety systems will be maintained.]
Discussion:
The licensee needs to address how the following basis and general
assumptions of TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, are incorporated in the
specific plant practices, procedures, TS, and probabilistic risk
assessment (PRA):
Only one CIV is in maintenance with an extended CT at any
given time. This is a Tier 2 requirement, unless the
[[Page 47292]]
licensee has proposed the additional STS LCO 3.6.3 Condition D in its
plant-specific application.
Before maintenance or corrective maintenance (repair) is
performed on a CIV, the TR evaluation assumes that any other CIVs in
the penetration flow path have been checked to ensure that they are in
their proper position. This is a Tier 2 requirement.
Multiple systems are not expected to be out of service
simultaneously during the extended CTs.
3.2.4 Demonstration (CIV Configuration)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has confirmed that (a) the CIV configurations for [PLANT
NAME, UNIT NOS.] match the configurations in TR WCAP-15791-NP-A,
Revision 2, and (b) the risk-parameter values used in the TR are
representative or bounding for [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS].
Option B:
[If the licensee's does not confirm the above, it must provide
justification for the deviation.]
Discussion:
Not all penetrations have the same impact on CDF, LERF, ICCDP, or
ICLERP; therefore, the licensee needs to address the applicability of
TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, to the specific plant. This analysis
must include verification that (a) the CIV configurations for the
specific plant match the configurations in the TR and (b) the risk-
parameter values used in the TR are bounding for the specific plant.
Any additional CIV configurations and extended CTs, not specifically
evaluated by the TR, or nonbounding risk-parameter values outside the
scope of the TR, will require an NRC staff review of the specific
penetrations and related justifications for the proposed CTs.
3.2.5 Demonstration (Tier 2 Evaluation)
Option A:
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that its Tier 2 evaluation has
identified potentially high-risk plant configurations associated with
the proposed CIV CTs that should not be entered while a CIV is in
maintenance, and how these controls have been implemented by the
licensee.
Option B:
[If the licensee's evaluation identifies no risk-significant plant
configurations associated with the proposed CIV CTs, then it must
provide justification/evaluation and state applicable compensatory
measures or commitments.]
Discussion:
A Tier 2 conclusion of the TR as applicable to the specific plant,
or the plant-specific Tier 2 requirements must be provided by the
licensee.
3.2.6 Demonstration (Tier 3 Evaluation)
[LICENSEE] has addressed Tier 3 evaluation for [PLANT NAME, UNIT
NOS.] by demonstrating conformance to the requirements of the
maintenance rule as the requirements relate to the proposed CIV CTs and
the guidance contained in the Nuclear Management and Resources Council
(NUMARC) document, NUMARC 93-01, ``Industry Guideline for Monitoring
the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants,'' Revision 2,
Section 11, issued April 1996, as endorsed by RG 1.182, ``Assessing and
Managing Risk Before Maintenance Activities at Nuclear Power Plants.''
[LICENSEE] has provided documentation on the [LICENSEE'S] maintenance
rule program, with respect to CIVs, includes a LERF/ICLERP (i.e.,
ICLERP as defined in NUMARC 93-01) assessment as part of the
maintenance rule process, and that the PRA quality is adequate, as part
of the basis of a risk-informed licensing action.
Discussion:
The licensee needs to describe its configuration risk management
program (CRMP) or maintenance rule (10 CFR 50.65(a)(4)) program (as
appropriate), including how it reflects the current PRA model, any
simplifications or deviations in the CRMP model from the current plant
model, and methods to update the CRMP to reflect the current plant-
specific model.
The licensee needs to address the Tier 3 aspects of RG 1.177,
including a description of the CRMP, and confirm that the licensee's
Maintenance Rule Program (10 CFR 50.65(a)(4)) meets all aspects of
Section 2.3.7.2 of RG 1.177, including the referenced four key
components.
Also, the licensee needs to confirm that the plant (units) conform
to the requirements of the maintenance rule, as they relate to the
proposed CIV CTs and the guidance contained in NUMARC 93-01, Section
11, as endorsed by RG 1.182, including verification that the
maintenance rule program, with respect to CIVs, includes a LERF and
ICLERP assessment, as part of the maintenance rule process, and that
the CRMP is adequate, as part of the basis for evaluating the risk
impact of CIV maintenance configurations. The licensee needs to confirm
that its CRMP model calculates ICCDP (or ICDP) and ICLERP (or ILERP)
and that the licensee's model is capable of modeling CIVs or has been
modified to include CIVs.
3.2.7 Demonstration (Plant-Specific PRA Quality)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that the plant-specific PRA quality is
acceptable for Tier 3 application, in accordance with the guidelines
given in RG 1.174 and RG 1.177.
Discussion:
The licensee needs to describe the scope of the plant-specific PRA
and justify its technical adequacy for this application, in accordance
with the guidance provided in RG 1.174 and RG 1.177. Specifically, the
supporting documentation needs to address each area in sufficient
detail to satisfy the following:
Assurance that the plant-specific PRA reasonably reflects
the as-built, as-operated plant.
Assurance that plant-specific PRA updates, including any
plant improvements or commitments cited and credited in the analysis,
have been implemented from the individual plant evaluation (IPE) and
the IPE for external events (IPEEE) and subsequent peer reviews and
self-assessments. Reference to past submittals discussing this
information is acceptable.
Assurance that conclusions from the peer review, including
facts and observations (A and B), that are applicable to proposed
extended CTs for CIVs were considered and resolved consistent with RG
1.200, Revision 2. If not resolved, the licensee must provide the
justification for the acceptability of the conclusions (e.g.,
sensitivity studies showing negligible impact). The licensee should
indicate the PRA revisions that underwent the peer review and were used
in the plant-specific application.
Assurance that there is PRA configuration control and
updating, including PRA quality assurance programs, associated
procedures, and PRA revision schedules.
Assurance that there is PRA adequacy, completeness, and
applicability with respect to evaluating the risk associated with the
proposed CIV CT extensions.
Assurance that plant design or operational modifications
that are related to or could affect the proposed CT extensions are
reflected in the PRA revision used in the plant-specific application or
that a justification is provided for not including these modifications
in the PRA.
As clarified in Regulatory Issue Summary 2007-06, ``Regulatory
Guide 1.200 Implementation,'' dated March 22, 2007, the NRC staff will
use RG 1.200 to assess the technical adequacy of all risk-informed
applications received
[[Page 47293]]
after December 2007. RG 1.200, ``An Approach for Determining the
Technical Adequacy of Probabilistic Risk Assessment Results for Risk-
Informed Activities,'' describes an acceptable approach for defining
the technical adequacy of an acceptable base PRA. This assessment can
be performed by directly comparing the base PRA to the supporting
requirements in the endorsed American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME) Standard RA-Sb-2005 and addressing the NRC staff position on
each requirement discussed in Appendix A to RG 1.200. Alternatively, a
licensee can perform the assessment starting with the results of a
previous peer review, performed in accordance with the process
documented in NEI 00-02 and addressing the NRC staff position on each
requirement discussed in Appendix B to RG 1.200.
3.2.8 Demonstration (External Events Risk)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that external events risk is bounded by
TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, assumptions and will not have an
adverse impact on the conclusions of the [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.]
analysis for extending the CIV CTs.
Discussion:
External events may include seismic, high winds, fires, floods, or
other related events applicable to each licensee. The licensee needs to
demonstrate, by either quantitative or qualitative means, that external
event risk will not have an adverse impact on the conclusions of the
plant-specific analyses with respect to the TR evaluation. For some
participating plants, internal fires and other external event risks may
contribute significantly to the overall plant baseline risk, which may
affect TR WCAP-15791, so that a plant-specific application of the TR
methodology may not be found acceptable in all cases. Specifically, the
risk from external events should not make the total baseline risk
exceed 1E-4/yr CDF or 1E-5/yr LERF without justification.
The licensee's submittal must discuss the plant risk associated
with external events and specifically identify (quantitatively or
qualitatively) that the impact of the proposed CIV CTs on the risk
associated with external events is small. The licensee needs to confirm
that any increase in external event risk associated with the proposed
CIV CTs should be minimal. The licensee must address this impact and
discuss why the risk of external events (including internal fires) is
negligible. Insights from IPEEE screening or quantitative approaches
may be used to support the licensee's evaluations.
If the licensee has performed an updated analysis of an external
event since the NRC staff review of the licensee's IPEEE, and a
quantitative PRA demonstration is used to support the submittal, the
licensee needs to describe the significant changes involved in its
updated analysis and the impact of these changes on plant risk
associated with the external event and the proposed CIV CT extensions.
For external events for which the licensee has a PRA, the licensee
needs to provide the change in CDF, the change in LERF, the ICCDP, and
the ICLERP associated with specifically analyzed external events. The
licensee needs to also provide the total plant risk and total change in
risk from all PRA contributors (the combination of internal events,
internal flooding, internal fires, and external events). To conclude
that the quantified risk associated with the proposed CIV CTs is
acceptable, the total CDF and LERF values and the change in CDF, change
in LERF, ICCDP, and ICLERP must meet the acceptance guidelines of RG
1.174 and RG 1.177.
For external events not included in the plant PRA but that rely on
a non-PRA method (e.g., seismic margins analysis or fire-induced
vulnerability evaluation) to confirm that plant risk remains
acceptable, the licensee must confirm the following: a) that there are
no vulnerabilities or outliers associated with these external events,
b) that any vulnerabilities or outliers that were identified have been
resolved, or c) that appropriate plant modifications have been
implemented according to the licensee's analysis.
3.2.9 Demonstration (CIV Availability Monitoring)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated for [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] how plant-
specific CIV availability is monitored and assessed at the plant under
the maintenance rule, and that, performance continues to be consistent
with the analysis assumptions used to justify extended CIV CTs,
including the assumptions in TR WCAP-15791.
Discussion:
The licensee needs to address how CIV availability is monitored and
assessed under the maintenance rule, which includes confirmation that
performance continues to be consistent with the analysis assumptions
used to justify extended CIV CTs and needs to describe what actions are
to be taken if a previously approved risk-informed licensing action is
found to no longer meet the acceptance guidelines of RG 1.174 and RG
1.177.
3.2.10 Demonstration (Cumulative Risk Evaluation)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that the cumulative risk has been
evaluated for [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] in accordance with guidance in RG
1.174, with respect to past [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] license amendments
or additional [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] applications for a TS change
under NRC review that have not been incorporated into the baseline PRA
used to evaluate the proposed change.
Discussion:
The cumulative risk impact of the proposed CT extensions for CIVs
must be addressed in the plant-specific application, in accordance with
the acceptance guidelines in RG 1.174. The cumulative risk impact must
include both previous plant license changes and additional plant
applications still under review.
3.2.11 Demonstration (PRA Uncertainty)
[LICENSEE] has demonstrated that uncertainty caused by plant PRA
models is addressed in the [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] submittal according
to RG 1.174 guidance.
Discussion:
Licensee needs to address that uncertainty due to plant PRA models
do not significantly impact the risk assessment results and decisions
regarding acceptability.
3.2.12 Demonstration (Regulatory Commitment)
[LICENSEE] has incorporated a regulatory commitment addressing how
LERF/ICLERP is assessed and has provided documentation in the [PLANT
NAME, UNIT NOS.] submittal.
Discussion:
Licensee needs to address the plant CRMP, including the maintenance
rule program implemented under 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4), and explain how the
LERF/ICLERP is assessed in the program.
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
[LICENSEE] has reviewed the environmental evaluation included in
the proposed safety evaluation dated [DATE]. [LICENSEE] has concluded
that the proposed determination presented in the notice is applicable
to [PLANT NAME, UNIT NOS.] and the determination is provided as an
attachment to this LAR to satisfy the requirements of 10 CFR 50.91(a).
[[Page 47294]]
Attachment 2: Proposed Technical Specification Changes (Mark-Up)
Attachment 3: Proposed Technical Specification Pages
Attachment 4: List Of Regulatory Commitments
The following table identifies those actions committed to by
[LICENSEE] in this document. Any other statements in this submittal are
provided for information purposes and are not considered to be
regulatory commitments. Please direct questions regarding these
commitments to [CONTACT NAME].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory commitments Due date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LICENSEE] commits to implementing a [Complete, implemented
methodology for assessing the effect on with amendment, OR
large early release frequency and within X days of
incremental conditional large early release implementation of
probability when using the extended amendment].
completion times for containment isolation
valves in the program for managing risk in
accordance with 10 CFR 50.65(a)(4).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachment 5: Proposed Changes To Technical Specification Bases
Attachment 6: Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration
Proposed Model No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination for
Plant-Specific Adoption of Tstf Traveler-446, Revision 3, ``Risk
Informed Evaluation of Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (Wcap-15791)''
Description of Amendment Request: The change requests the adoption
of an approved change to the standard technical specifications (STS)
for Westinghouse plants (NUREG-1431), to allow modification of
containment isolation valve (CIV) completion times associated with the
implementation of topical report (TR) WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2.
``Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times,'' dated March 10, 2006. Technical Specification Task
Force (TSTF) Traveler-446, Revision 3, ``Risk Informed Evaluation of
Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times (Topical Report WCAP-
15791-P, Revision 2),'' dated February 19, 2008 (Agencywide Documents
Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML080510164). The
Notice of Availability published in the Federal Register on [Date] [xx
FR xxxxx] described the proposed change.
The proposed change extends the completion times for containment
penetration flow paths with one CIV inoperable from 4 hours up to 168
hours (7 days) for Westinghouse plants. This change is applicable to
containment penetrations with one or more CIVs, in which one CIV is
inoperable [for reasons other than shield building bypass or purge
valve leakage not within limit] and where the CIV is either intact or
not intact. In addition, this change addresses conditions where there
are two or more penetration flow paths with one CIV inoperable (for
reasons other than that the shield building bypass or purge valve
leakage are not within limits). Basis for proposed no significant
hazards consideration:
As required by Title10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR)
Section 50.91(a), the [LICENSEE] analysis of the issue of no
significant hazards consideration is presented below:
1: Does the Proposed Change Involve a Significant Increase in the
Probability or Consequences of an Accident Previously Evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed changes to the completion times do not change the
response of the plant to any accidents, have no impact on the
reliability of the CIV, and have an insignificant impact on the
availability of the CIVs. The proposed changes will not result in a
significant increase in the risk of plant operation. This is
demonstrated by showing that the impact on plant safety, as measured by
core damage frequency (CDF) and large early release frequency (LERF),
is not significantly increased, and is acceptable. In addition, for the
completion time change, the incremental conditional core damage
probabilities (ICCDP) and incremental conditional large early release
probabilities (ICLERP) are also acceptable. These changes are
consistent with the acceptance guidelines in Regulatory Guide (RG)
1.174, ``An Approach for Using Probabilistic Risk Assessment in Risk-
Informed Decisions on Plant-Specific Changes to the Licensing Basis,''
and RG 1.177, ``An Approach for Plant-Specific, Risk-Informed
Decisionmaking: Technical Specifications.''
The proposed changes do not adversely affect accident initiators or
precursors nor do they alter the design assumptions, conditions, or
configuration of the facility or the manner in which the plant is
operated and maintained. The proposed changes do not alter or prevent
the structures, systems, and components from performing their intended
function to mitigate the consequences of an initiating event within the
assumed acceptance limits. The proposed changes do not affect the
source term, containment isolation, or radiological release assumptions
used in evaluating the radiological consequences of an accident
previously evaluated. Furthermore, the proposed changes do not increase
the types or amounts of radioactive effluent that may be released
offsite, nor do they significantly increase individual or cumulative
occupational or public radiation exposures. The proposed changes do not
invalidate the safety analysis assumptions and resultant consequences.
Therefore, the proposed changes do not involve a significant increase
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
2: Does the Proposed Change Create the Possibility of a New or
Different Kind of Accident from any Accident Previously Evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed changes do not result in a change in the manner in
which the CIVs provide plant protection. No design changes are
associated with the proposed changes. The changes to completion times
do not change any existing accident scenarios nor do they create any
new or different accident scenarios. The changes do not involve a
physical alteration of the plant (i.e., no new or different type of
equipment will be installed) or a change in the methods
[[Page 47295]]
governing normal plant operation. In addition, the changes do not
impose any new or different requirements or eliminate any existing
requirements. The proposed changes do not alter assumptions made in the
safety analysis and do not invalidate the safety analysis assumptions
and current plant operating practice.
3: Does the Proposed Change Involve a Significant Reduction in a
Margin of Safety?
Response: No.
The proposed changes do not alter the manner in which safety
limits, limiting safety system settings, or limiting conditions for
operation are determined. The safety analysis acceptance criteria are
not affected by these changes. The proposed changes will not result in
plant operation in a configuration outside the design basis. The
calculated impact on risk is consistent with the acceptance guidelines
contained in RG 1.174 and RG 1.177.
Therefore, the proposed changes do not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety.
Based upon the reasoning presented above, the licensee concludes
that the requested change does not involve a significant hazards
consideration, as set forth in 10 CFR 50.92(c), ``Issuance of
Amendment.''
Proposed Model Safety Evaluation for Plant-Specific Adoption of
Technical Specification Task Force Traveler-446, Revision 3, ``Risk
Informed Evaluation of Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve
Completion Times (WCAP-15791)''
1.0 INTRODUCTION
By letter dated [DATE], [LICENSEE] (the licensee) proposed changes
to the technical specifications (TS) for [PLANT NAME]. The requested
change is the adoption of NRC-approved Technical Specification Task
Force (TSTF) Traveler-446, Revision 3, ``Risk Informed Evaluation of
Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times (Topical Report WCAP-
15791-NP-A, Revision 2) RITSTF Initiative 4b,'' dated February 19, 2008
(Agencywide Documents Access Management System (ADAMS) Accession No.
ML080510164). TSTF Traveler-446 proposes a generic change to NUREG-
1431, Revision 3, ``Standard Technical Specifications Westinghouse
Plants,'' issued June 2004, to implement containment isolation valve
(CIV) completion time changes associated with the implementation of
Topical Report (TR) WCAP-15791, Revision 1, ``Risk-Informed Evaluation
of Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times,'' dated
April 30, 2004. When implemented, the traveler would extend the CIV
completion times for TS Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.6.3,
``Containment Isolation Valves (Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice
Condenser, and Dual),'' from 4 hours up to 168 hours (7 days). (For
isolation valves that cannot demonstrate acceptable results for 168
hours, shorter times are considered and evaluated).
2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION
In Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section
50.36, ``Technical Specifications,'' the NRC established its regulatory
requirements related to the content of TS. Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.36, TS
are required to include items in the following five specific categories
related to station operation: (1) safety limits, limiting safety system
settings, and limiting control settings, (2) LCOs, (3) surveillance
requirements, (4) design features, and (5) administrative controls.
However, the regulation does not specify the particular TS to be
included in a plant's license. TSTF Traveler-446 is proposing changes
to the TS LCO that concern the Category 2 requirements. The LCOs are
the lowest functional capability, or performance levels, of equipment
required for safe operation of the facility. When an LCO of a nuclear
reactor is not met, the licensee shall follow any remedial actions
permitted by the TS until the condition can be met or shall shut down
the reactor.
Furthermore, the completion times specified in the TS must be based
on the reasonable protection of public health and safety. As set forth
in 10 CFR 50.36, a licensee's TS must establish the LCOs that are the
lowest functional capability, or performance levels, of equipment
required for safe operation of the facility. This requirement includes
completion times for structures, systems, and components (SSCs), such
as CIVs. These completion times allow a certain amount of time in which
to correct a condition that does not meet the LCO before the reactor
must be brought to a condition that exits the mode of applicability, in
most cases resulting in the reactor being shut down.
The Maintenance Rule, 10 CFR 50.65, ``Requirements for Monitoring
the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants,'' requires
licensees to monitor the performance, or condition, of SSCs against
licensee-established goals in a manner sufficient to provide reasonable
assurance that SSCs are capable of fulfilling their intended functions.
The implementation and monitoring program guidance in Section 2.3 of
Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.174, ``An Approach for Using Probabilistic Risk
Assessment in Risk-Informed Decisions on Plant-Specific Changes to the
Licensing Basis,'' and Section 3 of RG 1.177, ``An Approach for Plant-
Specific, Risk-Informed Decisionmaking: Technical Specifications,''
states that monitoring performed in conformance with the Maintenance
Rule can be used when such monitoring is sufficient for the SSCs
affected by the risk-informed application. In addition, 10 CFR
50.65(a)(4), as it relates to the proposed extension of CIV completion
times, requires the assessment and management of the increase in risk
that may result from the proposed maintenance activity.
The CIVs help ensure that adequate primary containment boundaries
are maintained during and after accidents by minimizing potential
pathways to the environment and help ensure that the primary
containment function assumed in the safety analysis is maintained. The
following general design criteria (GDC) apply to this change and
establish the necessary design, fabrication, construction, testing, and
performance requirements for SSCs important to safety, which provide
reasonable assurance that the facility can be operated without undue
risk to the health and safety of the public. [Pre-GDC (PGDC) facilities
not licensed under the GDC in Appendix A, ``General Design Criteria for
Nuclear Power Plants,'' to 10 CFR Part 50, ``Domestic Licensing of
Production and Utilization Facilities,'' are licensed under similar
plant-specific design criteria, as described in the facility's
licensing-basis documents (such as updated final safety analysis
reports).]
GDC 54 (or PGDC), ``Piping Systems Penetrating
Containment,'' requires the following: Those piping systems that
penetrate primary containment be provided with leak detection,
isolation, and containment capabilities having redundancy, reliability,
and performance capabilities that reflect the importance to safety of
isolating these piping systems. Such piping systems shall be designed
with a capability to test periodically the operability of the isolation
valves and associated apparatus and to determine if valve leakage is
within acceptable limits.
GDC 55 (or PGDC), ``Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary
Penetrating Containment,'' requires the following: Each line that is
part of the reactor coolant pressure boundary and that penetrates
primary reactor containment shall be provided with CIVs as follows,
unless it can be demonstrated that the containment isolation provisions
for a
[[Page 47296]]
specific class of lines, such as instrument lines, are acceptable on
some other defined basis:
(1) One locked closed isolation valve inside and one locked closed
isolation valve outside containment; or
(2) One automatic isolation valve inside and one locked closed
isolation valve outside containment; or
(3) One locked closed isolation valve inside and one automatic
isolation valve outside containment. A simple check valve may not be
used as the automatic isolation valve outside containment; or
(4) One automatic isolation valve inside and one automatic
isolation valve outside containment. A simple check valve may not be
used as the automatic isolation valve outside containment.
Isolation valves outside containment shall be located as close to
containment as practical and upon loss of actuating power, automatic
isolation valves shall be designed to take the position that provides
greater safety.
Other appropriate requirements to minimize the probability or
consequences of an accidental rupture of these lines or of lines
connected to them shall be provided as necessary to assure adequate
safety. Determination of the appropriateness of these requirements,
such as higher quality in design, fabrication and testing, additional
provisions for inservice inspection, protection against more severe
natural phenomena, and additional isolation valves and containment,
shall include consideration of the population density, use
characteristics, and physical characteristics of the site environs.
GDC 56 (or PGDC), ``Primary Containment Isolation,''
requires the following:
Each line that connects directly to the containment atmosphere and
penetrates primary reactor containment shall be provided with CIVs as
follows, unless it can be demonstrated that the containment isolation
provisions for a specific class of lines, such as instrument lines, are
acceptable on some other defined basis:
(1) One locked closed isolation valve inside and one locked closed
isolation valve outside containment; or
(2) One automatic isolation valve inside and one locked closed
isolation valve outside containment; or
(3) One locked closed isolation valve inside and one automatic
isolation valve outside containment. A simple check valve may not be
used as the automatic isolation valve outside containment; or
(4) One automatic isolation valve inside and one automatic
isolation valve outside containment. A simple check valve may not be
used as the automatic isolation valve outside containment.
Isolation valves outside containment shall be located as close to
containment as practical and upon loss of actuating power, automatic
isolation valves shall be designed to take the position that provides
greater safety.
GDC 57 (or PGDC), ``Closed System Isolation Valves,''
requires the following: Each line that penetrates the primary reactor
containment and is neither part of the reactor coolant pressure
boundary nor connected directly to the containment atmosphere shall
have at least one CIV which shall be either automatic, or locked
closed, or capable of remote manual operation. This valve shall be
outside containment and located as close to the containment as
practical. A simple check valve may not be used as the automatic
isolation valve.
3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION
3.1 Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) for the Proposed Changes
[LICENSEE] adoption of TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3, would allow
extending CIV completion times specified in TS [LCO 3.6.3,
``Containment Isolation Valves (Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice
Condenser, and Dual)'']. TR WCAP-15791-P-A, Revision 2, referenced in
TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3, describes a method to revise the
completion time for specific conditions in TS LCO 3.6.3. The NRC staff
reviewed, the risk impact, using the three-tiered approach referenced
in RG 1.174 and RG 1.177 associated with the proposed TS changes. The
first tier evaluates the probabilistic risk assessment and the impact
of the proposed extension of completion times for CIVs on plant
operational risk. The second tier addresses the need to preclude
potentially high-risk plant equipment outage configurations by
identifying the need for additional controls or compensatory actions to
be implemented during the time a CIV is unavailable because of
maintenance. The third tier evaluates the licensee's overall
configuration risk management program and confirms that risk insights
are incorporated into the decisionmaking process before equipment is
taken out of service before or during CIV maintenance.
The NRC staff determined that the risk analysis methodology and
approach used by TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, to estimate the risk
impact was reasonable. The NRC staff stated that the risk impact of the
proposed extended completion times for CIVs, as estimated by the change
in CDF, the change in LERF, the ICCDP, and the ICLERP, is consistent
with the acceptance guidelines specified in RG 1.174 and RG 1.177 and
the associated NRC guidance outlined in Sections 16.1, 19.1, and 19.2
of NUREG-0800, ``Standard Review Plan for the Review of Safety Analysis
Reports for Nuclear Power Plants.'' CIV configurations, completion
times, or nonbounding risk analysis parameters not evaluated by TR
WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, require additional justification of the
specific penetrations for the proposed CIV completion times.
The NRC staff also noted that Tier 2, as presented in TR WCAP-
15791-NP-A, Revision 2, did not identify generic Tier 2 risk-
significant configurations as a result of the proposed CIV completion
times. In its review of TR WCAP-15791, the NRC staff identified TS and
analysis bases that allow only one CIV to be in maintenance with an
extended completion time at any given time. In addition, before
maintenance or corrective maintenance is performed, other CIVs in the
penetration flow path shall be checked for proper position. The NRC
staff's safety evaluation (SE), (ADAMS Accession No ML080170680) also
noted that, for licensees adopting TR WCAP-15791, a plant-specific Tier
2 evaluation should be performed to confirm the conclusions of the
subject WCAP concerning Tier 2 remaining applicable to the licensee's
plant.
TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, did not address Tier 3, and
therefore the NRC SE concluded that licensees adopting the subject TR
would need to include an evaluation with respect to Tier 3 in their
plant-specific application in accordance with the principles in RG
1.177.
The NRC-approved TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2, for referencing in
license applications to the extent specified and under the limitations
and conditions stated in the TR and Section 4.0 of the NRC SE. In
addition, per the SE, applications referencing TR WCAP-15791 must
address items specified in Section 3.4, ``Regulatory Commitments,'' and
Section 5.0, ``Additional Information Needed'' of the SE.
The licensee's plant-specific application requesting adoption of
TSTF Traveler-446 evaluated the conditions, limitations, and additional
information needed that are referenced in the Sections 3.4, 4.0, and
5.0 of the NRC SE of TR WCAP-15791-NP-A, Revision 2. In its application
dated [DATE], the licensee provided supporting information for each of
the conditions, limitations, and additional information
[[Page 47297]]
needed that are referenced in the NRC SE. The licensee's supporting
information for each condition and limitation, as well as for the
additional information needed, met the NRC staff's expectations and
acceptance criteria [with the following exceptions: List any exceptions
to the conditions and limitations or additional information required,
as stated in the licensee's submittal, and include the NRC staff's
evaluation and conclusions].
Technical Assessment for the Proposed Changes:
[LICENSEE] adoption of TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3 would make
changes to the TS [LCO 3.6.3, ``Containment Isolation Valves
(Atmospheric, Subatmospheric, Ice Condenser, and Dual),''] as follows:
TSTF Traveler-446 revises [LCO 3.6.3], which states ``Each
containment isolation valve shall be OPERABLE,'' to read ``Each
containment isolation valve (CIV) shall be OPERABLE.'' Adding the
abbreviation ``(CIV)'' to the LCO statement is editorial in nature and
does not change the LCO requirement; therefore, this change is
acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 deletes the Condition A NOTE, which
states ``Only applicable to penetration flow paths with two [or more]
containment isolation valves.'' The existing Condition C, which is
applicable to penetration flow paths with only one CIV and a closed
system, is being deleted and replaced by a new Condition B. The new
Condition B, along with the revised Condition A, accounts for all of
the CIVs covered under existing Condition C; therefore, the Condition A
NOTE is no longer required. Revised Condition A and new Condition B
apply to all penetration flow paths with at least one CIV. This is
consistent with the NRC SE of TR WCAP-15791 and is therefore
acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 revises Condition A's applicability from
``[for reasons other than Condition[s] D [and E]]'' to ``[for reasons
other than Condition[s] E [and F]].'' This change is required by the
addition of new Conditions B and D, which results in renumbering the
conditions that follow Condition D. This change is editorial and does
not result in a technical change; therefore, it is acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 adds a new requirement to Condition A,
which states ``Containment isolation valve pressure boundary intact.''
This is required to meet the entry condition for Condition A. This
requirement is necessary, along with the addition of new Condition B,
which is applicable when the CIV pressure boundary is not intact,
because existing Condition C is being deleted. Existing Condition C is
applicable to penetration flow paths with only one CIV and a closed
system. In addition, revised Condition A and new Condition B are
applicable to all conditions in which a CIV may be INOPERABLE. Revised
Condition A, along with new Condition B, encompasses existing Condition
C and is consistent with the NRC's SE for WCAP-15791; therefore, it is
acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 revises the existing 4-hour completion
time for Condition A to completion times that range from 4 hours up to
7 days, depending upon the category of the applicable CIV (Category 1
through 7). This change has been evaluated and documented in the NRC SE
of TR WCAP-15791. This change proposed by TSTF Traveler-446 is
consistent with the NRC SE of TR WCAP-15791 and is therefore
acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 adds a new Condition B, which states
``One or more penetration flow paths with one containment isolation
valve inoperable [for reasons other than Condition[s] E [and F]] AND
containment isolation valve pressure boundary not intact.'' This new
condition, in conjunction with revised Condition A, accounts for all
situations where one or more CIVs become or are made inoperable. The
new Condition B required actions and completion times are the same as
those in the revised Condition A, with the exception of the Condition B
category of valves. Condition A completion times apply to Category 1
through 7 valves and Condition B completion times apply to Category 8
through 14 valves. The addition of new Condition B has been evaluated
and documented in the NRC SE of TR WCAP-15791. This change proposed by
TSTF Traveler-446 is consistent with the NRC SE of TR WCAP-15791 and is
therefore acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 renames existing Condition B and
Required Action B.1 as Condition C and Required Action C.1. In
addition, existing Condition B wording, which states ``[for reasons
other than Condition[s] D [and E]]'' is changed to ``[for reasons other
than Condition[s] E [and F]].'' These changes are editorial in nature,
are caused by adding conditions proposed by TSTF Traveler-446 that have
been evaluated and documented in the NRC SE of TR WCAP-15791, and are
therefore acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 deletes the existing Condition C and
Required Actions C.1 and C.2, which are applicable to penetration flow
paths with only one CIV and a closed system. The existing Condition C
entry condition is ``One or more penetration flow paths with one
containment isolation valve inoperable.'' With revised Condition A and
the addition of Condition B, this covers all CIVs that would have been
applicable to existing Condition C. The required actions for revised
Condition A and new Condition B are identical to the existing Condition
C. The completion times for revised Condition A and new Condition B are
changed from the existing Condition C time of 72 hours and have been
evaluated and documented in the NRC SE of TR WCAP-15791. The deletion
of existing Condition C is consistent with WCAP-15791, is accounted for
by the revision to Condition A, and the addition of new Condition B,
and is therefore acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 adds a new Condition D, which states
``Two or more penetration flow paths with one containment isolation
valve inoperable [for reasons other than Condition[s] E [and F]].''
This condition requires isolating all but one of the affected
penetrations within 4 hours (the existing completion time for Condition
A). Once this completion time is satisfied, and since revised Condition
A and new Condition B will still be applicable, this essentially limits
the completion times in Condition A and B to a single penetration. This
added requirement enforces the basis of WCAP-15791 that only one CIV
should be in maintenance at a time. This change addresses Section 4.0,
``Limitations and Conditions,'' items 1 and 2, in the NRC SE of TR
WCAP-15791 and is therefore acceptable.
TSTF Traveler-446 renames Conditions D, E, and F, along
with Required Actions D.1, E.1, E.2, E.3, F.1, and F.2, as Conditions
E, F, and G, along with Required Actions E.1, F.1, F.2, F.3, G.1, and
G.2. With the addition of new Conditions B and D, and the deletion of
current Condition C, the remaining conditions and required actions need
to be renumbered. This change is editorial, results in no technical
change, and is therefore acceptable.
4.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The NRC staff has reviewed the [LICENSEE] proposed adoption of TSTF
Traveler-446, Revision 3, to modify the TS requirements for allowed
outage times for CIVs associated with the implementation of TR WCAP-
15791-NP-A, Revision 2. The NRC staff has reviewed these changes for
consistency with the current NUREG-1431 and found them to be
consistent.
The NRC staff has concluded, on the basis of the considerations
discussed
[[Page 47298]]
above, that (1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and
safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the
proposed manner, (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance
with the Commission's regulations, and (3) the issuance of the
amendments will not be inimical to the common defense and security or
to the health and safety of the public.
5.0 STATE CONSULTATION
In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the [ ] State
official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment. The
State official had [(1) no comments or (2) the following comments--with
subsequent disposition by the NRC staff].
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION
The amendment changes a requirement with respect to the
installation or use of a facility component located within the
restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20, ``Standards for
Protection Against Radiation.'' The NRC staff has determined that the
amendment involves no significant increase in the amounts and no
significant change in the types of any effluents that may be released
offsite and that there is no significant increase in individual or
cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has
previously issued a proposed finding that the amendment involves no
significant hazards considerations, and there has been no public
comment on the finding [FR]. Accordingly, the amendment meets the
eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR
51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact
statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection
with the issuance of the amendments.
7.0 REFERENCES
1. ``Forwarding of TSTFs,'' dated October 21, 2002 (ADAMS Package
Accession No. ML022960409).
2. ``TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 1, `Risk-Informed Evaluation of
Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times (WCAP-
15791),' '' dated January 31, 2005 (ADAMS Accession No. ML050460293).
3. WCAP-15791, Revision 2, ``Risk-Informed Evaluation of Extensions
to Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times,'' (ADAMS Package
Accession No. ML071550223).
4. ``TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 2, `Risk-Informed Evaluation of
Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times (WCAP-
15791),' '' dated January 11, 2007 (ADAMS Accession No. ML070110620).
5. ``TSTF Traveler-446, Revision 3, `Risk-Informed Evaluation of
Extensions to Containment Isolation Valve Completion Times (WCAP-
15791),' '' dated February 19, 2008 (ADAMS Accession No. ML080510164).
6. NUREG-1431, ``Standard Technical Specifications Westinghouse
Plants,'' Revision 3, Ju