Biweekly Notice; Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations, 10823-10833 [2010-4523]

Agencies

• NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 9, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10823-10833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-4523]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[NRC-2010-0081]


Biweekly Notice; Applications and Amendments to Facility 
Operating Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations

Background

    Pursuant to section 189a (2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as 
amended (the Act), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the 
Commission or NRC) is publishing this regular biweekly notice. The Act 
requires the Commission publish notice of any amendments issued, or 
proposed to be issued and grants the Commission the authority to issue 
and make immediately effective any amendment to an operating license 
upon a determination by the Commission that such amendment involves no 
significant hazards consideration, notwithstanding the pendency before 
the Commission of a request for a hearing from any person.
    This biweekly notice includes all notices of amendments issued, or 
proposed to be issued from February 11, 2010, to February 24, 2010. The 
last biweekly notice was published on February 23, 2010 (75 FR 8139).

Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendments to Facility Operating 
Licenses, Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination, 
and Opportunity for a Hearing

    The Commission has made a proposed determination that the following 
amendment requests involve no significant hazards consideration. Under 
the Commission's regulations in Title 10 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (10 CFR), Section 50.92, this means that operation of the 
facility in accordance with the proposed amendment would not (1) 
involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an 
accident previously evaluated; or (2) create the possibility of a new 
or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated; 
or (3) involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. The basis 
for this proposed determination for each amendment request is shown 
below.
    The Commission is seeking public comments on this proposed 
determination. Any comments received within 30 days after the date of 
publication of this notice will be considered in making any final 
determination.
    Normally, the Commission will not issue the amendment until the 
expiration of 60 days after the date of publication of this notice. The 
Commission may issue the license amendment before expiration of the 60-
day period provided that its final determination is that the amendment 
involves no significant hazards consideration. In addition, the 
Commission may issue the amendment prior to the expiration of the 30-
day comment period should circumstances change during the 30-day 
comment period such that failure to act in a timely way would result, 
for example in derating or shutdown of the facility. Should the 
Commission take action prior to the expiration of either the comment 
period or the notice period, it will publish in the Federal Register a 
notice of issuance. Should the Commission make a final No Significant 
Hazards Consideration Determination, any hearing will take place after 
issuance. The Commission expects that the need to take this action will 
occur very infrequently.
    Written comments may be submitted by mail to the Chief, Rulemaking 
and Directives Branch (RDB), TWB-05-B01M, Division of Administrative 
Services, Office of Administration, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 
Washington, DC 20555-0001, and should cite the publication date and 
page number of this Federal Register notice. Written comments may also 
be faxed to the RDB at 301-492-3446. Documents may be examined, and/or 
copied for a fee, at the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR), located at 
One White Flint North, Public File Area O1F21, 11555 Rockville Pike 
(first floor), Rockville, Maryland.
    Within 60 days after the date of publication of this notice, any 
person(s) whose interest may be affected by this action may file a 
request for a hearing and a petition to intervene with respect to 
issuance of the amendment to the

[[Page 10824]]

subject facility operating license. Requests for a hearing and a 
petition for leave to intervene shall be filed in accordance with the 
Commission's ``Rules of Practice for Domestic Licensing Proceedings'' 
in 10 CFR part 2. Interested person(s) should consult a current copy of 
10 CFR 2.309, which is available at the Commission's PDR, located at 
One White Flint North, Public File Area O1F21, 11555 Rockville Pike 
(first floor), Rockville, Maryland. Publicly available records will be 
accessible from the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System's 
(ADAMS) Public Electronic Reading Room on the Internet at the NRC Web 
site, https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/. If a request 
for a hearing or petition for leave to intervene is filed by the above 
date, the Commission or a presiding officer designated by the 
Commission or by the Chief Administrative Judge of the Atomic Safety 
and Licensing Board Panel, will rule on the request and/or petition; 
and the Secretary or the Chief Administrative Judge of the Atomic 
Safety and Licensing Board will issue a notice of a hearing or an 
appropriate order.
    As required by 10 CFR 2.309, a petition for leave to intervene 
shall set forth with particularity the interest of the petitioner in 
the proceeding, and how that interest may be affected by the results of 
the proceeding. The petition should specifically explain the reasons 
why intervention should be permitted with particular reference to the 
following general requirements: (1) The name, address, and telephone 
number of the requestor or petitioner; (2) the nature of the 
requestor's/petitioner's right under the Act to be made a party to the 
proceeding; (3) the nature and extent of the requestor's/petitioner's 
property, financial, or other interest in the proceeding; and (4) the 
possible effect of any decision or order which may be entered in the 
proceeding on the requestor's/petitioner's interest. The petition must 
also identify the specific contentions which the requestor/petitioner 
seeks to have litigated at the proceeding.
    Each contention must consist of a specific statement of the issue 
of law or fact to be raised or controverted. In addition, the 
requestor/petitioner shall provide a brief explanation of the bases for 
the contention and a concise statement of the alleged facts or expert 
opinion which support the contention and on which the requestor/
petitioner intends to rely in proving the contention at the hearing. 
The requestor/petitioner must also provide references to those specific 
sources and documents of which the petitioner is aware and on which the 
requestor/petitioner intends to rely to establish those facts or expert 
opinion. The petition must include sufficient information to show that 
a genuine dispute exists with the applicant on a material issue of law 
or fact. Contentions shall be limited to matters within the scope of 
the amendment under consideration. The contention must be one which, if 
proven, would entitle the requestor/petitioner to relief. A requestor/
petitioner who fails to satisfy these requirements with respect to at 
least one contention will not be permitted to participate as a party.
    Those permitted to intervene become parties to the proceeding, 
subject to any limitations in the order granting leave to intervene, 
and have the opportunity to participate fully in the conduct of the 
hearing.
    If a hearing is requested, the Commission will make a final 
determination on the issue of no significant hazards consideration. The 
final determination will serve to decide when the hearing is held. If 
the final determination is that the amendment request involves no 
significant hazards consideration, the Commission may issue the 
amendment and make it immediately effective, notwithstanding the 
request for a hearing. Any hearing held would take place after issuance 
of the amendment. If the final determination is that the amendment 
request involves a significant hazards consideration, any hearing held 
would take place before the issuance of any amendment.
    All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including a 
request for hearing, a petition for leave to intervene, any motion or 
other document filed in the proceeding prior to the submission of a 
request for hearing or petition to intervene, and documents filed by 
interested governmental entities participating under 10 CFR 2.315(c), 
must be filed in accordance with the NRC E-Filing rule (72 FR 49139, 
August 28, 2007). The E-Filing process requires participants to submit 
and serve all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some 
cases to mail copies on electronic storage media. Participants may not 
submit paper copies of their filings unless they seek an exemption in 
accordance with the procedures described below.
    To comply with the procedural requirements of E-Filing, at least 
ten (10) days prior to the filing deadline, the participant should 
contact the Office of the Secretary by e-mail at 
hearing.docket@nrc.gov, or by telephone at (301) 415-1677, to request 
(1) a digital ID certificate, which allows the participant (or its 
counsel or representative) to digitally sign documents and access the 
E-Submittal server for any proceeding in which it is participating; and 
(2) advise the Secretary that the participant will be submitting a 
request or petition for hearing (even in instances in which the 
participant, or its counsel or representative, already holds an NRC-
issued digital ID certificate). Based upon this information, the 
Secretary will establish an electronic docket for the hearing in this 
proceeding if the Secretary has not already established an electronic 
docket.
    Information about applying for a digital ID certificate is 
available on NRC's public Web site at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/apply-certificates.html. System requirements for accessing 
the E-Submittal server are detailed in NRC's ``Guidance for Electronic 
Submission,'' which is available on the agency's public Web site at 
https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html. Participants may 
attempt to use other software not listed on the Web site, but should 
note that the NRC's E-Filing system does not support unlisted software, 
and the NRC Meta System Help Desk will not be able to offer assistance 
in using unlisted software.
    If a participant is electronically submitting a document to the NRC 
in accordance with the E-Filing rule, the participant must file the 
document using the NRC's online, Web-based submission form. In order to 
serve documents through EIE, users will be required to install a Web 
browser plug-in from the NRC Web site. Further information on the Web-
based submission form, including the installation of the Web browser 
plug-in, is available on the NRC's public Web site at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html.
    Once a participant has obtained a digital ID certificate and a 
docket has been created, the participant can then submit a request for 
hearing or petition for leave to intervene. Submissions should be in 
Portable Document Format (PDF) in accordance with NRC guidance 
available on the NRC public Web site at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html. A filing is considered complete at the time the 
documents are submitted through the NRC's E-Filing system. To be 
timely, an electronic filing must be submitted to the E-Filing system 
no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Upon receipt of 
a transmission, the E-Filing system time-stamps the document and sends

[[Page 10825]]

the submitter an e-mail notice confirming receipt of the document. The 
E-Filing system also distributes an e-mail notice that provides access 
to the document to the NRC Office of the General Counsel and any others 
who have advised the Office of the Secretary that they wish to 
participate in the proceeding, so that the filer need not serve the 
documents on those participants separately. Therefore, applicants and 
other participants (or their counsel or representative) must apply for 
and receive a digital ID certificate before a hearing request/petition 
to intervene is filed so that they can obtain access to the document 
via the E-Filing system.
    A person filing electronically using the agency's adjudicatory E-
Filing system may seek assistance by contacting the NRC Meta System 
Help Desk through the ``Contact Us'' link located on the NRC Web site 
at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by e-mail at 
MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov, or by a toll-free call at (866) 672-7640. The 
NRC Meta System Help Desk is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding government holidays.
    Participants who believe that they have a good cause for not 
submitting documents electronically must file an exemption request, in 
accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(g), with their initial paper filing 
requesting authorization to continue to submit documents in paper 
format. Such filings must be submitted by: (1) First class mail 
addressed to the Office of the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attention: 
Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff; or (2) courier, express mail, or 
expedited delivery service to the Office of the Secretary, Sixteenth 
Floor, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 
20852, Attention: Rulemaking and Adjudications Staff. Participants 
filing a document in this manner are responsible for serving the 
document on all other participants. Filing is considered complete by 
first-class mail as of the time of deposit in the mail, or by courier, 
express mail, or expedited delivery service upon depositing the 
document with the provider of the service. A presiding officer, having 
granted an exemption request from using E-Filing, may require a 
participant or party to use E-Filing if the presiding officer 
subsequently determines that the reason for granting the exemption from 
use of E-Filing no longer exists.
    Documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in 
NRC's electronic hearing docket which is available to the public at 
https://ehd.nrc.gov/EHD_Proceeding/home.asp, unless excluded pursuant 
to an order of the Commission, or the presiding officer. Participants 
are requested not to include personal privacy information, such as 
social security numbers, home addresses, or home phone numbers in their 
filings, unless an NRC regulation or other law requires submission of 
such information. With respect to copyrighted works, except for limited 
excerpts that serve the purpose of the adjudicatory filings and would 
constitute a Fair Use application, participants are requested not to 
include copyrighted materials in their submission.
    Petitions for leave to intervene must be filed no later than 60 
days from the date of publication of this notice. Non-timely filings 
will not be entertained absent a determination by the presiding officer 
that the petition or request should be granted or the contentions 
should be admitted, based on a balancing of the factors specified in 10 
CFR 2.309(c)(1)(i)-(viii).
    For further details with respect to this license amendment 
application, see the application for amendment which is available for 
public inspection at the Commission's PDR, located at One White Flint 
North, Public File Area O1F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), 
Rockville, Maryland. Publicly available records will be accessible from 
the ADAMS Public Electronic Reading Room on the Internet at the NRC Web 
site, https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. Persons who do not have 
access to ADAMS or who encounter problems in accessing the documents 
located in ADAMS, should contact the NRC PDR Reference staff at 1-800-
397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by e-mail to pdr.resource@nrc.gov.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, et al., Docket Nos. 50-413 and 50-414, 
Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2, York County, South Carolina

    Date of amendment request: May 28, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The amendments would revise 
Technical Specification (TS) 3.8.1, ``AC Sources-Operating,'' to 
restrict voltage limits for the applicable TS 3.8.1 surveillances 
governing the Emergency Diesel Generators (EDGs).
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    1. Does the proposed change involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    No. The increase in the minimum EDG output voltage acceptance 
value in TS 3.8.1 Surveillance Requirements does not adversely 
affect any of the parameters in the accident analyses. The proposed 
change increases the minimum allowed EDG output voltage to ensure 
that sufficient voltage is available to operate the required 
Emergency Safety Feature (ESF) equipment under accident conditions. 
Additionally the increase in minimum voltage output voltage allowed 
ensures that adequate voltage is available to support the 
assumptions made in the Design Bases Accident (DBA) analyses. This 
conservative change of the EDG voltage output acceptance criteria 
does not affect the probability of evaluated accidents, but rather 
provides increased assurance that the EDGs will provide a sufficient 
voltage. Therefore, the proposed change does 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?
    No. The increase in the minimum EDG output voltage acceptance 
criterion supports the assumptions in the accident analyses that 
sufficient voltage will be available to operate ESF equipment on the 
Class 1E buses when these buses are powered from the Emergency 
Diesel Generators. The maximum EDG output voltage of 4580 volts is 
not affected by this change. The change in minimum output voltage 
from 3740 to 3950 volts ensures the reliability of the onsite 
emergency power source. Therefore, the proposed change will not 
create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from 
any previously evaluated.
    3. Does the proposed change involve a significant reduction in 
margin of safety?
    This proposed license amendment is limited to increasing the 
minimum EDG output voltage acceptance criterion in TS 3.8.1 
Surveillance Requirements. No other surveillance criterion is 
affected. The surveillance frequencies and test requirement are 
unchanged. This amendment provides increased assurance that the EDG 
will provide sufficient voltage to its respective components to 
ensure design requirements are satisfied. Therefore, the proposed 
change will not involve a significant reduction in a margin of 
safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn, Associate General 
Counsel and Managing Attorney, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 526 South 
Church Street, EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.

[[Page 10826]]

    NRC Branch Chief: Gloria Kulesa.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, et al., Docket Nos. 50-413 and 50-414, 
Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2, York County, South Carolina

    Date of amendment request: July 1, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would 
revise TS 3.3.1, ``Reactor Trip System (RTS) Instrumentation'' and TS 
1.1, ``Definitions.'' The proposed amendments support plant 
modifications which would replace the existing Source Range (SR) and 
Intermediate Range (IR) excore detector systems with equivalent neutron 
monitoring systems. The new instrumentation will perform both the SR 
and the IR monitoring functions.
    Implementation of the above changes will entail plant modifications 
and will impact the Updated Final Safety Analysis Reports (UFSAR). The 
necessary UFSAR revisions will be submitted in accordance with 10 CFR 
50.71(e).
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    1. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No
    The proposed Technical Specification changes are in support of a 
plant modification involving the replacement and upgrade of the 
Nuclear Instrumentation System (NIS) Source Range and Intermediate 
Range instrumentation. The specific Technical Specification changes 
are associated with 1) the methods of calibrating NIS channels; 2) 
the definition of Nominal Trip Setpoint; 3) the specific Nominal 
Trip Setpoint and Allowable Values for various NIS channels, 
including the Intermediate Range, Source Range and Intermediate 
Range Permissive ``P-6'' instrumentation; 4) the addition of 
specific requirements to be taken if an as-found Intermediate Range 
or Source Range channel setpoint is outside its predefined as-found 
tolerance; and 5) the addition of specific requirements regarding 
resetting of an Intermediate Range or Source Range channel setpoint 
within an as-left tolerance.
    The NIS is accident mitigation equipment and does not affect the 
probability of any accident being initiated. In addition, none of 
the above-mentioned proposed Technical Specification changes affect 
the probability of any accident being initiated.
    The performance of the replacement SR and IR detectors and 
associated equipment will equal or exceed that of the existing 
instrumentation. The proposed changes to Nominal Trip Setpoints and 
Allowable Values are based on accepted industry standards and will 
preserve assumptions in the applicable accident analyses. None of 
the proposed changes alter any assumption previously made in the 
radiological consequences evaluations, nor do they affect mitigation 
of the radiological consequences of an accident previously 
evaluated.
    In summary, the proposed changes will not involve a significant 
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident 
previously evaluated.
    2. Does the proposed amendment create the possibility of a new 
or different kind of accident from any accident previously 
evaluated?
    Response: No
    No new accident scenarios, failure mechanisms, or single 
failures are introduced as a result of any of the proposed changes. 
The NIS is not capable by itself of initiating any accident. Other 
than the replacement of the detectors themselves and the associated 
hardware, no physical changes to the overall plant are being 
proposed. No changes to the overall manner in which the plant is 
operated are being proposed. Therefore, none of the proposed changes 
will create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident 
from any accident previously evaluated.
    3. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant reduction 
in a margin of safety?
    Response: No
    Margin of safety is related to the confidence in the ability of 
the fission product barriers to perform their intended functions. 
These barriers include the fuel cladding, the reactor coolant system 
pressure boundary, and the containment barriers. The modification to 
replace the SR and IR detectors and associated equipment will not 
have any impact on these barriers. In addition, the proposed 
Technical Specification changes will not have any impact on these 
barriers. No accident mitigating equipment will be adversely 
impacted as a result of the modification. The proposed changes do 
not affect any safety analysis conclusions because the SR and IR 
neutron flux trips are not explicitly credited in any accident 
analysis. The replacement instrumentation will have overall 
performance capabilities equal to or greater than those for the 
existing instrumentation. Therefore, existing safety margins will be 
preserved. None of the proposed changes will involve a significant 
reduction in a margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn, Associate General 
Counsel and Managing Attorney, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 526 South 
Church Street, EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.
    NRC Branch Chief: Gloria Kulesa.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-369 and 50-370, McGuire 
Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

    Date of amendment request: July 1, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would 
revise TS 3.3.1, ``Reactor Trip System (RTS) Instrumentation.'' The 
proposed amendments support plant modifications which would replace the 
existing Source Range (SR) and Intermediate Range (IR) excore detector 
systems with equivalent neutron monitoring systems. The new 
instrumentation will perform both the SR and the IR monitoring 
functions.
    Implementation of the above changes will entail plant modifications 
and will impact the Updated Final Safety Analysis Reports (UFSAR). The 
necessary UFSAR revisions will be submitted in accordance with 10 CFR 
50.71(e).
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    1. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No
    The proposed Technical Specification changes are in support of a 
plant modification involving the replacement and upgrade of the 
Nuclear Instrumentation System (NIS) Source Range and Intermediate 
Range instrumentation. The specific Technical Specification changes 
are associated with (1) the methods of calibrating NIS channels; (2) 
the definition of Nominal Trip Setpoint; (3) the specific Nominal 
Trip Setpoint and Allowable Values for various NIS channels, 
including the Intermediate Range, Source Range and Intermediate 
Range Permissive ``P-6'' instrumentation; (4) the addition of 
specific requirements to be taken if an as-found Intermediate Range 
or Source Range channel setpoint is outside its predefined as-found 
tolerance; and (5) the addition of specific requirements regarding 
resetting of an Intermediate Range or Source Range channel setpoint 
within an as-left tolerance.
    The NIS is accident mitigation equipment and does not affect the 
probability of any accident being initiated. In addition, none of 
the above-mentioned proposed Technical Specification changes affect 
the probability of any accident being initiated.
    The performance of the replacement SR and IR detectors and 
associated equipment will equal or exceed that of the existing 
instrumentation. The proposed changes to Nominal Trip Setpoints and 
Allowable Values are based on accepted industry standards and will 
preserve assumptions in

[[Page 10827]]

the applicable accident analyses. None of the proposed changes alter 
any assumption previously made in the radiological consequences 
evaluations, nor do they affect mitigation of the radiological 
consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
    In summary, the proposed changes will not involve a significant 
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident 
previously evaluated.
    2. Does the proposed amendment create the possibility of a new 
or different kind of accident from any accident previously 
evaluated?
    Response: No
    No new accident scenarios, failure mechanisms, or single 
failures are introduced as a result of any of the proposed changes. 
The NIS is not capable by itself of initiating any accident. Other 
than the replacement of the detectors themselves and the associated 
hardware, no physical changes to the overall plant are being 
proposed. No changes to the overall manner in which the plant is 
operated are being proposed. Therefore, none of the proposed changes 
will create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident 
from any accident previously evaluated.
    3. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant reduction 
in a margin of safety?
    Response: No
    Margin of safety is related to the confidence in the ability of 
the fission product barriers to perform their intended functions. 
These barriers include the fuel cladding, the reactor coolant system 
pressure boundary, and the containment barriers. The modification to 
replace the SR and IR detectors and associated equipment will not 
have any impact on these barriers. In addition, the proposed 
Technical Specification changes will not have any impact on these 
barriers. No accident mitigating equipment will be adversely 
impacted as a result of the modification. The proposed changes do 
not affect any safety analysis conclusions because the SR and IR 
neutron flux trips are not explicitly credited in any accident 
analysis. The replacement instrumentation will have overall 
performance capabilities equal to or greater than those for the 
existing instrumentation. Therefore, existing safety margins will be 
preserved. None of the proposed changes will involve a significant 
reduction in a margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn, Associate General 
Counsel and Managing Attorney, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 526 South 
Church Street, EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.
    NRC Branch Chief: Gloria Kulesa.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-269, 50-270, and 50-287, 
Oconee Nuclear Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, Oconee County, South 
Carolina; Docket Nos. 50-369 and 50-370, McGuire Nuclear Station, Units 
1 and 2, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; Docket Nos. 50-413 and 50-
414, Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2, York County, South 
Carolina

    Date of amendment request: May 18, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would 
revise the Technical Specifications to adopt Technical Specification 
Task Force (TSTF) Standard Technical Specification Change Traveler 
TSTF-248. TSTF 248 modifies the definition of shutdown margin.
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    Criterion 1:
    Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The revision to SDM [shutdown margin] definition will result in 
analytical flexibility for determining SDM. Changes in the 
definition will not have an impact on the probability of an accident 
previously evaluated.
    The introduction of this definition change does not change 
continued compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and 
design criteria (e.g., train separation, redundancy, and single 
failure). Therefore, since all plant systems will continue to 
function as designed, all plant parameters will remain within their 
design limits. As a result, the proposed changes will not increase 
the consequences of an accident.
    Based on this discussion, the proposed amendments do not 
significantly increase the probability or consequences of an 
accident previously evaluated.
    Criterion 2:
    Does the proposed amendment create the possibility of a new or 
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    Revising the TS [Technical Specifications] definition of SDM 
would not require core designers to revise any SDM boron 
calculations. Rather, it would afford the analytical flexibility for 
determining SDM for a particular circumstance.
    The proposed changes do not involve any change in the design, 
configuration, or operation of the nuclear plant. The current plant 
safety analyses, therefore, remain complete and accurate in 
addressing the design basis events and in analyzing plant response 
and consequences.
    The Limiting Conditions for Operations, Limiting Safety System 
Settings and Safety Limits specified in the Technical Specifications 
are not affected by the proposed changes. As such, the plant 
conditions for which the design basis accident analyses were 
performed remain valid.
    The amendment does not introduce a new mode of plant operation 
or new accident precursors, does not involve any physical 
alterations to plant configurations or make changes to system set 
points that could initiate a new or different kind of accident.
    Therefore, the proposed amendment does not create the 
possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident 
previously evaluated.
    Criterion 3:
    Does the proposed amendment involve a significant reduction in a 
margin of safety?
    Response: No.
    Margin of safety is related to the confidence in the ability of 
the fission product barriers to perform their accident mitigation 
functions. These barriers include the fuel and fuel cladding, the 
reactor coolant system, and the containment and containment related 
systems. The proposed changes will not impact the reliability of 
these barriers to function. Radiological doses to plant operators or 
to the public will not be impacted as a result of the proposed 
change. The change in the TS definition will have no impact to these 
barriers. Adequate SDM will continue to be ensured for all 
operational conditions.
    Therefore, the proposed change does not involve a significant 
reduction in a margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn, Associate General 
Counsel and Managing Attorney, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 526 South 
Church Street, EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.
    NRC Branch Chief: Gloria Kulesa.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-269, 50-270, and 50-287, 
Oconee Nuclear Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, Oconee County, South 
Carolina

    Date of amendment request: August 6, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would 
revise the Technical Specifications by changing the surveillance 
requirement for the low temperature overpressure protection system 
(LTOP) from 6 months to 18 months.
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the

[[Page 10828]]

issue of no significant hazards consideration, which is presented 
below:

    (1) Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase 
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously 
evaluated?
    No. This is a revision to the Technical Specification (TS) 
Surveillance Requirement (SR) for performing the channel calibration 
for the power operated relief valve (PORV). As such, the TS SR 
interval extension continues to ensure the calibration is performed 
in a time frame supported by current analysis. The instrumentation 
loop has been upgraded to an environmentally qualified 
instrumentation loop with improved instrument uncertainty and 
reliability. The accidents previously evaluated have not changed.
    Therefore, extending the TS SR frequency from 6 months to 18 
months does not significantly increase the probability or 
consequences of any accident previously evaluated.
    (2) Does the proposed amendment create the possibility of a new 
or different kind of accident from any accident previously 
evaluated?
    No. This revision does not impact the LTOP evaluation analysis. 
The method for testing remains the same. The proposed SR frequency 
is supported by an environmentally qualified instrumentation loop 
with improved instrument uncertainty and reliability.
    Therefore, extending the TS SR frequency from 6 months to 18 
months will not create the possibility of a new or different kind of 
accident from any kind of accident previously evaluated.
    (3) Does the proposed amendment involve a significant reduction 
in a margin of safety?
    No. The proposed change does not adversely affect any plant 
safety limits, setpoints, or design parameters. The change also does 
not adversely affect the fuel, fuel cladding, Reactor Coolant 
System, or Containment Operability.
    Therefore, extending the TS SR frequency from 6 months to 18 
months does not involve a significant reduction in a margin of 
safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn, Associate General 
Counsel and Managing Attorney, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 526 South 
Church Street, EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.
    NRC Branch Chief: Gloria Kulesa.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-269, 50-270, and 50-287, 
Oconee Nuclear Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, Oconee County, South 
Carolina

    Date of amendment request: August 31, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would 
revise the Technical Specifications to allow one of the two required 
230kV switchyard 125 VDC power source batteries to be inoperable for up 
to 10 hours for the purpose of replacing an entire battery bank and 
performing the required testing.
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    (1) Does the proposed change involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    No. This License Amendment Request (LAR) proposes to permit one 
of the two 230 kV switchyard 125 VDC batteries to be out of service 
for up to ten days when it is necessary to replace and test a 
complete battery (all cells of one battery bank). The capacity of 
each battery, needing only 58 of 60 cells to be available (i.e., two 
cells can be jumpered out), is sufficient to carry the loads of both 
distribution centers during replacement.
    The 230kV switchyard 125 VDC power system is credited to provide 
uninterruptible power to specified loads during certain design basis 
events. The probability of any of these events occurring is not 
impacted by removing one of the batteries for replacement. The 
consequences associated with permitting a 230 kV switchyard 125 VDC 
battery to be out of service for up to ten days for battery 
replacement have been evaluated. The likelihood of an event 
occurring during the additional time a battery bank will be out of 
service is essentially the same as that of an event occurring during 
the 24 hour period permitted by the existing completion time. 
Operation in accordance with the amendment authorizing this change 
would not involve any accident initiation sequences or radiological 
release pathways that could affect the consequences of any accident 
analyzed. Use of this additional time for battery replacement will 
be infrequent since battery replacement normally is performed at or 
near the end of the twenty year qualified life.
    Therefore, the proposed change does 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?
    No. This License Amendment Request (LAR) proposes to permit one 
of the two 230 kV switchyard 125 VDC batteries to be out of service 
for up to ten days when it is necessary to replace and test a 
complete battery (all cells of one battery). Operation in accordance 
with this proposed amendment will not result in any new plant 
equipment, alter the present plant configuration, nor adversely 
affect how the plant is currently operated.
    Therefore, the proposed change does not create the possibility 
of a new or different kind of accident from any previously 
evaluated.
    (3) Does the proposed change involve a significant reduction in 
a margin of safety?
    No. This License Amendment Request (LAR) proposes to permit one 
of the two 230 kV switchyard 125 VDC batteries to be out of service 
for up to ten days when it is necessary to replace and test a 
complete battery (all cells of one battery).
    Since the proposed change will not physically alter the present 
plant configuration nor adversely affect how the plant is currently 
operated, the proposed change does not adversely affect any plant 
safety limits, setpoints, or design parameters. The change also does 
not adversely affect the fuel, fuel cladding, Reactor Coolant System 
or containment integrity.
    Therefore, the proposed change does not involve a significant 
reduction in a margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn, Associate General 
Counsel and Managing Attorney, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 526 South 
Church Street, EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.
    NRC Branch Chief: Gloria Kulesa.

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-269, 50-270, and 50-287, 
Oconee Nuclear Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, Oconee County, South 
Carolina; Docket Nos. 50-369 and 50-370, McGuire Nuclear Station, Units 
1 and 2, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; Docket Nos. 50-413 and 50-
414, Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2, York County, South 
Carolina

    Date of amendment request: September 30, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would 
revise the Technical Specifications to allow performance of testing 
containment spray nozzles for nozzle blockage following activities 
which could result in nozzle blockage, rather than a fixed periodic 
basis. Currently the testing for nozzle blockage is performed every 10 
years.
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    [Criterion 1:]
    Does the proposed change involve a significant increase in the 
probability or

[[Page 10829]]

consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    No. The proposed amendment will modify CNS [Catawba Nuclear 
Station] SR [surveillance requirement] 3.6.6.7, MNS [McGuire Nuclear 
Station] SR 3.6.6.7, and ONS [Oconee Nuclear Station] SR 3.6.5.8 to 
change the frequency for verifying spray nozzles are unobstructed. 
The proposed change modifies the frequency for performance of a 
surveillance test which does not impact any failure modes that could 
lead to an accident. The proposed frequency change does not affect 
the ability of the spray nozzles or spray system to perform its 
accident mitigation function as assumed and therefore there is no 
effect on the consequence of any accident. Verification of no 
blockage continues to be required, but now verification will be 
performed following activities that could result in nozzle blockage. 
Based on this discussion, the proposed amendment does not increase 
the probability or consequence of an accident previously evaluated.
    [Criterion 2:]
    Does the proposed amendment create the possibility of a new or 
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
    No. The proposed amendment will modify CNS SR 3.6.6.7, MNS SR 
3.6.6.7, and ONS SR 3.6.5.8 to change the frequency for verifying 
spray nozzles are unobstructed. The spray systems are not being 
physically modified and there is no impact on the capability of the 
system to perform accident mitigation functions. No system setpoints 
are being modified and no changes are being made to the method in 
which borated water is delivered to the spray nozzles. The testing 
requirements imposed by this proposed change to check for nozzle 
blockage following activities that could cause nozzle blockage do 
not introduce new failure modes for the system. The proposed 
amendment does not introduce accident initiators or malfunctions 
that would cause a new or different kind of accident. Therefore, the 
proposed amendment does not create the possibility of a new or 
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
    [Criterion 3:]
    Does the proposed amendment involve a significant reduction in a 
margin of safety?
    No. The proposed amendment will modify CNS SR 3.6.6.7, MNS SR 
3.6.6.7, and ONS SR 3.6.5.8 to change the frequency for verifying 
spray nozzles are unobstructed. The proposed change does not change 
or introduce any new setpoints at which mitigating functions are 
initiated. No changes to the design parameters of the spray systems 
are being proposed. There are no changes in system operation being 
proposed by this change that would impact an established safety 
margin. The proposed change modifies the frequency for verification 
of nozzle operability in such a way that continued high confidence 
exists that the spray systems will continue to function as designed. 
Therefore, based on the above, the proposed amendment does not 
involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn, Associate General 
Counsel and Managing Attorney, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 526 South 
Church Street, EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.
    NRC Branch Chief: Gloria Kulesa.

Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Docket No. 50-286, Indian Point 
Nuclear Generating Unit No. 3, Westchester County, New York

    Date of amendment request: November 19, 2009, as supplemented by 
letter dated January 28, 2010.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed change will modify 
the test acceptance criteria in Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.8.1.10 
for the Diesel Generator endurance surveillance test. The proposed 
change will also incorporate changes to the Standard Technical 
Specifications made by Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF) 238-A, 
Revision 3 and TSTF-276-A, Revision 2. Specifically, the proposed 
change will modify SR notes in TS 3.8.1 and TS 3.8.4
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    1. Does the proposed change involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    No. The proposed changes revise the acceptance criteria to be 
applied to an existing surveillance test of the facility emergency 
diesel generators (EDGs), allows deviation from that acceptance 
criteria for certain grid conditions, and allows testing in modes 
that is normally not done. Performing a surveillance test is done 
under conditions where it is not an accident initiator and does not 
increase the probability of an accident occurring. The proposed new 
acceptance criteria will assure that the EDGs are capable of 
carrying the peak electrical loading assumed in the various existing 
safety analyses which take credit for the operation of the EDGs. 
Establishing acceptance criteria that bound existing analyses 
validates the related assumption used in those analyses regarding 
the capability of equipment to mitigate accident conditions. The 
deviation allowed for grid conditions does not affect the capability 
of the testing to achieve these purposes. The proposed change to 
allow testing in modes normally restricted requires an evaluation to 
ensure, prior to performing the test, that the potential 
consequences are capable of being addressed by existing procedures 
and does not create transients or conditions that could 
significantly affect the possibility of an accident. Therefore the 
proposed change does not involve a significant increase in the 
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
    2. Does the change create the possibility of a new or different 
kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
    No. The proposed changes revise the test acceptance criteria for 
a specific performance test conducted on the existing EDG, allows 
deviation from that acceptance criteria for certain grid conditions, 
and allows testing in modes that is normally not done. The proposed 
changes do not involve installation of new equipment or modification 
of existing equipment, so no new equipment failure modes are 
introduced. The proposed revision to the EDG surveillance test 
acceptance criteria also is not a change to the way that the 
equipment or facility is operated and no new accident initiators are 
created. The proposed testing on line must be evaluated to assure 
plant safety is maintained or enhanced, inherent in such an 
evaluation would be that the testing does not create the possibility 
of a new or different kind of accident. Therefore the proposed 
change does not create the possibility of a new or different kind of 
accident from any accident previously evaluated.
    3. Does the proposed change involve a significant reduction in a 
margin of safety?
    No. The conduct of performance tests on safety-related plant 
equipment is a means of assuring that the equipment is capable of 
maintaining the margin of safety established in the safety analyses 
for the facility. The proposed change in the EDG technical 
specification surveillance test acceptance criteria is consistent 
with values assumed in existing safety analyses and is consistent 
with the design rating of the EDGs. The allowance for certain grid 
conditions does not alter this conclusion since the power factors 
are conservatively determined. Testing allowed in modes when it is 
not normally performed is limited to conditions where an evaluation 
is performed to assure plant safety is maintained or enhanced. 
Therefore the proposed change does not involve a significant 
reduction in a margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: Mr. William C. Dennis, Assistant General 
Counsel, Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., 440 Hamilton Avenue, White 
Plains, NY 10601.
    NRC Branch Chief: Nancy L. Salgado.

[[Page 10830]]

FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, et al., Docket No. 50-346, 
Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Unit No. 1, Ottawa County, Ohio

    Date of amendment request: December 18, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would 
incorporate the use of alternate methodologies for the calculation of 
reactor pressure vessel beltline weld initial reference temperatures, 
the calculation of the adjusted reference temperatures (ARTs), the 
development of the reactor pressure vessel pressure-temperature (P-T) 
limit curves, and the low temperature reactor coolant system (RCS) 
overpressure analysis into Technical Specification (TS) 5.6.4. The 
amendment would also revise the analysis requirement for the low 
temperature RCS overpressure events from 21 to 32 Effective Full Power 
Years (EFPY) contained in Operating License (OL) Condition 2.C(3)(d). 
An application that addressed similar issues was previously submitted 
on April 15, 2009, and the notice of that application was provided in 
the Federal Register on June 16, 2009 (72 FR 28577). Since the licensee 
eliminated one of the alternate methodologies for the calculation of 
the adjusted reference temperature (as described in the April 15, 2009, 
application) and replacing it with the existing Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission (NRC)-approved methodology, which is described in Regulatory 
Guide 1.99, Revision 2, ``Radiation Embrittlement of Reactor Vessel 
Materials'', in December 19, 2009, the application is being renoticed 
in its entirety. The notice supersedes the notice published in the 
Federal Register on June 16, 2009.
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    1. Does the proposed change involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The amendment request proposes two changes to the TS/OL. The 
first change incorporates the use of alternative methodologies to 
develop the [Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Unit No. 1] DBNPS P-
T limit curves and [low temperature over pressure] LTOP limits into 
TS 5.6.4 to augment the existing listed methodology of BAW-10046A, 
Revision 2. The second change revises OL Condition 2.C(3)(d) to 
reflect the revised LTOP analysis is valid to 32 [Effective Full 
Power Years] EFPY.
    The first change incorporates the use of Topical Report BAW-
2308, Revisions 1-A and 2-A and [American Society of Mechanical 
Engineers] ASME Code Cases N-588 and N-640. The topical report and 
ASME code cases have been approved or accepted for use by the NRC 
(provided that any conditions/limitations are satisfied). The 
proposed additions to the methodologies for the reactor vessel P-T 
curve and LTOP limit development provide an acceptable means of 
satisfying the requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix G. The proposed 
additions do not alter the design, function, or any operation of any 
plant equipment. Therefore, the proposed additions do not affect the 
probability or consequences of any previously evaluated accidents, 
including reactor coolant pressure boundary failures.
    The second change is considered administrative in nature and 
reflects the revised methodologies. It will not alter the design, 
function, or operation of any plant equipment. Therefore, the 
proposed change does not affect the probability or consequences of 
any previously evaluated accidents.
    2. Does the proposed change create the possibility of a new or 
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The amendment request proposes two changes to the TS/OL. The 
first change incorporates the use of alternative methodologies to 
develop the DBNPS P-T limit curves and LTOP limits into TS 5.6.4 to 
augment the existing listed methodology of BAW-10046A, Revision 2. 
The second change revises OL Condition 2.C(3)(d) to reflect that the 
revised analysis is valid to 32 EFPY.
    The first change incorporates methodologies that either have 
been approved or accepted for use by the NRC (provided that any 
conditions/limitations are satisfied). The changes do not alter the 
design, function, or operation of any plant equipment. The P-T limit 
curves and LTOP limits will provide the same level of protection to 
the reactor coolant boundary as was previously evaluated. Therefore, 
the proposed changes do not create the possibility of a new or 
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
    The second change is considered administrative in nature and 
reflects the revised methodologies. It will not alter the design or 
operation of any plant equipment. Therefore, the proposed change 
does not create the possibility of a new or different kind of 
accident from any accident previously evaluated.
    3. Does the proposed change involve a significant reduction in a 
margin of safety?
    Response: No.
    The amendment request proposes two changes to the TS/OL. The 
first change incorporates the use of alternative methodologies to 
develop the DBNPS P-T limit curves and LTOP limits into TS 5.6.4 to 
augment the existing listed methodology of BAW-10046A, Revision 2. 
The second change revises OL Condition 2.C(3)(d) to reflect that the 
revised analysis is valid to 32 EFPY. The first change incorporates 
methodologies that either have been approved or accepted for use by 
the NRC (provided that any conditions/limitations are satisfied). 
The second change is considered administrative in nature and 
reflects the revised methodologies. The changes do not alter the 
design, function, or operation of any plant equipment. The P-T limit 
curves and LTOP limits will provide the same level of protection to 
the reactor coolant boundary as was previously evaluated. Therefore, 
the proposed changes do not involve a significant reduction in a 
margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: David W. Jenkins, Attorney, FirstEnergy 
Corporation, Mail Stop A-GO-15, 76 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308.
    NRC Branch Chief: Stephen Campbell.

Tennessee Valley Authority, Docket No. 50-390, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, 
Unit 1, Rhea County, Tennessee

    Date of amendment request: November 30, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would 
modify conditions and associated actions to Technical Specification 
3.8.1, ``AC [Alternating Current] Sources Operating.'' The proposed 
amendment would revise the Completion Time for restoring one or more 
inoperable diesel generators (DGs) in one train to an operable status 
and increase the Completion Time for confirming that the other DGs are 
not impacted by a common cause failure. Basis for proposed no 
significant hazards consideration determination: As required by 10 CFR 
50.91(a), the licensee has provided its analysis of the issue of no 
significant hazards consideration, which is presented below:

    1. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The diesel generators (DGs) are designed as backup alternating 
current (ac) power sources in the event of loss of offsite power. 
The proposed changes to Completion Times associated with determining 
inoperable DGs are not subject to common cause failure and 
restoration of inoperable DGs and the deletion of the note 
referencing the C-S DG do not change the conditions, operating 
configurations, or minimum amount of operating equipment assumed in 
the safety analysis accident mitigation. No changes are proposed in 
the manner in which the DGs provide plant protection.

[[Page 10831]]

    Therefore, the proposed change does not involve a significant 
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident 
previously evaluated.
    2. Does the proposed amendment create the possibility of a new 
or different kind of accident from any accident previously 
evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The proposed changes associated with determining inoperable DGs 
are not subject to common cause failure and restoration of 
inoperable DGs and the deletion of the note referencing the C-S DG 
do not involve a change in design, configuration, or method of 
operation of the plant. The proposed changes will not alter the 
manner in which equipment operation is initiated, nor will the 
functional demands on credited equipment be changed. The capability 
of the DGs to perform their required safety function will not be 
affected. The proposed changes do not affect the interaction of the 
DGs with any system whose failure or malfunction can initiate an 
accident. As such, no new failure modes are being introduced.
    Therefore, the proposed change does not create the possibility 
of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously 
evaluated.
    3. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant reduction 
in a margin of safety?
    Response: No.
    The DGs are designed as backup AC power sources in the event of 
loss of offsite power. The proposed changes associated with 
determining inoperable DGs are not subject to common cause failure 
and restoration of inoperable DGs and the deletion of the note 
referencing the C-S DG do not change conditions, operating 
configurations, or minimum amount of operating equipment assumed in 
the safety analysis accident mitigation. The proposed changes do not 
alter the plant design, including instrument setpoints, nor do they 
alter the assumptions contained in the safety analyses. No changes 
are proposed in the manner in which the DGs provide plant protection 
or which create new modes of plant operation.
    Therefore, the change does not involve a significant reduction 
in a margin of safety.

    The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on 
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are 
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the 
amendment request involves no significant hazards consideration.
    Attorney for licensee: General Counsel, Tennessee Valley Authority, 
400 West Summit Hill Drive, ET 11A, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.
    NRC Branch Chief: L. Raghavan.

Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, Docket No. 50-482, Wolf Creek 
Generating Station, Coffey County, Kansas

    Date of amendment request: December 16, 2009.
    Description of amendment request: The proposed change would revise 
the approved fire protection program as described in the Wolf Creek 
Generating Station (WCGS) Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR) to 
allow use of the fire-resistive cable for certain power and control 
cables associated with two motor-operated valves on Train B Component 
Cooling Water System. This will be a deviation from certain technical 
commitments to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 
Part 50, Appendix R, Section III.G.2, as described in Appendix 9.5E of 
the WCGS USAR.
    Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration 
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has 
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards 
consideration, which is presented below:

    1. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The design function of structures, systems and components are 
not impacted by the proposed change. The proposed change involves 
the use of fire-resistive cable at WCGS for certain power and 
control cables associated with two motor-operated valves (EGHV0016 
and EGHV0054) on Train B Component Cooling Water System and will not 
initiate an event. The propose