Biweekly Notice; Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and Combined Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations, 74176-74188 [2013-29168]
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but are not statistical surveys that yield
quantitative results that can be
generalized to the population of study.
This feedback will provide insights into
customer or stakeholder perceptions,
experiences and expectations, provide
an early warning of issues with service,
or focus attention on areas where
communication, training or changes in
operations might improve delivery of
products or services. These collections
will allow for ongoing, collaborative and
actionable communications between the
Agency and its customers and
stakeholders. It will also allow feedback
to contribute directly to the
improvement of program management.
Feedback collected under this generic
clearance will provide useful
information, but it will not yield data
that can be generalized to the overall
population. This type of generic
clearance for qualitative information
will not be used for quantitative
information collections that are
designed to yield reliably actionable
results, such as monitoring trends over
time or documenting program
performance. Such data uses require
more rigorous designs that address: The
target population to which
generalizations will be made, the
sampling frame, the sample design
(including stratification and clustering),
the precision requirements or power
calculations that justify the proposed
sample size, the expected response rate,
methods for assessing potential nonresponse bias, the protocols for data
collection, and any testing procedures
that were or will be undertaken prior
fielding the study. Depending on the
degree of influence the results are likely
to have, such collections may still be
eligible for submission for other generic
mechanisms that are designed to yield
quantitative results.
The NRC received no comments in
response to the 60-day notice published
in the Federal Register of December 22,
2010 (75 FR 80542).
Below we provide NRC’s projected
average estimates for the next 3 years: 1
Current Actions: New collection of
information.
Type of Review: New Collection.
Affected Public: Individuals and
Households, Businesses and
1 The 60-day notice included the following
estimate of the aggregate burden hours for this
generic clearance federal-wide:
Average Expected Annual Number of Activities:
25,000.
Average Number of Respondents per Activity:
200.
Annual Responses: 5,000,000.
Frequency of Response: Once per request.
Average Minutes per Response: 30.
Burden Hours: 2,500,000.
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Organizations, State, Local or Tribal
Government.
Average Expected Annual Number of
Activities: 56.
Respondents: 6,665.
Annual Responses: 6,665.
Frequency of Response: Once per
request, on occasion.
Average Minutes per Response: 32.25.
Burden Hours: 3,582.5.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 4th day
of December 2013.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Brenda Miles,
Acting NRC Clearance Officer, Office of
Information Services.
[FR Doc. 2013–29430 Filed 12–9–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
Gallagher; telephone: 301–287–3422;
email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. For
technical questions, contact the
individual(s) listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this
document.
• Mail comments to: Cindy Bladey,
Chief, Rules, Announcements, and
Directives Branch (RADB), Office of
Administration, Mail Stop: 3WFN,
06–44M, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555–
0001.
For additional direction on accessing
information and submitting comments,
see ‘‘Accessing Information and
Submitting Comments’’ in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Accessing Information and
Submitting Comments
A. Accessing Information
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
[NRC–2013–0266]
Biweekly Notice; Applications and
Amendments to Facility Operating
Licenses and Combined 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 (NRC) is publishing this
regular biweekly notice. The Act
requires the Commission to 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 or
combined license, as applicable, 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 November
14, 2013 to November 27, 2013. The last
biweekly notice was published on
November 26, 2013 (78 FR 70589).
ADDRESSES: You may submit comment
by any of the following methods (unless
this document describes a different
method for submitting comments on a
specific subject):
• Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for Docket ID NRC–2013–0266. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Carol
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Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2013–
0266 when contacting the NRC about
the availability of information regarding
this document. You may access
publicly-available information related to
this action by the following methods:
• Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for Docket ID NRC–2013–0266.
• NRC’s Agencywide Documents
Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may access publiclyavailable documents online in the NRC
Library at https://www.nrc.gov/readingrm/adams.html. To begin the search,
select ‘‘ADAMS Public Documents’’ and
then select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS
Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS,
please contact the NRC’s Public
Document Room (PDR) reference staff at
1–800–397–4209, 301–415–4737, or by
email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The
ADAMS accession number for each
document referenced in this notice (if
that document is available in ADAMS)
is provided the first time that a
document is referenced.
• NRC’s PDR: You may examine and
purchase copies of public documents at
the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One
White Flint North, 11555 Rockville
Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
B. Submitting Comments
Please include Docket ID NRC–2013–
0266 in the subject line of your
comment submission, in order to ensure
that the NRC is able to make your
comment submission available to the
public in this docket.
The NRC cautions you not to include
identifying or contact information that
you do not want to be publicly
disclosed in your comment submission.
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The NRC posts all comment
submissions at https://
www.regulations.gov as well as entering
the comment submissions into ADAMS.
The NRC does not routinely edit
comment submissions to remove
identifying or contact information.
If you are requesting or aggregating
comments from other persons for
submission to the NRC, then you should
inform those persons not to include
identifying or contact information that
they do not want to be publicly
disclosed in their comment submission.
Your request should state that the NRC
does not routinely edit comment
submissions to remove such information
before making the comment
submissions available to the public or
entering the comment submissions into
ADAMS.
Notice of Consideration of Issuance of
Amendments to Facility Operating
Licenses and Combined 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
Section 50.92 of Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR), 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 60day 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
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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.
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
subject facility operating license or
combined license. Requests for a
hearing and a petition for leave to
intervene shall be filed in accordance
with the Commission’s ‘‘Agency Rules
of Practice and Procedure’’ in 10 CFR
part 2. Interested person(s) should
consult a current copy of 10 CFR 2.309,
which is available at the NRC’s PDR,
located at One White Flint North, Room
O1–F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first
floor), Rockville, Maryland 20852. The
NRC regulations are accessible
electronically from the NRC Library on
the NRC’s Web site at https://
www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doccollections/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
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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, then 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
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accordance with the NRC’s E-Filing rule
(72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007). The EFiling 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 10
days prior to the filing deadline, the
participant should contact the Office of
the Secretary by email at
hearing.docket@nrc.gov, or by telephone
at 301–415–1677, to request (1) a digital
identification (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 NRCissued 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 the
NRC’s public Web site at https://
www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/
apply-certificates.html. System
requirements for accessing the ESubmittal server are detailed in the
NRC’s ‘‘Guidance for Electronic
Submission,’’ which is available on the
agency’s public Web site at https://
www.nrc.gov/site-help/esubmittals.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 the Electronic
Information Exchange System, users
will be required to install a Web
browser plug-in from the NRC’s Web
site. Further information on the Webbased submission form, including the
installation of the Web browser plug-in,
is available on the NRC’s public Web
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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 the NRC’s
guidance available on the NRC’s public
Web site at https://www.nrc.gov/sitehelp/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 the submitter an
email notice confirming receipt of the
document. The E-Filing system also
distributes an email notice that provides
access to the document to the NRC’s
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’s Web site at
https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/
e-submittals.html, by email to
MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov, or by a tollfree call at 1–866–672–7640. 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,
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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 the NRC’s
electronic hearing docket which is
available to the public at https://
ehd1.nrc.gov/ehd/, 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. However, a request to
intervene will require including
information on local residence in order
to demonstrate a proximity assertion of
interest in the proceeding. 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.
Requests for hearing, petitions for leave
to intervene, and motions for leave to
file new or amended contentions that
are filed after the 60-day deadline will
not be entertained absent a
determination by the presiding officer
that the filing demonstrates good cause
by satisfying the three factors in 10 CFR
2.309(c)(1)(i)–(iii).
For further details with respect to this
license amendment application, see the
application for amendment which is
available for public inspection at the
NRC’s PDR, located at One White Flint
North, Room O1–F21, 11555 Rockville
Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland
20852. Publicly available documents
created or received at the NRC are
accessible electronically through
ADAMS in the NRC’s Library at
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/
adams.html. Persons who do not have
access to ADAMS or who encounter
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problems in accessing the documents
located in ADAMS should contact the
NRC PDR’s Reference staff at 1–800–
397–4209, 301–415–4737, or by email to
pdr.resource@nrc.gov.
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Docket
Nos. 50–369 and 50–370, McGuire
Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2,
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
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Date of amendment request:
September 12, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendments revise
technical specification 3.3.2, Emergency
Safety Feature Actuation System
(ESFAS) Instrumentation, to support
planned plant modifications associated
with NRC Order EA–12–049, Order
Modifying Licenses with Regard to
Requirements for Mitigation Strategies
for Beyond-Design-Basis External
Events. Specifically, the amendment
modifies the Allowable Value and
Nominal Trip Setpoints listed in Table
3.3.2–1, Function 6.f, Auxiliary
Feedwater pump suction transfer on low
suction pressure.
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 proposed TS changes are in support of
a plant modification involving the
installation of an AC-independent AFW
Suction Transfer scheme and hardware to
ensure a continuous AFW suction source
during an Extended Loss of AC Power (ELAP)
event. The purpose of Table 3.3.2–1 Function
6.f is to preserve the AFW pumps by
ensuring a continuous suction supply to the
pumps. The proposed change will cause the
AFW pumps to align to the safety-related
suction source sooner than under the current
setpoint values for design basis events. The
result of the proposed TS setpoint changes
will be an increase in margin for AFW pump
suction. The new TS setpoints were selected
with sufficient margin for instrument
uncertainty to ensure that the safety-related
AFW suction transfer function actuates
before the new AC independent AFW suction
transfer function and to prevent any adverse
interaction of the two schemes. In other
words, the proposed change will ensure the
safety-related suction transfer is initiated
before the non-safety AC independent AFW
suction transfer initiates. The specific TS
changes are associated with 1) the specific
Nominal Trip Setpoint and Allowable Values
for the AFW Pump Suction Transfer on
Suction Pressure—Low feature, 2) the
addition of specific requirements to be taken
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if the as-found channel setpoint is outside its
predefined as-found tolerance, and 3) the
addition of specific requirements regarding
resetting of an channel setpoint within an asleft tolerance.
The AFW Pump Suction Transfer on
Suction Pressure—Low feature does not
affect the probability of any accident being
initiated. In addition, none of the
abovementioned proposed TS changes affect
the probability of any accident being
initiated.
Actuation of the AFW Pump Suction
Transfer on Suction Pressure—Low feature
will continue to ensure that adequate AFW
pump suction is maintained during design
bases events. Transfer to the safety-related
suction source will actually occur earlier due
to the proposed change. 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 any increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
Criterion 2: Does the proposed amendment
reate 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 AFW Pump Suction Transfer feature is
not an accident initiator. 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.
Criterion 3: Does the proposed amendment
involve a significant reduction in the 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
proposed TS setpoints serve to ensure proper
AFW system suction transfer for design bases
events, whereby the proposed TS changes
will not have any effect on the margin of
safety of fission product barriers. In addition,
the proposed TS changes will not have any
impact on these barriers. No accident
mitigating equipment will be adversely
impacted as a result of the modification.
Therefore, existing safety margins will be
preserved. None of the proposed changes will
involve a significant reduction in a margin of
safety.
Based on the above, it is concluded that the
proposed amendment presents no significant
hazards consideration under the standards
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set forth in 10 CFR 50.92(c), and accordingly,
a finding of ‘‘no significant hazards
consideration’’ is justified.
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: Lara S. Nichols,
Associate General Counsel, Duke Energy
Corporation, 526 South Church Street—
EC07H, Charlotte, NC 28202.
NRC Branch Chief: Robert J.
Pascarelli.
Duke Energy Progress, Inc., Docket No.
50–261, H. B. Robinson Steam Electric
Plant, Unit 2, Darlington County, South
Carolina
Date of amendment request:
September 10, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed change would revise
Technical Specification Limiting
Condition for Operation 3.8.1, Required
Action (RA) B.3.2.2, ‘‘One DG [Diesel
Generator] Inoperable—Perform SR
[Surveillance Requirement] 3.8.1.2 for
OPERABLE DG within 96 hours,’’ by a
NOTE clarifying RA B.3.2.2 that states,
‘‘Not required to be performed when the
cause of the inoperable DG is preplanned maintenance and 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 amendment involve
a significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change eliminates a
conditional surveillance of the Operable EDG
[emergency diesel generator] whenever the
alternate division EDG is out of service for
pre-planned maintenance and testing. The
EDG are [is] not an initiator of any accident
previously evaluated. As a result, the
probability of any accident previously
evaluated is not significantly increased.
The consequences of any accident
previously evaluated are not increased, as the
EDG will continue to meet its safety function
to supply backup AC [alternating current]
power as specified in the accident analysis,
in a highly reliable manner, as a common
cause problem between the two EDGs will
have been precluded, the alternate division
EDG will no longer be taken out of service
for testing, and its normally scheduled
surveillances will be met.
Therefore, the proposed change does not
involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
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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 or different accidents result from
utilizing the proposed change. 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 governing normal plant
operation. The changes do not alter
assumptions made in the safety analysis for
EDG performance.
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 amendment involve
a significant reduction in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed change eliminates a
conditional surveillance of the Operable EDG
whenever the alternate division EDG is out
of service for pre-planned maintenance and
testing. The EDG will continue to meet its
specified safety function in the safety
analysis to provide backup AC power, in a
highly reliable manner, as a common cause
problem between the two EDGs will have
been precluded, the alternate division EDG
will no longer be taken out of service for
testing, and its normally scheduled
surveillances will be met.
Therefore, the proposed change does not
involve a significant reduction in a margin of
safety.
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
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: Lara S. Nichols,
Deputy General Counsel, Duke Energy
Corporation, 550 South Tryon Street,
Charlotte, NC 28202.
NRC Branch Chief: Jessie F.
Quichocho.
Duke Energy Progress, Inc., Docket No.
50–261, H. B. Robinson Steam Electric
Plant, Unit 2, Darlington County, South
Carolina
Date of amendment request:
September 30, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendment implements
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC)-approved Technical Specification
Task Force (TSTF) Standard Technical
Specification Change Traveler, TSTF–
491, ‘‘Removal of Main Steam and Main
Feedwater Valve Isolation Times from
Technical Specifications,’’ via the
Consolidated Line Item Improvement
Process (CLIIP). This request will
modify the current Unit 2 Technical
Specifications (TSs) 3.7.2, Main Steam
Isolation Valves and 3.7.3, Main
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Feedwater Isolation Valves, Main
Feedwater Regulation Valves and
Bypass Valves by relocating the specific
isolation time for the isolation valves
from the associated Surveillance
Requirements (SRs). The isolation time
in the TS SRs is replaced with the
requirement to verify the valve isolation
time is ‘‘within limits.’’ The specific
isolation times will be maintained in the
Unit 2 Technical Requirements Manual.
The NRC staff published a notice of
opportunity for comment in the Federal
Register on October 5, 2006 (71 FR
58884), on possible amendments
adopting TSTF–491, Revision 2,
including a model safety evaluation and
model no significant hazards
consideration (NSHC) determination,
using the CLIIP. The NRC staff
subsequently issued a notice of
availability of the models for referencing
in license amendment applications in
the Federal Register on December 29,
2006 (71 FR 78472). The licensee
affirmed the applicability of the
following NSHC determination in its
application dated September 30, 2013.
Basis for proposed no significant
hazards consideration determination:
As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), an
analysis of the issue of no significant
hazards consideration is presented
below:
Criterion 1: The Proposed Change Does Not
Involve a Significant Increase in the
Probability or Consequences of an Accident
Previously Evaluated
The proposed change allows relocating
main steam and main feedwater valve
isolation times to the Licensee Controlled
Document that is referenced in the Bases.
The proposed change is described in
Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF)
Standard TS Change Traveler TSTF–491
related to relocating the main steam and
main feedwater valves isolation times to the
Licensee Controlled Document that is
referenced in the Bases and replacing the
isolation time with the phase, ‘‘within
limits.’’
The proposed change does not involve a
physical alteration of the plant (no new or
different type of equipment will be installed).
The proposed changes relocate the main
steam and main feedwater isolation valve
times to the Licensee Controlled Document
that is referenced in the Bases. The
requirements to perform the testing of these
isolation valves are retained in the TS. Future
changes to the Bases or licensee-controlled
document will be evaluated pursuant to the
requirements of 10 CFR 50.59, ‘‘Changes, test
and experiments,’’ to ensure that such
changes do not result in more than minimal
increase in the probability or consequences
of an accident previously evaluated.
The proposed changes do not adversely
affect accident initiators or precursors nor
alter the design assumptions, conditions, and
configuration of the facility or the manner in
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which the plant is operated and maintained.
The proposed changes do not adversely affect
the ability of structures, systems and
components (SSCs) to perform their intended
safety 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 consequences of any
accident previously evaluated. Further, the
proposed changes do not increase the types
and the amounts of radioactive effluent that
may be released, nor significantly increase
individual or cumulative occupation/public
radiation exposures.
Therefore, the changes do not involve a
significant increase in the probability or
consequences of any accident previously
evaluated.
Criterion 2: The Proposed Change Does Not
Create the Possibility of a New or Different
Kind of Accident From Any Previously
Evaluated
The proposed changes relocate the main
steam and main feedwater valve isolation
times to the Licensee Controlled Document
that is referenced in the Bases. In addition,
the valve isolation times are replaced in the
TS with the phase ‘‘within limits.’’ The
changes do not involve a physical altering of
the plant (i.e., no new or different type of
equipment will be installed) or a change in
methods governing normal pant operation.
The requirements in the TS continue to
require testing of the main steam and main
feedwater isolation valves to ensure the
proper functioning of these isolation valves.
Therefore, the changes do not create the
possibility of a new or different kind of
accident from any previously evaluated.
Criterion 3: The Proposed Change Does Not
Involve a Significant Reduction in the Margin
of Safety
The proposed changes relocate the main
steam and main feedwater valve isolation
times to the Licensee Controlled Document
that is referenced in the Bases. In addition,
the valve isolation times are replaced in the
TS with the phase ‘‘within limits.’’
Instituting the proposed changes will
continue to ensure the testing of main steam
and main feedwater isolation valves. Changes
to the Bases or license controlled document
are performed in accordance with 10 CFR
50.59. This approach provides an effective
level of regulatory control and ensures that
main steam and feedwater isolation valve
testing is conducted such that there is no
significant reduction in the margin of safety.
The margin of safety provided by the
isolation valves is unaffected by the proposed
changes since there continue to be TS
requirements to ensure the testing of main
steam and main feedwater isolation valves.
The proposed changes maintain sufficient
controls to preserve the current margins of
safety.
The NRC staff proposes to determine
that the amendment request involves
NSHC.
Attorney for licensee: Lara S. Nichols,
Deputy General Counsel, Duke Energy
Corporation, 550 South Tryon Street,
Charlotte, NC 28202.
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NRC Branch Chief: Jessie F.
Quichocho.
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, LLC, and
Entergy Operations, Inc., Docket No.
50–458, River Bend Station, Unit 1,
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Date of amendment request: July 29,
2013.
Description of amendment request:
The amendment would add a
permanent exception to the River Bend
Station (RBS) Technical Requirements
Manual (TRM) Section 3.9.14, ‘‘Crane
Travel—Spent and New Fuel Storage,
Transfer, and Upper Containment Fuel
Pools,’’ to allow for movement of fuel
pool gates over fuel assemblies for
maintenance. This exception will also
be described by revision to the RBS
Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR)
Section 9.1.2.2.2, ‘‘Fuel Building Fuel
Storage,’’ and Section 9.1.2.3.3,
‘‘Protection Features of Spent Fuel
Storage Facilities.’’
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. Involved a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
Response: No.
The RBS fuel building fuel storage facilities
consist of three interconnected stainless
steel-lined concrete pools. The spent fuel
storage pool is the largest of these pools.
Adjacent to the fuel storage pool are the cask
pool and the lower IFTS [inclined fuel
transfer system] pool. Each of these two pools
is separated from the fuel storage pool by a
full-height wall encompassing a watertight
gate. The watertight gates are normally open,
but are closed to seal their respective pools
during cask handling and equipment
maintenance operations. It is necessary to lift
the gates from the pools for maintenance or
seal replacement. The total weight of the gate
including the rigging equipment is 2000
pounds. This lift is considered as a heavy
load lift since it is higher than the current
analyzed light load limit of 1200 pounds for
movement of loads over fuel assemblies.
TRM 3.9.14 prohibits any load in excess of
1200 pounds from travel over fuel assemblies
in the storage pool.
Each of the gates is designed with a
pneumatic seal that, when pressurized, seals
the respective pool from the spent fuel pool,
forming a watertight barrier. No provisions
for moving the gates over fuel assemblies
were included in the current licensing basis
for RBS heavy loads. However, the service
life qualification of the gate seals necessitates
that they be replaced several times over the
life of the plant. Therefore, approval of an
exception to the current prohibition is
required to allow for replacement of the gate
seals.
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To perform the movement of the gate from
its installed position to a position where the
seal can be replaced, an engineering plan that
meets the intent of the applicable regulatory
guidance has been developed. RBS’ program
for control of heavy load movements
complies with that guidance, and this will
prevent the gate from dropping onto the
spent fuel assemblies during the movement
activity. The program features include the
design of the lifting devices, design of the
cask and fuel bridge cranes, crane operator
training, and the use of written procedures.
The regulatory guidance will be met in all
respects, except that, in lieu of a single
failure-proof crane, the method will employ
redundant and diverse means to meet the
intent of single-failure proof movements.
Entergy proposes to lift the spent fuel pool
gate using a rigging method that complies
with the intent of the guidance of References
10.c through 10.f [of the licensee’s letter
dated July 29, 2013]. The proposed method
will be accomplished through the use of fuel
building bridge crane and the cask crane at
the same time to provide the redundancy
required to make the lift single-failure proof
and satisfy single-failure proof criteria.
In the proposed method, the fuel building
bridge crane and the cask crane will be used
to perform the gate lifting and movement.
The intent of the applicable regulatory
guidance is that in lieu of providing a singlefailure-proof crane system, the control of
heavy loads guidelines can be satisfied by
establishing that the potential for a heavy
load drop is extremely small. The gate lifting
using the bridge crane and cask crane will
conform to applicable regulatory guidelines,
in that the probability of the gate drop over
the spent fuel assemblies is extremely small.
Both cranes have a rated capacity of 15 tons.
The maximum weight of the gate and rigging
is 2000 pounds. Therefore, there is ample
safety factor margin for lifting and
movements of the subject spent fuel pool
gate. Special lifting devices, which have
redundancy or ultimate strength of at least
ten times the lifted load, will also be utilized
during the rigging process. Even though
neither the fuel building bridge crane or the
cask crane is a single-failure proof crane,
rigging the spent fuel pool gate using both
cranes will provide the required redundancy
that meets the intent of single-failure proof
criteria.
The proposed load lift of the fuel pool gate
for replacement of the seal conforms to all of
the applicable regulatory guidelines. The
design of the lifting lugs and associated
rigging (e.g., chains, slings, shackles, hoists,
etc.) conforms to the guidelines of NUREG–
0612, [‘‘Control of Heavy Loads at Nuclear
Power Plants,’’] Section 5.1.6, and ‘‘SingleFailure Proof Handling System,’’ and
References 10.d through 10.f [of the
licensee’s letter dated July 29, 2013]. The
auxiliary hook of the cask crane has a rated
capacity of 15 tons. The cask crane is not a
single-failure-proof crane. However, it meets
NUREG–0612 criteria of Section 5.1.1(6) and
is designed for seismic loading. As discussed
above, the cask crane, alone, will handle the
gate only after the gate is located inside the
cask pool where drop of the gate above the
spent fuel rack is no longer a concern. The
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74181
cask pool area has been evaluated for an
accidental drop of the spent fuel cask. There
is no safety-related equipment inside the cask
pool. The analyzed maximum weight of the
gate and rigging is 2500 pounds. Therefore,
there is ample safety factor margin for lifting
the gate with the cask crane.
The probability and consequences of a
seismic event are not affected by the
proposed gate lift. The consequences of a
seismic event during the gate lifting are
insignificant since both cranes, the fuel
building bridge crane and the cask crane, are
seismically qualified for the lifted load. In
addition, the design of all rigging conforms
to NUREG–0612 guidelines, with a safety
factor of 10 for the weight of the load.
Consistent with the defense-in-depth
approach outlined in the guidance, the
movement will be conducted according to
load handling instructions. Operator training
will be conducted on the activity prior to the
movement, and the equipment will be
inspected before the movement will be
performed. NUREG–0612 gives guidance that
when a particular heavy load must be
brought over spent fuel, alternative measures
may be used. The combination of
preventative measures, as proposed,
minimizes the risks inherent in hauling large
loads over spent fuel to permissible levels.
Considering these provisions and the
applicable regulatory guidance, the increase
in probability of a load drop is negligible.
It is therefore concluded that the proposed
gate lifting and movement does not involve
a significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
2. Create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident
previously evaluated.
Response: No.
The lifting of the fuel pool gate in the spent
fuel pool as described above minimizes the
possibility of a heavy load drop onto spent
fuel assemblies as not credible in accordance
with single-failure-proof criteria. In addition,
movement of the gate in the cask pool using
the cask crane does not create the possibility
of a new or different kind of accident. The
cask drop accident scenario in the current
RBS licensing basis (since the cask crane is
not a single-failure-proof crane) envelops the
accidental drop of the gate in the cask pool
during handling by the cask crane. The
analyzed weight of a cask is 125 tons, as
compared to the 1 ton combined weight of
the gate and the rigging.
It is therefore concluded that the proposed
gate lifting does not create the possibility of
a new or different kind of accident from any
previously analyzed.
3. Invoke a significant reduction in a
margin of safety.
Response: No.
By following the guidance of References
10.c through 10.f [of the licensee’s letter
dated July 29, 2013], the movement of the
spent fuel pool gates will have no impact on
the analyses of postulated design basis events
for RBS. The NRC guidance provides an
acceptable means of ensuring the appropriate
level of safety and protection against load
drop accidents. Therefore, there is no
reduction in the margin of safety associated
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with postulated design basis events at RBS in
allowing the proposed change to the RBS
licensing basis. RBS will continue to meet its
commitment to comply with the applicable
guidance.
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: Joseph A.
Aluise, Associate General Counsel—
Nuclear, Entergy Services, Inc., 639
Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
70113.
NRC Branch Chief: Douglas A.
Broaddus.
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Exelon Generation Company, LLC,
Docket Nos. 50–373 and 50–374,
LaSalle County Station, Units 1 and 2,
LaSalle County, Illinois
Date of amendment request:
September 5, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendments would
revise Technical Specification 5.5.13,
‘‘Primary Containment Leakage Rate
Testing Program,’’ to increase the peak
calculated primary containment internal
pressure, Pa, from 39.9 psig to 42.6 psig.
The proposed increase in Pa reflects a
lower initial drywell temperature and a
number of other modeling changes.
Basis for proposed no significant
hazards consideration determination:
As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the
licensee provided on September 5, 2013,
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 proposed change to Pa does not alter
the assumed initiators to any analyzed event.
The probability of an accident previously
evaluated will not be increased by this
proposed change since this change does not
modify the plant or how it is operated.
The change in Pa will not affect
radiological dose consequence analyses.
LSCS radiological dose consequence analyses
are based on the maximum allowable
containment leakage rate. Even though the
test pressure at which leak rate testing is
performed is Pa, the maximum allowable
containment leakage rate is defined in terms
of a percentage of weight of the original
content of containment air, which is
independent of the peak calculated primary
containment internal pressure. The
Appendix J containment leak rate testing
program will continue to ensure that
containment leakage remains within the
leakage assumed in the offsite dose
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consequence analyses. The consequences of
an accident previously evaluated will not be
increased by this proposed change.
Therefore, operation of the facility in
accordance with the proposed change to Pa
will 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 change provides a higher Pa
than currently described in the TS. This
change is the result of a LOCA-Drywell
Temperature sensitivity analysis performed
by General Electric Hitachi. The peak
calculated primary containment internal
pressure remains below the containment
design pressure of 45 psig. This change does
not involve any alteration in the plant
configuration (no new or different type of
equipment will be installed) or make changes
in the methods governing normal plant
operation. The change does not create the
possibility of a new or different kind of
accident from any accident previously
evaluated.
Therefore, operation of the facility in
accordance with the proposed change to TS
5.5.13 would 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?
Response: No.
The peak calculated primary containment
internal pressure remains below the
containment design pressure of 45 psig. LSCS
radiological consequence analyses are based
on the maximum allowable containment
leakage rate. The change in the peak
calculated primary containment internal
pressure does not represent a significant
change in the margin of safety. Operation of
the facility in accordance with the proposed
change to TS 5.5.13 does not involve a
significant reduction in the margin of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the
licensee’s analysis and, based on this
review, it appears that the three
standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff
proposes to determine that the
requested amendments involve no
significant hazards consideration.
Attorney for licensee: Ms. Tamra
Domeyer, Associate General Counsel,
Exelon Generation Company, LLC, 4300
Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555.
NRC Branch Chief: Travis L. Tate.
Exelon Generation Company, LLC,
Docket Nos. 50–373 and 50–374,
LaSalle County Station, Units 1 and 2,
LaSalle County, Illinois
Date of amendment request:
September 20, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendments would
revise Technical Specification 3.3.8.1–1,
‘‘Loss of Power Instrumentation,’’ Table
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1, to change the allowable values to
address non-conservative assumptions.
The proposed change involves revising
the surveillance requirements to modify
the allowable values for the 4.16 kV
emergency buses during loss of voltage
testing and calibration to ensure that
existing design requirements remain
satisfied.
Basis for proposed no significant
hazards consideration determination:
As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the
licensee provided on September 20,
2013, 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 proposed change to the 4.16 kV
[engineered safety functions] ESF bus loss of
voltage allowable values allow the protection
scheme to function as originally designed.
(This change will involve alteration of
nominal trip setpoints in the field and will
also be reflected in revisions to the
calibration procedures.) The proposed
change does not affect the probability or
consequences of any accident. Analysis was
conducted and demonstrates that the
proposed allowable values will allow the
normally operating safety-related motors to
continue to operate without sustaining
damage or tripping during the worst-case,
non-accident degraded voltage condition for
the maximum possible time-delay of 5.7
minutes. Thus, these safety-related loads will
be available to perform their safety function
if a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA)
concurrent with a loss-of-offsite power
(LOOP) occurs following the degraded
voltage condition.
The proposed changes do not adversely
affect accident initiators or precursors, and
do not alter the design assumptions,
conditions, or configuration or the plant or
the manner in which the plant is operated or
maintained. The proposed allowable values
ensure that the 4.16 kV distribution system
remains connected to the offsite power
system when adequate offsite voltage is
available and motor starting transients are
considered. The diesel start due to a LOCA
signal is not adversely affected by this
change. During an actual loss of voltage
condition, the loss of voltage time delay will
continue to isolate the 4.16 kV distribution
system from offsite power before the diesel
is ready to assume the emergency loads,
which is the limiting time basis for mitigating
system responses to the accident. For this
reason, the existing loss of power/LOCA
analysis continues to be valid.
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?
Response: No.
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The proposed change involves the revision
of 4.16 kV ESF bus loss of voltage allowable
values to satisfy existing design
requirements. The proposed change does not
introduce any changes or mechanisms that
create the possibility of a new or different
kind of accident. The proposed change does
not install any new or different type of
equipment, and installed equipment is not
being operated in a new or different manner.
No new effects on existing equipment are
created nor are any new malfunctions
introduced.
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?
Response: No.
The proposed protection voltage allowable
values are low enough to prevent inadvertent
power supply transfer, but high enough to
ensure that sufficient power is available to
the required equipment. The diesel start due
to a LOCA signal is not adversely affected by
this change. During an actual loss of voltage
condition, the loss of voltage time delays will
continue to isolate the 4.16 kV distribution
system from offsite power before the diesel
is ready to assume the emergency loads.
Therefore, the proposed change does not
involve a significant reduction in a margin of
safety.
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
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
requested amendments involve no
significant hazards consideration.
Attorney for licensee: Ms. Tamra
Domeyer, Associate General Counsel,
Exelon Generation Company, LLC, 4300
Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555.
NRC Branch Chief: Travis L. Tate.
Exelon Generation Company (EGC),
LLC, Docket Nos. STN 50–456 and STN
50–457, Braidwood Station, Units 1 and
2, Will County, Illinois
Date of amendment request: October
10, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendment would revise
the date for the performance of the
containment leakage rate Type A test
from ‘‘no later than May 4, 2014,’’ to
‘‘prior to entering MODE 4 at the start
of Cycle 18.’’ Additionally, EGC is
proposing to establish a requirement for
Braidwood Station, Unit 2, to exit the
MODEs of applicability for Containment
as described in Technical Specification
3.6.1, ‘‘Containment’’ (i.e., MODEs 1–4),
no later than May 4, 2014.
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
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consideration, which is presented
below:
EGC has evaluated the proposed change for
Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2 using the
criteria in 10 CFR 50.92, and has determined
that the proposed change does not involve a
significant hazards consideration. The
following information is provided to support
a finding of no significant hazards
consideration.
1. Does the proposed change involve a
significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change to the Braidwood
Station, Units 1 and 2 Containment Leakage
Rate Testing Program does not involve a
physical change to the plant or a change in
the manner in which the plant is operated or
controlled. The containment function is to
provide an essentially leak tight barrier
against the uncontrolled release of
radioactivity to the environment for
postulated accidents. As such, the
containment itself, and the testing
requirements to periodically demonstrate the
integrity of the containment, exist to ensure
the plant’s ability to mitigate the
consequences of an accident do not involve
any accident precursors or initiators.
Therefore, the probability of occurrence of an
accident previously evaluated is not
significantly increased by the proposed
amendment. Implementation of the proposed
change will continue to provide adequate
assurance that during design basis accidents,
the containment and its components would
limit leakage rates to less than the values
assumed in the plant safety analyses.
Therefore, the consequences of an accident
previously evaluated will not be increased by
this proposed change.
Therefore, operation of the facility in
accordance with the proposed administrative
change to the date for the performance of the
Unit 2, Type A containment leak rate test
will 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 containment, and the testing
requirements to periodically demonstrate the
integrity of the containment, exist to ensure
the plant’s ability to mitigate the
consequences of an accident, and do not
involve any accident precursors or initiators.
The proposed change does not involve a
physical change to the plant (i.e., no new or
different type of equipment will be installed)
or a change to the manner in which the plant
is currently operated or controlled.
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?
Response: No.
This proposed change does not alter the
manner in which safety limits, limiting safety
system setpoints, or limiting conditions for
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operation are determined. The specific
requirements and conditions of the
containment leakage rate testing program, as
proposed, will continue to ensure that the
degree of containment structural integrity
and leak-tightness that is considered in the
plant’s safety analysis is maintained.
Therefore, the proposed change does not
involve a significant reduction in a margin of
safety.
Based on the above evaluation, EGC
concludes that the proposed amendment
does not involve a significant hazards
consideration under the standards set forth in
10 CFR 50.92, paragraph (c), and accordingly,
a finding of no significant hazards
consideration is justified.
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
requested amendments involve no
significant hazards consideration.
Attorney for licensee: Mr. Bradley J.
Fewell, Associate General Counsel,
Exelon Nuclear, 4300 Winfield Road,
Warrenville, IL 60555.
NRC Branch Chief: Travis L. Tate.
PPL Susquehanna, LLC, Docket Nos.
50–387 and 50–388, Susquehanna
Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2,
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Date of amendment request: June 6,
2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendment would
change the current requirement that
‘‘each ADS [Automatic Depressurization
System] valve opens when manually
actuated,’’ to the requirement that ‘‘each
ADS valve actuator strokes when
manually actuated.’’ Additionally, the
surveillance frequency would change
from ‘‘24 months on a STAGGERED
TEST BASIS for each valve solenoid,’’
to ‘‘24 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
issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented
below:
1. Do the proposed changes involve a
significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change does not modify the
method of demonstrating the operability of
the Safety/Relief Valves (S/RVs) in both the
safety and relief modes of operation. The
proposed change does modify the method for
demonstrating the proper mechanical
functioning of the S/RVs. The S/RVs are
required to function in the safety mode to
prevent overpressurization of the reactor
vessel and reactor coolant system pressure
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boundary during various analyzed transients,
including Main Steam Isolation Valve
closure. S/RVs associated with the Automatic
Depressurization System are also required to
function in the relief mode to reduce reactor
pressure to permit injection by low pressure
Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS)
pumps during certain reactor coolant pipe
break accidents. The current testing method
demonstrates the proper mechanical
functioning of the S/RVs in both modes
through manual actuation of the S/RVs. The
proposed testing method results in
acceptable demonstration of the S/RV
functions in both the safety and relief modes,
and therefore provides assurance that the
probability of S/RV failure will not increase.
None of the accident safety analyses are
affected by the requested [Technical
Specification] TS changes and the
consequences of accidents mitigated by the
S/RVs will not increase.
Therefore, the proposed amendment does
not result in a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of any
previously evaluated accident.
2. Do the proposed changes create the
possibility of a new or different kind of
accident from any accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change modifies the method
of testing of the S/RVs, but does not alter the
functions or functional capabilities of the S/
RVs. Testing under the proposed method is
performed in offsite test facilities and in the
plant during outage periods when the S/RV
functions are not required. Existing analyses
address events involving an S/RV
inadvertently opening or failing to reclose.
Analyses also address the failure of one or
more S/RVs to open. The proposed change
does not introduce any new failure mode.
Therefore, it does not create the possibility
of a new or different kind of accident from
any accident previously evaluated.
3. Do the proposed changes involve a
significant reduction in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed amendment provides for a
complete verification of the functional
capability of the S/RVs by performing tests,
inspections, and maintenance activities
without opening the valves while installed in
the plant. This alternative testing and
associated programmatic controls will
provide an overall level of assurance that the
S/RVs are capable of performing their
intended accident mitigation safety
functions. The proposed amendment does
not affect the valve setpoints or adversely
affect any other operational criteria assumed
for accident mitigation. No changes are
proposed that alter the setpoints at which
protective actions are initiated, and there is
no change to the operability requirements for
equipment assumed to operate for accident
mitigation. Moreover, it is expected that the
alternative testing methodology will increase
the margin of safety by reducing the potential
for S/RV leakage resulting from testing.
Additionally, the increased testing frequency
of the manual actuation circuitry is beneficial
since the valves will no longer be tested on
a staggered test frequency.
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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: Bryan A. Snapp,
Esquire, Assoc. General Counsel, PPL
Services Corporation, 2 North Ninth St.,
GENTW3, Allentown, PA 18101–1179.
Acting NRC Branch Chief: John G.
Lamb.
PPL Susquehanna, LLC, Docket Nos.
50–387 and 50–388, Susquehanna
Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2,
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Date of amendment request: June 6,
2013.
Description of amendment request:
This proposed change adds a footnote to
Function 6c in Technical Specification
Table 3.3.6.1–1. This change allows
only one Trip System to be operable in
MODES 4 and 5 for the Manual
Initiation Function for Shutdown
Cooling System isolation.
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. Do the proposed changes involve a
significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The manual isolation function of the RHR
[Residual Heat Removal] Shutdown Cooling
System is not credited in any FSAR [Final
Safety Analysis Report] safety analysis. The
addition of Footnote (c) to the manual
isolation function in TS [Technical
Specification] Table 3.3.6.1–1 allows one of
the two trip systems to be inoperable in
MODES 4 and 5 and does not alter any
equipment.
Therefore, this proposed change does not
involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
2. Do the proposed changes create the
possibility of a new or different kind of
accident from any accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The addition of Footnote (c) to the manual
isolation function in TS Table 3.3.6.1–1
allows one of the two trip systems to be
inoperable in MODES 4 and 5 and is
consistent with other isolation function
required for isolation in MODES 4 and 5.
No new equipment is being introduced,
and installed equipment is not being
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operated in a new or different manner. There
are no set points, at which protective or
mitigative actions are initiated, affected by
this change. These changes do not alter the
manner in which equipment operation is
initiated, nor will the function demands on
credited equipment be changed. No
alterations in the procedures that ensure the
plant remains within analyzed limits are
being proposed, and no major changes are
being made to the procedures relied upon to
respond to an off-normal event as described
in the FSAR. As such, no new failure modes
are being introduced. The proposed change
does not alter assumptions made in the safety
analysis and licensing basis since the manual
isolation function of the RHR Shutdown
Cooling System is not credited in any FSAR
safety analysis.
Therefore, the proposed change does not
create the possibility of a new or different
kind of accident from any previously
evaluated.
3. Do the proposed changes involve a
significant reduction in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The margin of safety is established through
equipment design, operating parameters, and
the setpoints at which automatic actions are
initiated. The proposed changes are
acceptable since no automatic isolation
functions are being changed. Since the
manual isolation function of the RHR
Shutdown Cooling System is not credited in
any FSAR safety analysis, this change does
not affect the margin of safety assumed by the
safety analysis.
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: Bryan A. Snapp,
Esquire, Assoc. General Counsel, PPL
Services Corporation, 2 North Ninth St.,
GENTW3, Allentown, PA 18101–1179
Acting NRC Branch Chief: John G.
Lamb.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Docket
Nos. 50–327 and 50–328, Sequoyah
Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2, Hamilton
County, Tennessee
Date of amendment request: October
2, 2013 (TS–SQN–13–01 and 13–02).
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendments would
revise Units 1 and 2 Technical
Specifications (TSs) 3.7.5, ‘‘Ultimate
Heat Sink,’’ to place additional
limitations on the maximum average
Essential Raw Cooling Water (ERCW)
System supply header water
temperature during operation with one
ERCW pump per loop and operation
with one ERCW supply strainer per
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loop. In addition, the one-time
limitations on Unit 1 ultimate heat sink
(UHS) temperature and the associated
license condition requirements used for
the Unit 2 steam generator replacement
project are proposed to be deleted. The
proposed changes would place
additional temperature limitations on
the UHS TS Limiting Condition for
Operation 3.7.5 with associated required
actions, to support maintenance on
plant component without requiring a
dual unit shutdown.
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 determination, which is
presented below:
1. Does the proposed amendment involve
a significant increase in the probability or
consequence of an accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change to impose additional
limits on UHS temperature while in certain
ERCW system alignments does not result in
any physical changes to plant safety-related
structures, systems, or components (SSCs).
The UHS and associated ERCW system
function is to remove plant system heat loads
during normal and accident conditions. As
such, the UHS and ERCW system are not
accident initiators, but instead perform
accident mitigation functions by serving as
the heat sink for safety-related equipment to
ensure the conditions and assumptions
credited in the accident analyses are
preserved. During operation under the
proposed change with only one ERCW pump
operable in a loop a single failure could
cause a total loss of ERCW flow in one loop
whereas with two pumps per loop operable
only a reduction in flow would occur. In
either case, one pump or two pumps per loop
operable, the other ERCW loop will continue
to perform the design function of the ERCW
system. Therefore, the proposed change does
not involve a significant increase in the
probability of an accident previously
evaluated.
The purpose of this change is to modify the
UHS TS to be consistent with the conditions
and assumptions of the current design basis
heat transfer and flow modeling analyses for
the UHS and ERCW system. The proposed
change provides assurance that the minimum
conditions necessary for the UHS and ERCW
system to perform their heat removal safety
function is maintained. Accordingly, as
demonstrated by TVA design heat transfer
and flow modeling calculations, the
proposed new requirements will provide the
necessary assurance that fuel cladding,
Reactor Coolant System (RCS) pressure
boundary, and containment integrity limits
are not challenged during worst-case postaccident conditions. Accordingly, the
conclusions of the accident analyses will
remain as previously evaluated such that
there will be no significant increase in the
post-accident dose consequences.
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Therefore, the proposed change does not
involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequence 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 change does not involve any
physical changes to plant safety related SSCs
or alter the modes of plant operation in a
manner that is outside the bounds of the
current UHS and ERCW system design heat
transfer and flow modeling analyses. The
proposed additional limits on UHS
temperature for the specified ERCW system
alignments provide assurance that the
conditions and assumptions credited in the
accident analyses are preserved. Thus,
although the specified ERCW system
alignments result in reduced heat transfer
flow capability, the plant’s overall ability to
reject heat to the UHS during normal
operation, normal shutdown, and
hypothetical worst-case accident conditions
will not be significantly affected by this
proposed change. Since the safety and design
requirements continue to be met and the
integrity of the RCS pressure boundary is not
challenged, no new credible failure
mechanisms, malfunctions, or accident
initiators are created, and there will be no
effect on the accident mitigating systems in
a manner that would significantly degrade
the plant’s response to an 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 amendment involve
a significant reduction in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed change modifies the UHS TS
to maintain the UHS temperature and
associated ERCW system flows within the
bounds of the conditions and assumptions
credited in the accident analyses. As
demonstrated by TVA design basis heat
transfer and flow modeling calculations, the
additional limits on UHS temperature for the
specified ERCW system alignments will
provide assurance that the design limits for
fuel cladding, RCS pressure boundary, and
containment integrity are not exceeded under
both normal and post-accident conditions. As
required, these calculations include
evaluation of the worst-case combination of
meteorology and operational parameters, and
establish adequate margins to account for
measurement and instrument uncertainties.
While operating margins have been reduced
by the proposed change in order to support
necessary maintenance activities, the current
limiting design basis accidents remain
applicable and the analyses conclusions
remain bounding such that the accident
safety margins are maintained. Accordingly,
the proposed change will not significantly
degrade the margin of safety of any SSCs that
rely on the UHS and ERCW system for heat
removal to perform their safety related
functions.
Therefore, the proposed change does not
involve a significant reduction in a margin of
safety.
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The NRC staff has reviewed the
licensee’s analysis and, based on this
review, it appears that the three
standards of 50.92(c) are satisfied.
Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to
determine that the amendment request
involves no significant hazards
consideration.
Attorney for licensee: General
Counsel, Tennessee Valley Authority,
400 West Summit Hill Drive, ET 11A,
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.
NRC Branch Chief: Jessie F.
Quichocho.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Docket No.
50–390, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant
(WBN), Unit 1, Rhea County, Tennessee
Date of amendment request: July 30,
2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed amendment would
modify Technical Specification (TS)
4.3.1.1, ‘‘Criticality,’’ to clarify the
requirements for storage of new and
spent fuel assemblies in the spent fuel
racks. This change is necessary to
update the current WBN Unit 1 TS to
ensure consistency with the proposed
TS 4.3.1.1 for WBN Unit 2. In addition,
editorial changes are being made to TS
4.3.1. The proposed changes also
modify the current licensing basis, as
described in Section 4.3.2.7 of the
Updated Final Safety Analysis Report
(UFSAR).
Basis for proposed no significant
hazards consideration determination:
As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the
licensee has provided its analysis of the
issue of no significant hazards
consideration. The NRC staff has
reviewed the licensee’s analysis against
the standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c). The
NRC staff’s review is presented below:
1. Does the proposed amendment involve
a significant increase in the probability or
consequence of an accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed amendment directs the
operators to directly use an existing control
figure in the TS instead of a conflicting
wording of slightly lower fuel storage
enrichment limit in the same section of the
TS. No change is being made to the
parameters or methodology in evaluated
accidents. As a result, there is no increase in
the likelihood of existing event initiators.
This figure was supported by the original
analyses that determines the subcriticality
available in the spent fuel pool and the
associated acceptable cell loading patterns
have not been changed. Thus the acceptance
criteria as stated in the UFSAR are met.
Implementing the change involves no facility
equipment, procedure, or process changes
that could affect the radioactive material
actually released during an event. As a result,
no conditions have been created that could
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significantly increase the consequences of
any of the events evaluated in the UFSAR.
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 do not require any
new or different accidents to be postulated
because no changes are being made to the
plant that would introduce any new accident
causal mechanism. This license amendment
request does not affect any plant systems that
are potential accident initiators. The change
in TS wording is consistent with an existing
figure in the same section of the TS that is
bounded by the original plant spent fuel pool
criticality analysis. No change to the fuel,
spent fuel racks, or spent fuel pool water
chemistry are associated with this change.
3. Does the proposed amendment involve
a significant reduction in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed amendment directs the
operators to directly use an existing control
figure in the TS instead of a conflicting
wording of slightly lower fuel storage
enrichment limit in the same section of the
TS. The change in TS wording is consistent
with an existing figure in the same section of
the TS which is bounded the original plant
spent fuel pool criticality analysis. The
proposed changes do not alter the permanent
plant design, including instrument set points.
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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: Jessie F.
Quichocho.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Docket No.
50–390, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant
(WBN), Unit 1, Rhea County, Tennessee
Date of amendment request: August
28, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The proposed changes would modify
WBN, Unit 1 Technical Specifications
(TS) requirements related to direct
current (DC) electrical systems. In
addition, a new ‘‘Battery Monitoring
and Maintenance Program’’ is being
proposed. The proposed TS changes
place requirements on the battery itself
rather than the battery cells as currently
required.
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
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consequence of an accident previously
evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed changes restructure the
Technical Specifications (TS) for the direct
current (DC) electrical power system and are
consistent with Technical Specifications
Task Force (TSTF) change TSTF–360,
Revision 1 and TSTF–500, Revision 2. The
proposed changes modify TS Actions relating
to battery and battery charger inoperability.
The DC electrical power system, including
associated battery chargers, is not an initiator
of any accident sequence analyzed in the
Updated Final Safety Analysis Report
(UFSAR). Rather, the DC electrical power
system supports equipment used to mitigate
accidents. The proposed changes to
restructure TS and change surveillances for
batteries and chargers to incorporate the
updates included in TSTF–360, Revision 1 as
updated by TSTF–500, Revision 2, will
maintain the same level of equipment
performance required for mitigating
accidents assumed in the UFSAR. Operation
in accordance with the proposed TS would
ensure that the DC electrical power system is
capable of performing its specified safety
function as described in the UFSAR.
Therefore, the mitigating functions supported
by the DC electrical power system will
continue to provide the protection assumed
by the analysis. The relocation of preventive
maintenance surveillances, and certain
operating limits and actions, to a licensee
controlled Battery Monitoring and
Maintenance Program will not challenge the
ability of the DC electrical power system to
perform its design function. Appropriate
monitoring and maintenance that are
consistent with industry standards will
continue to be performed. In addition, the DC
electrical power system is within the scope
of 10 CFR 50.65, ‘‘Requirements for
monitoring the effectiveness of maintenance
at nuclear power plants,’’ which will ensure
the control of maintenance activities
associated with the DC electrical power
system.
The integrity of fission product barriers,
plant configuration, and operating
procedures as described in the UFSAR will
not be affected by the proposed changes.
Therefore, the consequences of previously
analyzed accidents will not increase by
implementing these changes.
Therefore, the proposed amendment 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 involve
restructuring the TS for the DC electrical
power system. The DC electrical power
system, including associated battery chargers,
is not an initiator to any accident sequence
analyzed in the UFSAR. Rather, the DC
electrical power system supports equipment
used to mitigate accidents. The proposed
changes to restructure the TS and change
surveillances for batteries and chargers to
incorporate the updates included in TSTF–
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360 Revision 1 as updated by TSTF–500,
Revision 2, will maintain the same level of
equipment performance required for
mitigating accidents assumed in the UFSAR.
Administrative and mechanical controls are
in place to ensure the design and operation
of the DC systems continues to meet the plant
design basis describe in the UFSAR.
Therefore, the proposed amendment will
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 margin of safety is established through
equipment design, operating parameters, and
the setpoints at which automatic actions are
initiated. The equipment margins will be
maintained in accordance with the plantspecific design bases as a result of the
proposed changes. The proposed changes
will not adversely affect operation of plant
equipment. These changes will not result in
a change to the setpoints at which protective
actions are initiated. Sufficient DC capacity
to support operation of mitigation equipment
is ensured. The changes associated with the
new battery Maintenance and Monitoring
Program will ensure that the station batteries
are maintained in a highly reliable manner.
The equipment fed by the DC electrical
sources will continue to provide adequate
power to safety-related loads in accordance
with analysis assumptions. TS changes made
to be consistent with the changes in TSTF–
360, Revision 1, as updated by TSTF–500,
Revision 2, maintain the same level of
equipment performance stated in the UFSAR
and the current TSs.
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: General
Counsel, Tennessee Valley Authority,
400 West Summit Hill Drive, ET 11A,
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.
NRC Branch Chief: Jessie F.
Quichocho.
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating
Corporation, Docket No. 50–482, Wolf
Creek Generating Station, Coffey
County, Kansas
Date of amendment request:
September 23, 2013.
Description of amendment request:
The amendment would revise Technical
Specification (TS) 5.6.5, ‘‘CORE
OPERATING LIMITS REPORT (COLR),’’
to replace WCAP–11596–P–A,
‘‘Qualification of the Phoenix-P/ANC
Nuclear Design System for Pressurized
Water Reactor Cores,’’ with WCAP–
16045–P–A, ‘‘Qualification of the Two-
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Dimensional Transport Code
PARAGON,’’ and WCAP–16045–P–A,
Addendum 1–A, ‘‘Qualification of the
NEXUS Nuclear Data Methodology,’’ to
determine core operating limits.
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 analytical methodologies, which this
license amendment proposes for
determination of core operating limits, are
improvements over the current
methodologies in use at WCGS. The NRC
staff reviewed and approved these
methodologies and concluded that these
analytical methods are acceptable as a
replacement for the current analytical
method. Thus core operating limits
determined using the proposed analytical
methods continue to assure that the reactor
operates safely and, thus, the proposed
changes do not involve an increase in the
probability of an accident.
Operation of the reactor with core
operating limits determined by use of the
proposed analytical methods does not
increase the reactor power level, does not
increase the core fission product inventory,
and does not change any transport
assumptions. Therefore the proposed
methodology and TS changes do not involve
a significant increase in the consequences of
an accident.
Therefore, it is concluded that this 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?
Response: No.
The proposed change provides revised
analytical methods for determining core
operating limits, and does not change any
system functions or maintenance activities.
The change does not involve physical
alteration of the plant, that is, no new or
different type of equipment will be installed.
The change does not alter assumptions made
in the safety analyses but ensure that the core
will operate within safe limits. This change
does not create new failure modes or
mechanisms that are not identifiable during
testing, and no new accident precursors are
generated.
Therefore, it is concluded that this 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 margin of safety is established through
equipment design, operating parameters, and
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the setpoints at which automatic actions are
initiated. The proposed changes do not
physically alter safety-related systems, nor
does it affect the way in which safety related
systems perform their functions. The
setpoints at which protective actions are
initiated are not altered by the proposed
changes. Therefore, sufficient equipment
remains available to actuate upon demand for
the purpose of mitigating an analyzed event.
The proposed analytical methodology is an
improvement that allows more accurate
modeling of core performance. The NRC has
reviewed and approved this methodology for
use in lieu of the current methodology; thus,
the margin of safety is not reduced due to
this change.
Therefore, it is concluded that 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: Jay Silberg, Esq.,
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP,
2300 N Street NW., Washington, DC
20037.
NRC Branch Chief: Michael T.
Markley.
74187
amendments. If the Commission has
prepared an environmental assessment
under the special circumstances
provision in 10 CFR 51.22(b) and has
made a determination based on that
assessment, it is so indicated.
For further details with respect to the
action see (1) the applications for
amendment, (2) the amendment, and (3)
the Commission’s related letter, Safety
Evaluation and/or Environmental
Assessment as indicated. All of these
items are available for public inspection
at the Commission’s Public Document
Room (PDR), located at One White Flint
North, Room O1–F21, 11555 Rockville
Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland
20852. Publicly available documents
created or received at the NRC are
accessible electronically through the
Agencywide Documents Access and
Management System (ADAMS) in the
NRC Library at https://www.nrc.gov/
reading-rm/adams.html. If you do not
have access to ADAMS or if there are
problems in accessing the documents
located in ADAMS, contact the PDR’s
Reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301–
415–4737 or by email to pdr.resource@
nrc.gov.
Notice of Issuance of Amendments to
Facility Operating Licenses and
Combined Licenses
Arizona Public Service Company, et al.,
Docket Nos. STN 50–528, STN 50–529;
and STN 50–530, Palo Verde Nuclear
Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3,
Maricopa County, Arizona
During the period since publication of
the last biweekly notice, the
Commission has issued the following
amendments. The Commission has
determined for each of these
amendments that the application
complies with the standards and
requirements of the Atomic Energy Act
of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the
Commission’s rules and regulations.
The Commission has made appropriate
findings as required by the Act and the
Commission’s rules and regulations in
10 CFR Chapter I, which are set forth in
the license amendment.
A notice of consideration of issuance
of amendment to facility operating
license or combined license, as
applicable, proposed no significant
hazards consideration determination,
and opportunity for a hearing in
connection with these actions, was
published in the Federal Register as
indicated.
Unless otherwise indicated, the
Commission has determined that these
amendments satisfy the criteria for
categorical exclusion in accordance
with 10 CFR 51.22. Therefore, pursuant
to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental
impact statement or environmental
assessment need be prepared for these
Date of application for amendment:
December 12, 2012.
Brief description of amendment: The
amendments revised the Technical
Specifications (TSs) relating to reactor
coolant system (RCS) activity limits by
replacing the current TS limits on
primary coolant gross specific activity
with limits on primary coolant noble gas
activity. The noble gas activity would
reflect a new DOSE EQUIVALENT XE–
133 definition that would replace the
current E-bar average disintegration
energy definition. The changes are
consistent with NRC-approved Industry/
Technical Specifications Task Force
(TSTF) Standard Technical
Specification change traveler, TSTF–
490, Revision 0, ‘‘Deletion of E-bar
Definition and Revision to RCS [Reactor
Coolant System] Specific Activity
Technical Specifications,’’ with
deviations.
Date of issuance: November 25, 2013.
Effective date: As of the date of
issuance and shall be implemented
within 180 days from the date of
issuance.
Amendment No.: Unit 1–192; Unit 2–
192; Unit 3–192.
Renewed Facility Operating License
Nos. NPF–41, NPF–51; and NPF–74: The
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 237 / Tuesday, December 10, 2013 / Notices
amendment revised the Operating
Licenses and Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal
Register: March 4, 2013 (78 FR 14128).
The Commission’s related evaluation
of the amendments is contained in a
Safety Evaluation dated November 25,
2013.
No significant hazards consideration
comments received: No.
Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.,
Docket No. 50–336, Millstone Power
Station, Unit 2, New London County,
Connecticut
Date of amendment request: April 3,
2013.
Description of amendment request:
The amendment would revise Technical
Specification 3.9.16 ‘‘Shielded Cask,’’
due to changes to the minimum decay
time for fuel assemblies adjacent to the
spent fuel pool cask laydown area.
Date of issuance: November 14, 2013.
Effective date: As of the date of
issuance, and shall be implemented
within 30 days.
Amendment No.: 316.
Renewed Facility Operating License
No. DPR–65: Amendment revised the
License and Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal
Register: June 11, 2013 (78 FR 35062).
The Commission’s related evaluation
of the amendment is contained in a
Safety Evaluation dated November 14,
2013.
No significant hazards consideration
comments received: No.
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
PSEG Nuclear LLC, Docket Nos. 50–272
and 50–311, Salem Nuclear Generating
Station, Units 1 and 2, Salem County,
New Jersey
Date of amendment requests:
November 30, 2012, as supplemented by
letter dated May 31, 2013.
Brief description of amendments: The
amendments approve a change to the
site Emergency Plan to remove the
backup plant vent extended range noble
gas radiation monitoring (R45)
indication, recording, and alarm
capability in the emergency response
facilities. Although the R45B/C monitor
equipment skid will be removed, the
licensee will maintain a capability in its
Emergency Plan to take post-accident
samples from the plant vent stack, as
specified by an earlier commitment to
Regulatory Guide 1.97,
‘‘Instrumentation for Light-WaterCooled Nuclear Power Plants to Assess
Plant and Environs Conditions During
and Following an Accident.’’
Date of issuance: November 27, 2013.
Effective date: As of the date of
issuance and shall be implemented
within 60 days.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:48 Dec 09, 2013
Jkt 232001
Amendment Nos.: 305 and 287.
Renewed Facility Operating License
Nos. DPR–70 and DPR–75: The
amendments revised the Facility
Operating License and approved
revisions to the Emergency Plan.
Date of initial notice in Federal
Register: May 14, 2013 (78 FR 28252).
The supplemental letter dated May 31,
2013, provided information that
clarified the application, did not expand
the scope of the application as originally
noticed, and did not change the staff’s
original proposed no significant hazards
consideration determination as
published in the Federal Register.
The Commission’s related evaluation
of the amendments is contained in a
Safety Evaluation dated November 27,
2013.
No significant hazards consideration
comments received: No.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 2nd day
of December 2013.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Michele G. Evans,
Director, Division of Operating Reactor
Licensing, Office of Nuclear Reactor
Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2013–29168 Filed 12–9–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
[NRC–2013–0001]
Sunshine Act Meetings Notice
Weeks of December 9, 16, 23, 30,
2013, January 6, 13, 2014.
PLACE: Commissioners’ Conference
Room, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville,
Maryland.
STATUS: Public and Closed.
DATE:
Week of December 9, 2013
There are no meetings scheduled for
the week of December 9, 2013.
Week of December 16, 2013—Tentative
There are no meetings scheduled for
the week of December 16, 2013.
Week of December 23, 2013—Tentative
There are no meetings scheduled for
the week of December 23, 2013.
Week of December 30, 2013—Tentative
There are no meetings scheduled for
the week of December 30, 2013.
Week of January 6, 2014—Tentative
Monday, January 6, 2014
9:00 a.m. Briefing on Spent Fuel Pool
Safety and Consideration of
Expedited Transfer of Spent Fuel to
Dry Casks (Public Meeting)
PO 00000
Frm 00088
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
(Contact: Kevin Witt, 301–415–
2145)
This meeting will be Web cast live at
the Web address—https://www.nrc.gov/.
Monday, January 6, 2014
1:30 p.m. Briefing on Flooding and
Other Extreme Weather Events
(Public Meeting) (Contact: George
Wilson, 301–415–1711)
This meeting will be Web cast live at
the Web address—https://www.nrc.gov/.
Friday, January 10, 2014
9:00 a.m. Briefing on the NRC Staff’s
Recommendations to Disposition
Fukushima Near-Term Task Force
(NTTF) Recommendation 1 on
Improving NRC’s Regulatory
Framework (Public Meeting)
(Contact: Dick Dudley, 301–415–
1116)
This meeting will be Web cast live at
the Web address—https://www.nrc.gov/.
Week of January 13, 2014—Tentative
There are no meetings scheduled for
the week of January 13, 2014.
*
*
*
*
*
The schedule for Commission
meetings is subject to change on short
notice. To verify the status of meetings,
call (recording)—301–415–1292.
Contact person for more information:
Rochelle Bavol, 301–415–1651.
*
*
*
*
*
The NRC Commission Meeting
Schedule can be found on the Internet
at: https://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/
public-meetings/schedule.html.
*
*
*
*
*
The NRC provides reasonable
accommodation to individuals with
disabilities where appropriate. If you
need a reasonable accommodation to
participate in these public meetings, or
need this meeting notice or the
transcript or other information from the
public meetings in another format (e.g.
braille, large print), please notify
Kimberly Meyer, NRC Disability
Program Manager, at 301–287–0727, or
by email at Kimberly.Meyer-Chambers@
nrc.gov. Determinations on requests for
reasonable accommodation will be
made on a case-by-case basis.
*
*
*
*
*
Members of the public may request to
receive this information electronically.
If you would like to be added to the
distribution, please contact the Office of
the Secretary, Washington, DC 20555
(301–415–1969), or send an email to
Darlene.Wright@nrc.gov.
E:\FR\FM\10DEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 10, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74176-74188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29168]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[NRC-2013-0266]
Biweekly Notice; Applications and Amendments to Facility
Operating Licenses and Combined 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 (NRC) is
publishing this regular biweekly notice. The Act requires the
Commission to 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 or combined
license, as applicable, 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 November 14, 2013 to November 27, 2013. The
last biweekly notice was published on November 26, 2013 (78 FR 70589).
ADDRESSES: You may submit comment by any of the following methods
(unless this document describes a different method for submitting
comments on a specific subject):
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2013-0266. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-287-
3422; email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. For technical questions, contact
the individual(s) listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section
of this document.
Mail comments to: Cindy Bladey, Chief, Rules,
Announcements, and Directives Branch (RADB), Office of Administration,
Mail Stop: 3WFN, 06-44M, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC 20555-0001.
For additional direction on accessing information and submitting
comments, see ``Accessing Information and Submitting Comments'' in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Accessing Information and Submitting Comments
A. Accessing Information
Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2013-0266 when contacting the NRC
about the availability of information regarding this document. You may
access publicly-available information related to this action by the
following methods:
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2013-0266.
NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may access publicly-available documents online in the NRC
Library at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the
search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and then select ``Begin Web-
based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's
Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-
4737, or by email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The ADAMS accession number
for each document referenced in this notice (if that document is
available in ADAMS) is provided the first time that a document is
referenced.
NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
B. Submitting Comments
Please include Docket ID NRC-2013-0266 in the subject line of your
comment submission, in order to ensure that the NRC is able to make
your comment submission available to the public in this docket.
The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact
information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your
comment submission.
[[Page 74177]]
The NRC posts all comment submissions at https://www.regulations.gov as
well as entering the comment submissions into ADAMS. The NRC does not
routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact
information.
If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons
for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to
include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be
publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should
state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to
remove such information before making the comment submissions available
to the public or entering the comment submissions into ADAMS.
Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendments to Facility Operating
Licenses and Combined 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 Section 50.92 of Title 10 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), 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.
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 subject facility operating license or
combined license. Requests for a hearing and a petition for leave to
intervene shall be filed in accordance with the Commission's ``Agency
Rules of Practice and Procedure'' in 10 CFR part 2. Interested
person(s) should consult a current copy of 10 CFR 2.309, which is
available at the NRC's PDR, located at One White Flint North, Room O1-
F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland 20852. The
NRC regulations are accessible electronically from the NRC Library on
the NRC's Web site at 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, then 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
[[Page 74178]]
accordance with the NRC's 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 10
days prior to the filing deadline, the participant should contact the
Office of the Secretary by email at hearing.docket@nrc.gov, or by
telephone at 301-415-1677, to request (1) a digital identification (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 the 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 the 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 the Electronic Information Exchange System,
users will be required to install a Web browser plug-in from the NRC's
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 the NRC's guidance
available on the NRC's 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
the submitter an email notice confirming receipt of the document. The
E-Filing system also distributes an email notice that provides access
to the document to the NRC's 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's Web site
at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by email to
MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov, or by a toll-free call at 1-866-672-7640. 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 the
NRC's electronic hearing docket which is available to the public at
https://ehd1.nrc.gov/ehd/, 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.
However, a request to intervene will require including information on
local residence in order to demonstrate a proximity assertion of
interest in the proceeding. 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. Requests for hearing,
petitions for leave to intervene, and motions for leave to file new or
amended contentions that are filed after the 60-day deadline will not
be entertained absent a determination by the presiding officer that the
filing demonstrates good cause by satisfying the three factors in 10
CFR 2.309(c)(1)(i)-(iii).
For further details with respect to this license amendment
application, see the application for amendment which is available for
public inspection at the NRC's PDR, located at One White Flint North,
Room O1-F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland
20852. Publicly available documents created or received at the NRC are
accessible electronically through ADAMS in the NRC's Library at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. Persons who do not have access to
ADAMS or who encounter
[[Page 74179]]
problems in accessing the documents located in ADAMS should contact the
NRC PDR's Reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email
to pdr.resource@nrc.gov.
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: September 12, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments revise
technical specification 3.3.2, Emergency Safety Feature Actuation
System (ESFAS) Instrumentation, to support planned plant modifications
associated with NRC Order EA-12-049, Order Modifying Licenses with
Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-
Basis External Events. Specifically, the amendment modifies the
Allowable Value and Nominal Trip Setpoints listed in Table 3.3.2-1,
Function 6.f, Auxiliary Feedwater pump suction transfer on low suction
pressure.
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 proposed TS changes are in support of a plant modification
involving the installation of an AC-independent AFW Suction Transfer
scheme and hardware to ensure a continuous AFW suction source during
an Extended Loss of AC Power (ELAP) event. The purpose of Table
3.3.2-1 Function 6.f is to preserve the AFW pumps by ensuring a
continuous suction supply to the pumps. The proposed change will
cause the AFW pumps to align to the safety-related suction source
sooner than under the current setpoint values for design basis
events. The result of the proposed TS setpoint changes will be an
increase in margin for AFW pump suction. The new TS setpoints were
selected with sufficient margin for instrument uncertainty to ensure
that the safety-related AFW suction transfer function actuates
before the new AC independent AFW suction transfer function and to
prevent any adverse interaction of the two schemes. In other words,
the proposed change will ensure the safety-related suction transfer
is initiated before the non-safety AC independent AFW suction
transfer initiates. The specific TS changes are associated with 1)
the specific Nominal Trip Setpoint and Allowable Values for the AFW
Pump Suction Transfer on Suction Pressure--Low feature, 2) the
addition of specific requirements to be taken if the as-found
channel setpoint is outside its predefined as-found tolerance, and
3) the addition of specific requirements regarding resetting of an
channel setpoint within an as-left tolerance.
The AFW Pump Suction Transfer on Suction Pressure--Low feature
does not affect the probability of any accident being initiated. In
addition, none of the abovementioned proposed TS changes affect the
probability of any accident being initiated.
Actuation of the AFW Pump Suction Transfer on Suction Pressure--
Low feature will continue to ensure that adequate AFW pump suction
is maintained during design bases events. Transfer to the safety-
related suction source will actually occur earlier due to the
proposed change. 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 any increase
in the probability or consequences of an accident previously
evaluated.
Criterion 2: Does the proposed amendment reate 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 AFW Pump Suction Transfer feature is not an accident initiator.
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.
Criterion 3: Does the proposed amendment involve a significant
reduction in the 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 proposed TS
setpoints serve to ensure proper AFW system suction transfer for
design bases events, whereby the proposed TS changes will not have
any effect on the margin of safety of fission product barriers. In
addition, the proposed TS changes will not have any impact on these
barriers. No accident mitigating equipment will be adversely
impacted as a result of the modification. Therefore, existing safety
margins will be preserved. None of the proposed changes will involve
a significant reduction in a margin of safety.
Based on the above, it is concluded that the proposed amendment
presents no significant hazards consideration under the standards
set forth in 10 CFR 50.92(c), and accordingly, a finding of ``no
significant hazards consideration'' is justified.
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: Lara S. Nichols, Associate General Counsel,
Duke Energy Corporation, 526 South Church Street--EC07H, Charlotte, NC
28202.
NRC Branch Chief: Robert J. Pascarelli.
Duke Energy Progress, Inc., Docket No. 50-261, H. B. Robinson Steam
Electric Plant, Unit 2, Darlington County, South Carolina
Date of amendment request: September 10, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed change would revise
Technical Specification Limiting Condition for Operation 3.8.1,
Required Action (RA) B.3.2.2, ``One DG [Diesel Generator] Inoperable--
Perform SR [Surveillance Requirement] 3.8.1.2 for OPERABLE DG within 96
hours,'' by a NOTE clarifying RA B.3.2.2 that states, ``Not required to
be performed when the cause of the inoperable DG is pre-planned
maintenance and 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 amendment involve a significant increase in
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change eliminates a conditional surveillance of the
Operable EDG [emergency diesel generator] whenever the alternate
division EDG is out of service for pre-planned maintenance and
testing. The EDG are [is] not an initiator of any accident
previously evaluated. As a result, the probability of any accident
previously evaluated is not significantly increased.
The consequences of any accident previously evaluated are not
increased, as the EDG will continue to meet its safety function to
supply backup AC [alternating current] power as specified in the
accident analysis, in a highly reliable manner, as a common cause
problem between the two EDGs will have been precluded, the alternate
division EDG will no longer be taken out of service for testing, and
its normally scheduled surveillances will be met.
Therefore, the proposed change does not involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
[[Page 74180]]
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 or different accidents result from utilizing the proposed
change. 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 governing normal plant
operation. The changes do not alter assumptions made in the safety
analysis for EDG performance.
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 amendment involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed change eliminates a conditional surveillance of the
Operable EDG whenever the alternate division EDG is out of service
for pre-planned maintenance and testing. The EDG will continue to
meet its specified safety function in the safety analysis to provide
backup AC power, in a highly reliable manner, as a common cause
problem between the two EDGs will have been precluded, the alternate
division EDG will no longer be taken out of service for testing, and
its normally scheduled surveillances will be met.
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: Lara S. Nichols, Deputy General Counsel,
Duke Energy Corporation, 550 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
NRC Branch Chief: Jessie F. Quichocho.
Duke Energy Progress, Inc., Docket No. 50-261, H. B. Robinson Steam
Electric Plant, Unit 2, Darlington County, South Carolina
Date of amendment request: September 30, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment implements
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-approved Technical
Specification Task Force (TSTF) Standard Technical Specification Change
Traveler, TSTF-491, ``Removal of Main Steam and Main Feedwater Valve
Isolation Times from Technical Specifications,'' via the Consolidated
Line Item Improvement Process (CLIIP). This request will modify the
current Unit 2 Technical Specifications (TSs) 3.7.2, Main Steam
Isolation Valves and 3.7.3, Main Feedwater Isolation Valves, Main
Feedwater Regulation Valves and Bypass Valves by relocating the
specific isolation time for the isolation valves from the associated
Surveillance Requirements (SRs). The isolation time in the TS SRs is
replaced with the requirement to verify the valve isolation time is
``within limits.'' The specific isolation times will be maintained in
the Unit 2 Technical Requirements Manual.
The NRC staff published a notice of opportunity for comment in the
Federal Register on October 5, 2006 (71 FR 58884), on possible
amendments adopting TSTF-491, Revision 2, including a model safety
evaluation and model no significant hazards consideration (NSHC)
determination, using the CLIIP. The NRC staff subsequently issued a
notice of availability of the models for referencing in license
amendment applications in the Federal Register on December 29, 2006 (71
FR 78472). The licensee affirmed the applicability of the following
NSHC determination in its application dated September 30, 2013.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), an analysis of the issue
of no significant hazards consideration is presented below:
Criterion 1: The Proposed Change Does Not Involve a Significant
Increase in the Probability or Consequences of an Accident Previously
Evaluated
The proposed change allows relocating main steam and main
feedwater valve isolation times to the Licensee Controlled Document
that is referenced in the Bases. The proposed change is described in
Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF) Standard TS Change
Traveler TSTF-491 related to relocating the main steam and main
feedwater valves isolation times to the Licensee Controlled Document
that is referenced in the Bases and replacing the isolation time
with the phase, ``within limits.''
The proposed change does not involve a physical alteration of
the plant (no new or different type of equipment will be installed).
The proposed changes relocate the main steam and main feedwater
isolation valve times to the Licensee Controlled Document that is
referenced in the Bases. The requirements to perform the testing of
these isolation valves are retained in the TS. Future changes to the
Bases or licensee-controlled document will be evaluated pursuant to
the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59, ``Changes, test and experiments,''
to ensure that such changes do not result in more than minimal
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
The proposed changes do not adversely affect accident initiators
or precursors nor alter the design assumptions, conditions, and
configuration of the facility or the manner in which the plant is
operated and maintained. The proposed changes do not adversely
affect the ability of structures, systems and components (SSCs) to
perform their intended safety 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 consequences of any accident previously
evaluated. Further, the proposed changes do not increase the types
and the amounts of radioactive effluent that may be released, nor
significantly increase individual or cumulative occupation/public
radiation exposures.
Therefore, the changes do not involve a significant increase in
the probability or consequences of any accident previously
evaluated.
Criterion 2: The Proposed Change Does Not Create the Possibility of a
New or Different Kind of Accident From Any Previously Evaluated
The proposed changes relocate the main steam and main feedwater
valve isolation times to the Licensee Controlled Document that is
referenced in the Bases. In addition, the valve isolation times are
replaced in the TS with the phase ``within limits.'' The changes do
not involve a physical altering of the plant (i.e., no new or
different type of equipment will be installed) or a change in
methods governing normal pant operation. The requirements in the TS
continue to require testing of the main steam and main feedwater
isolation valves to ensure the proper functioning of these isolation
valves.
Therefore, the changes do not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any previously evaluated.
Criterion 3: The Proposed Change Does Not Involve a Significant
Reduction in the Margin of Safety
The proposed changes relocate the main steam and main feedwater
valve isolation times to the Licensee Controlled Document that is
referenced in the Bases. In addition, the valve isolation times are
replaced in the TS with the phase ``within limits.'' Instituting the
proposed changes will continue to ensure the testing of main steam
and main feedwater isolation valves. Changes to the Bases or license
controlled document are performed in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59.
This approach provides an effective level of regulatory control and
ensures that main steam and feedwater isolation valve testing is
conducted such that there is no significant reduction in the margin
of safety.
The margin of safety provided by the isolation valves is
unaffected by the proposed changes since there continue to be TS
requirements to ensure the testing of main steam and main feedwater
isolation valves. The proposed changes maintain sufficient controls
to preserve the current margins of safety.
The NRC staff proposes to determine that the amendment request
involves NSHC.
Attorney for licensee: Lara S. Nichols, Deputy General Counsel,
Duke Energy Corporation, 550 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
[[Page 74181]]
NRC Branch Chief: Jessie F. Quichocho.
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, LLC, and Entergy Operations, Inc.,
Docket No. 50-458, River Bend Station, Unit 1, West Feliciana Parish,
Louisiana
Date of amendment request: July 29, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The amendment would add a
permanent exception to the River Bend Station (RBS) Technical
Requirements Manual (TRM) Section 3.9.14, ``Crane Travel--Spent and New
Fuel Storage, Transfer, and Upper Containment Fuel Pools,'' to allow
for movement of fuel pool gates over fuel assemblies for maintenance.
This exception will also be described by revision to the RBS Updated
Safety Analysis Report (USAR) Section 9.1.2.2.2, ``Fuel Building Fuel
Storage,'' and Section 9.1.2.3.3, ``Protection Features of Spent Fuel
Storage Facilities.''
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. Involved a significant increase in the probability or
consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
Response: No.
The RBS fuel building fuel storage facilities consist of three
interconnected stainless steel-lined concrete pools. The spent fuel
storage pool is the largest of these pools. Adjacent to the fuel
storage pool are the cask pool and the lower IFTS [inclined fuel
transfer system] pool. Each of these two pools is separated from the
fuel storage pool by a full-height wall encompassing a watertight
gate. The watertight gates are normally open, but are closed to seal
their respective pools during cask handling and equipment
maintenance operations. It is necessary to lift the gates from the
pools for maintenance or seal replacement. The total weight of the
gate including the rigging equipment is 2000 pounds. This lift is
considered as a heavy load lift since it is higher than the current
analyzed light load limit of 1200 pounds for movement of loads over
fuel assemblies. TRM 3.9.14 prohibits any load in excess of 1200
pounds from travel over fuel assemblies in the storage pool.
Each of the gates is designed with a pneumatic seal that, when
pressurized, seals the respective pool from the spent fuel pool,
forming a watertight barrier. No provisions for moving the gates
over fuel assemblies were included in the current licensing basis
for RBS heavy loads. However, the service life qualification of the
gate seals necessitates that they be replaced several times over the
life of the plant. Therefore, approval of an exception to the
current prohibition is required to allow for replacement of the gate
seals.
To perform the movement of the gate from its installed position
to a position where the seal can be replaced, an engineering plan
that meets the intent of the applicable regulatory guidance has been
developed. RBS' program for control of heavy load movements complies
with that guidance, and this will prevent the gate from dropping
onto the spent fuel assemblies during the movement activity. The
program features include the design of the lifting devices, design
of the cask and fuel bridge cranes, crane operator training, and the
use of written procedures. The regulatory guidance will be met in
all respects, except that, in lieu of a single failure-proof crane,
the method will employ redundant and diverse means to meet the
intent of single-failure proof movements.
Entergy proposes to lift the spent fuel pool gate using a
rigging method that complies with the intent of the guidance of
References 10.c through 10.f [of the licensee's letter dated July
29, 2013]. The proposed method will be accomplished through the use
of fuel building bridge crane and the cask crane at the same time to
provide the redundancy required to make the lift single-failure
proof and satisfy single-failure proof criteria.
In the proposed method, the fuel building bridge crane and the
cask crane will be used to perform the gate lifting and movement.
The intent of the applicable regulatory guidance is that in lieu of
providing a single-failure-proof crane system, the control of heavy
loads guidelines can be satisfied by establishing that the potential
for a heavy load drop is extremely small. The gate lifting using the
bridge crane and cask crane will conform to applicable regulatory
guidelines, in that the probability of the gate drop over the spent
fuel assemblies is extremely small. Both cranes have a rated
capacity of 15 tons. The maximum weight of the gate and rigging is
2000 pounds. Therefore, there is ample safety factor margin for
lifting and movements of the subject spent fuel pool gate. Special
lifting devices, which have redundancy or ultimate strength of at
least ten times the lifted load, will also be utilized during the
rigging process. Even though neither the fuel building bridge crane
or the cask crane is a single-failure proof crane, rigging the spent
fuel pool gate using both cranes will provide the required
redundancy that meets the intent of single-failure proof criteria.
The proposed load lift of the fuel pool gate for replacement of
the seal conforms to all of the applicable regulatory guidelines.
The design of the lifting lugs and associated rigging (e.g., chains,
slings, shackles, hoists, etc.) conforms to the guidelines of NUREG-
0612, [``Control of Heavy Loads at Nuclear Power Plants,''] Section
5.1.6, and ``Single-Failure Proof Handling System,'' and References
10.d through 10.f [of the licensee's letter dated July 29, 2013].
The auxiliary hook of the cask crane has a rated capacity of 15
tons. The cask crane is not a single-failure-proof crane. However,
it meets NUREG-0612 criteria of Section 5.1.1(6) and is designed for
seismic loading. As discussed above, the cask crane, alone, will
handle the gate only after the gate is located inside the cask pool
where drop of the gate above the spent fuel rack is no longer a
concern. The cask pool area has been evaluated for an accidental
drop of the spent fuel cask. There is no safety-related equipment
inside the cask pool. The analyzed maximum weight of the gate and
rigging is 2500 pounds. Therefore, there is ample safety factor
margin for lifting the gate with the cask crane.
The probability and consequences of a seismic event are not
affected by the proposed gate lift. The consequences of a seismic
event during the gate lifting are insignificant since both cranes,
the fuel building bridge crane and the cask crane, are seismically
qualified for the lifted load. In addition, the design of all
rigging conforms to NUREG-0612 guidelines, with a safety factor of
10 for the weight of the load.
Consistent with the defense-in-depth approach outlined in the
guidance, the movement will be conducted according to load handling
instructions. Operator training will be conducted on the activity
prior to the movement, and the equipment will be inspected before
the movement will be performed. NUREG-0612 gives guidance that when
a particular heavy load must be brought over spent fuel, alternative
measures may be used. The combination of preventative measures, as
proposed, minimizes the risks inherent in hauling large loads over
spent fuel to permissible levels. Considering these provisions and
the applicable regulatory guidance, the increase in probability of a
load drop is negligible.
It is therefore concluded that the proposed gate lifting and
movement does not involve a significant increase in the probability
or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.
2. Create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident
from any accident previously evaluated.
Response: No.
The lifting of the fuel pool gate in the spent fuel pool as
described above minimizes the possibility of a heavy load drop onto
spent fuel assemblies as not credible in accordance with single-
failure-proof criteria. In addition, movement of the gate in the
cask pool using the cask crane does not create the possibility of a
new or different kind of accident. The cask drop accident scenario
in the current RBS licensing basis (since the cask crane is not a
single-failure-proof crane) envelops the accidental drop of the gate
in the cask pool during handling by the cask crane. The analyzed
weight of a cask is 125 tons, as compared to the 1 ton combined
weight of the gate and the rigging.
It is therefore concluded that the proposed gate lifting does
not create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident
from any previously analyzed.
3. Invoke a significant reduction in a margin of safety.
Response: No.
By following the guidance of References 10.c through 10.f [of
the licensee's letter dated July 29, 2013], the movement of the
spent fuel pool gates will have no impact on the analyses of
postulated design basis events for RBS. The NRC guidance provides an
acceptable means of ensuring the appropriate level of safety and
protection against load drop accidents. Therefore, there is no
reduction in the margin of safety associated
[[Page 74182]]
with postulated design basis events at RBS in allowing the proposed
change to the RBS licensing basis. RBS will continue to meet its
commitment to comply with the applicable guidance.
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: Joseph A. Aluise, Associate General
Counsel--Nuclear, Entergy Services, Inc., 639 Loyola Avenue, New
Orleans, Louisiana 70113.
NRC Branch Chief: Douglas A. Broaddus.
Exelon Generation Company, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-373 and 50-374, LaSalle
County Station, Units 1 and 2, LaSalle County, Illinois
Date of amendment request: September 5, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would
revise Technical Specification 5.5.13, ``Primary Containment Leakage
Rate Testing Program,'' to increase the peak calculated primary
containment internal pressure, Pa, from 39.9 psig to 42.6
psig. The proposed increase in Pa reflects a lower initial
drywell temperature and a number of other modeling changes.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee provided on
September 5, 2013, 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 proposed change to Pa does not alter the assumed
initiators to any analyzed event. The probability of an accident
previously evaluated will not be increased by this proposed change
since this change does not modify the plant or how it is operated.
The change in Pa will not affect radiological dose
consequence analyses. LSCS radiological dose consequence analyses
are based on the maximum allowable containment leakage rate. Even
though the test pressure at which leak rate testing is performed is
Pa, the maximum allowable containment leakage rate is
defined in terms of a percentage of weight of the original content
of containment air, which is independent of the peak calculated
primary containment internal pressure. The Appendix J containment
leak rate testing program will continue to ensure that containment
leakage remains within the leakage assumed in the offsite dose
consequence analyses. The consequences of an accident previously
evaluated will not be increased by this proposed change.
Therefore, operation of the facility in accordance with the
proposed change to Pa will 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 change provides a higher Pa than
currently described in the TS. This change is the result of a LOCA-
Drywell Temperature sensitivity analysis performed by General
Electric Hitachi. The peak calculated primary containment internal
pressure remains below the containment design pressure of 45 psig.
This change does not involve any alteration in the plant
configuration (no new or different type of equipment will be
installed) or make changes in the methods governing normal plant
operation. The change does not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
Therefore, operation of the facility in accordance with the
proposed change to TS 5.5.13 would 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?
Response: No.
The peak calculated primary containment internal pressure
remains below the containment design pressure of 45 psig. LSCS
radiological consequence analyses are based on the maximum allowable
containment leakage rate. The change in the peak calculated primary
containment internal pressure does not represent a significant
change in the margin of safety. Operation of the facility in
accordance with the proposed change to TS 5.5.13 does not involve a
significant reduction in the margin of safety.
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis and, based on
this review, it appears that the three standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c) are
satisfied. Therefore, the NRC staff proposes to determine that the
requested amendments involve no significant hazards consideration.
Attorney for licensee: Ms. Tamra Domeyer, Associate General
Counsel, Exelon Generation Company, LLC, 4300 Winfield Road,
Warrenville, IL 60555.
NRC Branch Chief: Travis L. Tate.
Exelon Generation Company, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-373 and 50-374, LaSalle
County Station, Units 1 and 2, LaSalle County, Illinois
Date of amendment request: September 20, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would
revise Technical Specification 3.3.8.1-1, ``Loss of Power
Instrumentation,'' Table 1, to change the allowable values to address
non-conservative assumptions. The proposed change involves revising the
surveillance requirements to modify the allowable values for the 4.16
kV emergency buses during loss of voltage testing and calibration to
ensure that existing design requirements remain satisfied.
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee provided on
September 20, 2013, 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 proposed change to the 4.16 kV [engineered safety functions]
ESF bus loss of voltage allowable values allow the protection scheme
to function as originally designed. (This change will involve
alteration of nominal trip setpoints in the field and will also be
reflected in revisions to the calibration procedures.) The proposed
change does not affect the probability or consequences of any
accident. Analysis was conducted and demonstrates that the proposed
allowable values will allow the normally operating safety-related
motors to continue to operate without sustaining damage or tripping
during the worst-case, non-accident degraded voltage condition for
the maximum possible time-delay of 5.7 minutes. Thus, these safety-
related loads will be available to perform their safety function if
a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) concurrent with a loss-of-offsite
power (LOOP) occurs following the degraded voltage condition.
The proposed changes do not adversely affect accident initiators
or precursors, and do not alter the design assumptions, conditions,
or configuration or the plant or the manner in which the plant is
operated or maintained. The proposed allowable values ensure that
the 4.16 kV distribution system remains connected to the offsite
power system when adequate offsite voltage is available and motor
starting transients are considered. The diesel start due to a LOCA
signal is not adversely affected by this change. During an actual
loss of voltage condition, the loss of voltage time delay will
continue to isolate the 4.16 kV distribution system from offsite
power before the diesel is ready to assume the emergency loads,
which is the limiting time basis for mitigating system responses to
the accident. For this reason, the existing loss of power/LOCA
analysis continues to be valid.
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?
Response: No.
[[Page 74183]]
The proposed change involves the revision of 4.16 kV ESF bus
loss of voltage allowable values to satisfy existing design
requirements. The proposed change does not introduce any changes or
mechanisms that create the possibility of a new or different kind of
accident. The proposed change does not install any new or different
type of equipment, and installed equipment is not being operated in
a new or different manner. No new effects on existing equipment are
created nor are any new malfunctions introduced.
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?
Response: No.
The proposed protection voltage allowable values are low enough
to prevent inadvertent power supply transfer, but high enough to
ensure that sufficient power is available to the required equipment.
The diesel start due to a LOCA signal is not adversely affected by
this change. During an actual loss of voltage condition, the loss of
voltage time delays will continue to isolate the 4.16 kV
distribution system from offsite power before the diesel is ready to
assume the emergency loads.
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
requested amendments involve no significant hazards consideration.
Attorney for licensee: Ms. Tamra Domeyer, Associate General
Counsel, Exelon Generation Company, LLC, 4300 Winfield Road,
Warrenville, IL 60555.
NRC Branch Chief: Travis L. Tate.
Exelon Generation Company (EGC), LLC, Docket Nos. STN 50-456 and STN
50-457, Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2, Will County, Illinois
Date of amendment request: October 10, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
revise the date for the performance of the containment leakage rate
Type A test from ``no later than May 4, 2014,'' to ``prior to entering
MODE 4 at the start of Cycle 18.'' Additionally, EGC is proposing to
establish a requirement for Braidwood Station, Unit 2, to exit the
MODEs of applicability for Containment as described in Technical
Specification 3.6.1, ``Containment'' (i.e., MODEs 1-4), no later than
May 4, 2014.
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:
EGC has evaluated the proposed change for Braidwood Station,
Units 1 and 2 using the criteria in 10 CFR 50.92, and has determined
that the proposed change does not involve a significant hazards
consideration. The following information is provided to support a
finding of no significant hazards consideration.
1. Does the proposed change involve a significant increase in
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change to the Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2
Containment Leakage Rate Testing Program does not involve a physical
change to the plant or a change in the manner in which the plant is
operated or controlled. The containment function is to provide an
essentially leak tight barrier against the uncontrolled release of
radioactivity to the environment for postulated accidents. As such,
the containment itself, and the testing requirements to periodically
demonstrate the integrity of the containment, exist to ensure the
plant's ability to mitigate the consequences of an accident do not
involve any accident precursors or initiators. Therefore, the
probability of occurrence of an accident previously evaluated is not
significantly increased by the proposed amendment. Implementation of
the proposed change will continue to provide adequate assurance that
during design basis accidents, the containment and its components
would limit leakage rates to less than the values assumed in the
plant safety analyses. Therefore, the consequences of an accident
previously evaluated will not be increased by this proposed change.
Therefore, operation of the facility in accordance with the
proposed administrative change to the date for the performance of
the Unit 2, Type A containment leak rate test will 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 containment, and the testing requirements to periodically
demonstrate the integrity of the containment, exist to ensure the
plant's ability to mitigate the consequences of an accident, and do
not involve any accident precursors or initiators. The proposed
change does not involve a physical change to the plant (i.e., no new
or different type of equipment will be installed) or a change to the
manner in which the plant is currently operated or controlled.
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?
Response: No.
This proposed change does not alter the manner in which safety
limits, limiting safety system setpoints, or limiting conditions for
operation are determined. The specific requirements and conditions
of the containment leakage rate testing program, as proposed, will
continue to ensure that the degree of containment structural
integrity and leak-tightness that is considered in the plant's
safety analysis is maintained.
Therefore, the proposed change does not involve a significant
reduction in a margin of safety.
Based on the above evaluation, EGC concludes that the proposed
amendment does not involve a significant hazards consideration under
the standards set forth in 10 CFR 50.92, paragraph (c), and
accordingly, a finding of no significant hazards consideration is
justified.
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
requested amendments involve no significant hazards consideration.
Attorney for licensee: Mr. Bradley J. Fewell, Associate General
Counsel, Exelon Nuclear, 4300 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555.
NRC Branch Chief: Travis L. Tate.
PPL Susquehanna, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-387 and 50-388, Susquehanna Steam
Electric Station, Units 1 and 2, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Date of amendment request: June 6, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
change the current requirement that ``each ADS [Automatic
Depressurization System] valve opens when manually actuated,'' to the
requirement that ``each ADS valve actuator strokes when manually
actuated.'' Additionally, the surveillance frequency would change from
``24 months on a STAGGERED TEST BASIS for each valve solenoid,'' to
``24 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 issue of no significant hazards
consideration, which is presented below:
1. Do the proposed changes involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change does not modify the method of demonstrating
the operability of the Safety/Relief Valves (S/RVs) in both the
safety and relief modes of operation. The proposed change does
modify the method for demonstrating the proper mechanical
functioning of the S/RVs. The S/RVs are required to function in the
safety mode to prevent overpressurization of the reactor vessel and
reactor coolant system pressure
[[Page 74184]]
boundary during various analyzed transients, including Main Steam
Isolation Valve closure. S/RVs associated with the Automatic
Depressurization System are also required to function in the relief
mode to reduce reactor pressure to permit injection by low pressure
Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) pumps during certain reactor
coolant pipe break accidents. The current testing method
demonstrates the proper mechanical functioning of the S/RVs in both
modes through manual actuation of the S/RVs. The proposed testing
method results in acceptable demonstration of the S/RV functions in
both the safety and relief modes, and therefore provides assurance
that the probability of S/RV failure will not increase. None of the
accident safety analyses are affected by the requested [Technical
Specification] TS changes and the consequences of accidents
mitigated by the S/RVs will not increase.
Therefore, the proposed amendment does not result in a
significant increase in the probability or consequences of any
previously evaluated accident.
2. Do the proposed changes create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change modifies the method of testing of the S/RVs,
but does not alter the functions or functional capabilities of the
S/RVs. Testing under the proposed method is performed in offsite
test facilities and in the plant during outage periods when the S/RV
functions are not required. Existing analyses address events
involving an S/RV inadvertently opening or failing to reclose.
Analyses also address the failure of one or more S/RVs to open. The
proposed change does not introduce any new failure mode.
Therefore, it does not create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated.
3. Do the proposed changes involve a significant reduction in a
margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed amendment provides for a complete verification of
the functional capability of the S/RVs by performing tests,
inspections, and maintenance activities without opening the valves
while installed in the plant. This alternative testing and
associated programmatic controls will provide an overall level of
assurance that the S/RVs are capable of performing their intended
accident mitigation safety functions. The proposed amendment does
not affect the valve setpoints or adversely affect any other
operational criteria assumed for accident mitigation. No changes are
proposed that alter the setpoints at which protective actions are
initiated, and there is no change to the operability requirements
for equipment assumed to operate for accident mitigation. Moreover,
it is expected that the alternative testing methodology will
increase the margin of safety by reducing the potential for S/RV
leakage resulting from testing. Additionally, the increased testing
frequency of the manual actuation circuitry is beneficial since the
valves will no longer be tested on a staggered test frequency.
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: Bryan A. Snapp, Esquire, Assoc. General
Counsel, PPL Services Corporation, 2 North Ninth St., GENTW3,
Allentown, PA 18101-1179.
Acting NRC Branch Chief: John G. Lamb.
PPL Susquehanna, LLC, Docket Nos. 50-387 and 50-388, Susquehanna Steam
Electric Station, Units 1 and 2, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Date of amendment request: June 6, 2013.
Description of amendment request: This proposed change adds a
footnote to Function 6c in Technical Specification Table 3.3.6.1-1.
This change allows only one Trip System to be operable in MODES 4 and 5
for the Manual Initiation Function for Shutdown Cooling System
isolation.
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. Do the proposed changes involve a significant increase in the
probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The manual isolation function of the RHR [Residual Heat Removal]
Shutdown Cooling System is not credited in any FSAR [Final Safety
Analysis Report] safety analysis. The addition of Footnote (c) to
the manual isolation function in TS [Technical Specification] Table
3.3.6.1-1 allows one of the two trip systems to be inoperable in
MODES 4 and 5 and does not alter any equipment.
Therefore, this proposed change does not involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident
previously evaluated.
2. Do the proposed changes create the possibility of a new or
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The addition of Footnote (c) to the manual isolation function in
TS Table 3.3.6.1-1 allows one of the two trip systems to be
inoperable in MODES 4 and 5 and is consistent with other isolation
function required for isolation in MODES 4 and 5.
No new equipment is being introduced, and installed equipment is
not being operated in a new or different manner. There are no set
points, at which protective or mitigative actions are initiated,
affected by this change. These changes do not alter the manner in
which equipment operation is initiated, nor will the function
demands on credited equipment be changed. No alterations in the
procedures that ensure the plant remains within analyzed limits are
being proposed, and no major changes are being made to the
procedures relied upon to respond to an off-normal event as
described in the FSAR. As such, no new failure modes are being
introduced. The proposed change does not alter assumptions made in
the safety analysis and licensing basis since the manual isolation
function of the RHR Shutdown Cooling System is not credited in any
FSAR safety analysis.
Therefore, the proposed change does not create the possibility
of a new or different kind of accident from any previously
evaluated.
3. Do the proposed changes involve a significant reduction in a
margin of safety?
Response: No.
The margin of safety is established through equipment design,
operating parameters, and the setpoints at which automatic actions
are initiated. The proposed changes are acceptable since no
automatic isolation functions are being changed. Since the manual
isolation function of the RHR Shutdown Cooling System is not
credited in any FSAR safety analysis, this change does not affect
the margin of safety assumed by the safety analysis.
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: Bryan A. Snapp, Esquire, Assoc. General
Counsel, PPL Services Corporation, 2 North Ninth St., GENTW3,
Allentown, PA 18101-1179
Acting NRC Branch Chief: John G. Lamb.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Docket Nos. 50-327 and 50-328, Sequoyah
Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2, Hamilton County, Tennessee
Date of amendment request: October 2, 2013 (TS-SQN-13-01 and 13-
02).
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendments would
revise Units 1 and 2 Technical Specifications (TSs) 3.7.5, ``Ultimate
Heat Sink,'' to place additional limitations on the maximum average
Essential Raw Cooling Water (ERCW) System supply header water
temperature during operation with one ERCW pump per loop and operation
with one ERCW supply strainer per
[[Page 74185]]
loop. In addition, the one-time limitations on Unit 1 ultimate heat
sink (UHS) temperature and the associated license condition
requirements used for the Unit 2 steam generator replacement project
are proposed to be deleted. The proposed changes would place additional
temperature limitations on the UHS TS Limiting Condition for Operation
3.7.5 with associated required actions, to support maintenance on plant
component without requiring a dual unit shutdown.
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 determination, which is presented below:
1. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase in
the probability or consequence of an accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed change to impose additional limits on UHS
temperature while in certain ERCW system alignments does not result
in any physical changes to plant safety-related structures, systems,
or components (SSCs). The UHS and associated ERCW system function is
to remove plant system heat loads during normal and accident
conditions. As such, the UHS and ERCW system are not accident
initiators, but instead perform accident mitigation functions by
serving as the heat sink for safety-related equipment to ensure the
conditions and assumptions credited in the accident analyses are
preserved. During operation under the proposed change with only one
ERCW pump operable in a loop a single failure could cause a total
loss of ERCW flow in one loop whereas with two pumps per loop
operable only a reduction in flow would occur. In either case, one
pump or two pumps per loop operable, the other ERCW loop will
continue to perform the design function of the ERCW system.
Therefore, the proposed change does not involve a significant
increase in the probability of an accident previously evaluated.
The purpose of this change is to modify the UHS TS to be
consistent with the conditions and assumptions of the current design
basis heat transfer and flow modeling analyses for the UHS and ERCW
system. The proposed change provides assurance that the minimum
conditions necessary for the UHS and ERCW system to perform their
heat removal safety function is maintained. Accordingly, as
demonstrated by TVA design heat transfer and flow modeling
calculations, the proposed new requirements will provide the
necessary assurance that fuel cladding, Reactor Coolant System (RCS)
pressure boundary, and containment integrity limits are not
challenged during worst-case post-accident conditions. Accordingly,
the conclusions of the accident analyses will remain as previously
evaluated such that there will be no significant increase in the
post-accident dose consequences.
Therefore, the proposed change does not involve a significant
increase in the probability or consequence 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 change does not involve any physical changes to
plant safety related SSCs or alter the modes of plant operation in a
manner that is outside the bounds of the current UHS and ERCW system
design heat transfer and flow modeling analyses. The proposed
additional limits on UHS temperature for the specified ERCW system
alignments provide assurance that the conditions and assumptions
credited in the accident analyses are preserved. Thus, although the
specified ERCW system alignments result in reduced heat transfer
flow capability, the plant's overall ability to reject heat to the
UHS during normal operation, normal shutdown, and hypothetical
worst-case accident conditions will not be significantly affected by
this proposed change. Since the safety and design requirements
continue to be met and the integrity of the RCS pressure boundary is
not challenged, no new credible failure mechanisms, malfunctions, or
accident initiators are created, and there will be no effect on the
accident mitigating systems in a manner that would significantly
degrade the plant's response to an 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 amendment involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed change modifies the UHS TS to maintain the UHS
temperature and associated ERCW system flows within the bounds of
the conditions and assumptions credited in the accident analyses. As
demonstrated by TVA design basis heat transfer and flow modeling
calculations, the additional limits on UHS temperature for the
specified ERCW system alignments will provide assurance that the
design limits for fuel cladding, RCS pressure boundary, and
containment integrity are not exceeded under both normal and post-
accident conditions. As required, these calculations include
evaluation of the worst-case combination of meteorology and
operational parameters, and establish adequate margins to account
for measurement and instrument uncertainties. While operating
margins have been reduced by the proposed change in order to support
necessary maintenance activities, the current limiting design basis
accidents remain applicable and the analyses conclusions remain
bounding such that the accident safety margins are maintained.
Accordingly, the proposed change will not significantly degrade the
margin of safety of any SSCs that rely on the UHS and ERCW system
for heat removal to perform their safety related functions.
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 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: Jessie F. Quichocho.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Docket No. 50-390, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant
(WBN), Unit 1, Rhea County, Tennessee
Date of amendment request: July 30, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed amendment would
modify Technical Specification (TS) 4.3.1.1, ``Criticality,'' to
clarify the requirements for storage of new and spent fuel assemblies
in the spent fuel racks. This change is necessary to update the current
WBN Unit 1 TS to ensure consistency with the proposed TS 4.3.1.1 for
WBN Unit 2. In addition, editorial changes are being made to TS 4.3.1.
The proposed changes also modify the current licensing basis, as
described in Section 4.3.2.7 of the Updated Final Safety Analysis
Report (UFSAR).
Basis for proposed no significant hazards consideration
determination: As required by 10 CFR 50.91(a), the licensee has
provided its analysis of the issue of no significant hazards
consideration. The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's analysis
against the standards of 10 CFR 50.92(c). The NRC staff's review is
presented below:
1. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant increase in
the probability or consequence of an accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed amendment directs the operators to directly use an
existing control figure in the TS instead of a conflicting wording
of slightly lower fuel storage enrichment limit in the same section
of the TS. No change is being made to the parameters or methodology
in evaluated accidents. As a result, there is no increase in the
likelihood of existing event initiators.
This figure was supported by the original analyses that
determines the subcriticality available in the spent fuel pool and
the associated acceptable cell loading patterns have not been
changed. Thus the acceptance criteria as stated in the UFSAR are
met. Implementing the change involves no facility equipment,
procedure, or process changes that could affect the radioactive
material actually released during an event. As a result, no
conditions have been created that could
[[Page 74186]]
significantly increase the consequences of any of the events
evaluated in the UFSAR.
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 do not require any new or different
accidents to be postulated because no changes are being made to the
plant that would introduce any new accident causal mechanism. This
license amendment request does not affect any plant systems that are
potential accident initiators. The change in TS wording is
consistent with an existing figure in the same section of the TS
that is bounded by the original plant spent fuel pool criticality
analysis. No change to the fuel, spent fuel racks, or spent fuel
pool water chemistry are associated with this change.
3. Does the proposed amendment involve a significant reduction
in a margin of safety?
Response: No.
The proposed amendment directs the operators to directly use an
existing control figure in the TS instead of a conflicting wording
of slightly lower fuel storage enrichment limit in the same section
of the TS. The change in TS wording is consistent with an existing
figure in the same section of the TS which is bounded the original
plant spent fuel pool criticality analysis. The proposed changes do
not alter the permanent plant design, including instrument set
points.
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: Jessie F. Quichocho.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Docket No. 50-390, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant
(WBN), Unit 1, Rhea County, Tennessee
Date of amendment request: August 28, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The proposed changes would modify
WBN, Unit 1 Technical Specifications (TS) requirements related to
direct current (DC) electrical systems. In addition, a new ``Battery
Monitoring and Maintenance Program'' is being proposed. The proposed TS
changes place requirements on the battery itself rather than the
battery cells as currently required.
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 consequence of an accident previously evaluated?
Response: No.
The proposed changes restructure the Technical Specifications
(TS) for the direct current (DC) electrical power system and are
consistent with Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) change
TSTF-360, Revision 1 and TSTF-500, Revision 2. The proposed changes
modify TS Actions relating to battery and battery charger
inoperability. The DC electrical power system, including associated
battery chargers, is not an initiator of any accident sequence
analyzed in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR).
Rather, the DC electrical power system supports equipment used to
mitigate accidents. The proposed changes to restructure TS and
change surveillances for batteries and chargers to incorporate the
updates included in TSTF-360, Revision 1 as updated by TSTF-500,
Revision 2, will maintain the same level of equipment performance
required for mitigating accidents assumed in the UFSAR. Operation in
accordance with the proposed TS would ensure that the DC electrical
power system is capable of performing its specified safety function
as described in the UFSAR. Therefore, the mitigating functions
supported by the DC electrical power system will continue to provide
the protection assumed by the analysis. The relocation of preventive
maintenance surveillances, and certain operating limits and actions,
to a licensee controlled Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program
will not challenge the ability of the DC electrical power system to
perform its design function. Appropriate monitoring and maintenance
that are consistent with industry standards will continue to be
performed. In addition, the DC electrical power system is within the
scope of 10 CFR 50.65, ``Requirements for monitoring the
effectiveness of maintenance at nuclear power plants,'' which will
ensure the control of maintenance activities associated with the DC
electrical power system.
The integrity of fission product barriers, plant configuration,
and operating procedures as described in the UFSAR will not be
affected by the proposed changes. Therefore, the consequences of
previously analyzed accidents will not increase by implementing
these changes.
Therefore, the proposed amendment 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 involve restructuring the TS for the DC
electrical power system. The DC electrical power system, including
associated battery chargers, is not an initiator to any accident
sequence analyzed in the UFSAR. Rather, the DC electrical power
system supports equipment used to mitigate accidents. The proposed
changes to restructure the TS and change surveillances for batteries
and chargers to incorporate the updates included in TSTF-360
Revision 1 as updated by TSTF-500, Revision 2, will maintain the
same level of equipment performance required for mitigating
accidents assumed in the UFSAR. Administrative and mechanical
controls are in place to ensure the design and operation of the DC
systems continues to meet the plant design basis describe in the
UFSAR.
Therefore, the proposed amendment will 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 margin of safety is established through equipment design,
operating parameters, and the setpoints at which automatic actions
are initiated. The equipment margins will be maintained in
accordance with the plant-specific design bases as a result of the
proposed changes. The proposed changes will not adversely affect
operation of plant equipment. These changes will not result in a
change to the setpoints at which protective actions are initiated.
Sufficient DC capacity to support operation of mitigation equipment
is ensured. The changes associated with the new battery Maintenance
and Monitoring Program will ensure that the station batteries are
maintained in a highly reliable manner. The equipment fed by the DC
electrical sources will continue to provide adequate power to
safety-related loads in accordance with analysis assumptions. TS
changes made to be consistent with the changes in TSTF-360, Revision
1, as updated by TSTF-500, Revision 2, maintain the same level of
equipment performance stated in the UFSAR and the current TSs.
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: General Counsel, Tennessee Valley Authority,
400 West Summit Hill Drive, ET 11A, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.
NRC Branch Chief: Jessie F. Quichocho.
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, Docket No. 50-482, Wolf Creek
Generating Station, Coffey County, Kansas
Date of amendment request: September 23, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The amendment would revise
Technical Specification (TS) 5.6.5, ``CORE OPERATING LIMITS REPORT
(COLR),'' to replace WCAP-11596-P-A, ``Qualification of the Phoenix-P/
ANC Nuclear Design System for Pressurized Water Reactor Cores,'' with
WCAP-16045-P-A, ``Qualification of the Two-
[[Page 74187]]
Dimensional Transport Code PARAGON,'' and WCAP-16045-P-A, Addendum 1-A,
``Qualification of the NEXUS Nuclear Data Methodology,'' to determine
core operating limits.
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 analytical methodologies, which this license amendment
proposes for determination of core operating limits, are
improvements over the current methodologies in use at WCGS. The NRC
staff reviewed and approved these methodologies and concluded that
these analytical methods are acceptable as a replacement for the
current analytical method. Thus core operating limits determined
using the proposed analytical methods continue to assure that the
reactor operates safely and, thus, the proposed changes do not
involve an increase in the probability of an accident.
Operation of the reactor with core operating limits determined
by use of the proposed analytical methods does not increase the
reactor power level, does not increase the core fission product
inventory, and does not change any transport assumptions. Therefore
the proposed methodology and TS changes do not involve a significant
increase in the consequences of an accident.
Therefore, it is concluded that this 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?
Response: No.
The proposed change provides revised analytical methods for
determining core operating limits, and does not change any system
functions or maintenance activities. The change does not involve
physical alteration of the plant, that is, no new or different type
of equipment will be installed. The change does not alter
assumptions made in the safety analyses but ensure that the core
will operate within safe limits. This change does not create new
failure modes or mechanisms that are not identifiable during
testing, and no new accident precursors are generated.
Therefore, it is concluded that this 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 margin of safety is established through equipment design,
operating parameters, and the setpoints at which automatic actions
are initiated. The proposed changes do not physically alter safety-
related systems, nor does it affect the way in which safety related
systems perform their functions. The setpoints at which protective
actions are initiated are not altered by the proposed changes.
Therefore, sufficient equipment remains available to actuate upon
demand for the purpose of mitigating an analyzed event. The proposed
analytical methodology is an improvement that allows more accurate
modeling of core performance. The NRC has reviewed and approved this
methodology for use in lieu of the current methodology; thus, the
margin of safety is not reduced due to this change.
Therefore, it is concluded that 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: Jay Silberg, Esq., Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw
Pittman LLP, 2300 N Street NW., Washington, DC 20037.
NRC Branch Chief: Michael T. Markley.
Notice of Issuance of Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and
Combined Licenses
During the period since publication of the last biweekly notice,
the Commission has issued the following amendments. The Commission has
determined for each of these amendments that the application complies
with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954,
as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations. The
Commission has made appropriate findings as required by the Act and the
Commission's rules and regulations in 10 CFR Chapter I, which are set
forth in the license amendment.
A notice of consideration of issuance of amendment to facility
operating license or combined license, as applicable, proposed no
significant hazards consideration determination, and opportunity for a
hearing in connection with these actions, was published in the Federal
Register as indicated.
Unless otherwise indicated, the Commission has determined that
these amendments satisfy the criteria for categorical exclusion in
accordance with 10 CFR 51.22. Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b),
no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be
prepared for these amendments. If the Commission has prepared an
environmental assessment under the special circumstances provision in
10 CFR 51.22(b) and has made a determination based on that assessment,
it is so indicated.
For further details with respect to the action see (1) the
applications for amendment, (2) the amendment, and (3) the Commission's
related letter, Safety Evaluation and/or Environmental Assessment as
indicated. All of these items are available for public inspection at
the Commission's Public Document Room (PDR), located at One White Flint
North, Room O1-F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville,
Maryland 20852. Publicly available documents created or received at the
NRC are accessible electronically through the Agencywide Documents
Access and Management System (ADAMS) in the NRC Library at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. If you do not have access to ADAMS
or if there are problems in accessing the documents located in ADAMS,
contact the PDR's Reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737 or by
email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov.
Arizona Public Service Company, et al., Docket Nos. STN 50-528, STN 50-
529; and STN 50-530, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2,
and 3, Maricopa County, Arizona
Date of application for amendment: December 12, 2012.
Brief description of amendment: The amendments revised the
Technical Specifications (TSs) relating to reactor coolant system (RCS)
activity limits by replacing the current TS limits on primary coolant
gross specific activity with limits on primary coolant noble gas
activity. The noble gas activity would reflect a new DOSE EQUIVALENT
XE-133 definition that would replace the current E-bar average
disintegration energy definition. The changes are consistent with NRC-
approved Industry/Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Standard
Technical Specification change traveler, TSTF-490, Revision 0,
``Deletion of E-bar Definition and Revision to RCS [Reactor Coolant
System] Specific Activity Technical Specifications,'' with deviations.
Date of issuance: November 25, 2013.
Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented
within 180 days from the date of issuance.
Amendment No.: Unit 1-192; Unit 2-192; Unit 3-192.
Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-41, NPF-51; and NPF-74:
The
[[Page 74188]]
amendment revised the Operating Licenses and Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: March 4, 2013 (78 FR
14128).
The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is contained
in a Safety Evaluation dated November 25, 2013.
No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.
Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc., Docket No. 50-336, Millstone Power
Station, Unit 2, New London County, Connecticut
Date of amendment request: April 3, 2013.
Description of amendment request: The amendment would revise
Technical Specification 3.9.16 ``Shielded Cask,'' due to changes to the
minimum decay time for fuel assemblies adjacent to the spent fuel pool
cask laydown area.
Date of issuance: November 14, 2013.
Effective date: As of the date of issuance, and shall be
implemented within 30 days.
Amendment No.: 316.
Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-65: Amendment revised
the License and Technical Specifications.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: June 11, 2013 (78 FR
35062).
The Commission's related evaluation of the amendment is contained
in a Safety Evaluation dated November 14, 2013.
No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.
PSEG Nuclear LLC, Docket Nos. 50-272 and 50-311, Salem Nuclear
Generating Station, Units 1 and 2, Salem County, New Jersey
Date of amendment requests: November 30, 2012, as supplemented by
letter dated May 31, 2013.
Brief description of amendments: The amendments approve a change to
the site Emergency Plan to remove the backup plant vent extended range
noble gas radiation monitoring (R45) indication, recording, and alarm
capability in the emergency response facilities. Although the R45B/C
monitor equipment skid will be removed, the licensee will maintain a
capability in its Emergency Plan to take post-accident samples from the
plant vent stack, as specified by an earlier commitment to Regulatory
Guide 1.97, ``Instrumentation for Light-Water-Cooled Nuclear Power
Plants to Assess Plant and Environs Conditions During and Following an
Accident.''
Date of issuance: November 27, 2013.
Effective date: As of the date of issuance and shall be implemented
within 60 days.
Amendment Nos.: 305 and 287.
Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-70 and DPR-75: The
amendments revised the Facility Operating License and approved
revisions to the Emergency Plan.
Date of initial notice in Federal Register: May 14, 2013 (78 FR
28252). The supplemental letter dated May 31, 2013, provided
information that clarified the application, did not expand the scope of
the application as originally noticed, and did not change the staff's
original proposed no significant hazards consideration determination as
published in the Federal Register.
The Commission's related evaluation of the amendments is contained
in a Safety Evaluation dated November 27, 2013.
No significant hazards consideration comments received: No.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 2nd day of December 2013.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Michele G. Evans,
Director, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2013-29168 Filed 12-9-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P