CP-200800805, Report of Unusual or Important Environmental Event, Operating License, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan (Non Radiological) - Mortality of Avian Species

Report of Unusual or Important Environmental Event, Operating License, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan (Non Radiological) - Mortality of Avian Species

ML081700083
Person / Time
Site:	Comanche Peak
Issue date:	06/04/2008
From:	Blevins M Luminant Generation Co, Luminant Power
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
CP-200800805, TXX-08085
Download: ML081700083 (3)

Text

Mike Blevins Luminant Power Executive Vice President P 0 Box 1002

& Chief Nuclear Officer 6322 North FM 56 Mike.Blevins@Luminant.com Glen Rose, TX 76043 T 254 897 5209 C 817 5599085 F 254 897 6652 CP-200800805 Ref. # 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi)

Log # TXX-08085 June 4, 2008 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555

SUBJECT:

COMANCHE PEAK STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, DOCKET NOS. 50-445 AND 50-446, UNUSUAL OR IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT, UNIT 1 AND 2 OPERATING LICENSES, APPENDIX B, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN (NON RADIOLOGICAL) - MORTALITY OF AVIAN SPECIES

REFERENCE:

Unit 1 Operating License, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan

Dear Sir or Madam:

Luminant Generation Company LLC (Luminant Power) in accordance with Operating License requirements and regulatory requirements hereby submits a non-routine report describing the occurrence of an event type described in the Comanche Steam Electric Station (herein referred to as Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant) (CPNPP) Operating License, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan. This report identifies the mortality of approximately thirty (30) individual Cliff a.k.a. Mud Swallows, PetrochelidonPyrrhonota,a federally protected migratory bird species. Per CPNPP Operating License, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan, the NRC Region IV Reactor Projects Branch Chief, Mr.

Claude Johnson was notified within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> of discovery.

In accordance with the CPNPP Operating License, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan, this transmittal satisfies the required 30 day follow-up reporting criteria.

Event

Description:

Upon entering Warehouse C at CPNPP on the morning of May 12,2008, personnel discovered approximately thirty (30) dead Cliff Swallows. These birds entered the warehouse through roll-up doors located on the east and west ends of the building. During week-ends, warehouse rollup doors must be secured during absence of personnel. The Cliff Swallows were unable to exit the building.

A member of the STARS (Strategic Teaming and Resource Sharing) Alliance Callaway Comanche Peak Diablo Canyon Palo Verde South Texas Project Wolf Creek

U. S. Nuctear Regulatory Commission TXX-08085 Page 2 06/04/2008 Analysis:

According to federal and international avian research sources, Swallows are long distance migratory birds normally migrating between the months of March through June. North-Central Texas has a high population density of these birds during migratory and mating seasons. It is common for CPNPP to have a significant Cliff Swallow population during these months since the migratory patterns follow the population growth of flying insects, especially those having aquatic life cycles (these bird species are aerial insectivores). Cliff Swallows also have a high tendency to return to previous nesting sites.

The mortality sustained by the individuals is minimal to the overall Swallow population at CPNPP which number in the thousands. Further, the event did not impact the facility operating characteristics.

Probable Cause of the Event:

These birds entered the warehouse through roll-up doors located on the east and west ends of the warehouse building on Friday. During week-ends, warehouse rollup doors must be secured during absence of personnel. The birds were trapped within the confines of the building.

Actions Taken to Correct or Prevent the Event:

There is no assurance that such events can be completely eliminated since the doors are open most of the time and birds are apt to enter at any time. During weekends, inclement weather or as needed, the warehouse rollup doors are shut. The number of individuals in this event is not representative of bird intrusion normally seen in the warehouse and thus, is difficult to predict or to prevent. It is not clear as to what precipitated the entry of this number of birds into the building. No further actions were taken other than to remove the birds.

Other Agencies Notified:

Since Cliff Swallows are federally protected birds, a courtesy call was made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) at 0900 on May 12, 2008 to notify them of the incident. The TPWD indicated that apart from attempting to deter the birds from entering the building, no other actions were deemed necessary at this time and no formal report or documentation was needed for the state of Texas.

This communication contains no new licensing basis commitments regarding Comanche Peak Units 1 and 2.

Should you have any questions, please contact Mr. Bruce Turner at 254-897-8901 or Mr. Neil Harris at (254) 897-5449.

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission TXX-08085 Page 3 06/04/2008 Sincerely, Luminant Generation Company LLC Mike Blevins by:

Fred W. Madden Director, Oversight and Regulatory Affairs c - E. E. Collins, Region IV B. K. Singal, NRR Resident Inspectors, Comanche Peak