HNP-12-034, Annual Environmental (Non-Radiological) Operating Report

Annual Environmental (Non-Radiological) Operating Report

ML12122A020
Person / Time
Site:	Harris
Issue date:	04/25/2012
From:	Corlett D Progress Energy Carolinas
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
HNP-12-034
Download: ML12122A020 (8)

Text

Progress Energy APR 2 5.2012 SERIAL: HNP-12-034 United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTENTION: Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555 SHEARON HARRIS NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DOCKET NO. 50-400/RENEWED LICENSE NO. NPF-63 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL (NONRADIOLOGICAL) OPERATING REPORT Ladies and Gentlemen:

In accordance with Section 5.4.1 of the Environmental Protection Plan issued as Appendix B to the Renewed Operating License (NPF-63) for the Harris Nuclear Plant, Carolina Power & Light Company, doing business as Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc., provides the enclosed Annual Environmental (Nonradiological) Operating Report for 2011.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact me at (919) 362-3137.

Sincerely, David H. Corlett Supervisor - Licensing/Regulatory Programs Harris Nuclear Plant DHC/mgw Enclosure c: Mr. J. D. Austin (NRC Senior Resident Inspector, HNP)

Mr. V. M. McCree (NRC Regional Administrator, Region II)

Ms. A. T. Billoch Col6n (NRC Project Manager, HNP)

Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc.

Harris Nuclear Plant P. 0. Box 165 New Hill, NC 27562

Carolina Power & Light Company, doing business as Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc.

Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL (NONRADIOLOGICAL)

OPERATING REPORT January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-63 Appendix B Docket No. 50-400

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Carolina Power & Light Company (CP&L) received a low-power Facility Operating License (No. NPF-53) and full-power Facility Operating License (No. NPF-63) for the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 1, from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on October 24, 1986, and January 12, 1987, respectively. The NRC issued a Renewed Facility Operating License (No. NPF-63) on December 17, 2008, extending operations until October 24, 2046. Appendix B (the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) [nonradiological]) of the renewed operating license requires submittal of an Annual Environmental (nonradiological) Operating Report to the NRC describing the implementation of the plan during the previous year. The purpose of this document is to fulfill the requirement for the period January 1 through December 31, 2011.

On January 1, 2003, Carolina Power & Light Company adopted the brand name Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. (PEC).

2.0 PLANT CONSISTENCY REQUIREMENTS [EPP Section 3.0]

2.1 Plant Design and Operation There were no changes in plant design or operation and there were no tests or experiments performed which involved a potentially significant unreviewed environmental question during the reporting period.

2.2 Reporting Related to the NPDES Permit As required by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit NCO039586, monitoring data were submitted to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) via monthly discharge monitoring reports and separate correspondence as warranted.

Harris Nuclear Plant (HNP) submitted an application for renewal of the NPDES Permit to NCDENR on January 26, 2011. NCDENR received the application on January 27, 2011. HNP submitted a copy of the renewal application to the NRC by letter dated January 31, 2011.

HNP operated under the current NPDES Permit with an expiration date of July31, 2011, for the remainder of 2011 because the renewal application submittal requirements had been met (i.e., submitted at least 180 days prior to expiration).

3.0 UNUSUAL OR IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS [EPP Section 4.1]

No occurrence of an unusual environmental event that would indicate or could result in a significant environmental impact causally related to plant operations occurred during the reporting period. No releases or exceedances of permit conditions caused any significant environmental impact. The existence of biofouling organisms (Asiatic clams, Corbicula fluminea) and the presence of troublesome aquatic vegetation (hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata) in Harris Reservoir are considered important topics worthy of inclusion in this report.

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3.1 Aquatic Biological Monitoring A. Inspections for Asiatic clams (Corbiculafluminea) in the Harris Nuclear Plant Emergency Service Water System (e.g., intake structures)

The frequency for inspecting the Emergency Service Water (ESW) intake structure was changed to once every 3 years during 2003. The change was based on an engineering evaluation (Engineering Change 49074) of HNP's Generic Letter 89-13 Testing and Inspection Program. Inspections of ESW intake bays occurred on March 1, 2011, and July 26, 2011. These inspections indicated a stable Asiatic clam population.

No clogging events of HNP cooling water systems occurred during 2011 as a result of Asiatic clam infestation.

B. Monitoring for hydrilla (H drilla verticillata),a nonnative aquatic weed.

Main Reservoir Hydrilla was found throughout the main reservoir during the 2011 survey.

Biomass was similar to the biomass during 2010 as hydrilla began re-colonizing areas previously exposed by drought conditions during 2009.

Hydrilla was present in the shallow bay (Transect V) adjacent to the mouth of the main intake canal. However, hydrilla was only present along the shoreline fringes of the intake canal itself. The abundance of creeping water primrose, a shallow-water emergent, remained less at Transect V compared to previous years. The abundance of creeping water primrose was greater compared to previous years at Transect S upstream of the new Hill-Holleman Road causeway.

No new species of aquatic plants were observed in the main reservoir.

Auxiliary Reservoir Hydrilla was found to be present in the auxiliary reservoir during the 2011 survey. However, the abundance was much less than discovered during 2010.

In May 2011 the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission issued Permit Number 10089 to restock grass carp in the auxiliary reservoir for continued control of hydrilla. In June 2011 approximately eight hundred grass carp were purchased and released to the auxiliary reservoir. The number of grass carp stocked in previous years had declined due to natural mortality.

Introduction of the grass carp has successfully reduced the abundance of hydrilla and prevented the spread of hydrilla within the auxiliary reservoir.

The heaviest infestations found during 2010 were located in the arms of the reservoir intersecting US Highway 1. The abundance of hydrilla found at these locations during 2011 were reduced to occasional patches with the majority being restricted to a fringe along the shoreline.

Also present was bladderwort, Utricularia spp., southern pond weed, Potamogeton spp., slender spike rush, Eleochris baldwinii, and some creeping 2

water primrose, Ludwigia spp. Of these species, the hydrilla, southern pond weed, and bladderwort are of potential concern regarding intake fouling.

Neither species were present in large amounts.

No hydrilla, bladderwort, or southern pond weed was observed in the auxiliary intake canal or along the shoreline adjacent to the auxiliary intake canal.

The dominant vegetation observed along the auxiliary intake canal was Eleochris baldwinii, a small grass-like submerged plant that poses no operational concern. Creeping water primrose (Ludwigia spp.) was also present but in small amounts.

No impacts to HNP operations from aquatic vegetation occurred in 2011.

3.2 Combined Construction and Operating License Application Evaluations Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. continues to perform engineering and natural resource evaluations related to potential future development of two new nuclear power generation units at the HNP site. The NRC is currently reviewing the Combined Construction and Operating License (COL) application submitted by Progress Energy on February 19, 2008.

In 2011 several field studies related to the COL were continued or concluded.

Streams and wetland areas presenting the potential to be used for natural resource mitigation for the proposed project were screened and conceptual plans were developed for several of the opportunities. Mitigation planning will continue in 2012. In-stream Flow studies, including fish, benthic and mussel surveys, were completed for Buckhorn Creek and a section of the Cape Fear River to evaluate habitats and potential impacts from changes in flow. The results of these studies were used in conjunction with hydrologic modeling to evaluate water withdrawal and release scenarios for the proposed project. The natural resource studies are being coordinated with the NRC, US Army Corps of Engineers, NCDENR, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

No significant environmental impacts have been caused or identified by these activities.

3.3 Security Upgrades An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan for land clearing at the HNP was submitted and subsequently approved by NCDENR on September 12, 2011, to support security upgrades. These land clearing and construction activities continued into 2012.

No significant environmental impacts have been caused or identified by these activities.

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4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING [EPP Section 4.2]

4.1 Aquatic Monitoring [EPP Section 4.2.1 ]

Under the authority of the Clean Water Act, the state of North Carolina renewed the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (NC0039586) for the HNP on March 1, 2007. The permit includes the Harris Energy & Environmental Center (HE&EC) sewage treatment plant discharge as an outfall (007).

The permit requires that a state-certified laboratory perform the analyses on all non-field parameters analyzed for effluent samples. In accordance with this requirement, the HNP Environmental & Chemistry Laboratory was certified by NCDENR as a Wastewater Laboratory, effective January 1, 2011, and valid through December 31, 2011. In addition, during 2011 Progress Energy contracted with two NCDENR certified private laboratories, Environmental Conservation Laboratories, Inc. (ENCO) and Environmental Testing Solutions, Inc., to perform analyses.

4.1.1 Effluent Monitoring Routine effluent monitoring was conducted and reported to NCDENR as required by the NPDES permit. The following NPDES permit noncompliances occurred.

" January 2011, HNP Sewage Treatment Plant (Outfall 002) - Total Suspended Solids (TSS) measurement (140 mg/1 on 01/06/11) was above the 45 mg/I daily maximum limit. Additional sampling was performed with the daily maximum returning to within limits. The monthly average for all of TSS samples (53.1 mg/i) was above the 30 mg/I requirement for TSS. All other parameters for Outfall 002 were in specification.

These exceedances were due to an undetected line break in the sewage drain system. The clay around the pipe intruded into the sewage system. The line was repaired and the cavity produced was backfilled. The sewage treatment plant was cleaned out.

" January 2011, HE&EC Sewage Treatment Plant (Outfall 007) - Ammonia-Nitrogen measurement (8.9 mg/i on 01/20/11) was above the 8.0 mg/I monthly average limit. All other parameters for Outfall 007 were in specification.

This exceedance was believed to be due to low effluent flow and to seasonal cold ambient temperatures. Releases from the HE&EC sewage treatment plant were suspended until Ammonia-Nitrogen was back in specification. The water was transported to another Sewage Treatment Plant for additional treatment.

An Assist Visit from NCDENR was performed.

" March 2011, HNP Sewage Treatment Plant (Outfall 002) - The highest TSS measurement (114 mg/1 on 03/16/11) was above the 45 mg/1 daily maximum limit. Additional sampling in March was performed with the daily maximum also above the limits. The monthly average for all of TSS samples (58.6 mg/1) 4

was above the 30 mg/I requirement for TSS. All other parameters for Outfall 002 were in specification.

Plans to install a sand filter were initiated. The NCDENR Assistance Specialist was consulted. Discharges from Outfall 002 to Harris Lake were suspended in May 2011 until October 2011.

These exceedances were due to a second undetected line break in the sewage drain system found in January 2012. The clay around the pipe intruded into the sewage system. The line has been repaired and the cavity produced has been backfilled April 2011, HNP Sewage Treatment Plant (Outfall 002) - The highest TSS measurement (71 mg/1 on 04/13/11) was above the 45 mg/1 daily maximum limit. Additional sampling in April was performed with the daily maximum also above the limits. The monthly average for all of TSS samples (56.5 mg/1) was above the 30 mg/i requirement for TSS. All other parameters for Outfall 002 were in specification.

Plans to install a sand filter continued. The NCDENR Assistance Specialist was consulted. Discharges from Outfall 002 to Harris Lake were suspended in May 2011 until October 2011.

These exceedances were due to the second undetected line break in the sewage drain system found in January 2012. The clay around the pipe intruded into the sewage system. The line has been repaired and the cavity produced has been backfilled.

Each of the above exceedances were reported to NCDENR via the monthly discharge monitoring reports as required by the NPDES permit. There was no significant environmental impact from these exceedances.

A Notice of Violation was issued by NCDENR on May 25, 2011, for the TSS exceedances at the HNP Sewage Treatment Plant and the Ammonia-Nitrogen exceedance at the HE&EC Sewage Treatment Plant which occurred in January 2011. A Settlement Agreement with NCDENR also included the TSS exceedances in March and April 2011 at the HNP Sewage Treatment Plant.

Installation of a sand filter at the HNP Sewage Treatment Plant was completed in March 2012 to better filter the discharge for TSS.

4.1.2 NPDES Inspections On February 22, 2011, a North Carolina Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory Certification Maintenance Inspection for the Harris Energy & Environmental Center's Sewage Treatment Plant was conducted by NCDENR. HNP responded to the agency's subsequent inspection report in a letter dated April 25, 2011.

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On February 23, 2011, an NPDES Compliance Inspection and an Assist Visit were conducted at HNP by NCDENR. No issues requiring a response were identified.

On April 20, 2011, an NPDES Assist Visit was conducted at the HNP by NCDENR. A follow-up report was received on June 3, 2011, for the visit.

4.2 Terrestrial Monitoring [EPP Section 4.2.2]

Terrestrial monitoring is not required.

4.3 Noise Monitoring [EPP Section 4.2.3]

Noise monitoring is not required.

5.0 EPP AUDIT [EPP Section 5.1]

An audit conducted by an independent corporate entity was performed to verify the completeness and accuracy of the conditions and activities described in this Annual Environmental Operating Report. The results of the audit are on file and available for inspection.

6.0 PLANT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS [EPP Section 5.4]

6.1 EPP Noncompliances There were no EPP noncompliances identified during the reporting period.

NPDES permit noncompliances are discussed in Section 4.1.1 of this report.

6.2 Changes in Station Design and Operation There were no changes in station design or operation and there were no tests or experiments performed which involved a potentially significant unreviewed environmental question during 2011.

6.3 Non-routine Reports There were no non-routine reports submitted in accordance with EPP Section 5.4.2 during 2011.

6.4 Other Reporting Requirements There were no other EPP reportable events during 2011.

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