IR 05000397/1998008
| ML17284A691 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Columbia  |
| Issue date: | 07/16/1998 |
| From: | NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML17284A690 | List: |
| References | |
| 50-397-98-08, 50-397-98-8, NUDOCS 9807210284 | |
| Download: ML17284A691 (22) | |
Text
ENCLOSURE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORYCOMMISSION
REGION IV
Docket No.:
License No.:
Report No.:
Licensee:
Facility:
Location:
Dates:
Inspector:
Approved By:
50-397 NPF-21 50-397/98-08 Washington Public Power Supply System Washington Nuclear Project-2 Richland, Washington June 22-26, 1998 J. Blair Nicholas, Ph.D., Senior Radiation Specialist Plant Support Branch Blaine Murray, Chief, Plant Support Branch Division of Reactor Safety Attachment:
Supplemental Information 9'807210284 980716 PDR ADQCK 05000397
-2-ECUTIVE UMMA Y Washington Nuclear Project-2 NRC Inspection Report 50-397/98-08 This announced, routine inspection reviewed the implementation of the solid radioactive waste management and the radioactive waste/materials transportation programs.
Training and qualifications, quality assurance oversight, facilities and equipment, procedural guidance, and annual reports were also reviewed.
Overall, good solid radioactive waste management and the radioactive waste/materials transportation programs were effectively implemented.
lan u
o A good solid radioactive waste management program was implemented.
The volume and radioactivity of solid radioactive waste generated during the time period 1993 through 1997 showed a continuing decline; even though, during the same time period the station's 3-year rolling averages of the amount of solid radioactive waste generated were greater than the industry median for solid radioactive waste production at boiling water reactor facilities. Challenging solid radioactive waste generation goals for fiscal years 1997 and 1998 were met indicating the effective implementation of an improved solid radioactive waste minimization program (Section R1.1).
~
A good transportation program for radioactive materials and radioactive waste was maintained.
Documentation and packages were properly prepared for shipment (Section R1.2).
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Good facilities were maintained for the processing, storage, and management of solid radioactive wastes-and transportation activities. An effective radioactive waste inventory/accountability system was maintained.
Housekeeping in the radioactive waste processing and storage areas was good.
Modifications to the condensate filter demineralizer system resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of spent resin generated.
The personnel dose from radwaste activities showed a decrease between 1994 and 1997 (Section R2).
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Procedures established to implement the solid radioactive waste management and transportation programs provided excellent guidance for the handling, processing, and shipping of radioactive waste/materials (Section R3).
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Personnel involved in the processing, packaging, and shipping of radioactive materials and wastes were properly trained and qualified (Section R5).
A proper organization and staff were maintained which effectively implemented the solid radioactive wa'ste management and transportation programs (Section R6).
Good performance based biennial audits of the solid radioactive waste and transportation programs were performed.
In 1997, the chemistry department performed
-3-a comprehensive self assessment of the solid radioactive waste processing program and
'-'hipping activities.
In response to these assessments, timely corrective actions and program improvements were implemented.
There was appropriate evaluation of the contractors'erformance (Section R7).
R1 Radiological Protection and Chemistry (RP&C) Controls R1.1 QgIid f~aioa iv Was e Mana em a.
In ion S 8 7 The inspector interviewed personnel assigned to implement the solid radioactive waste management program, including the eNuents minimization supervisor, radwaste principal health physicist (shipment technical reviewer and qualified shipper), and radwaste processing specialist.
The following solid radioactive waste program activities were reviewed:
Waste stream sampling results and waste characterization documentation Scaling factors Solid radioactive waste classification Quantities of radioactive waste shipped for disposal Waste minimization program Annual radioactive waste eNuent release reports b.
n in in s The inspector verified that waste stream samples were taken annually and analyzed to meet 10 CFR Part 61 requirements for waste classification and characterization.
Five waste streams were identified that consisted of dry active waste, resins, and filters. The waste stream samples were analyzed by a contractor laboratory.
Scaling factors determined from waste stream sample analyses were updated at least annually and used in the radwaste calculations for radwaste characterization.
The inspector noted that the licensee had reduced the amount of solid radioactive waste generated during the past 5 years.
Radworker awareness to minimize radioactive waste when performing their assigned tasks was emphasized during general employee'training Licensee data trends showed that the radwaste minimization efforts were effective.
The volume of solid radioactive dry active waste and resins generated were tracked by the licensee.
A summary of the volume of solid radioactive dry active waste and resins generated during the time period 1993 through 1997 is presented in the graph below.
For 1993 through 1997, the licensee's data showed a continuing decline in solid radioactive waste generated.
The licensee met their challenging dry active waste generation goals established for fiscal years 1997 and 1998.
However, a comparison of the licensee's 3-year average amounts of solid radioactive waste generated for the periods 1993 through 1995, 1994 through 1996, and 1995 through 1997 to the industry's 3-year median values for the respective time periods showed that the licensee generated more solid radioactive waste than the industry's 3-year median values for boiling water r/eactors over the past 5 year ANNUALTREND OF RADWASTE i3ENERATION 8000 7000 6000 ID 5000 LLo 4000 v 3000 2000 1000 7075I 5570.0 I5740.2 0202 225 ~.0 0-CY 1002 CY 1093 CY 1994 CY 199S CY 1000 CY 1907 Q
DAW yQ RESIN The annual radioactive eNuent release reports contained the required solid radioactive waste data.
Dry active waste was shipped to an off-site contractor for volume reduction and subsequent burial. A summary of the volume and activity of solid radioactive waste including resins, irradiated components, and dry active waste shipped for volume reduction and subsequent disposal and/or directly for burial during the last 5 years is tabulated below.
Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Number Of Shipments
71
48
Volume (m')
425.1 352.2 276.5-223.4 144.7 Total Activity (ci)
1041.4 1043.1 1001.1 575.3 481.5 c.
Qgi~Ic~i A good solid radioactive waste management program was implemented.
Solid radioactive waste was properly classified and characterized for shipment and disposal.
The volume and radioactivity of solid radioactive waste generated during the time period 1993 through 1997 showed a continuing decline; even though, during the same time
-6-
'enod the station's 3-year rolling averages of the amount of solid radio'active waste
'- -'"" ':~-
'""-"'enerated were greater than the industry median for solid radioactive waste production
- atboiling waterreactorfacilities.
Challenging solidradioactivewastegenerationgoals";-;
.-:,.'--
for fiscal years 1997 and 1998 were met indicating the effective implementation of an improved solid radioactive waste minimization program R1.2 Trans o
i n ofR dioacive Was eandRa io ive Ma erials a.
n io Soe
The inspector reviewed the following items:
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Shipping documentation for selected radioactive materials/waste shipments
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Certificates of compliance for NRC-certified shipping casks
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Copies of current licenses for recipients of radioactive materials/wastes
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Packaging and shipping papers
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Marking and labeling of packages for shipment
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Vehicle placarding and driver instructions
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Emergency response information
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Radiation surveys of packages and vehicles
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Use of system international (Sl) units in n
'd'elected shipping records for shipments performed between January 1997 and May 1998 showed that the licensee had made shipments of radioactive waste and radioactive materials.
Shipments requiring Type B packaging were made by the licensee.
The inspector verified that Certificates of Compliance for routinely used Type B shipping casks were current and that the licensee was a registered user for the NRC-certified shipping casks used.
State shipping permits were verified to be current. The inspector verified that the licensee maintained on file current copies of consignees'adioactive material licenses.
No shipments of radioactive materials or radioactive wastes. were made during the week of the inspection; therefore, no observations of actual shipment preparation were possible.
A proper vendor supplied radwaste computer program was used to determine proper radioactive material transportation categories, shipping packages, labeling, and shipment documentation.
Shipping papers for radioactive material shipments contained the information required by 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart C. In addition to this information, radioactive waste shipment documentation included manifests that conformed to the requirements of 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix F and 49 CFR 173.433.
Shipping documents included radioactivity measurements recorded in system international units as well as customary units. The
-7-inspector verified that proper emergency telephone"numbers were included with'the shipping papers.
Radiation survey records documented that radiation and contamination levels of shipments were within regulatory limits.
C~onclu lonn A good transportation program for radioactive materials and radioactive waste was maintained.
Documentation and packages were properly prepared for shipment.
Status of Facilities and Equipment in co The inspector toured the solid radioactive waste processing facilities in the radwaste building and inspected radwaste container storage and accountability.
Fi i
n Inspection of the radioactive waste processing and storage facilities revealed that good radwaste facilities were maintained.
The radwaste processing and storage areas were properly posted and controlled.
Radioactive waste containers were properly labeled and marked.
Housekeeping in the radioactive waste processing and storage areas was good.
Shipments of radioactive wastes were made in a timely manner to maintain the radioactive waste inventory at a minimum. The licensee kept good records of radwaste container accountability.
The inspector verified that selected radwaste containers were stored as documented.
The inspector concluded that the licensee could account for all of the radioactive waste inventory.
Modifications to the condensate filterdemineralizer system performed during the time period November 1996 through January 1998 resulted in improved system performance which allowed more flexibilityin maintaining and operating the condensate filter demineralizer system.
All six filter-demineralizer vessels were modified to increase the necessary condensate flow as a result of an upgrade to increase reactor power. The modifications resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of spent resin generated, radiation exposure to personnel handling the resin as radioactive waste, and the amount of spent resin shipped for burial. Since the completion of the modifications, the amount of spent radioactive resin has decreased by about 30 percent and is predicted to reach 50 percent or greater.
The inspector reviewed the personnel dose records complided from radiation work permits used to process and ship radioactive waste.
The personnel dose from radwaste activities showed a decrease between 1994 and 1997.
During 1994 the radwaste personnel dose was 2.8 rem, during 1995 and 1996 the average dose was 2.7 rem, and during 1997 the radwaste personnel dose was 1.4 re c.
" Conclusions
'ood facilities were maintained for the processing, storage, and management of solid radioactive wastes and transportation activities. An effective radioactive waste inventory/accountability system was maintained.
Housekeeping in the radioactive waste processing and storage areas was good.
Modifications to the condensate filter demineralizer system resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of spent resin generated.
The personnel dose from radwaste activities showed a significant decrease between 1994 and 1997.
R3 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Procedures and Documentation a.
n e in co
The inspector reviewed the procedures used to implement the solid radioactive waste management and transportation programs.
b.
rv in n
The inspector determined that excellent guidance was provided in the radwaste procedures for radioactive waste stream sampling and contractor laboratory analyses and the updating of new waste stream sample analysis results and resulting scaling factors for each respective waste stream.
Detailed procedures provided excellent step-by-step guidance for the preparation of radioactive waste and radioactive materials shipments.
c.
Qgnr~li~
Procedures established to implement the solid radioactive w'aste management and transportation programs provided excellent guidance for the handling, processing, and shipping of radioactive waste/materials.
R4 Staff Knowledge and Performance The inspector interviewed the eNuents minimization supervisor, radwaste health physicist, and radwaste processing specialist who were responsible for the implementation of the solid radioactive waste management program and performance of radioactive waste/materials shipping activities. The radwaste health physicist and radwaste processing specialist were very experienced and had an excellent working knowledge of the transportation regulation R5 Staff Training and Qualification in'Radiological Protection and Chemistry"-""-'
""""-<:".""'-
In cion Sc
The inspector reviewed the training and qualification requirements of personnel responsible for the preparation and packaging of radioactive waste and radioactive materials for shipment.
The inspector reviewed the following items:
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Training materials related to 49 CFR Parts 171-179 and 10 CFR Part 71
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Personnel training and qualification records b erva ions and Findin s The inspector verified that personnel training records documented that the chemistry department's staff assigned the responsibility to implement the solid radioactive waste processing and transportation activities were properly trained and qualified.
A good training program was conducted in accordance with commitments made in the response to NRC Bulletin 79-19, "Packaging of Low-Level Radioactive Waste for Transport and Burial." Training records indicated that the chemistry department's eNuents minimization supervisor, radwaste health physicist, radwaste processing specialist, and radioactive material control supervisor had received the required training in radioactive waste processing and transportation regulatory requirements on a biennial frequency.
The training department's program descriptions, lesson plans, and vendor supplied course materials provided a comprehensive training program.
c.
n lusions Good training and qualification programs were implemented.
Personnel involved in the processing, packaging, and shipping of radioactive materials and radioactive wastes were properly trained and qualified.
R6 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Organization and Administration The chemistry department's organization and staffing for the implementation of the solid radioactive waste management and transportation programs were reviewed.
The effluents minimization supervisor assisted by the radwaste health physicist, radwaste processing specialist, radioactive material control supervisor, and radiation protection technicians effectively implemented the radioactive waste management and transportation programs.
There had been no changes in the personnel implementing the solid radioactive waste management and transportation programs since the previous inspection of this area conducted in January 199 R7 Quality Assurance in Radiological Protection and Chemistry Activities' -.-'-'-- """'--"- "-'-"-""
'7.1 Rad'oa ive W s e and Trans o
ion Pr r m A e
m n a.
Ins ec ion Sco e 8675 The following items were reviewed to evaluate the licensee's effectiveness at identifying and correcting problems.
Training and qualifications of auditors Biennial quality audits Chemistry department self assessment Plant evaluation requests of radioactive waste and transportation activities b.
Ob ervati nsandFin in s Audits of the process control program, which included a review of the solid radioactive waste management and transportation programs, were conducted on a 24-month frequency.
Good performance based audits were conducted of solid radioactive waste management and transportation activities. The audit teams included experienced auditors, who were trained and knowledgeable of the current transportation regulatory requirements.
The training, qualifications, and experience of the auditors were appropriate.
A chemistry department self assessment of the implementation of the solid radioactive waste management and radioactive waste/materials transportation programs was conducted in October and November 1997. The self assessment evaluated observations of radioactive material/waste handling, processing, and shipping activities in progress.
The results of the self assessment provided chemistry department management an evaluation of solid radioactive waste management and transportation programs performance and effectiveness.
Audit and self assessment issues and program improvement recommendations were tracked by the plant evaluation request tracking system.
The inspector noted that the licensee responded promptly and implemented program improvements and timely corrective actions to the audit and self assessment issues.
Based on the review of the plant evaluation requests involving radioactive waste activities written during 1997 and 1998, no adverse programmatic trends were noted.
gi~cus~ion Good performance based biennial audits of the solid radioactive waste and transportation programs were performed.
In 1997, the chemistry department performed a comprehensive self assessment of the solid radioactive waste processing program and shipping activities. As a result of these assessments, timely corrective actions were completed on identified issues, and program improvements were implemented.
Through
-11-the use'of audits and self assessments, an effective management over'sight program'for the solid radioactive waste management and transportation programs was maintained.
The audit team members were trained and knowledgeable in radioactive waste management and transportation regulatory requirements.
R7.2 ali valu i nPro ram forContra tor a.
Ins ec ion Sco e 86750 The supplier quality assurance audit program of contractors performing solid radioactive waste management program support activities was reviewed.
b.
rv ions an Findin s Contractors were used to perform the processing of solid radioactive waste and volume reduction, radwaste transportation and cask rental, radwaste disposal services, and radiochemistry analyses of radwaste samples for 10 CFR Part 61 waste classification and characterization requirements.
Nuclear procurement issues committee and third party audits of the contractors were used to evaluate the performance of their respective radwaste activities. The audits were comprehensive and satisfactory to evaluate each of the contractor's abilities to perform their respective radwaste program activities.
Qi~i~iiJJ There was appropriate evaluation of the contractors'erformance.
V. Mana e
en eet'n s
X1 Exit Meeting Summary The inspector presented the inspection results to members of licensee management at an exit meeting on June 26, 1998. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented.
No proprietary information was identifie AC MENT SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PARTIALLIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
~i~ns
~;
J. Allen, Radwaste Principal Health Physicist and Technical Reviewer, Chemistry Department D. Atkinson, Manager, Quality A. Barber, Quality Services Supervisor, Quality P. Bemis, Vice President, Nuclear Operations D. Bennett, ENuents Minimization Supervisor, Chemistry Department I. Borland, Acting Manager, Radiological Protection Department D. Coleman, Manager, Regulatory Affairs Y. Derrer, Licensing Engineer, Regulatory Affairs J. Hanson, Manager, Chemistry Department J. McDonald, Acting Plant General Manager R. Schott, Radwaste Processing Specialist, Chemistry Department R. Webring, Vice President, Operations Support S. Boynton, Senior Resident Inspector J. Spets, Resident Inspector LIST OF INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 86750 Solid Waste Management and Transportation of Radioactive Waste LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED R
ANIZATI H
T Chemistry Department NIN D
MENTATIO Vendor Training Course, "Use of WMG Programs and Regulatory Compliance," presented March 5-7, 1997 Training Course Description RW000087, "Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Waste and Material," Revision 2 Lesson Plan RW000103, "Waste Characterizing Computer Code Training"
Y
~\\
-2-Lesson Plan RW000114, "Radioactive Waste Material Transport Preparation Certification" Lesson Plan RW000115, "WNP-2 Radwaste Procedures" Lesson Plan RW000116, "NRC Packaging and Shipping Regulations" Lesson Plan RW000117, "DOT Packaging and Shipping Regulations" Lesson Plan RW000118, "Burial Site Disposal Requirements Training" Chemistry department training records Licensee's response to NRC Inspection and Enforcement Bulletin 79-19 A ITYA CE DO UMENTS Quality Assurance 1998 Audit Schedule Operational Quality Assurance Program Description, Appendix III, Section 2.2.8 Quality Assurance Program Approval for Radioactive Material Packages, expiration date November 30, 2002 u
li udi Quality Audit Report 295-106, 'WNP-2 Radioactive Waste Process Control Program,"
January 4-24, 1996 Quality Audit Report 298-002, 'WNP-2 Process Control Program," January 5-21, 1998 h
i De a mentSelfAss sme t
Self Assessment Report, "Solid Waste ENuent Processing" conducted in October and November 1997 Portland General Electric Quality Assurance Supplier Audit of Interstate Nuclear Services, conducted May 6-7, 1997 NUPIC Joint Quality Assurance Audit of Framatome Technologies, conducted June 17-21,1996 Portland General Electric Quality Assurance Supplier Audit of Allied Technology Group, conducted August 26-27, 1997
-3-ED R
I i
v 1.12.1 1.12.2
"Radioactive Waste Management Program," Revision 9
"Radioactive Waste Process Control Program," Revision 9 He lhPh 'r d r 11.2.23.1 11.1.23.2 11.2.23.3 11.2.23.4 11.2.23.14
"Shipping Radioactive Materials and Waste," Revision
"Computerized Radioactive Waste and Material Characterization,"
Revision 14
"Manual Radioactive Waste and Material Characterization," Revision 10
"Preparing Radioactive Waste and Materials Packages,"
Revision 16
"Sampling of Radioactive Waste Streams," Revision 8 11.2.23.19
"Operation of the Pacific Nuclear Resin Drying System," Revision 6 11.2.23.20 11.2.23.21 11.2.23.35
"Use of the NUPAC Services Transport Cask Model 14/210L or 14/210H,"
Revision 8
"Use of the NUPAC Services Transport Cask Model 10/142," Revision 10
"Use of the NUPAC Services Transport Cask Model 14/190L, 14/190M, or 14/190H," Revision
w Pro d r 2.11.1
"Solid Waste Processing System," Revision 15 IS LLANE US DO UM NTS Annual Operating Radioactive ENuent Reports - 1993 through 1997
I I'P C
0