IR 05000416/1997017
| ML20216C801 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Grand Gulf  |
| Issue date: | 09/05/1997 |
| From: | NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20216C784 | List: |
| References | |
| 50-416-97-17, NUDOCS 9709090142 | |
| Download: ML20216C801 (14) | |
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E_NCLOSURE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
REGION IV
Docket No.:
50-416 i
License No.:
NPF-29 Report No.:
50 416/97 17 Licensee:
Entergy Operations, Inc.
Facility:
Grand Gulf Nuclear Station Locatior :
Waterloo Road Port Gibson. Mississippi Dates:
August 4-8,1997 l
Inspector:
Gilbert L. Guerra, Jr., Radiation Specialist j
Plant Support Branch Approved By:
Blaine Murray, Chief, Plant Support Branch Division of Reactor Safety l
ATTACHMENT:
Supplemental Information 9709090142 970905 PDR ADOCK 05000416 G
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EXECQIIVE SUMMARY Grand Gulf Nuclear Station NRC Inspection Report 50 416/97 17 This announced, routine inspection reviewed the implementation of the solid radioactive waste management and the radioactive materials transportation programs. Training, quality assurance oversight, and procedural guidance were also reviewed.
Plant Sucocrt l
l A very good solid radioactive waste management program was implemented. The
l licensee's efforts at reducing the volume of solid radioactive waste generated was l
ef fective (Section R1.1).
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A proper waste stream sampling and analysis program was in place. Solid
radioactive waste was properly classified and characterized for shipment and disposal (Section R1.1).
A very good transportation program for radioactive materials and radioactive waste
was maintained (Section R1.2).
Controls and procedures for handling, processing, and shipping radioactive
wasto/ materials were properly implemented (Section R3).
The radiation protection department was adequately staffed with knowledgeable
and experienced personnel who were properly trained and qualified (Section R4).
The training program properly addressed the revisions to the transportation
regulations. All personnel participating in the preparation and packaging of radioactive waste and radioactive materials were appropriately trained (Section R5).
The radwaste technical staff had experienced little change and no reduction
(Section R6).
An effective quality assurance program was maintained. Comprehensive audits of
the radioactive waste raanagement and transportation programs were performed.
Condition reports related to radioactive waste processing and transportation activities were closed in a timely manner (Section R7),
The lead quality programs auditor assigned to oversee solid radioactive waste and
transportation program activities had a very good technical background ir radioactive waste management and transportation requirements (Section A71,
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3-Bap_Qtt Details Snrn_m_ pry of Plant Status Grand Gulf Nuclear Station was operating at power during this inspection. No events occurred during this inspection that adversely affected the inspection results.
IV. Plant Support R1 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Controls I
R 1.1 Solid Radioactive Waste Manaaement I
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Inspection Scope (Tl 2515/133 and 8675_0]
The inspector interviewed members of the radiation protection department and observed or reviewed the following solid radioactive waste management program activities:
Container storage, labeling, and accountability
Waste stream sampling end waste characterization
Scaling factors for required isotopes not easily measured directly
Solid radioactive waste classification
Waste minimization program
Radwaste activities
Annual radioactive effluent and solid radioactive waste reports
Quantities of radioactive waste shipped for disposal
b.
Observations and Findinas Procedures for radwaste container accountability were in place. The inspector noted that two systems for container accountability existed: (1) an older tracking system that consisted of a log book and (2) a computerized data base. However, the two systems had not been consolidated. The licenseo stated that they plan to consolidate the two systems. The container accountability system tracked more than just radioactive waste containers. Other items (i.e., outage equipment) were also tracked on this system. The inspector concluded that the licensee could account for all of the radweste inventory.
The inspector verified that waste stream samples were routinely collected and analyzed to meet 10 CFR Part 61 requirements for waste classification and characterization. Annual waste stream samples were collected and analyzed by a contractor laborator.
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Scaling factors for isotopes in each waste stream were determined and updated in the radwaste computer code. Five waste streams were identified by the licensee.
The inspector attended a prejob briefing for the transfer of spent resin to a vendor supplied certified shipping container. Activities and assignments of personnel involved in the activity, including radiation surveys, communication, and equipment operation, were appropriately discussed. The transfer of the resin was properly performed, with minimal rad;ation exposure to the workers.
The incpector noted that the licensee has been aggressive in reducing both liquid and solid wastes generated. Station management conducted all hands meetings to enhance radworker awareness in minimizing radioactive wastc when performing their assigned tasks. A radwaste minimization natural work team was also organized to evaluate reduction processes and suggestions. The team develcped procedures to control trash generated within the contrcileri access area. The attention to radwaste issues by statien management, by conducting a all hand:
meetings and forming a natural work team, elevated radwaste control to station responsibility and not just a health physics responsibility. The inspector determined this to be a strength in radwaste control.
Solid radwaste generation has effectively been reduced by approximately 50 percent per year since 1994. The following table shows approximate solid waste generated:
Solid Waste Reduction Results 1994 23,000ft'
1995 12,000f t*
1996 6,000ft8 Similar efforts were taken in reducing liquid radwaste. Such efforts included prompt leak identification and repair. Five million gallons of water were released in 1996.
A goal of 2.5 million gallons was set for 1997. As of August 5,1997, the licensee had released approximately 1.5 million gallons and estimated that the goal would be met. An aggressive goal of 1.25 million gallons was set for 1998.
Annual Radioactive Effluent Release Reports for 1995 and 1996 contained the required solid radioactive waste dat,
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5-I The volume of solid radioactive waste including resins, irradiated components, and dry active waste shipped for disposal during 1994 96 is tabulated below. This data indicated sohd radioactive waste shipped, not buried; therefore, the data does not show any volume reduction due to incineration. Volumes of waste shipped in 1995 are higher due efforts by the licensee to reduce its inventory of stored radioactive waste.
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l Resin and Filters Dry Active Waste Total
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Volume Volume Volume
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Year (m )
(m')
(m')
1994 152.0 21.7 173.7 1995 234.1 33.1 267.2 1996 141.4 18.7 160.1 c.
9_onclusions A very good solid radioactive waste management program was implememed. The gerieration of solid radioactive waste was steadily reduced. Accountability for containers of radioactive waste was maintained. Wasto stream sampling was performed as required and radioactive waste was properly classified and chrracterized.
R1.2 Transoortation of Radioactive Materials and Radioactive Waste a.
Insoection Scone (Tl 2515/133 and 86750)
The inspector interviewed radiation protection personnel and reviewed the following:
Implementation of revised 49 CFR Parts 100179 and 10 CFR Part 71
Shipping documentation from selected shipments
Certificates of compliance for NRC certified shipping casks
Copies of current licenses for recipients of radioactive wastes / materials
Use of a vendor supplied computer program to generate shipping papers
Packaging and shipping papers
Marking and labeling of packages for shipment
Vehicle placarding and driver instructions
Emergency response information
Radiation surveys of packages and vehicles
Use of international system of units
Use of the current A,/A, values for isotopes
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6-b.
Observations and Findinns i
Selected shipping records for shipments made between January 1996 and July l
1997, showed that the licensee had made shipments of both radioactive materials l
and ladioactive waste. No shipments using the new category for surf ace l
contaminated objects were made. Waste was also sent to a vendor for volume l
reduction before ultimate waste burial.
A laundry shipment was made during the week of inspection. Thorough receipt and final shipment surveys were conducted of the transport vehicle.
Certificates of Compliance for routinely used shipping casks were verified. State shipping permits were reviewed. The inspector verified the licensee maintained '
current copies of the consignees' radioactive materiallicenses on file.
A vendor supplied computer code was used to determine proper radioactive material transportation categories, shipping packages, labeling, and shipping paper information. Procedures for manually preparing the appropriate documentation were available as a backup.
The vendor-supplied computer program was used to generate shipping papers. The inspector reviewed the table of A, and A, values used by the program and compared selected isotope values to those provided in the regulations. The values compared were determined to be correct.
Shipping papers for radioactive materials shipments contained the information required by 49 CFR 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 radioactive source activity measurements recorded in international system units as well as customary units. Emergency telephone numbers included with the shipping papers were current.
Radiation survey records indicated that radiation and contamination levels of shipments were within regulatory limits.
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Conclusio0j!
A very good transportation program for radioactive materials and radioactive waste-was maintained. The licensee satisf actorily implemented the revisions to the transportatic.; regul::tions in 49 CFR Parts 100179 and 10 CFR Part 71. Packages were properly prepared for shipmen ~
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7-l R2 Status of Facilities and Equipment The inspector toured the radwaste building and radwaste storage areas. Storage areas were properly posted and controlled. Containers were properly labeled and marked. Housekeeping in the radwaste building was good.
R3 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Procedures and Documentation R 3.1 Ifonsportation Procedureg a.
Inspection Scone (Tl 2515/133 and 86750)
The inspector reviewed various procedures used to implement the waste stream
sampling and analyses and transportation programs; and to verify compliance with
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the revised Department of Transportation regulations. The inspector also reviewed the following:
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Changes made to procedures for the processing, packaging, and shipment of
low specific activity material and surface contaminated objects Use of system international units
The licensee's process for shipments of fissile material
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Observations and Findinns The inspector verified that procedures incorporated the recent transportation regulation changes including: new requirements for the transportation of low specific activity materials and surface contaminated objects and the use of the intemational system of units on radioactive materials shipping documentation.
Changes to the regulations were appropriately addressed in the radweste program implementing procedures.
Proper guidance was provided in the procedures for radioactive waste stream sampling, vendor laboratory analysis, updating the computer code data with new waste stream sample analysis results, and scaling factor generation. The licensee's transportation procedures utilized flow charts and checklists to provided guidance for the preparation of shipments. The licensee incorporated the use of international system of units into the radioactive material shipping documents.
The inspector noted that the licensee's procedures did not address the use of the transport index and special controls for the prevention of criticality in transportation of fissile material. The applicable procedure explained that these controls were not utilized because these materials were not present in the waste strea.
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Conclusions Programmatic controls and procedures for handling, processing, and shipment of radioactive waste / materials were properly implemented.
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R4 Staff Knowledge and Performance The inspector interviewed members of the radiation protection staff involved in radioactive waste and transportation activities. Personnel responsible for conducting the transportation program for radioactive waste and radioactive l
materials were knowledgeable of revised transportation regulatory requirements effective April 1,1996. Personnel were also knowledgeable of the transportation software utilization constraints.
The inspector determined that the radiation protection department was adequately staffed with knowledgeable and experienced personnel who were properly trained and qualified.
R5 Staff Training and Qualification in Radiological Protection and Chemistry R5.1 Traininn and Qualification of Radiation Protection Radweste Personn1 a.
Insoection Scone (86750 ared Tl 2515/133)
The inspector reviewed the training of personnel who were responsible for the
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preparation and packaging of radioactive waste and radioactive materials for shipment. Also, the inspector reviewed the actions taken by the licensee in esponse to Generic Letter 95-09. The inspector reviewed the followir.g:
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Training materials related to 49 CFR Parts 171-179 and 10 CFR Part 71
Training and qualification records of the personnel per'orming radioactive
waste and radioactive materials shipments Retraining requirements
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Observations and Findinas i
Training records and qualification cards revealed that all radwaste personnel were trained and qualified in accordance with regulatory requirements and station procedures.
A periodic retraining program was conducted every two years in accordance with commitments made in response to NRC Bulletin 79-19, " Packaging of Low-Level Radioactive Waste for Transport and Burial."
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The licensee hired a vendor to provide comprehensive training to appropriate individuals on transportation regulation revisions prior to implementation of the new requirements in April 1996. Vendor provided training was comprehensive. This training covered the revisions to the transportation regulations and training on the final burial facility requirements.
Training on the operation of the computer codes used to classify radioactive waste for burial and to prepare radioactive material packages for transport was also provided to radiation protection personnel. Personnel were certified on the use of the vendor provided computer code for waste shipment classification and manifest genera'. ion, in response to NRC Generic Letter 95 09, " Monitoring and Training of Shippers and l
Carriers of Radioactive Material," the licensee verified that carriers have a proper l
radiation protection program and that their personnel provided the appropriate i
training, c.
Conclusions Appropriate training was provided to allindividuals involved in transportation activities. Training provided to workers adequately addressed the revisions in the transportation regulations. Individuals were qualified for the tasks they performed.
R6 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Organization and Administration The organization and staffing for the solid radioactive waste and transportation of radioactive materials program were reviewed. The organization and staffing regarding solid radioactive waste and transportation of radioactive materials activities has remained essentially the same since the last inspection of this area in December 1995. The radwaste technical staff experienced no reduction.
The inspector determined that the organization and staffing of the licensee's radiation protection department was adequate to implement the radioactive waste and transportation of radioactive materials program.
R7 Quality Assurance in Radiological Protection and Chemistry Activities R7.1 Solid Radwaste and Transoortation Proaram Assessiients a.
Inspection Scone (867521 Audits, surveillances, and self assessments of the solid radwaste program were reviewed. The review also included the following:
Interviews of quality assurance personnel
Qualifications and resumes of auditors and technical specialists
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Radiological condition reports
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Observations and Findinns Comprehensive audits of the radioactive waste management and transportation programs were performed. These audits were scheduled on a two year frequency.
The licensee also utilized surveillances to evaluate performance between scheduled audits. Surveillances were considered an enhancement to quality assurance programs. The inspector noted that five surveillances were performed in 1996; however, only one had been performed in 1997. The frequency of radwaste activity audits was recently changed from a 1 to a 2 year frequency. The inspector noted that there was no specified number of surveillances identified to be performed between scheduled audits in a given area.
Quality assurance audits and surveillances of the radioactive waste management and transportation program activities provided good management oversight.
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The inspector determined that the technical expertise of the lead auditor responsible for audit radwaste activities was very good.
A very good self assessment of radiation protection activities was conducted in June 1996 which included the radioactive management waste program. The assessment identified good program enhancement items.
Vendors used for waste stream analysis and waste volume reduction were evaluated on an annual basis. The vendors were either audited by the licensee or by other utilities.
Selected condition reports involving radioactive waste activities were reviewed. No adverse trends were noted. Appropriate corrective actions were taken and timely closure was noted.
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Conclusions An effective quality assurance program.was maintained. Comprehensive audits of the radioactive waste management and transportation programs were performed which provided good management oversight. Condition reports related to radioactive waste activities were closed in a timely manne.
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V. Management Meetings X1 Exit Meeting Summary The inspector presented the inspection results to members of licensco's rnanagement at an exit meeting on August 8,1997. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented. No proprietary information was identified.
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ATTACHMENT SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PARTlAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee B. Eaton, General Manager J. Venable, Operations Manager R. Benson, Health Physics Supervisor Radwaste C. Bottemiller, Superintendent, Nuclear Safety and Regulatory Affairs C. Brooks, Senior Licensing Specialist M. Carver, Health Physics Specialist D. Coulter, Specialist IV, Quality Programs W. C2arner, Supervisor, Quality Programs F. Guynn, Radiation Control Supervisor C. Holifield, Licensing Engineer T. Kriesel, Health Physics Supervisor M. Michalski, Radwaste Superintendent R. Sumrall, Health Physics Technician I
RBC K. Weaver, Resident inspector INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED Tl 2515/133 Imp!ementation of Revised 49 CFR Parts 100179 and 10 CFR Part 71 86750 Solid Waste Management and Transportation of Radioactive Waste LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED Procedures EV.109 Radioactive Waste Tracking Procedure, Revision 0 10-S-01 32 Radioactive Material /Non Radioactive Hazardous Material Transportation Accident Plan, Revision 2 01 1-08 61 Waste Container Accountability and Waste Permits, Revision 10
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01 S-08 5 Low Level Radioac.tive Waste Management Program, Revision 8 01 S-08 6 Radioactive Material Control, Revision 101 08 S-01 10 Qualification and Training of Health Physics Personnel, Revision 102
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l 08 S-05 2 Shipping Radioactive Materials, Revision 18 08 S-06 10 Radioactive Shipment Classification, Revision 8 08 S 06-11 Classification of Radwaste, Revision 12
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08 S 06-12 Verifying Scaling Factors, Revision 0 08 S 06-20 Packaging Radioactive Materials, Revision 15 08 S 06 21 Laundry Handling and Shipment, Revision 11 08 S-06 30 Radioactive Material Shipment Surveys, Revision 17 08-S 06-40 Marking, Labeling and Placarding Radioactive Material Shipments, Revision 11 08 S 06 50 Loading Radioactive Material, Revision 7 08 S 06-71 Sampling Procedures for Waste Classification, Revision 4 08-S-06 74 Operation of the RADMAN Computer Program, Revision 3 Other Process Control Program Description, Revision 5 Updated Final Safety Analysis Report Section 11 Container Accountability Data Base Condition Reports Radioactive Shipment Log Actions in Response to Generic Letter 95-09 Annual Radioactive Effluent Release Report Data - 1994,1995,IL96 Audits Annual Audit Schedule GGNS Radiation Protection Program Self Assessment OPA 32.0195 Health Physics Radioactive Laundry Program OPA 32.02 95 Health Physics Low Level Waste and NRC Approved Packaging Program OPA 15.0196 Process Control Program l
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-3-Surveillenegg 96 02286 UWR 96/026 DTS Equipment Removal 96 02241 Radiological Postings 96-02293 Radioactive Laundry Shipment Surveillance
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90-02717 Loading CPS B Liner into Vectra 14/210L Cask 96-02720 Technical Specialist Look at Procedure implementation of 49 CFR Changes l
97-01463 Radioactive Material Storage East of the Radwaste Building l