IR 05000528/1999009
| ML17313A945 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Palo Verde  |
| Issue date: | 05/19/1999 |
| From: | NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML17313A944 | List: |
| References | |
| 50-528-99-09, 50-528-99-9, 50-529-99-09, 50-529-99-9, 50-530-99-09, 50-530-99-9, NUDOCS 9905260322 | |
| Download: ML17313A945 (18) | |
Text
e ENCLOSURE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
REGION IV
Docket Nos.:
License Nos.:
Report No.:
Licensee:
Facility:
Location:
Dates:
Inspector(s):
Approved By:
50-528 50-529 50-530
- NPF-41 NPF-51 NPF-74 50-528/99-09 50-529/99-09 50-530/99-09 Arizona Public Service Company Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3 5951 S. Wintersburg Road Tonopah, Arizona May 3-7, 1999 Michael C. Hay, Radiation Specialist Plant Support Branch Gail M. Good, Chief, Plant Support Branch Division of Reactor Safety Attachment:
Supplemental Information 99052b0322 9905i9 PDR ADOCK 05000528
-2-EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3 NRC Inspection Report No. 50-528/99-09; 50-529/99-09; 50-530/99-09 This routine, announced inspection reviewed the implementation of the radiological environmental monitoring and meteorological monitoring programs.
Training and qualifications, quality assurance oversight, facilities and equipment, and annual reports were also reviewed.
Plant Su ort Overall, an effective radiological environmental monitoring program was implemented in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual.
Sample collection, analyses, and associated analyses report forms were conducted and maintained in accordance with procedural requirements (Section R1.1).
An effective meteorological program was in place.
Implementation of the meteorological monitoring program agreed with the guidance contained in Regulatory Guide 1.23 and commitments in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report.
Excellent meteorological data recovery in 1998 was noted (99.7 percent) (Section R1.2).
Knowledge and performance of the radiological environmental monitoring and meteorological monitoring programs personnel were outstanding (Section R4).
Comprehensive audits and evaluations were performed by well experienced auditors along with outside technical specialists.
Audit findings were appropriately placed in the licensee's corrective action process.
Corrective actions were generally timely and effective (Section R7.1).
-3-R1 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Controls R1.1 Radiolo ical Environmental Monitorin Pro ram Ins ection Sco e 84750 The radiological environmental monitoring program was reviewed to determine compliance with Technical Specifications and Offsite Dose Calculation Manual requirements.
Selected environmental sampling stations were inspected.
Observations and Findin s Inspection of air, surface water, and sediment sampling stations verified that the stations were maintained as described in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual. The inspector observed a health physicist prepare air samples for analysis.
These activities were conducted in accordance with approved procedures.
The inspector noted that the collection of air sample media was performed by replacing the sampler heads in the field, minimizing the potential for cross contamination and preserving sample integrity.
A review of the sample collection logs and sample analyses reports verified these documents were properly maintained in accordance with procedural requirements.
The inspector determined that collection frequency, processing, and analyses of the radiological environmental samples were performed in accordance with the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual. The 1998 annual land use census was properly performed, and the land use census results were documented as required in the appropriate annual radiological environmental operating report. A comprehensive radiological environmental monitoring report for 1998 was submitted in a timely manner.
Review of 1998 environmental sample results showed that with the exception of onsite surface water from the evaporation ponds and associated sludge, all sample analyses revealed no detectable radioactivity which could be attributed to the operation of the station.
An assessment of the preoperational and operational environmental data showed no, changes to the environmental radiation levels due to station operations.
Conclusions Overall, an effective radiological environmental monitoring program was implemented in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual.
Sample collection, analyses, and associated analyses reports were conducted and maintained in accordance with procedural requirements.
The 1998 annual land use census was properly conducted and documented in the radiological environmental operating report. The 1998 radiological environmental operating report was comprehensive and submitted in a timely manne i V
Meteorolo ical Monitorin Pro ram Ins ection Sco e 84750 The meteorological monitoring program was reviewed to determine agreement with commitments in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report and the recommendations in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.23. Meteorological data collection and displays at station facilities were reviewed.
Observations and Findin s The inspector noted that the meteorological tower's primary and secondary instrumentation and configuration agreed with the guidance in Regulatory Guide 1.23 and commitments in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report. The primary tower provided for meteorological instrument redundancy at the 10- and 60-meter levels.
The inspector verified that appropriate meteorological data was transmitted and displayed in the station's emergency facilities and the control room. The 1998 meteorological data recovery for wind direction, wind speed, temperature, and delta temperature instruments was 99.7 percent indicating that, overall, a very effective meteorological program was in place.
Conclusions An effective meteorological program was in place.
Implementation of the meteorological monitoring program agreed with the guidance contained in Regulatory Guide 1.23 and commitments in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report.
Excellent meteorological data recovery in 1998 was noted (99.7 percent).
Environmental Monitorin E ui ment Ins ection Sco e 84750 Selected environmental sampling stations were inspected to verify that the stations were properly maintained and that sampling equipment was operable and properly calibrated.
The licensee's central chemistry laboratory, where environmental media was prepared and stored for analyses, was inspected to verify that sufficient supplies, equipment, and analytical instrumentation were available and properly maintained.
Observations and Findin s The inspector toured and inspected selected air sampling stations.
Allair samplers were verified to be in good operational condition. Airsamplers were calibrated at the required frequencies using an approved procedure.
The environmental central chemistry laboratory area was stocked with the necessary equipment and sufficient supplies to perform the required sampling activities. Selected analytical instrumentation was properly calibrated using sources traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technolog e Conclusions-5-Sufficient supplies and environmental sampling and analyses equipment was available and properly maintained.
R2.2 Meteorolo icBIMonitorin E ui ment Ins ection Sco e 84750 The meteorological tower instrumentation was inspected.
Instrument calibration procedures and records were reviewed to ensure that the meteorological
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instrumentation was operable and properly calibrated and maintained in accordance with commitments in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report and the guidance contained in Regulatory Guide 1.23.
Observations and Findin s The inspector verified that calibration tolerances for the meteorological instrumentation were within the recommendations of Regulatory Guide 1.23. Calibrations were performed at the required frequencies.
The inspector toured the primary and backup meteorological towers and instrumentation areas.
Allinstrumentation and equipment observed were maintained in proper operational condition. Housekeeping within these areas was very good.
C.
Conclusions The meteorological monitoring equipment was maintained in excellent operating condition. Calibrations were performed at the required frequencies.
R3 Procedures and Documentation R3.1
. Radiolo ical Environmental Monitorin Pro ram Im lementin Procedures Ins ection Sco e 84750 Radiological environmental monitoring program implementing procedures were reviewed.
b.
Observations and Findin s The radiological environmental monitoring program implementing procedures described the responsibilities and requirements for the collection, preparation, sample analysis, reporting of analyses results, evaluation of analyses results, and performance and recording requirements of the land use census.
The procedures contained sufficient detail for personnel to effectively implement the licensee's environmental monitoring program and report the analyses results of the environmental samples collected at the facility. The inspector determined that the requirements contained in the station
e-6-Technical Specifications and Offsite Dose Calculation Manual were appropriately described in the station procedures.
Conclusions
. Good environmental monitoring program implementing procedures were maintained.
R4 Staff Knowledge and Performance Ins ection Sco e 84750 Selected radiological environmental monitoring and meteorological monitoring programs personnel were observed and interviewed to determine their knowledge of the radiological environmental monitoring program sampling and analyses requirements and implementing procedures.
Observations and Findin s Through discussion and observation, the inspector noted that the staff responsible for implementing the radiological environmental monitoring program demonstrated outstanding knowledge regarding the requirements contained in the Offsite Dose Calculation Manual. Two system engineers responsible for the meteorological monitoring equipment also demonstrated excellent system knowledge.
Conclusions Knowledge and performance of the radiological environmental monitoring and meteorological monitoring programs personnel were outstanding.
R5 Staff Training and Qualification Ins ection Sco e 84750 The training pnd qualification programs for the personnel implementing the radiological environmental monitoring program were reviewed.
b.
Observations and Findin s The inspector determined that proper training and qualification programs were implemented.
Personnel responsible for'mplementing the radiological environmental monitoring program were trained, experienced, and met the qualifications for the independent work performed.
C.
Conclusions Training and qualification programs were appropriately implemented.
A well trained, experienced, and qualified staff were responsible for implementing the radiological environmental monitoring progra R6 Organization and Administration Ins ection Sco e 84750 The organization, staffing, and assignment of the radiological environmental monitoring program responsibilities were reviewed.
Observations and Findin s The organizational structure and staffing qualifications for the radiological environmental program met Technical Specification requirements.
Since the last inspection, some minor organizational changes were made.
The inspector noted that the changes consisted of placing the radiological environmental counting laboratory under the supervision of the chemistry instrumentation leader, and adding one senior technician to the radiological environmental monitoring. The inspector noted that these changes did not appear to affect the continued effective implementation of the program.
C.
Conclusions The organizational structure and staffing qualifications for the radiological environmental monitoring program met Technical Specification requirements.
A very knowledgeable and experienced staff was responsible for implementing the radiological environmental monitoring program.
R7 Quality Assurance Program R7.1 Radiolo ical Environmental Monitorin Qualit Assurance Pro ram Ins ection Sco e 84750 Nuclear Assurance Audits98-002 and 99-003 and several evaluation reports of the radiological environmental monitoring program were reviewed.
b.
Observations and Findin s The inspector noted that audits and evaluation reports were comprehensive and provided management with good oversight of the radiological environmental monitoring program. Well experienced licensee auditors, along with outside technical specialists, were used to perform the audits.
Audit findings were placed in the licensee's corrective action process.
In general, the corrective actions associated with the findings were timely and appropriate.
Conclusions Comprehensive audits and evaluations were performed by well experienced auditors along with outside technical specialists.
Audit findings were appropriately placed in the licensee's corrective action process.
Corrective actions were generally timely and effectiv R7.2 Condition Re orts and Corrective Actions Ins ection Sco e 84750 Selected condition reports were reviewed to evaluate the effectiveness of the licensee's controls in identifying, resolving, and preventing problems.
Observations and Findin s Several condition reports concerning the environmental monitoring and meteorological monitoring programs were reviewed. These reports were initiated as needed and had a proper threshold for identifying problems.
The condition reports were effectively used to track and trend problems.
The inspector noted that the responses to the condition reports were generally timely and included prompt corrective actions.
Conclusions The condition reporting system was effectively used to identify problems, perform evaluations and assessments, and implement prompt corrective, actions.
V. Mana ement Meetln s X1 Exit Meeting Summary.
The inspector presented the inspection results to members of licensee management at an exit meeting conducted on May 7, 1999. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented.
No proprietary information was identifie e
ATTACHMENT SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PARTIALLIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee L. Drinovsky, Chemistry Support R. Fullner, Nuclear Assurance R. Henry, Site Representative A. Krainik, Regulatory Affairs D. Leech, Nuclear Assurance D. Marks, Nuclear Regulatory Affairs G. Overbeck, Vice President, Nuclear Production A. Ramey, Nuclear Assurance J. Scott, Chemistry R. Sorenson, Chemistry Support NRC J. Moorman, Senior Resident INSPECTION PROCEDURE USED IP 84750 Radioactive Waste Treatment and Effluent and Environmental Monitoring LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED Nuclear Assurance Audits
Nuclear Assurance Audit Report 98-002, "Chemistry, Radiological Monitoring, Non-radiological Environmental Programs," February 20, 1998 Nuclear Assurance Audit Report 99-003, "Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program, Effluent Control Program," February 19, 1999.
Nuclear Assurance Evaluation Re orts Nuclear Assurance Evaluation Report ER 97-0530, October 30, 1997 Nuclear Assurance Evaluation Report ER 97-0599, December 3, 1997
'uclear Assurance Evaluation Report ER 98-0362, September 23, 1998 Nuclear Assurance Evaluation Report ER 99-0253, April26, 1999
~a e
-2-PROCEDURES Chemistry Procedure 74DP-9CY08, "Radiological Monitoring Program," Revision 4 Chemistry Procedure 74CH-9XC50, "Operation and Calibration of the Gamma Spectroscopy System," Revision 7 Chemistry Procedure 74CH-9XC71, "Automatic Gas Flow Proportional Counter Operation and Calibration (Tennelec 5100)," Revision 2 Chemistry Procedure 74CH-9XC73, "Environmental Tritium," Revision 2 Chemistry Procedure 74CH-9XC75, "Eberline SAC-4 Alpha Counter Operation and Calibration," Revision 2 Chemistry Procedure 74CH-9XC76, "Environmental Sample Handling'and Preparation,"
Revision 2 Chemistry Procedure 74CH-OEN02, "Radiological Environmental AirSample Collection,"
Revision 10 Chemistry Procedure 74CH-OEN03, "Water, Food Products, and Sediment Sample Collection,"
Revision 14 REPORTS Annual Radiological Environmental Operating Reports - 1998 Annual Radioactive Effluent Release Reports - 1998 MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS Environmental central chemistry laboratory technician training records