IR 05000528/1999010
| ML17313A964 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Palo Verde  |
| Issue date: | 05/25/1999 |
| From: | NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML17313A963 | List: |
| References | |
| 50-528-99-10, 50-529-99-10, 50-530-99-10, NUDOCS 9906040209 | |
| Download: ML17313A964 (19) | |
Text
e ENCLOSURE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORYCOMMISSION
REGION IV
Docket Nos.:
License Nos.:
Report No.:
Licensee:
Facility:
Location:
Dates:
Inspectors:
Approved By:
'50-528 50-529 50-530 NPF-41 NPF-51 NPF-74 I
50-528/99-10 50-529/99-10 50-530/99-10 Arizona Public Service Company Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3 5951 S. Wintersburg Road Tonopah, Arizona May 3 to 7, 1999 Larry T. Ricketson, P.E., Senior Radiation Specialist Plant Support Branch James S. Dodson, Radiation Specialist Plant Support Branch Gail M. Good, Chief, Plant Support Branch Division of Reactor Safety Attachment:
Supplemental Information 9906040209 990525 PDR ADOCK 05000528
-2-EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3 NRC Inspection Report No. 50-528/99-10; 50-529/99-10; 50-530/99-10 The NRC concluded an inspection to review the solid radioactive waste management and radioactive material transportation programs.
Areas reviewed included: the solid radioactive waste management program, radioactive material transportation program, facilities and equipment, staff knowledge and performance, staff training and qualifications, and quality assurance activities.
The licensee implemented a good solid radioactive waste management program.
Radioactive material was correctly stored and controlled.
Radioactive waste was correctly classified and stabilized for burial. Waste manifests were prepared in accordance with regulatory requirements (Section R1.1).
The licensee maintained a good program for packaging and shipping radioactive materials and radioactive waste.
However, the licensee failed to placard a radioactive waste transport vehicle in violation of 49 CFR 172.504.
This Severity Level IVviolation is being treated as a noncited violation. This violation is in the licensee's corrective action program as Condition Report/Disposition Request 99-0287 (Section R1.2).
The material condition within the licensee's waste facilities was good. Tanks and piping in the rooms showed no signs of degradation.
There were no indications of resin spillage (Section R2).
The individuals responsible for transfer, packaging, and transport of radioactive material possessed a good knowledge of radioactive waste classification requirements, waste classification and transportation computer software usage, and radioactive material transportation regulations (Section R4).
The licensee provided the required training to radiation workers and specialists that were involved in the transfer, packaging, and transport of low-level radioactive waste and radioactive material (Section R5).
Since the previous inspection, the nuclear assurance organization provided little oversight of radioactive material transportation activities; however, the licensee's performance related to radioactive material transportation was relatively good.
Nuclear assurance evaluations of solid radioactive waste management practices provided licensee management with sufficient information to assess the program's performance (Section R7).
-3-IV. Plant Su ort R1 Radiological Protection and Chemistry Controls R1.1 Solid Radioactive Waste Mana ement Pro ram a.
Ins ection Sco e 86750 The inspectors interviewed licensee personnel and reviewed the following program areas:
Waste storage and container accountability Waste stream sampling results Waste classification Waste characteristics Waste shipment manifests Observations and Findin s Waste Stora e and Container Accountabilit During radiological controlled area tours, the inspectors confirmed that radioactive waste was stored in accordance to commitments in the Final Safety Analysis Report, Chapter 11.4. The inspectors selected radioactive material container numbers randomly and confirmed that the licensee's computerized tracking system listed the correct location for the containers.
Waste Stream Sam lin The inspectors reviewed waste stream sampling results and determined that the licensee completed the sampling and analyses at the required intervals. Analyses were performed by a vendor laboratory. The licensee's vendor auditing program reviewed the vendor laboratory's operations.
Additionally, the licensee implemented quality control practices that validated each new vendor laboratory analysis.
Laboratory analyses were used to correctly update the licensee's waste stream data base.
Waste Classification The licensee used a commercially-available computer software code to perform the calculations necessary to classify radioactive waste.
The inspectors reviewed sample results from selected radioactive waste shipments and confirmed that the waste shipments were properly classified in accordance with 10 CFR 61.5 Waste Characteristics-4-Through record review and observations, the inspectors confirmed that the licensee met the structural integrity requirements of 10 CFR 61.56 (b)(1) by using high integrity containers.
The inspectors verified that the licensee maintained records documenting the time high integrity containers were subjected to ultraviolet radiation.
No adverse findings related to the licensee's radioactive waste characteristics had been identified by burial site representatives.
Manifests The inspectors confirmed through random shipping documentation reviews tliat the licensee prepared manifests that included the information required by 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix G. The shipment manifest included a certification that the transported material was properly classified, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and was in proper condition for transport.
The certification was signed and dated by an authorized licensee representative.
C.
Conclusions The licensee had a good solid radioactive waste management program.
Radioactive material was correctly stored and controlled.
Radioactive waste was correctly classified and stabilized for burial. Waste manifests were prepared in accordance with regulatory requirements.
'1.2 Radioactive Material Trans ortation Pro ram Ins ection Sco e 86750 The inspectors interviewed licensee personnel, observed a radioactive materials shipment, attended a driver briefing, and reviewed the licensee's response to NRC,Bulletin 79-19 and selected examples of the following materials:
Packaging Radiation and contamination surveys Shipping paper documentation Package marking and labeling Loading and storage, blocking and bracing Vehicle placarding Driver instructions Emergency response information b.
Observations and Findin s Packa<aing The inspectors checked A, values for selected radionuclides in the licensee's waste classification computer data base and confirmed that they matched the values in 49 CFR 173.43 Each packaging designed for liquids was designed to have sufficient suitable absorbent material to absorb twice the volume of the liquid contents or have a containment system composed of a primary inner and secondary outer containment components.
The licensee maintained records that documented Type B packages used by the licensee were designed to meet the applicable requirements specified in 10 CFR 71.12. Through a review of procedural requirements and shipping documentation, the inspectors confirmed the licensee conducted examinations of radioactive packages before each shipment to ensure that packages were unimpaired and free of defects.
Radiation Surve s Radiation surveys were conducted to ensure external radiation and contamination levels were within the allowable limits of 49 CFR 173.441 and 173.443 (49 CFR 173.475).
Radiation detection instruments used were appropriate for the surveys conducted.
Packa e Markin Labelin and Loadin and Vehicle Placardin 49 CFR 172.504 requires the radioactive material transport vehicle to be placarded on each side and each end if it transports a package labeled with a Yellow III label.
49 CFR 172.556 provides specific placard design requirements.
The inspectors observed packages ready for shipment and confirmed that packages were properly marked and labeled.
Also, the packages were blocked and braced so that their positions remained fixed during transportation.
The inspectors also observed a radioactive material transport vehicle and noted that it was properly placarded in accordance with 49 CFR 172.504 and 172.506.
However, according to Condition Report/Disposition Request (CRDR) 99-0287, the licensee failed to placard one radioactive waste shipment before it left the licensee's facility. Radioactive Waste Shipment 99-RW-006 arrived at the South Carolina burial facilityon or about March 15, 1999.
Radiation survey records for the shipment documented that the maximum dose rate levels at 1 meter from a container were 1.2 millirems per hour. The package was labeled correctly with Yellow III labels in accordance with 49 CFR 172 403. The failure to placard the transport vehicle was a violation of 49 CFR 172.504.
This Severity Level IV violation is being treated as a noncited violation (NCV) consistent with Appendix C of the NRC Enforcement Policy. This violation is in the licensee's corrective action program as
, CRDR 99-0287 (50-528/9910-01; 50-529/9910-01; 50-530/9910-01).
Shi in Pa ers The inspectors reviewed selected examples of shipping papers and confirmed that the licensee provided the information required by 49 CFR 172 Subpart C and the emergency response information required by 49 CFR 172 Subpart G.
Conclusions The licensee maintained a good program for the packaging and shipping of radioactive materials and radioactive waste.
However, the licensee failed to placard a radioactive waste transport vehicle in violation of 49 CFR 172.504.
This Severity Level IVviolation is
-6-being treated as a noncited violation consistent with Appendix C of the NRC Enforcement Policy. This violation is in the licensee's corrective action program as CRDR 99-0287.
R2 Status of Radiological Protection and Chemistry Facilities and Equipment Ins ection Sco e 86750 The inspectors reviewed the dry active waste processing and storage facility, the low level waste storage facility, and the Unit 1 high and low activity resin storage tank rooms.
Observations and Findin s The licensee made no significant changes to solid radwaste facilities or equipment.
The inspectors noted no deviations from the commitments in the Final Safety Analysis Report, Chapter 11.4.
NRC Information Notice 96-14 described the circumstances in which a nuclear power facilityhad allowed radwaste facilitycomponents and equipment to significantly degrade.
This led to adverse radiological conditions. To selectively review the material conditions in the licensee's radwaste facility, the inspectors asked to see the resin storage tank rooms in Unit 1. Since the rooms were controlled as locked, high radiation areas, the inspectors viewed the rooms through two of the licensee's television cameras.
The inspectors noted that the tanks and piping in the rooms showed no signs of degradation.
There were no indications of resin spillage.
Conclusions The material condition within the licensee's waste facilities was good. Tanks and piping in the rooms showed no signs of degradation.
There were no indications of resin spillage.
R4 Staff Knowledge and Performance The inspectors interviewed the radioactive material control section leader and two technicians involved in the radioactive material transportation program. The inspectors concluded that the individuals responsible for transfer, packaging, and transport of radioactive material possessed a good knowledge of radioactive waste classification requirements, waste classification and transportation computer software usage, and radioactive material transportation regulations.
R5 Staff Training and Qualification Ins ection Sco e 86750 The inspectors interviewed training representatives and reviewed training record Observations and Findin s Training records confirmed that the licensee provided training and periodic retraining in the Department of Transportation and NRC regulatory requirements, the waste burial license requirements, and instructions and operating procedures for all personnel involved in the transfer, packaging, and transport of radioactive material.
Employees involved in processes that generated radioactive waste were trained to minimize the waste.
Conclusions The licensee provided the required training to radiation workers and to specialists that were involved in the transfer, packaging, and transport of low-level radioactive waste and radioactive material.
R7 Quality Assurance in Radiological Protection and Chemistry Activities Ins ection Sco e 86750 The inspectors interviewed licensee personnel and reviewed the following items:
Nuclear assurance evaluations Nuclear assurance auditor qualifications Self-assessments Condition Report/Disposition Requests b.
Observations and findin s The licensee had conducted no audits since the previous NRC review of solid radioactive waste management and transportation activities. Audit 97-016 (reviewed during NRC Inspection 50-528/97-26; 50-529/97-26; 50-530/97-26) was conducted August 7 through August 22, 1997.
According to the Final Safety Analysis Report, Chapter 13.4.5, the auditing frequency of this area is once every 24 months.
The next audit is scheduled to begin in June 1999.
Nuclear assurance personnel had conducted eight evaluations within this inspection area since the previous inspection.
The evaluations were based on selected observations of program activities. No adverse practices or trends were identified by the evaluators.
The inspectors noted that none of the evaluations focused on transportation activities and none of the evaluators had experience in preparing radioactive shipments for transportation.
Licensee representatives stated that there were no transportation activity evaluations because there had been few problems in this area.
Conclusions Since the previous inspection, the nuclear assurance organization provided little oversight of radioactive material transportation activities; however, the licensee's performance related to radioactive, material transportation was relatively good.
Nuclear assurance
-8-evaluations of solid radioactive waste management practices provided licensee management with sufficient information to assess the program's performance.
V. Mana ement Meetin s X1 Exit Meeting Summary The inspectors presented the inspection results to members of licensee management at an exit meeting on May 7, 1999.
The licensee acknowledged the findings presented.
No proprietary information was identifie ATTACHMENT SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PARTIALLIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee R. Buzard, Senior Consultant, Regulatory Affairs T. Dickinson, Technician, Radioactive Materials Control P. Donnelly, Technician, Radioactive Materials Control M. Fladager, Section Leader, Radioactive Materials Control R. Fullmer, Director, Nuclear Assurance V. Huntsman, Department Leader, Radiological Services A. Krainik, Department Leader, Regulatory Affairs D. Leech, Department Leader, Nuclear Assurance J.
Levine, Senior Vice President, Nuclear Operations G. Nelson, Training Coordinator, Radiation Protection G. Overbeck, Vice President, Nuclear Production NRC J. Moorman, Senior Resident Inspector INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED 86750 Solid Radioactive Waste Management and Transportation of Radioactive Material ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
~oened 50-528; 529; 530/9910-01 NCV Failure to placard'a radioactive waste transport vehicle in accordance with 49 CFR 172.504 Closed 50-528; 529; 530/9910-01 NCV Failure to placard a radioactive waste transport vehicle in accordance with 49 CFR 172.504 Discussed None
-2-LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED 1998 Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station Annual Radiological Effluent Release Report, Table 42-Solid Waste Summary List of Condition Reports/Disposition Requests related to the inspection areas (1/1/98 to 4/30/99)
Nuclear Assurance Evaluation Reports - 97-0522, 98-0193, 98-0245, 98-0262, 98-0322, 98-0447, 99-0094, 99-0123 Procedures 15DP-OTR45 76DP-ORP03 76RP-ORW03 76RP-ORW05 76RP-ORW06 76RP-ORW07 Radiation Protection Training Program Description, Revision 14 Radwaste Process Control Program, Revision
Waste Stream Sampling Database Maintenance, Revision 0 Packaging and Classification of Radioactive Waste, Revision
Packaging of Radioactive Material, Revision 2 Shipping of Radioactive Material, Revision 3