Information Notice 1997-34, Deficiencies in Licensee Submittals Regarding Terminology for Radiological Emergency Action Levels In Accordance with the New Part 20

Deficiencies in Licensee Submittals Regarding Terminology for Radiological Emergency Action Levels In Accordance with the New Part 20

ML031050574
Person / Time
Site:	Beaver Valley, Millstone, Hatch, Monticello, Calvert Cliffs, Dresden, Davis Besse, Peach Bottom, Browns Ferry, Salem, Oconee, Mcguire, Nine Mile Point, Palisades, Palo Verde, Perry, Indian Point, Fermi, Kewaunee, Catawba, Harris, Wolf Creek, Saint Lucie, Point Beach, Oyster Creek, Watts Bar, Hope Creek, Grand Gulf, Cooper, Sequoyah, Byron, Pilgrim, Arkansas Nuclear, Three Mile Island, Braidwood, Susquehanna, Summer, Prairie Island, Columbia, Seabrook, Brunswick, Surry, Limerick, North Anna, Turkey Point, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, Haddam Neck, Ginna, Diablo Canyon, Callaway, Vogtle, Waterford, Duane Arnold, Farley, Robinson, Clinton, South Texas, San Onofre, Cook, Comanche Peak, Yankee Rowe, Maine Yankee, Quad Cities, Humboldt Bay, La Crosse, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Zion, Midland, Bellefonte, Fort Calhoun, FitzPatrick, McGuire, LaSalle, Fort Saint Vrain, Shoreham, Satsop, Trojan, Atlantic Nuclear Power Plant
Issue date:	06/12/1997
Revision:	0
From:	Slosson M M Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
IN-97-034, NUDOCS 9706090329
Download: ML031050574 (11)

June 12, 1997

NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 97-34: DEFICIENCIES IN LICENSEE SUBMITTALSREGARDING TERMINOLOGY FORRADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY ACTION LEVELSIN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEW PART 20

Addressees

All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for test and research reactors.PurooseThe U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information notice to informaddressees of the issuance of a revised Appendix I to NUREG-0849, "Standard Review Planfor the Review and Evaluation of Emergency Plans for Research and Test Reactors." Thisrevised appendix provides guidance on incorporating the new 10 CFR Part 20 regulationsinto the radiological emergency action levels (EALs). It is expected that recipients will reviewthe information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate.However, suggestions contained in this information notice are not NRC requirements;therefore, no specific action or written response is required.

Description of Circumstances

Part 20 was revised and the final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 21,1991 (56 FR 23360), with an original implementation date of January 1, 1993.Subsequently, the implementation date was extended to January 1, 1994 (57 FR 38588). Inresponse to these regulations, many licensees of test and research reactors have submittedto the NRC revised emergency plans that were intended to incorporate or reflect theterminology introduced in the new regulations. Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations,Part 20 is referenced in the section of the emergency plan involving radiological EALs.During its review of these submittals, the NRC staff noted that many licensees incorrectlyconverted the wording of the EALs from the old terminology found in NUREG-0849. As anexample, (1) some licensees inappropriately converted "maximum permissibleconcentrations" (MPCs) to "effluent concentrations" (ECs) and (2) some inaccurately used theterm "deep dose equivalent." Several licensees merely substituted the EC term for the MPCterm. Other licensees used various multipliers in an attempt to correct the differencesbetween the two values. Still other licensees replaced the MPC term with "derived airconcentration." These submittals indicate the need for additional guidance that could beused to assist in updating EALs.v52 on ax? ,

IN 97-34June 12, 1997 DiscussionIf the errors in the revised EAL schemes are left uncorrected, they could potentially result in alicensee taking some conservative actions that are unwarranted or in the licensee delayingappropriate actions.Guidance in the form of a revision to Appendix I to NUREG-0849 was issued in April 1997.The revised appendix provides guidance on incorporating the current 10 CFR Part 20regulations into the radiological EALs and, at the same time, corrects some omissionsin prior guidance and clarifies some other EALs for the implementation of the newPart 20 regulations. Attachment 1 to this document is a copy of the revised Appendix I.NUREG-0849, which was published in 1983, is available from the following sources:* The NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street, NW., Lower Level, Washington, DC20037 (202-634-3380). (Document may be copied for a fee, currently $0.08 perpage.)* The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govemment Printing Office, P. 0. Box 37082,Washington, DC 20402-9328 (202-512-1800), for a fee of $3.75.-The National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161-0002 (703-487-4650), for a fee of $24.50 (paper) and $12.50 (microfiche), plus a $4.00 handling fee.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have anyquestions about the information in this notice, please contact the technical contact listedbelow or the appropriate regional office.Marylee M. Slosson, Acting DirectorDivision of Reactor Program ManagementOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical contact: Lawrence K. Cohen301-415-2923E-mail: lkc@nrc.gov

Attachments:

1. Revised Appendix I of NUREG-08492. List of Recently Issued NRC information Notices44AaJ p U Attachment 1IN 97-34June 12, 1997 APPENDIX IEMERGENCY CLASSESACTION LEVEL*

PURPOSE

Notification of Unusual Events INOUE)Actual or projected radiological effluentt at the siteboundary which is calculated (or measured) to resultIn either of the following conditions, both of whichare based on an exposure of 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> or less:(1) A deep dose equivalent of 0.15 milliSievert(mSv) 115 mrem)OR(2) A committed effective dose equivalent of 0.15mSv [15 mrem] based on the followingconsiderations:* Ensure that the first step in any response laterfound to be necessary has been carried out.* Bring the operating staff to a state of readiness.* Provide systematic handling of unusual eventsInformation and decisionmaking.* 100 EC x 24 hr* = 2.4 x 103 EC-hr m 0.15mSv (15 mrem) (for radionuclides otherthan noble gases)* 50 EC x 24 hr = 1.2 x 103 EC-hr m 0.15mSv [15 mrem](for noble gases)tReport or observation of a severe naturalphenomenon affecting the reactor siteReceipt of bomb threat affecting the reactor facilityFire within the reactor facility not extinguished within15 minutesAlertActual or projected radiological effluentt at the siteboundary which Is calculated (or measured) to resultin either of the following conditions, both of whichare based on an exposure of 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> or less:(1) A deep dose equivalent of 0.75 mSv [5mrem]OR(2) A committed effective dose equivalent of 0.75mSv 15 mrem) based on the followingconsiderations:* Ensure that emergency personnel are readilyavailable to respond If the situation becomesmore serious or to perform confirmatoryradiation monitoring If required.* Provide current offsite authorities with statusinformation.* 500 EC x 24 hr = 1.2 x 104 EC-hr -0.75mSv [75 mrem] (for radionuclides otherthan noble gases)* 250 EC x 24 hr" = 6 x 13 EC-hr m 0.75mSv (75 mrem] (for noble gases)ttActual or projected radiation levelst at the siteboundary of 0.2 mSv/hr deep dose equivalent [20mremlhr] for 1 hour1.157407e-5 days <br />2.777778e-4 hours <br />1.653439e-6 weeks <br />3.805e-7 months <br /> or 1.0 mSv 1100 mrem] to thethyroid (committed dose equivalent)

Attachment IIN 97-34June 12. 1997 APPENDIX I (cont'd)-. -W%1At;I 1IUN LtVtL-IrumrvoSite Area EmernencvActual or projected radiological effluentt at the siteboundary which is calculated (or measured) to resultin either of the following conditions both of whichare based on an exposure of 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> or less:(1) A deep dose equivalent of 3.75 mSv [375mrem]OR(2) A committed effective dose equivalent of 3.75mSv [375 mrem] based on the followingconsiderations:* Ensure that response centers are manned.* Ensure that monitoring teams are dispatched.* Ensure that personnel required for evacuation ofonsite areas are at duty stations.* Provide consultation with offsite authorities.* Provide Information for the public through offskeauthorities.* 2500 EC x 24 hr = 6 x IV0 EC-hr m 3.75mSv 1375 mrem] (for radionuclides otherthan noble gases)* 1250 EC x 24 hr* = 3 x I10 EC-hr m 3.75mSv 1375 mrem](for noble gases)"Actual or projected radiation levelst at the siteboundary of 1.0 mSv/hr [100 mremlhr] deep doseequivalent for 1 hour1.157407e-5 days <br />2.777778e-4 hours <br />1.653439e-6 weeks <br />3.805e-7 months <br /> or 5.0 mSv [500 mrem] to thethyroid (committed dose equivalent)General EmergencySustained actual or projected radiation levelst at thesite boundary of 5.0 mSv/hr [500 mremlhr] deepdose equivalentActual or projected doset at the site boundary in theplume exposure pathway of 10 mSv 11 rem] (totaleffective dose equivalent) or 50 mSv 15 rem] to thethyroid (committed dose equivalent)* Initiate predetermined protective actions for thepublic.* Provide continuous assessment of Informationfrom licensee and offsite organizationmeasurements.* Initiate additional measures as Indicated byactual or potential releases.* Provide consultation with offsite authorities.* Provide updates for the public through offsiteauthorities.* The situation that may lead to an emergency class described in the subsections of Section 4.0 may bereferenced as emergency action levels appropriate to the emergency class.t It is expected that licensees will determine the relationship of the EAL dose levels at the site boundary toinstrumentation readings andlor safety analyses accident conditions for their specific facilitie Attachment IIN 97-34June 12, 1997 Effluent concentration (EC) as fisted In Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20 (10 CFR Part 20),Standards for the Protection Against Radiation,* Appendix B. Table 2. If the exposure time Is less than 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />,the EC multiplier can be increased proportionately, provided that the values of 2.4 x 103 and 1.2 x 103 EC-hr areused to declare a NOUE; the proportional Increase for an alert is 5 and for a site area emergency it Is 25." Table 2 of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 20 lists the concentration values that are equivalent to the radionuclideconcentrations which, if Inhaled or Ingested continuously over the course of a year, would produce a total effectivedose equivalent of 0.5 mSv [50 mrem]. However, for noble gases where the submersion (external dose) Islimiting, the concentration values would produce a total effective dose equivalent of I mSv [100 mrem Ki1_Attachment 2IN 97-34June 12, 1997 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUEDNRC INFORMATION NOTICESInformation Date ofNotice No. Subject Issuance Issued to97-3395-36,Supp. 197-3297-3197-3097-29Unanticipated Effectof Ventilation Systemon Tank Level Indica-tions and EngineeringSafety Features Actua-tion System SetpointPotential Problemswith Post-Fire Emer-gency LightingDefective Worm ShaftClutch Gears inLimitorque Motor-Operated ValveActuators'Failures of ReactorCoolant Pump ThermalBarriers and CheckValves in ForeignPlantsControl of LicensedMaterial During Reorgan-izations, Employee-Management Disagreements,and Financial CrisesContainment InspectionRule06/11/9706/10/9706/10/9706/03/9706/03/9705/30/97All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactorsAll holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactorsAll holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactorsAll holders of OLs or CPsfor pressurized-waterreactor plantsAll material and fuelcycle licenseesAll holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactorsOL = Operating LicenseCP = Construction Permit IN 97-34' June 12, 1997 DiscussionIf the errors in the revised EAL schemes are left uncorrected, they could potentially result in alicensee taking some conservative actions that are unwarranted or in the licensee delayingappropriate actions.Guidance in the form of a revision to Appendix I to NUREG-0849 was Issued in April 1997.The revised appendix provides guidance on incorporating the current 10 CFR Part 20regulations into the radiological EALs and, at the same time, corrects some omissionsin prior guidance and clarifies some other EALs for the implementation of the newPart 20 regulations. Attachment 1 to this document is a copy of the revised Appendix I.NUREG-0849, which was published in 1983, is available from the following sources:* The NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street, NW., Lower Level, Washington, DC20037 (202-634-3380). (Document may be copied for a fee, currently $0.08 per page.)* The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P. 0. Box 37082,Washington, DC 20402-9328 (202-512-1800), for a fee of $3.75.* The National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161-0002 (703-487-4650),for a fee of $24.50 (paper) and $12.50 (microfiche), plus a $4.00 handling fee.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have anyquestions about the information in this notice, please contact the technical contact listedbelow or the appropriate regional office.original signed by S.H. Weiss forMarylee M. Slosson, Acting DirectorDivision of Reactor Program ManagementOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical contact: Lawrence K. Cohen(301) 415-2923E-mail: Ikcenrc.gov

Attachments:

1. Revised Appendix I of NUREG-08492. List of Recently Issued NRC information NoticesDOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM SEC\RAD51 IN *SEE PREVIOUS CONCURRENCETo receive a copy of ths document, hIdicate hI the box: C' -Copy wloattachmenVenclosure E -Copy w/attachment/enclosure AN- -No copyOFFICE TECH CONI C:PERB:DRPM C:PECB:DRPM D: DRPM 6WNAME LKCohen* CLMiller* AEChaffee* MMSlosscn IDATE 05/20/97 05/22/97 05/30/97 0 //O/97OFFICIAL R ECORD COP I,IN 97-May , 1997 DiscussionIf the errors in the revised EAL schemes are left uncorrected, they could potentially result in alicensee taking some conservative actions that are unwarranted or in the licensee delayingappropriate actions..Guidance in the form of a revision to Appendix I to NUREG-0849 was issued in April 1997.The revised appendix provides guidance on incorporating the current 10 CFR Part 20regulations into the radiological EALs and, at the same time, corrects some omissionsin prior guidance and clarifies some other EALs for the implementation of the newPart 20 regulations. Attachment 1 to this document is a copy of the revised Appendix I.NUREG-0849, which was published in 1983, is available from the following sources:* The NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street, NW., Lower Level, Washington, DC20037 (202-634-3380). (Document may be copied for a fee, currently $0.08 per page.)* The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govemment Printing Office, P. 0. Box 37082,Washington, DC 20402-9328 (202-512-1800), for a fee of $3.75.* The National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161-0002 (703-487-4650),for a fee of $24.50 (paper) and $12.50 (microfiche), plus a $4.00 handling fee.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have anyquestions about the information in this notice, please contact the technical contact listedbelow or the appropriate regional office.Marylee M. Slosson, Acting DirectorDivision of Reactor Program ManagementOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical contact: Lawrence K. Cohen(301) 415-2923E-mail: lkc@nrc.gov

Attachments:

1. Revised Appendix I of NUREG-08492. List of Recently Issued NRC information NoticesDOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM SEC\RAD51 IN *SEE PREVIOUS CONCURRENCETo receive a copy of this document. indcite in the box: 'C- -Copy w/oattachmentlenclosure E' -Copy w/attachmentlenclosure 'N' -No copyOFFICE TECH CONT C:PERB:DRPM C:PECB:DRPM DNAME LKCohen* CLMiller* AEChaffee blo, MDATE 05/20/97 05/22/97 05/so/97 0!:DRPM IlMS'lossonl)5/ /97OFFICIAL RECORD COPY ,41brJ i41M I IN 97-May , 1997 DiscussionIf the errors in the revised EAL schemes are left uncorrected, they could potentially result in alicensee taking some conservative actions that are unwarranted or in the licensee delayingappropriate actions.Guidance in the form of a revision to Appendix I to NUREG-0849 was issued on April 1997.This revised appendix provides guidance on incorporating the current 10 CFR Part 20regulations into the radiological EALs and, at the same time, corrects some omissionsin prior guidance and clarifies some other EALs for the implementation of the newPart 20 regulations. Attachment I to this document is a copy of the revised Appendix I.NUREG-0849, which was published in 1983, is available from the following sources:* The NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street, NW., Lower Level, Washington, DC20037 (202-634-3380). (Document may be copied for a fee, currently $0.08 per page.)* The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govemment Printing Office, P. 0. Box 37082,Washington, DC 20402-9328 (202-512-1800), for a fee of $3.75.* The National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161-0002 (703-487-4650),for a fee of $24.50 (paper) and $12.50 (microfiche), plus a $4.00 handling fee.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have anyquestions about the information in this notice, please contact the technical contact listedbelow or the appropriate regional office.Marylee M. Slosson, Acting DirectorDivision of Reactor Program ManagementOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical contact: Lawrence K. Cohen(301) 415-2923E-mail: lkc@nrc.gov

Attachments:

1. Revised Appendix I of NUREG-08492. List of Recently Issued NRC information NoticesDOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM SEC\RAD51 IN *SEE PREVIOUS CONCURRENCETo receive a copy of this document. kidicate in the box: * -Copy w/oattachment/enclosure 'E' -Copy wlattachment/enclosure *N0 -No copyOFFICE TECH CONT C:PERB:DRPM C:PECB:DRPM D:DRPM HNAMELKC ohen* I CLMiller* AEChaffee MMSossonDATE /20/97 05/22/97 05/ /97 05/ /97.FFICAL REOR COYe IN 97-May, 1997 DiscussionIf the errors in the revised EAL schemes are left uncorrected, they could potentially result in alicensee taking some conservative actions that are unwarranted or in the licensee delayingappropriate actions.Guidance in the form of a revision to Appendix I to NUREG-0849 was issued on April 1997.This revised appendix provides guidance on incorporating the current 10 CFR Part 20regulations into the radiological EALs and, at the same time, corrects some omissionsin prior guidance and clarifies some other EALs for the implementation of the newPart 20 regulations. Attachment 1 to this document is a copy of the revised Appendix I.NUREG-0849, which was published in 1983, is available from the following sources:* The NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street, NW., Lower Level, Washington, DC20037 (202-634-3380). (Document may be copied for a fee, currently $0.08 per page.)* The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P. 0. Box 37082,Washington, DC 20402-9328 (202-512-1800), for a fee of $3.75.* The National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161-0002 (703-487-4650),for a fee of $24.50 (paper) and $12.50 (microfiche), plus a $4.00 handling fee.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have anyquestions about the information in this notice, please contact the technical contact listedbelow or the appropriate regional office.Marylee M. Slosson, Acting DirectorDivision of Reactor Program ManagementOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical contact: Lawrence K. Cohen(301) 415-2923E-mail: lkcenrc.gov

Attachments:

1. Revised Appendix I of NUREG-08492. List of Recently Issued NRC information NoticesDOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM SEC\RAD51 INTo receive

• copy Of this document. hndIcite In the box: C*' -Copy w/oattachment/enclosure 'E' -Copy wlattachmentlenclosure 'N' -No copyOFFICE TECH CONT C:PERB:DRPM C:PECB:DRPM D:DRPMINAME LKCohens..t CLMiller (Lb, 1AEChaffee I MMS1osson I IDATE 0/24/97 9&zV97 /97 97OFFICIAL RECORD COPY S. -, A

' ' FIN 97-May , 1997 DiscussionIf the errors in the revised EAL schemes are left uncorrected, they could potentially result in alicensee taking some conservative actions that are unwarranted or in the licensee delayingappropriate actions.Guidance in the form of a revision to Appendix I to NUREG-0849 was issued on April 1997.This revised appendix provides guidance on incorporating the current 10 CFR Part 20regulations into the radiological EALs and, at the same time, corrects some omissionsin prior guidance and clarifies some other EALs for the implementation of the newPart 20 regulations. Attachment 1 to this document is a copy of the revised Appendix I.NUREG-0849, which was published in 1983, is available from the following sources:* The NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street, NW., Lower Level, Washington, DC20037 (202-634-3380). (Document may be copied for a fee, currently $0.08 per page.)* The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govemment Printing Office, P. 0. Box 37082,Washington, DC 20402-9328 (202-512-1800), for a fee of $3.75.* The National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161-0002 (703-487-4650),for a fee of $24.50 (paper) and $12.50 (microfiche), plus a $4.00 handling fee.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have anyquestions about the information in this notice, please contact the technical contact listedbelow or the appropriate regional office.Marylee M. Slosson, DirectorDivision of Reactor Program ManagementOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical contact: Lawrence K. Cohen(301) 415-2923E-mail: lkc@nrc.gov

Attachments:

1. Revised Appendix I of NUREG-08492. List of Recently Issued NRC information NoticesDOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM SEC\RAD51 INTo receive a copy of this document. hIdfice hI the box: ACT -Copy w/oattachmentlenclosure 'E' -Copy w/attachmentlenclosure 'N -No copyOFFICE TECH CONT C:PERB:DRPM C:PECB:DRPM D:DRPMNAME LKCohen %4V CLMiller AEChaffee MMSlossonDATE 06711/97 04/ /97 04/ /97 04/ /97OFFICIAL RECORD COPY