ML031350415
| ML031350415 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Arkansas Nuclear  |
| Issue date: | 05/15/2003 |
| From: | Chamberlain D Division of Reactor Safety IV |
| To: | Hammonds L Federal Emergency Management Agency |
| References | |
| Download: ML031350415 (3) | |
Text
May 15, 2003 Ms. Lisa Hammonds, Chairman Radiological Assistance Committee FEMA Region VI 800 North Loop 288 Federal Regional Center Denton, TX 76201-3698
SUBJECT:
REQUEST FOR DESIGN INTERPRETATION OF ALERT AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AT ARKANSAS NUCLEAR ONE
Dear Ms. Hammonds:
This letter is to request an interpretation of the acceptability of actions taken by Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) to meet their Alert and Notification System (ANS) design requirements.
During an NRC inspection conducted April 28 through May 2, 2003, the inspectors obtained the following information concerning implementation of the tone alert radio (NOAA) program at ANO:
Prior to September of 1999, the two local electric utilities serving residential and commercial electric customers in the ANO plume exposure pathway emergency planning zone (EPZ) provided new customer hookup reports to the Arkansas Department of Healths Office of Nuclear Planning and Response Programs (NPRP).
NPRP would then compare the names and addresses on the new hookup reports to the master NOAA radio distribution list. If a new hookup was not on the list as having already received a NOAA radio, a one page letter was sent to the new address which informed the resident of the availability of an emergency information booklet (EIB) and how to obtain one if desired. The letter requested that the new hookup fill out and return a special needs form if they would require assistance in the event an evacuation was ordered. The letter also stated that, If you are unable to hear a warning siren, you may be eligible for a NOAA Weather Radio receiver.
In September of 1999, during a monthly meeting between NPRP and ANO, a change to the reporting capabilities of one of the local electric utilities, Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
(EAI), was discussed. EAI indicated that they would not be able to supply a new hookup report due to a change in their customer service software. NPRP and ANO agreed that receipt of the reports was not required, given the many other methods of distribution and availability of the EIBs at different locations in the EPZ. For new residents in particular, these included availability of EIBs at county courthouses, banks, utility offices, county fairs, and other public locations. A newcomers guide was distributed to new residents of the Russellville metropolitan area that contained information similar to the letter described above for new hookups from NPRP. Additionally, periodic public service radio FEMA Region VI and television announcements and an annual mailing of EIBs to all postal addresses in the EPZ provided information on the availability of NOAA radios.
Since September of 1999, no new hookup information was received from EAI. For new residents in the EAI service area, which is approximately 65 percent of the area of the EPZ, NPRP made no direct contact to inform the new residents of the availability of NOAA radios for their use in the event of an emergency condition at ANO. The other local electric utility, Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, was continuing to send the new hookup reports, although not on any established frequency, and neither the Cooperative nor NPRP maintained records of the reports.
Our specific question relates to the acceptability of this practice in meeting the ANS design as defined in the ANO Alert and Notification System Design report, dated February 13, 1996.
Section 3.2.2.2, Tone Alert Radios (NOAA), states in the fourth paragraph, that Utilities provide computerized listings of all new contacts. These persons are contacted and offered a free NOAA radio if they are in the affected area. We believe that ANO is not meeting the approved ANS design requirement for the following reasons; (1) new contact lists have not been received from one of the two utilities that service the EPZ since September 1999, (2) new residents are not contacted by the state NPRP office, (3) new residents must obtain and interpret information, that is made publicly available in the EIB, to determine if they are outside siren coverage and may require a tone alert radio, (4) the EIB does not give adequate guidance to assist the resident to determine the need for a radio, and (5) new residents must contact the state office to request a tone alert radio.
If you have any questions or need further clarification concerning this request, please contact Mr. Ryan Lantz, Senior Emergency Preparedness Inspector, of our office at (817) 860-8158.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Sincerely,
//RA//
Dwight D. Chamberlain, Director Division of Reactor Safety cc:
Bernard Bevill Radiation Control Team Leader Division of Radiation Control and Emergency Management Arkansas Department of Health 4815 West Markham Street, Mail Slot 30 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-3867 FEMA Region VI Distribution:
DRS Director (DDC)
PSB Branch Chief (TWP)
Senior EPI (REL)
SLO (WAM)
ADAMS: Yes
No Initials: _jlh_____
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Non-Sensitive DOCUMENT NAME: S:\\DRS\\DRSLTRS\\FEMA-Ano Ltr.wpd RIV:PSB C:PSB SLO D:DRS RELantz TWPruett WAMaier DDChamberlain
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