ML042150154

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Special Report: Mortality of a Species Protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973
ML042150154
Person / Time
Site: Calvert Cliffs  Constellation icon.png
Issue date: 07/28/2004
From: Nietmann K
Constellation Energy Group
To:
Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML042150154 (3)


Text

Kevin J. Nietmann 1650 Calvert Cliffs Parkway Plant General Manager Lusby, Maryland 20657 Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant 410 495-4101 Constellation Generation Group, LLC 410 495-4787 Fax Constellation Energy Group July 28, 2004 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 ATTENTION: Document Control Desk

SUBJECT:

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Unit Nos. 1 & 2; Docket Nos. 50-317 & 50-318 Special Report: Mortality of a Species Protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 In accordance with Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Technical Specifications, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan (Non-Radiological), Section 4.1, Significant Environmental Events, the attached report (Attachment 1) is submitted. This special report discusses the death of a bald eagle causally related to station operation. The event occurred at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant on June 30, 2004.

Should you have questions regarding this matter, we will be pleased to discuss them with you.

Very truly yours, KJN/MJY/bjd

Attachment:

As stated cc: (Without Attachment)

J. Petro, Esquire H. J. Miller, NRC J. E. Silberg, Esquire Resident Inspector, NRC Director, Project Directorate I-l, NRC R. I. McLean, DNR R. V. Guzman, NRC 5):

ATTACHMENT (1)

REPORT ON MORTALITY OF A SPECIES PROTECTED BY THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 CALVERT CLIFFS NUCLEAR POWER PLANT Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Inc.

July 28, 2004

ATTACHMENT (1)

REPORT ON MORTALITY OF A SPECIES PROTECTED BY THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 CALVERT CLIFFS NUCLEAR POWER PLANT On June 30, 2004, an immature bald eagle came into contact with the energized electric power lines that were originally installed to supply back up power to the Calvert Cliffs site. Bald eagles are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

The fatality was discovered at approximately 3:50 PM when employees investigated the cause of a brush fire in a remote area of the site. The fire and eagle were discovered as a result of the fault on the power lines identified by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), the electric supplier.

1. Describe, analyze, and evaluate the event, including extent and magnitude of the impact andplant operatingcharacteristics.

The eagle was found on the ground below the SMECO power lines. The condition of the body indicated that it had come into contact with energized lines. Bald eagles can have wingspans over seven feet, thus it is possible that the wing tips contacted two of the lines simultaneously. This is the first time a bird has contacted power lines at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant site in this manner. There was no impact on the power plant. The SMECO lines are no longer supplying back up power to the Calvert Cliffs site.

2. Describe theprobable cause of the event.

The cause of the event was the contact with the energized power lines. An eagle is one of the few birds that have a wingspan sufficient to span the energized lines.

3. Indicate action taken to correct the reportedevent.

The bird was dead when found, no attempts were made to revive. The resulting fire was extinguished with the help of an off-site fire department with no impact to the plant.

4. Indicate action taken to preclude repetition of the event and to prevent sinmilar occurrences involving similar components or systems).

No additional actions were taken to preclude repetition of the event, due to the low probability of occurrence based on previous experience. The eagle populations in the area are monitored and remain constant. The eagles are normally found along the bay, well away from the power lines.

5. Indicate the agencies notified andtheirpreliminaryresponses.

No other agencies were notified. Maryland Department of the Environment and Environmental Protection Agency regulations do not require the reporting of accidental deaths of eagles.

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