ML050960327

Follow Up Report

ML050960327
Person / Time
Site:	Salem
Issue date:	03/25/2005
From:	Eggers J Public Service Enterprise Group
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, State of NJ, Dept of Environmental Protection
References
7004 0005 2135 8964, Case No. 05-02-1047-55, LR-E05-0171, NJ0005622
Download: ML050960327 (3)

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PSEG Nuclear LLC P.O. Box 236, Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey 08038-0236 MAR 2 5 2005 0

uc PS EG Nuclear LLC LR-E05-01 71 Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested Article Number: 7004 2510 0005 2135 8964 Administrator of Water Compliance and Enforcement New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 401 East State Street, 4th Floor East PO Box 422 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0422 RE:

PSEG Nuclear LLC - Salem Generating Station NJPDES Permit No. NJ0005622 NJDEP Case No. 05-02-02-1047-55 Follow up Report

Dear Sir/Madam:

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:14A-6.10 Noncompliance Reporting, PSEG Nuclear LLC is submitting this report concerning the observation of a visible sheen of oil at Discharge Serial Number (DSN) 489. The discharge was reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) hotline and assigned case number 05-02 1047-55. This discharge was also reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the National Response Center and assigned case number 748950. As stated in the letter LR-E05-0086, dated February 7, 2005 additional information regarding this discharge is being provided in this letter. This follow up report details the results of PSEG's investigation of the cause and corrective actions related to this event.

1. A description of the discharge, including the time of the discharge, the location of discharge, the volume of the discharge, the concentration of pollutants discharged, and the receiving water of the discharge; On February 2, 2005 at approximately 1034 houts, while performing routine duties, a chemistry technician observed a light sheen in the effluent chamber of the Oil Water Separator (OWS) treatment system. Upon furthdr investigation the technician observed two silvery grey sheens of oil approximately ten feet by five feet and ten feet by ten feet on the receiving waters in close proximity to the outfall of the OWS (DSN 489) at Salem Generating Station. It is estimated that the total amount of oil that produced the sheens was approximately two ounces. DSN 489 is the outfall of the OWS, which discharges to the Delaware River.

DS-2168 REV. 7W

MAP 2 5 NJDEP 2

Administrator of Water Compliance and Enforcement LR-E05-0171

2. Steps being taken to determine the cause of the permit noncompliance; An investigation was performed of the upset to determine the cause. The cause is explained in section 5 of this letter.

3. Steps being taken to reduce, remediate, and eliminate the noncomplying discharge and any damage to the environment, and the anticipated time frame to initiate and complete the steps to be taken; After discovering the sheen on the receiving waters, the chemistry technician immediately isolated the discharge from the OWS at approximately 1037 hours0.012 days <br />0.288 hours <br />0.00171 weeks <br />3.945785e-4 months <br /> effectively eliminating the discharge. Spill response personnel evaluated the sheen and determined that due to its characteristics, the oil was not recoverable. As a preventive measure, oil absorbent boom was placed at the outfall. Based upon visual observation and in light of the small amount of oil observed, it is estimated there was little to no threat to the environment.

4. The duration of the discharge, including the dates and times of the commencement and, for an unanticipated bypass, the dates and times of the end or anticipated end of the discharge, and if the discharge has not been corrected, the anticipated time when the permittee will correct the situation and return the discharge to compliance; It is unknown when the actual discharge began, hbwever no sheen had been observed on the days immediately preceding the event or after the system was returned to full operation on 2124/05. The discharge was discovered at 1034 hours0.012 days <br />0.287 hours <br />0.00171 weeks <br />3.93437e-4 months <br /> on February 2, 2005 and stopped at 1037 hours0.012 days <br />0.288 hours <br />0.00171 weeks <br />3.945785e-4 months <br /> on February 2, 2005.

5. The cause of the noncompliance; PSEG investigated the cause of this excursion and has determined that the sheen was caused by the introduction of surfactants into the' oil water separator (OWS). The surfactants were introduced via a turbine building sump when spent mop water was improperly disposed of. The surfactants emulsified oil in the OWS rendering the treatment system ineffective and causing a sheen to be discharged. The OWS has been inspected and cleaned. The collection system for the OWS was pumped down until the presence of surfactants were at an acceptable level. In order to prevent reoccurrence personnel have been coached on the proper disposal of chemicals used for cleaning around the facility. Also signs located at the sump locations are being installed to remind personnel.

NJDEP 3

MAR 2 5 2005 Administrator of Water Compliance and Enforcement LR-E05-0171

6. Steps being taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncomplying discharge; The noncomplying discharge has been eliminated. The OWS has been inspected cleaned and returned to service.. In order to prevent reoccurrence personnel have been coached on the proper disposal of chemicals used for cleaning around the facility.

Also signs located at the sump locations are being installed to remind personnel.

7. An estimate of the threat to human health or the environment posed by the discharge; and Based upon visual observation and in light of the small amount of oil observed, it is estimated there was little to no threat to human health or the environment. Also since a daily inspection of the OWS is performed by the system operators, and no prior sheen was noted in the days prior, PSEG believes that there is no reason to think this discharge had persisted prior to the observation.

8. The measures the permittee has taken or is taking to remediate the problem and any damage or injury to human health or the environment, and to avoid a repetition of the problem.

To date the permittee has eliminated the discharge, deployed oil absorbent boom at the outfall as a preventive measure and investigated the cause of the noncomplying discharge. As stated above, spill response personnel evaluated the sheen and determined that due to its characteristics, the oil was not recoverable.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Clifton D. Gibson of my staff at (856) 339-2686.

Sincerely, J me Egers Supe itsor-Environmental Licensing C

NJDEP Southern Enforcement Office One Port Center 2 Riverside Drive, Suite 201 Camden, NJ 08102 Attn: Mr. Steven Mathis U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555