ML071560269
| ML071560269 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Farley  |
| Issue date: | 07/16/2007 |
| From: | Cotton K NRC/NRR/ADRO/DORL/LPLII-1 |
| To: | Jerrica Johnson Southern Nuclear Operating Co |
| Cotton K R, NRR/DORL, 301-415-1438 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML071560291 | List: |
| References | |
| TAC MD5690, TAC MD5691 | |
| Download: ML071560269 (13) | |
Text
July 16, 2007 Mr. J. Randy Johnson Vice President - Farley Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant 7388 North State Highway 95 Columbia, AL 36319
SUBJECT:
JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENTS REGARDING TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION CHANGES TO REFLECT CHANGE IN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE (TAC NOS. MD5690 AND MD5691)
Dear Mr. Johnson:
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 175 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-2 and Amendment No.168 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-8 for the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2 (FNP).
The amendments consist of changes to the technical specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated January 30, 2007, supplemented by your letter dated April 11, 2007.
The amendments revise Section 5 of the TSs to reflect the change in organizational structure for FNP.
A copy of the related Safety Evaluation is also enclosed. A notice of issuance will be included in the Commission's biweekly Federal Register notice.
Sincerely,
/RA/
EMarinos for Karen Cotton, Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-348 and 50-364
Enclosures:
- 1. Amendment No. 175 to NPF-2
- 2. Amendment No. 168 to NPF-8
- 3. Safety Evaluation cc w/encl: See next page
July 16, 2007 Mr. J. Randy Johnson Vice President - Farley Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant 7388 North State Highway 95 Columbia, AL 36319
SUBJECT:
JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENTS REGARDING TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION CHANGES TO REFLECT CHANGE IN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE (TAC NOS. MD5690 AND MD5691)
Dear Mr. Johnson:
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 175 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-2 and Amendment No. 168 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-8 for the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2 (FNP).
The amendments consist of changes to the technical specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated January 30, 2007, supplemented by your letter dated April 11, 2007.
The amendments revise Section 5 of the TSs to reflect the change in organizational structure for FNP.
A copy of the related Safety Evaluation is also enclosed. A notice of issuance will be included in the Commission's biweekly Federal Register notice.
Sincerely,
/RA/
EMarinos for Karen Cotton, Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-348 and 50-364
Enclosures:
- 1. Amendment No. 175 to NPF-2
- 2. Amendment No. 168 to NPF-8
- 3. Safety Evaluation cc w/encl: See next page DISTRIBUTION:
Public RidsAcrsAcnwMailCenter RidsOgcRp LPL2-1 R/F GHill (4 hard copies)
RidsNrrDorlDpr RidsNrrDorlLpl2-1(EMarinos)
RidsNrrDirsItsb RidsNrrPMRMartin (hard copy)
RidsNrrLARSola (hard copy)
RidsNrrPMKCotton (hard copy)
RidsRgn2MailCenter Package No. ML071560291 Amendment No. ML071560269 Tech Spec No. ML NRR-058 OFFICE NRR/LPL2-1/PM NRR/LPL2-1/LA IOLB/BC OGC NRR/LPL2-1/BC NAME KCotton:nc RSola NSalgado EWilliamson EMarinos DATE 6/14/07 6/14/07 7/6/07 7/13/07
/ /07 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
SOUTHERN NUCLEAR OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY DOCKET NO. 50-348 JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNIT 1 AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 175 Renewed License No. NPF-2 1.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) has found that:
A.
The application for amendment by Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
(Southern Nuclear), dated January 30, 2007, supplemented by your letter dated April 11, 2007, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; B.
The facility will operate in conformity with the application, the provisions of the Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; C.
There is reasonable assurance (i) that the activities authorized by this amendment can be conducted without endangering the health and safety of the public, and (ii) that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations; D.
The issuance of this license amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public; and E.
The issuance of this amendment is in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 of the Commission's regulations and all applicable requirements have been satisfied.
2.
Accordingly, the license is amended by changes to the Technical Specifications, as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment; and paragraph 2.C.(2) of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
(2)
Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendices A and B, as revised through Amendment No. 175, are hereby incorporated in the license. Southern Nuclear shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.
3.
This license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 30 days of issuance.
FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
/RA/
Evangelos C. Marinos, Chief Plant Licensing Branch II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Attachment:
Changes to the License and the Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: July 16, 2007
SOUTHERN NUCLEAR OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY DOCKET NO. 50-364 JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNIT 2 AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 168 Renewed License No. NPF-8 1.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) has found that:
A.
The application for amendment by Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
(Southern Nuclear), dated January 30, 2007, supplemented by your letter dated April 11, 2007, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; B.
The facility will operate in conformity with the application, the provisions of the Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; C.
There is reasonable assurance (i) that the activities authorized by this amendment can be conducted without endangering the health and safety of the public, and (ii) that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations; D.
The issuance of this license amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public; and E.
The issuance of this amendment is in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 of the Commission's regulations and all applicable requirements have been satisfied.
2.
Accordingly, the license is amended by changes to the Technical Specifications, as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment; and paragraph 2.C.(2) of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-8 is hereby amended to read as follows:
(2)
Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendices A and B, as revised through Amendment No. 168, are hereby incorporated in the license. Southern Nuclear shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.
3.
This license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 30 days of issuance.
FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
/RA/
Evangelos C. Marinos, Chief Plant Licensing Branch II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Attachment:
Changes to the License and the Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: July 16, 2007
ATTACHMENT TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 175 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-2 AND TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 168 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-8 DOCKET NOS. 50-348 AND 50-364 Replace page 4 of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-2 with the attached revised page 4. The revised page is identified by amendment number and contains a marginal line indicating the area of change.
Replace page 3 of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-8 with the attached revised page 3. The revised page is identified by amendment number and contains a marginal line indicating the area of change.
Replace the following pages of the Appendix A Technical Specifications with the attached revised pages. The revised pages are identified by amendment numbers and contain marginal lines indicating the areas of change.
Remove Insert 5.1-1 5.1.1 5.2-1 5.2-1 5.2-3 5.2-3 5.3-1 5.3-1 5.5-1 5.5-1
SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 175 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-2 AND AMENDMENT NO. 168 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-8 SOUTHERN NUCLEAR OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-348 AND 50-364
1.0 INTRODUCTION
By letter dated January 30, 2007 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession Number ML070310272), supplemented by your letter dated April 11, 2007 (ADAMS Accession Number ML071020498), the Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
(SNC or the licensee) submitted a request for changes to the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant (FNP), Units 1 and 2 Technical Specifications (TSs). The requested changes would revise Section 5 of the TSs to reflect the change in organizational structure for FNP. The supplement dated April 11, 2007, provided additional information that clarified the application, did not expand the scope of the application as originally noticed, and did not change the staffs original proposed no significant hazards consideration determination as published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2007 (72 FR 6790).
SNC stated in the amendment request that it had evaluated the benefits associated with changes to the organization structure and decided to move to a site vice president organizational structure. The evaluation included careful consideration of the licensing requirements and commitments of SNC as the licensed operator of the FNP, Units 1 and 2, Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2, and Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2. The resulting structure is common in the nuclear industry and places a vice president at each plant site and eliminates the project vice president position at the corporate office.
In order to facilitate implementation of the site vice president organizational structure, the position of Vice President, Fleet Operations Support has been added and will be responsible for Nuclear Fleet Security and Emergency Preparedness, in conjunction with the responsibilities previously performed by the Fleet Support General Manager. The Fleet Support General Manager position is being eliminated.
The proposed changes modify various titles and responsibilities are described in Section 5 of the TSs to reflect a site vice president organizational structure.
2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION
Section 182a of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act) requires applicants for nuclear power plant operating licenses to include TSs as a part of the license. The TSs ensure the operational capability of structures, systems, and components that are required to protect the health and safety of the public. The Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRC or the Commission) regulatory requirements that are related to the content of the TSs are contained in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Part 50, Section 50.36. Section 50.36 requires that the TSs include items in the following specific categories: (1) safety limits, limiting safety system settings, and limiting control settings (50.36(c)(1)); (2) limiting conditions for operations (50.36(c)(2)); (3) surveillance requirements (50.36(c)(3)); (4) design features (50.36(c)(4)); and (5) administrative controls (50.36(c)(5)).
Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.90, a licensee may apply for an amendment to its license, including the TSs incorporated into the license. In determining the acceptability of the proposed changes, the NRC staff interprets the requirements of the current version of 10 CFR 50.36. Within this general framework, licensees may revise their current TSs provided that a plant-specific review supports a finding of continued adequate safety because: (1) the change is editorial, administrative, or produces clarification (i.e., no requirements are materially altered); (2) the change is more restrictive than the licensees current requirement; or (3) the change is less restrictive than the licensees current requirement, but continues to afford adequate assurance of safety when judged against current regulatory standards.
The NRC staff finds that the licensee discussed the applicable regulatory guidance for revising the plant-specific personnel titles in Enclosure 1 of its January 30, 2007 application. The NRC staffs review was based on the guidance provided by Regulatory Guide 1.8, Qualification and Training of Personnel for Nuclear Power Plants, Revision 2.
3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION
The NRC staff has reviewed the licensee's regulatory and technical analyses in support to its proposed license amendment, as follows. The staffs review is based on the following clarification and TS changes proposed by SNC.
TS 5.1.1 for FNP designates the responsibilities for overall unit operation. TS 5.1.1 for FNP also include the designation of the person responsible for approval of tests, experiments or modifications to systems or equipment that affect nuclear safety. The NRC staff noted in its review, that if the responsibility for this function were elevated from the Plant Manager to the Vice President - Farley, the TS 5.3.1, Unit Staff Qualifications, referencing American National Standards Institute (ANSI) N18.1-1971 would not capture the qualification requirements for the Vice President - Farley. However, the licensee responded to this issue in a letter dated April 11, 2007, clarifying that SNC views the title plant manager in ANSI N18.1-1971 to also apply to the position that SNC has designated as the Vice President - Farley.
The NRC staff regards the ANSI N18.1-1971, Section 4.2 definition of plant managers to be consistent with the General Manager - Nuclear Plant position currently specified in the FNP TSs.
The qualifications for the generic title "plant manager" in ANSI N18.1-1971, Section 4.2.1, are understood by SNC to apply to the top ranking position that is a member of the onsite operating organization, as described in ANSI N18.1-1971, Section 3.2. Section 3.2.1 notes that the plant manager may be called plant superintendent, or other title. In the case of the SNC organization, the vice president is the top position of the onsite operating organization.
Therefore, the qualification requirements for "plant manager" provided in ANSI N18.1-1971 apply to the vice president located at each SNC plant. Accordingly, the vice president located at each SNC plant will meet the qualification requirements of ANSI N18.1-1971 necessary to approve: (1) tests, experiments, and modifications to systems or equipment that affect nuclear safety; and (2) the ODCM [offsite dose calculation manual].
SNC proposes to modify Technical Specification 5.3.1 for FNP to define the Vice President - Farley and Plant Manager as members of the unit staff. Defining the Vice President - Farley and Plant Manager as members of the unit staff provides clarification that the minimum qualification requirements of ANSI N18.1-1971 apply to both the Vice President - Farley and Plant Manager.
Accordingly, SNC proposes to modify TS 5.3.1, Unit Staff Qualifications for FNP, to clarify that both the Vice President - Farley and the Plant Manager will meet the minimum qualifications of ANSI N18.1-1971. This is acceptable to the NRC staff because it will continue to impose the ANSI N18.1-1971 qualification requirements on the position responsible for overall unit operation and the position responsible for approval of tests, experiments, and modifications.
TS 5.1 Responsibility TS 5.1.1 will be changed to state that the Plant Manager shall be responsible for overall unit operation and shall delegate in writing the succession to this responsibility during his absence in place of the General Manger - Nuclear Plant in the existing TSs. The NRC staff finds these terms to be equivalent for this purpose, and, therefore, to constitute no change to the TS requirements and to be acceptable.
TS 5.1.1 would also be changed to elevate the responsibility from the General Manager -
Nuclear Plant or his designee to Vice President - Farley or his designee to approve, prior to implementation, each proposed test, experiment, or modification to systems or equipment that affect nuclear safety. This change is more restrictive than the licensees current requirement and is acceptable.
TS 5.2.1 Onsite and Offsite Organizations TS 5.2.1.b will be changed to sate that the Plant Manager shall be responsible for overall safe operation of the plant and shall have control over those onsite activities necessary for safe operation and maintenance of the plant in place of the General Manger - Nuclear Plant in the existing TSs. The NRC staff finds these terms to be equivalent for this purpose, and, therefore, to constitute no change to the TS requirements and to be acceptable.
TS 5.2.1.c will be changed to state that Vice President - Farley shall have corporate responsibility for overall plant nuclear safety and shall take any measures needed to ensure acceptable performance of the staff in operating, maintaining, and providing technical support to the plant to ensure nuclear safety in place of the Vice President - Nuclear in the existing TSs.
The NRC staff finds these terms to be generally equivalent and provide a more specific description of the position having this responsibility. On this basis, the NRC staff finds the change acceptable. The proposed change is also consistent with the STS.
TS 5.2.2 Unit Staff TS 5.2.2.e will be changed to state that controls shall be included in the procedures such that individual excess overtime shall be reviewed by the Plant Manager or his designee to assure the excessive hours were authorized and they do not become routine in place of the General Manager - Nuclear Plant stated by the existing TSs. The NRC staff finds these terms to be equivalent for this purpose, and, therefore, to constitute no change to the TS requirements and to be acceptable.
TS 5.5.1 Offsite Does Calculation Manual (ODCM)
TS 5.5.1.b for changes to the ODCM will be revised to state that the changed ODCM shall become effective after the approval by the Vice President - Farley in place of the Geneal Manager - Nuclear Plant stated by the existing TSs. This change is more restrictive than the licensees current requirement and is acceptable.
Summary On the bases discussed above, the NRC staff concludes that the new staff position titles, qualification and experience requirements, and responsibilities continue to meet the guidance of ANSI N18.1-1971 and are acceptable.
4.0 STATE CONSULTATION
In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the State of Alabama official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendments. The State official had no comments.
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION
The amendments relate to changes in recordkeeping, reporting, or administrative procedures or requirements. Accordingly, the amendments meet the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(10). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b) no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendments.
6.0 CONCLUSION
The Commission has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that (1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations, and (3) the issuance of the amendments will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.
Principal Contributor: Karen Cotton Date: July 16, 2007
Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Units 1 & 2 cc:
Mr. B. D. McKinney, Licensing Manager Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 1295 Birmingham, AL 35201-1295 Mr. M. Stanford Blanton Balch and Bingham Law Firm P.O. Box 306 1710 Sixth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35201 Mr. J. Gasser Executive Vice President Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 1295 Birmingham, AL 35201 State Health Officer Alabama Department of Public Health 434 Monroe St.
Montgomery, AL 36130-1701 Chairman Houston County Commission P.O. Box 6406 Dothan, AL 36302 Resident Inspector U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 7388 N. State Highway 95 Columbia, AL 36319 William D. Oldfield SAER Supervisor Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 470 Ashford, AL 36312