Text

Issuance of Amendment Revision of Technical Specifications (Tss) 3.8.4, DC Sources-Operating,
	ML082970264
Person / Time
Site:	Susquehanna
Issue date:	12/11/2008
From:	Bhalchandra Vaidya; Plant Licensing Branch 1
To:	Spence W; Susquehanna
	vaidya B, NRR/Dorl/lpl1-1, 415-3308
References
	TAC MD8464, TAC MD8465
	Download: ML082970264 (24)
	v • d • e

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 December 11, 2008 Mr. William H. Spence Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Nuclear Officer PPL Corporation Two North Ninth Street, GENTW16 Allentown, PA 18101-1179

SUBJECT:

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 - ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT RE: REVISION OF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3.8.4, "DC SOURCES - OPERATING," (TAC NOS. MD8464 AND MD8465)

Dear Mr. Spence:

The Commission has issued the enclosed Amendment N0248 to Facility Operating License No.

NPF-14 and Amendment N0227 to Facility Operating License No. NPF-22 for the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES), Units 1 and 2. These amendments consist of changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated March 28, 2008, as supplemented by letter dated August 29, 2008.

The amendments revised PPL Susquehanna, LLC, Units 1 and 2 (PPL) Technical Specifications (TSs) 3.8.4, "DC Sources - Operating," to establish two new Conditions, A and B, the associated Required Actions with their completion times, and also, to make some editorial and administrative changes.

A copy of our safety evaluation is also enclosed. The Notice of Issuance will be included in the Commission's next regular Biweekly Federal Register Notice.

Sincerely, Bhalchandra K. Vaidya, Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch 1-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-387 and 50-388

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 248 to License No. NPF-14

2. Amendment No. 227 to License No. NPF-22

3. Safety Evaluation cc w/encls: Distribution via ListServe

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 PPL SUSQUEHANNA, LLC ALLEGHENY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

DOCKET NO. 50-387 SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNIT 1 AMENDMENT TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment N0248 License No. NPF-14

1.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission or the NRC) has found that:

A.

The application for the amendment filed by PPL Susquehanna, LLC, dated March 28, 2008, as supplemented by letter dated August 29,2008, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's 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 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 set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; D.

The issuance of this 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

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 the Facility Operating License No. NPF-14 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(2)

Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No.248 and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, are hereby incorporated in the license. PPL Susquehanna, LLC shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

3.

This license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 30 days from the date of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Mark G. Kowal, Chief Plant Licensing Branch 1-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Changes to the License and Technical Specifications Date of Issuance:

December 11, 2008

ATTACHMENT TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO.248 FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-14 DOCKET NO. 50-387 Replace the following page of the Facility Operating License with the attached revised page.

The revised page is identified by amendment number and contains marginal lines indicating the areas of change.

REMOVE INSERT 3

3 Replace the following pages of the Appendix A Technical Specifications with the attached revised pages. The revised pages are identified by amendment number and contain marginal lines indicating the areas of change.

REMOVE INSERT 3.8-23 3.8-23 3.8-23a 3.8-24 3.8-24 3.8-26 3.8-26

-3 (4)

PPL Susquehanna, LLC, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, and 70, to receive, possess, and use in amounts as required any byproduct, source or special nuclear material without restriction to chemical or physical form, for sample analysis or instrument calibration or associated with radioactive apparatus or components; and (5)

PPL Susquehanna, LLC, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, and 70, to possess, but not separate, such byproduct and special nuclear materials as may be produced by the operation of the facility.

C. This license shall be deemed to contain and is subject to the conditions specified in the Commission's regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I and is subject to all applicable provisions of the Act and to the rules, regulations and orders of the Commission now or hereafter in effect; and is subject to the additional conditions specified or incorporated below:

(1)

Maximum Power Level PPL Susquehanna, LLC is authorized to operate the facility at reactor core power levels not in excess of 3952 megawatts thermal in accordance with the conditions specified herein. The preoperational tests, startup tests and other items identified in License Conditions 2.C.(36), 2.C.(37), 2.C.(38), and 2.C.(39) to this license shall be completed as specified.

(2)

Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment N02493nd the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B are hereby incorporated in the license. PPL Susquehanna, LLC shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

For Surveillance Requirements (SRs) that are new in Amendment 178 to Facility Operating License No. NPF-14, the first performance is due at the end of the first surveillance interval that begins at implementation of Amendment 178. For SRs that existed prior to Amendment 178, including SRs with modified acceptance criteria and SRs whose frequency of performance is being extended, the first performance is due at the end of the first surveillance interval that begins on the date the Surveillance was last performed prior to implementation of Amendment 178.

(3)

Conduct of Work Activities During Fuel Load and Initial Startup The operating licensee shall review by committee all facility construction, Preoperational Testing, and System Demonstration activities performed concurrently with facility initial fuel loading or with the facility Startup Test Amendment No.5, +4J, ~, 4-W, 4-M, ~, ~~, 23+, ass. ~, 24(), ~, ~, zas. ~, ~, 249, 247, 248

PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating 3.8.4 3.8.4 DC Sources-Operating LCO 3.8.4 The DC electrical power subsystems in Table 3.8.4-1 shall be OPERABLE.

APPLICABILITY:

MODES 1, 2, and 3.

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME A. -------------NOTE-----------

Not applicable to DG E DC electrical power system One Unit 1 battery charger on one 125 VDC electrical power subsystem inoperable.

A.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months One Unit 1 battery charger on 250 VDC Division II electrical power subsystem inoperable.

A.2 Verify battery float current s 2 amps.

AND Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months Two Unit 1 battery chargers on 250 VDC Division 1 electrical power subsystem inoperable.

A.3 Restore battery charger(s) to OPERABLE Status.

72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months (continued)

SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 1 TS / 3.8-23 Amendment -++S, 248

3.8.4 ACTIONS (continued)

CONDITION B. -------------NOTE-----------

Not applicable to DG E DC electrical power system One Unit 1 125 VDC battery bank inoperable.

OR One Unit 1 250 VDC battery bank inoperable.

C. ------------NOTE-----------

Not applicable to DG E DC electrical power subsystem.

One Unit 1 DC electrical power subsystem inoperable for reasons other than Condition A or B.

D. Two or more Unit 1 subsystems inoperable.

OR Required Action and Associated Completion Time of Conditions A, B, or C not met.

SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 1 REQUIRED ACTION B.1 Restore battery bank to OPERABLE status.

C.1 Restore Unit 1 DC electrical power subsystem to OPERABLE status.

D.1 Be in MODE 3.

AND D.2 Be in MODE 4.

TS / 3.8-23a PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating COMPLETION TIME 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months 2 hours 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months 36 hours (continued)

Amendment248

3.8.4 PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating ACTIONS (continued)

CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME E. Diesel Generator E DC electrical power subsystem inoperable, when not aligned to the Class 1E distribution system.

E.1 Verify that all ESW valves associated with Diesel Generator E are closed.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months F. Diesel Generator E DC electrical power subsystem inoperable, when aligned to the Class 1E distribution system.

F.1 Declare Diesel Generator E inoperable.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.8.4.1 Verify battery terminal voltage is greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

7 days SR 3.8.4.2 Verify each required battery charger supplies its associated battery at the following rates for ~ 4 hours4.62963e-5 days 0.00111 hours 6.613757e-6 weeks 1.522e-6 months at greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltages.

a.

~ 100 amps for the 125V Battery

b.

~ 300 amps for the 250V Battery

c.

~ 200 amps for the 125V Diesel Generator E Battery 24 months (continued)

SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 1 TS /3.8-24 Amendment m, 2JS, 248

PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating 3.8.4 Table 3.8.4-1 (page 1 of 1)

Unit 1 and DG E DC Electrical Power Subsystems VOLTAGE DIVISION I DIVISION II 250 V 10650 (Battery Bank) 10653A (Charger) or 10653B (Charger)

'10660 (Battery Bank) 10663 (Charger) 125 V Subsystem A 10610 (Battery Bank A) 10613 (Charger A)

Subsystem C 10630 (Battery Bank C) 10633 (Charger C)

Subsystem B 10620 (Battery Bank B) 10623 (Charger B)

Subsystem 0 10640 (Battery Bank D) 10643 (Charger D) 125 V 00595 Battery Bank E 00596 (Charger)

SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 1 TS / 3.8-26 Amendment ~, ~, 248

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555*0001 PPL SUSQUEHANNA. LLC ALLEGHENY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

DOCKET NO. 50-388 SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNIT 2 AMENDMENT TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment NO.227 License No. NPF-22

1.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission or the NRC) has found that:

A.

The application for the amendment filed by the PPL Susquehanna, LLC, dated March 28, 2008, as supplemented by letter dated August 29, 2008, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's 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 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 set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; D.

The issuance of this 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

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 the Facility Operating License No. NPF-22 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(2)

Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 227 and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, are hereby incorporated in the license. PPL Susquehanna, LLC shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

3.

This license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 30 days from the date of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Mark G. Kowal, Chief Plant Licensing Branch 1-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Changes to the License and Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: December 11, 2008

ATTACHMENT TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 227 FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-22 DOCKET NO. 50-388 Replace the following page of the Facility Operating License with the attached revised page.

The revised page is identified by amendment number and contains marginal lines indicating the areas of change.

REMOVE INSERT 3

3 Replace the following pages of the Appendix A Technical Specifications with the attached revised pages. The revised pages are identified by amendment number and contain marginal lines indicating the areas of change.

REMOVE INSERT 3.8-26 3.8-26 3.8-26a 3.8-27 3.8-27 3.8-30 3.8-30

-3 (4)

PPL Susquehanna, LLC, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, and 70, to receive, possess, and use in amounts as required any byproduct, source or special nuclear material without restriction to chemical or physical form, for sample analysis or instrument calibration or associated with radioactive apparatus or components; and (5)

PPL Susquehanna, LLC, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, and 70, to possess, but not separate, such byproduct and special nuclear materials as may be produced by the operation of the facility.

C. This license shall be deemed to contain and is subject to the conditions specified in the Commission's regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I and is subject to all applicable provisions of the Act and to the rules, regulations and orders of the Commission now or hereafter in effect; and is subject to the additional conditions specified or incorporated below:

(1)

Maximum Power Level PPL Susquehanna, LLC is authorized to operate the facility at reactor core power levels not in excess of 3952 megawatts thermal in accordance with the conditions specified herein. The preoperational test, startup tests and other items identified in License Conditions 2.C.(20), 2.C.(21), 2.C.(22), and 2.C.(23) to this license shall be completed as specified.

(2)

Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment N0227and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, are hereby incorporated in the license. PPL Susquehanna, LLC shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

For Surveillance Requirements (SRs) that are new in Amendment 151 to Facility Operating License No. NPF-22, the first performance is due at the end of the first surveillance interval that begins at implementation of Amendment 151. For SRs that existed prior to Amendment 151, including SRs with modified acceptance criteria and SRs whose frequency of performance is being extended, the first performance is due at the end of the first surveillance interval that begins on the date the Surveillance was last performed prior to implementation of Amendment 151.

2.C.(3)

PPL Susquehanna, LLC shall implement and maintain in effect all provisions of the approved fire protection program as described in the Fire Protection Review Report for the facility and as approved in Fire Protection Program, Section 9.5, SER, SSER#1, SSER#2, SSER#3, SSER#4, SSER#6, Safety Evaluation of Fire Protection dated August 9, 1989, Safety Evaluation Amendment No. -+, 2, -+ro, -+W, -+a-+, ~, -+G2, -+W, 2-+2, 2-+J, 2-+4, 2-+5, +e, 2+-7, 2-+3, 2+9, 22Q, 22-+,~, 22J, 224, ~,~, 227

3.8.4 PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating 3.8 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS 3.8.4 DC Sources-Operating LCO 3.8.4 The DC electrical power subsystems in Table 3.8.4-1 shall be OPERABLE.

APPLICABILITY:

MODES 1, 2, and 3.

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME A. ------------NOTE-----------

Not applicable to DG E DC electrical power system One Unit 2 battery charger on one 125 VDC electrical power subsystem inoperable.

A.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months One Unit 2 battery charger on 250 VDC Division II electrical power subsystem inoperable.

A.2 Verify battery float current s 2 amps.

AND Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months Two Unit 2 battery chargers on 250 VDC Division 1 electrical power subsystem inoperable.

A.3 Restore battery charger(s) to OPERABLE Status.

72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months (conti nued)

SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 2 TS / 3.8-26 Amendment +a+227

3.8.4 PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating ACTIONS (continued)

CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME B. -------------NOTE-----------

Not applicable to DG E DC electrical power system One Unit 2 125 VDC battery bank inoperable.

OR One Unit 2 250 VDC battery bank inoperable.

B.1 Restore battery bank to OPERABLE status.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months C. ------------NOTE-----------

Not applicable to DG E DC electrical power subsystem.

One Unit 2 DC electrical power subsystem inoperable for reasons other than Conditions A or B.

C.1 Restore Unit 2 DC electrical power subsystem to OPERABLE status.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months D. Two or more Unit 2 subsystems inoperable.

OR D.1 Be in MODE 3.

AND 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months Required Action and Associated Completion Time of Conditions A, B or C not met.

D.2 Be in MODE 4 36 hours4.166667e-4 days 0.01 hours 5.952381e-5 weeks 1.3698e-5 months (continued)

SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 2 TS / 3.8-26a Amendment 227

3.8.4 ACTIONS (continued)

CONDITION E.

Diesel Generator E DC electrical power subsystem inoperable, when not aligned to the Class 1E distribution system.

F.

Diesel Generator E DC electrical power subsystem inoperable, when aligned to the Class 1E distribution system.

G.

One or more Unit 1 DC electrical power subsystem(s) inoperable.

H.

Required Actions and associated Completion Times of Condition E not met.

REQUIRED ACTION E.1 Verify that all ESW valves associated with Diesel Generator E are closed.

F.1 Declare Diesel Generator E inoperable.

G.1 Transfer associated Unit 1 and common loads to corresponding Unit 2 DC electrical power subsystem.

AND G.2 Restore Unit 1 and common loads to corresponding Unit 1 DC electrical power subsystem.

H.1 Declare associated common loads inoperable.

PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating COMPLETION TIME 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months 2 hours 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months 72 hours after Unit 1 DC electrical power subsystem is restored to OPERABLE status.

Immediately SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 2 TS / 3.8-27 Amendment +&+,227

3.8.4 PPL Rev.

DC Sources-Operating Table 3.8.4-1 (page 1 of 1)

Unit 2 and DG E DC Electrical Power Subsystems VOLTAGE DIVISION I DIVISION II 250 V 2D650 (Battery Bank) 2D660 (Battery Bank) 2D653A (Charger) or 2D653B (Charger) 2D663 (Charger) 125 V Unit 1 Subsystem A Unit 1 Subsystem B 1D610 (Battery Bank A) 1D620 (Battery Bank B) 1D613 (Charger A) 1D623 (Charger B)

Unit 2 Subsystem A Unit 2 Subsystem B 2D610 (Battery Bank A) 2D620 (Battery Bank B) 2D613 (Charger A) 2D623 (Charger B)

Unit 1 Subsystem C Unit 1 Subsystem D 1D630 (Battery Bank C) 1D640 (Battery Bank D) 1D633 (Charger C) 1D643 (Charger D)

Unit 2 Subsystem C Unit 2 Subsystem D 2D630 (Battery Bank C) 2D640 (Battery Bank D) 2D633 (Charger C) 2D643 (Charger D) 125 V OD595 (Battery Bank E)

OD596 (Charger)

SUSQUEHANNA - UNIT 2 TS / 3.8-30 Amendment 1-61, 2-+a, 227

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 248 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-14 AND AMENDMENT NO.2??

TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-22 PPL SUSQUEHANNA, LLC ALLEGHENY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-387 AND 388

1.0 INTRODUCTION

By application dated March 28, 2008 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML080980030), as supplemented by letter dated August 29,2008 (ADAMS Accession No. ML082600483), PPL Susquehanna, LLC (the licensee), requested changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) for Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 (SSES-1 and 2). The supplemental letter dated August 29, 2008, provided additional information that clarified the application, did not expand the scope of the application as originally noticed, and did not change the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (f\\IRC) staff's original proposed no significant hazards consideration determination as published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2008 (73 FR 25044).

The proposed changes would revise PPL Susquehanna, LLC, Units 1 and 2 (PPL) TS 3.8.4, "DC Sources - Operating," to establish two new Conditions, A and B, the associated Required Actions with their completion times, and also, make some editorial and administrative changes.

2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Section 50.36, "Technical specifications,"

includes the regulatory requirements related to the contents of the TSs. Specifically, 10 CFR 50.36(c)(1 )(ii)(A) states, "Where a limiting safety system setting is specified for a variable on which a safety limit has been placed, the setting must be so chosen that automatic protective action will correct the abnormal situation before a safety limit is exceeded." 10 CFR 50.36(c)(2)(i) states that "Limiting conditions for operation are the lowest functional capability or performance levels of equipment required for safe operation of the facility." In addition, 10 CFR 50.36(c)(3) states, "Surveillance requirements are requirements relating to test, calibration, or inspection to assure that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained, that facility operation will be within safety limits, and that the limiting conditions for operation will be met."

The regulations in 10 CFR, Appendix A of Part 50, General Design Criterion (GDC) 17, "Electric Power Systems," requires, in part, that nuclear power plants have onsite and offsite electric power systems to permit the functioning of structures, systems, and components that are

- 2 important to safety. The onsite system is required to have sufficient independence, redundancy, and testability to perform its safety function, assuming a single failure. Electric power from the transmission network to the onsite electric distribution system is required to be supplied by two physically independent circuits that are designed and located so as to minimize, to the extent practical, the likelihood of their simultaneous failure under operating and postulated accident and environmental conditions. In addition, this criterion requires provisions to minimize the probability of losing electric power from the remaining electric power supplies as a result of a loss of power from the unit, the offsite transmission network, or the onsite power supplies.

GDC 18, "Inspection and Testing of Electric Power Systems," requires that electric power systems that are important to safety be designed to permit appropriate periodic inspection and testing.

~..

10 CFR 50.63 requires that all nuclear plants have the capability to withstand a loss of all alternating current (AC) power (station blackout (SBO)) for an established period of time, and to recover there from.

Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.6, "Independence between Redundant Standby (Onsite) Power Sources and Between Their Distribution Systems," describes an acceptable degree of independence between redundant standby (onsite) power sources and between their distribution systems.

RG 1.75, "Physical Independence of Electric Systems," describes physical independence requirements of the circuits and electric equipment that comprise or are associated with safety systems.

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

3.1 Description of SSES DC System For each unit, the Class 1E DC system consists of two 250 volt (V) DC subsystems, four 125 V DC subsystems and two +/-24 V DC subsystems. The Class 1E DC systems are required to ensure the availability of DC power to cope with a SBO in accordance with 10 CFR 50.63, "Loss of all alternating current power" and safely shutdown the reactor.

The 250 V DC subsystems provide electrical power to motor driven pumps and valves, inverters for the plant computer, and vital 120 V AC power supplies. The Division I 250 V DC subsystem contains one 250 V battery bank, one load center, two equal capacity chargers, either of which can recharge the battery and motor control centers. The Division II 250 V DC subsystem consists of one 250 V battery bank, one distribution load center, one battery charger, and motor control centers.

The 125 V DC electrical system for each unit consists of four separate and independent Class 1E subsystems. Each 125 V DC subsystem consists of one load center, one Class 1E and one non-Class 1E distribution panel, one 125 V battery bank, and one battery charger. The non Class 'IE distribution panel is connected to the Class 1E DC power supply through an isolation system. Each of the 125 V DC subsystems provides control power for its associated Class 1E load center, consisting of 4.16 kilovolt switchgear, 480 V load center, and a standby diesel generator. The battery charger of each system is supplied with 480 V Class 1E AC power from the motor control center associated with the same load group channel. One spare 125 V battery charger is provided for both SSES units.

- 3 3.2 Evaluation of Proposed TS 3.8.4 (DC Sources - Operating) Changes The licensee proposed adding two new Conditions and their associated Required Actions and Completion Times (CT) to TS 3.8.4, "DC Sources - Operating." Furthermore, the licensee proposes additional editorial/administrative changes to TS 3.8.4.

3.2.1 TS 3.8.4 Change (1) - New Condition A New Condition A, with associated Required Actions and CTs, addresses situations of (1) an inoperable Class 1E battery charger in the 250 V DC Division II or 125 V DC subsystems or (2) both 250 V DC Division I battery chargers inoperable.

New Required Action A.1 would require restoring battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months .

New Required Action A.2 would require verification that battery float voltage is S 2 amps once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months .

New Required Action A.3 would require restoring the required battery charger(s) to OPERABLE status within 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months .

The proposed change to TS 3.8.4 addresses the condition where one required 250 V Division II or 125 V DC subsystem battery charger is inoperable or both 250 V DC Division I battery chargers are inoperable. The licensee proposes to increase the battery charger CT from 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months to 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months , provided that it is able to restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months , and is able to verify that battery float current is less than or equal to 2 amps once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months . The battery charger, in addition to maintaining battery operability, provides DC control power to AC circuit breakers and thus, supports the recovery of AC power following events such as loss of offsite power or SBO. New Required Action A.1 would provide assurance that a battery discharge is terminated, by requiring that the battery terminal voltage be restored to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage (129 V DC for the 125 V DC systems, and 258 V DC for the 250 V DC subsystems) in 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months . This time period provides an allowance for returning an inoperable charger to operable status or for reestablishing an alternate means of restoring battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

In its August 29, 2008, supplemental letter, the licensee stated that the alternate means being credited for the extended battery charger CT would be a charger of sufficient capacity such that it is fully capable of restoring the battery terminal voltage and float current values to the minimum acceptable limits, carrying respective DC bus loads, and maintaining the battery in a fully charged condition.

In response to the NRC staff's request for additional information regarding maintaining electrical isolation in accordance with RG 1.75 when an alternate means is maintaining the charge on the Class IE battery, the licensee stated in its August 29, 2008, supplemental letter that double circuit isolation from the non-Class 1E charger to the Class 1E DC battery is provided. The double circuit isolation consists of Class 1E fuses on each positive and negative leg of the 125 V DC and 250 V DC Class 1E batteries as well as an output circuit breaker on the temporary DC charger. Additional protection is provided by an output fuse and an input circuit breaker on the temporary charger.

- 4 The licensee stated that "New Required Action A.1 provides assurance that the battery discharge is terrninated and that the battery will be restored to its fully charged condition from any discharge that might have occurred due to the battery charger being inoperable. [...] At the end of the 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months , a terminal voltage of at least the minimum established float voltage provides an indication that the battery is on the exponential charging current portion of its recharging cycle."

New Required Action A.2 would require that once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months , the battery float current be verified to be less than or equal to 2 amps. The licensee stated that this provides an indication that, "if the battery has been discharged as the result of an inoperable battery charger, it has now been fully charged. If at the expiration of the 12-hour period, the battery float current is not less than or equal to 2 amps, there may be additional problems and the battery is considered inoperable." The licensee further stated that this verification provides assurance that the battery has sufficient capacity to perform its safety function.

Given that (1) the DC bus remains energized, (2) the battery discharge is terminated based on restoration of the battery terminal voltage (New Required Action A.1), and (3) the battery is fully recharged based upon battery float current (New Required Action A.2), the licensee has established a reasonable basis for extending the restoration time for an inoperable battery charger beyond the existing 2-hour limit to 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months (New Required Action A.3). The NRC staff's approval of the extended CT for the SSES battery chargers is based on the availability of a spare battery charger that is appropriately sized as well as electrically isolated and the alignment of the battery charger CT within the 72-hour TS CT for the SSES emergency diesel generators. Moreover, as the addition of Conditions A and B do not affect the independence, redundancy, testability or the ability of the DC systems to perform their safety functions, SSES continues to meet GDC 17, GDC 18, and the guidance provided in RG 1.6.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that there is reasonable assurance that safe plant conditions will continue to be maintained; therefore, the proposed change is acceptable.

3.2.2 TS 3.8.4 Change (2) - New Condition B New Condition B, with associated Required Actions and CTs, addresses the situation of an inoperable Class 1E battery bank in the 250 V DC or 125 V DC subsystems.

New Required Action B.1 would require restoring the battery bank to OPERABLE status within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months .

The licensee proposed adding new Condition B with an associated Required Action and CT, to address an inoperable battery separately from an inoperable battery charger. The new Condition address the situation in which one required battery becomes inoperable. The current 2-hour CT will remain for an inoperable battery. The addition of the new Condition will allow a 2 hour2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months CT to restore battery operability prior to declaring supported systems inoperable or initiating a plant shutdown. Furthermore, the licensee stated that the 2-hour limit allows sufficient time to effect restoration of an inoperable battery bank as many of the conditions leading to battery inoperability (i.e. loss of battery charger, inadequate battery cell voltage, etc.) are identified elsewhere in TS 3.8.4, 3.8.5, and 3.8.6.

The NRC staff finds that the new Condition simply specifies more discrete equipment than the current Condition and does not change any existing requirements. Since no existing requirements are changed, the NRC staff concludes that there is reasonable assurance that

- 5 safe plant conditions will continue to be maintained; therefore, the proposed addition of new Conditions B is acceptable.

3.2.3 TS 3.8.4 Change (3) - Editorial/Administrative Furthermore, the licensee proposes additional editorial/administrative changes to TS 3.8.4 as follows:

SSES Unit 1: (1) the existing Condition A Note is added to new Conditions A and B, (2) existing Condition A is renamed Condition C, (3) existing Conditions B, C, and Dare renamed Conditions D, E, and F, respectively, (4) renamed Condition D is changed to maintain consistency with the intent of the current TS by requiring entry into Mode 3 within 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months and Mode 4 within 36 hours4.166667e-4 days 0.01 hours 5.952381e-5 weeks 1.3698e-5 months for two or more subsystems inoperable, (4) Table 3.8.4-1 is revised to clarify the identity of the battery banks, battery chargers, and subsystems.

SSES Unit 2: (1) the existing Condition A Note is added to new Conditions A and B, (2) existing Condition A is renamed Condition C, (3) existing Conditions B, C, D, E, and F are renamed Conditions D, E, F, G, and H, respectively, (4) renamed Condition D is changed to maintain consistency with the intent of the current TS by requiring entry into Mode 3 within 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months and Mode 4 within 36 hours4.166667e-4 days 0.01 hours 5.952381e-5 weeks 1.3698e-5 months for two or more subsystems inoperable, (4) Table 3.8.4-1 is revised to clarify the identity of the battery banks, battery chargers, and subsystems.

Adding the existing Condition A Note to new Conditions A and B does not change any existing requirements. Therefore, the NRC staff concludes that there is reasonable assurance that safe plant conditions will continue to be maintained; therefore, the proposed changes are acceptable.

The NRC staff considers redesignating existing SSES Unit 1 TS 3.8.4 Conditions A, B, C, and D as Conditions C, D, E, and F, respectively, to reflect the addition of new Conditions A and B to be administrative in nature and, therefore, acceptable. Similarly, the NRC staff considers redesignating existing SSES Unit 2 TS 3.8.4 Conditions A, B, C, D, E, and F as Conditions C, D, E, F, G, and H, respectively, to reflect the addition of new Conditions A and B to be administrative in nature and, therefore, acceptable.

New Condition D requires entry when two or more subsystems are inoperable. In the LAR, the licensee stated that the change is necessary to assure that the TSs require SSES Unit 1 or 2 to be in Mode 3 and Mode 4 within a CT consistent with the current TS. For example, without revised Condition D, Condition A would be entered for an inoperable battery charger and Condition B for an inoperable battery bank. If these Required Actions and CTs were not met, Condition D would be entered and could result for SSES Unit 1 or 2 to be in Mode 3 within 14 hours1.62037e-4 days 0.00389 hours 2.314815e-5 weeks 5.327e-6 months and Mode 4 within 38 hours4.398148e-4 days 0.0106 hours 6.283069e-5 weeks 1.4459e-5 months , which is inconsistent with the current TS. As such, the licensee proposed revising Condition D to prevent allowing additional time to enter Mode 3 and Mode 4. The NRC staff finds that the proposed change to avoid introducing additional time to reach Mode 3 and Mode 4, is conservative, maintains the intent of the current TS and, therefore, is acceptable.

The NRC staff also finds that the licensee's proposed changes to Table 3.8.4-1 are editorial and, therefore, they are acceptable.

- 6 3,3 Conclusion - Technical Evaluation Based on the above evaluation, the NRC staff finds the proposed revisions to the SSES, Units 1 and 2, TSs are reasonable. Furthermore, the NRC staff finds that the proposed changes will continue to ensure the availability of the required DC power to shut down the SSES Units 1 and 2 reactors and to maintain the reactors in a safe condition after an anticipated operational occurrence or a postulated design-basis accident. The NRC staff also concludes that the proposed TS changes do not affect SSES's compliance with the requirements of GDC 17 and GDC 18,10 CFR 50.36, and 10 CFR 50.63, Therefore, the NRC staff finds the proposed changes acceptable.

4.0 STATE CONSULTATION

In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Pennsylvania State official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendments. The State official had no comments.

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

The amendments change a requirement with respect to installation or use of a facility component located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20. The NRC staff has determined that the amendments involve no significant increase in the amounts, and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a proposed finding that the amendments involve no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding (May 6, 2008 (73 FR 25044)). Accordingly, the amendments meet the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). 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: S. Ray Date: December 11, 2008

December 11, 2008 Mr. William H. Spence Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Nuclear Officer PPL Corporation Two North Ninth Street, GENTW16 Allentown, PA 18101-1179

SUBJECT:

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 -ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT RE: REVISION OF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3.8.4, "DC SOURCES - OPERATING," (TAC NOS. MD8464 AND MD8465)

Dear Mr. Spence:

The Commission has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 248 to Facility Operating License No. NPF-14 and Amendment No. 227 to Facility Operating License No. NPF-22 for the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES), Units 1 and 2. These amendments consist of changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated March 28, 2008, as supplemented by letter dated August 29, 2008.

The amendments revised PPL Susquehanna, LLC, Units 1 and 2 (PPL) Technical Specifications (TSs) 3.8.4, "DC Sources - Operating," to establish two new Conditions, A and B, the associated Required Actions with their completion times, and also, to make some editorial and administrative changes.

A copy of our safety evaluation is also enclosed. Notice of Issuance will be included in the Commission's next regular Biweekly Federal Register Notice.

Sincerely,

/raj Bhalchandra K. Vaidya, Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch 1-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-387 and 50-388

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 248 to License No. NPF-14

2. Amendment No. 227 to License No. NPF-22

3. Safety Evaluation cc w/encls: Distribution via ListServe DISTRIBUTION PUBLIC LPLI-1 RF RidsNrrDorlLPL1-1 RidsNrrPMBVaidya(hard copy)

S. Little(hard copy)

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ITSB/BCI OGC LPLI-1/BC NAME BVaidya SLittie GWilson RElliot (w/comments)

.IBieleccki MKowal DATE 10/29/08 10/29/08 10/22/08 11/3108 11/18/08 12/10108 OFFICIAL RECORD COpy

v t e Letter Sequence Approval
TAC:MD8464, (Approved, Closed) TAC:MD8465, (Approved, Closed)
Initiation Request, Request Acceptance... Administration Questions Answers Results Approval Other:
MONTHYEAR2008-03-28 [Table View]

ML082970264

Text

SUBJECT:

Dear Mr. Spence:

Enclosures:

Attachment:

Attachment:

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

4.0 STATE CONSULTATION

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

6.0 CONCLUSION

SUBJECT:

Dear Mr. Spence:

Enclosures:

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