ML110690223

Revised Proposed Amendment to Technical Specification 6.8.3.I for Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program

ML110690223
Person / Time
Site:	South Texas
Issue date:	03/01/2011
From:	Gerry Powell South Texas
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NOC-AE-11002632, TAC ME3969, TAC ME3970, G25, STI: 32814227
Download: ML110690223 (12)

Text

Nuclear Operating Company South Texas Prolect Electric GeneratIn$ Station PO Box 289 Wadsworth, Texas 77483 March 1, 2011 NOC-AE-1 1002632 File No.: G25 10 CFR 50.90 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attention: Document Control Desk One White Flint North 11555 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 South Texas Project Units 1 and 2 Docket Nos. STN 50-498, STN 50-499 Revised Proposed Amendment to Technical Specification 6.8.3.1 for Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program (TAC ME3969/ME3970)

Reference:

G. T. Powell to NRC Document Control Desk, "Proposed Amendment to Technical Specification 6.8.3.1 for Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program,"

dated May 18, 2010 (NOC-AE-10002541)

(ML101450414)

Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.90, STP Nuclear Operating Company (STPNOC) requests Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval of an amendment to Unit 1 Operating License NPF-76 and Unit 2 Operating License NPF-80. The proposed change revises Technical Specification 6.8.3.1, "Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program." This amendment request was previously submitted in the referenced correspondence. This revised request addresses NRC reviewer comments. Text changes are indicated by change bars in the margin.

This proposed amendment provides changes that are consistent with the Revision 3.1 of NUREG-1431, "Standard Technical Specifications for Westinghouse Plants." A safety evaluation of the proposed change and the proposed revised pages of the Technical Specifications are attached.

STPNOC has reviewed the attached proposed amendment pursuant to 10CFR50.92 and determined that it does not involve a significant hazards consideration.

In addition, STPNOC has determined that the proposed amendment satisfies the criteria of 10CFR51.22(c)(9) for categorical exclusion from the requirement for an environmental assessment.

The NRC is requested to approve the proposed amendment by April 30, 2011.

This date is flexible. STPNOC will implement the amendment within 30 days after NRC approval.

The STPNOC Plant Operations Review Committee has reviewed and concurred with the proposed change to the Technical Specifications.

In accordance with 10 CFR 50.91(b), STPNOC is notifying the State of Texas of this request for license amendment by providing a copy of this letter and its attachment.

STI: 32814227

NOC-AE-1 1002632 Page 2 of 3 There are no commitments in this letter.

If there are any questions, please contact either Philip L. Walker at 361-972-8392 or me at 361-972-7566.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on 3-

/-

Wa Date G. T. Powell Vice President, Technical Support & Oversight PLW

Attachment:

Revised Proposed Amendment to Technical Specification 6.8.3.1 for Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program - Evaluation of the Proposed Change

NOC-AE-1 1002632 Page 3 of 3 cc: (paper copy)

(electronic copy)

Regional Administrator, Region IV U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 612 East Lamar Blvd., Suite 400 Arlington, TX 76011-8064 Mohan C. Thadani Senior Project Manager U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission One White Flint North (MS 8B1A) 11555 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 Senior Resident Inspector U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission P.O. Box 289, Mail Code: MN116 Wadsworth, TX 77483 C. M. Canady City of Austin Electric Utility Department 721 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 787804 John Ragan Catherine Callaway Jim von Suskil NRG South Texas LP A. H. Gutterman, Esquire Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Mohan C. Thadani U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Richard Pena E. Alarcon Kevin Polio City Public Service C. Mele City of Austin Peter Nemeth Crain Caton & James, P.C.

Richard A. Ratliff Texas Department of State Health Services Alice Rogers Texas Department of State Health Services

ATTACHMENT SOUTH TEXAS PROJECT UNITS I AND 2 Evaluation of the Proposed Change

Subject:

Revised Proposed Amendment to Technical Specification 6.8.3.1 for Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program 1.0

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION

5.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

5.1 No Significant Hazards Consideration 5.2 Applicable Regulatory Requirements 5.3 Analysis

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

7.0 IMPLEMENTATION - Updated Technical Specification Page 6-11 - Proposed Technical Specification Page 6-11

Attachment NOC-AE-1 1002632 Page 1 of 4 SOUTH TEXAS PROJECT UNITS I AND 2 REVISED PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 6.8.3.L FOR CONTAINMENT POST-TENSIONING SYSTEM SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM 1.0

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION South Texas Project (STP) Technical Specification Section 6.8.3.1 states that the Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program shall be in accordance with ASME Code Section Xl, Subsection IWL, 1992 Edition with 1992 Addenda, as supplemented by 10 CFR 50.55a(b)(2)(viii). This change removes the specific year of the applicable Code edition consistent with Revision 3.1 of NUREG-1431, "Standard Technical Specifications for Westinghouse Plants." This will allow for future updates to the surveillance program when the applicable code edition changes without requiring additional Technical Specification changes. Additional changes have been made for consistency with the current version of NUREG-1431.

These changes have no impact on implementation of the Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program.

2.0 PROPOSED CHANGE

STP Technical Specification 6.8.3.1 currently states the following:

Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program This program provides controls for monitoring any tendon degradation in pre-stressed concrete containments, including effectiveness of its corrosion protection medium, to ensure containment structural integrity. The program shall include baseline measures prior to initial operations. The Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program shall be in accordance with ASME Code Section Xl, Subsection IWL, 1992 Edition with 1992 Addenda, as supplemented by 10CFR50.55a(b)(2)(viii).

Changes proposed by this amendment will result in the following:

Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program This program provides controls for monitoring any tendon degradation in pre-stressed concrete containments, including effectiveness of its corrosion protection medium, to ensure containment structural integrity. The program shall include baseline measurements prior to initial operations. The Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program, inspection frequencies, and acceptance -criteria shall be in accordance with ASME-Cede Section Xl, Subsection.WL,of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable addenda as required by 1912 Edition with 1992 Addenda, as

.uppl.monted*by 1,n.50. 55a(b)(2)'iii),, 10 CFR 50.55a, except where an alternative, exemption, or relief has been authorized by the NRC.

The provisions of SR 4.0.3 are applicable to the Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program inspection frequencies.

Attachment NOC-AE-1 1002632 Page 2 of 4

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

There will be no change in the design basis of the South Texas Project as a result of this amendment. There will be no change in the level of compliance with the General Design Criteria. There will be no change in compliance with the requirements of the applicable ASME code edition because that is established by the requirements of 10 CFR 50.55a.

Consequently, revising the description of the Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program for consistency with the Standard Technical Specifications does not affect safe operation of the South Texas Project.

4.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

4.1 Applicable Regulatory Requirements/Criteria 10 CFR 50.55a requires that STP containment structural integrity be determined in accordance with the requirements of ASME Code Section Xl, Subsection IWL, "Requirements for Class CC Concrete Components of Light Water Cooled Power Plants," 2004 Edition as modified and supplemented by specified requirements and limitations.

There is no change in applicable code requirements as a consequence of this amendment.

4.1.1 General Design Criteria General Design Criterion 16, "Containment Design" Reactor containment and associated systems shall be provided to establish an essentially leak-tight barrier against the uncontrolled release of radioactivity to the environment and to assure that the containment design conditions important to safety are not exceeded for as long as postulated accident conditions require.

This change does not affect the function of reactor containment and associated functions.

4.1.2 Regulatory Compliance Future changes to the Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program that depart from code requirements will continue to require prior NRC approval, pursuant to the provisions of 10CFR50.55a.

Therefore, adequate regulatory oversight will be maintained following implementation of this change.

4.2 Significant Hazards Consideration STPNOC has evaluated whether a significant hazards consideration is involved with the proposed amendment by focusing on the three standards set forth in 10CFR50.92, "Issuance of amendment," as discussed below.

1)

Does the proposed change involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?

Attachment NOC-AE-1 1002632 Page 3 of 4

Response

No. Inspection practices and acceptance standards will continue to be consistent with the approved ASME code edition as specified by 10 CFR 50.55a.

Therefore, the proposed changes will not increase the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated.

2)

Does the proposed change create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?

Response

No.

The proposed changes will not alter the plant configuration (no new or different type of equipment will be installed) or require any unusual operator actions. The proposed changes will not alter the way any structure, system, or component functions, and will not significantly alter the manner in which the plant is operated. The response of the plant and the operators following an accident will not be different.

In addition, the proposed change does not introduce any new failure modes.

Therefore, the proposed changes will not create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously analyzed.

3)

Does the proposed change involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety?

Response

No.

Containment tendon inspection practices and acceptance standards will continue to be consistent with the applicable ASME code edition. There is no change in surveillance acceptance criteria. Therefore, the proposed changes will not result in a reduction in a margin of safety.

Based on the above, STPNOC concludes that the proposed change presents no significant hazards consideration under the standards set forth in 10 CFR 50.92(c), and accordingly, a finding of "no significant hazards consideration" is justified.

4.3 Conclusion Based on the considerations discussed above: (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) implementation of the amendment will not be detrimental to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

The proposed amendment will not change a requirement with respect to installation or use of a facility component located within the restricted area, as defined in 10 CFR 20, nor would change an inspection or surveillance requirement. The proposed amendment does not involve (i) a significant hazards consideration, (ii) a significant change in the types or significant increase in the amounts of any effluents that may be released offsite,

Attachment NOC-AE-1 1002632 Page 4 of 4 or (iii) a significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure.

Accordingly, the proposed amendment meets the eligibility criterion for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement, or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the proposed amendment.

6.0 IMPLEMENTATION The NRC is requested to approve the proposed amendment by April 30, 2011.

This date is flexible.

STPNOC will implement the amendment within 30 days after NRC approval.

ENCLOSURE I UPDATED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION PAGE 6-11

6.0 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS 6.8 Procedures, Programs, and Manuals 6.8.3 (continued)

1.

Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program This program provides controls for monitoring any tendon degradation in pre-stressed concrete containments, including effectiveness of its corrosion protection medium, to ensure containment structural integrity. The program shall include baseline measures prior to initial operations. The Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program, inspection frequencies, and acceptance criteria' shall be in accordance with ASME-Gede Section XI, Subsection IWL, bf the ASME Boiler andPressure Vessel

_odeand applicable addenda as required by 1992 Edito*n With 1992 Addenda, as scupplemqented by 1 OCFR50..5a(b)(2)(-iii), 10 CFR 50.55a, except where an alternative, Xe in, or relief has been authorized. by the NRC*

The provisions of SR 4.0.3 are applicable to the Tendon Surveillance Program inspection frequencies.'

m.

Technical Specifications (TS) Bases Control Program This program provides a means for processing changes to the Bases of these Technical Specifications.

a.

Changes to the Bases of the TS shall be made under appropriate administrative controls and reviews.

b.

Licensees may make changes to Bases without prior NRC approval provided the changes do not require either of the following:

1.

A change in the TS incorporated in the license or

2.

A change to the updated FSAR or Bases that requires NRC approval pursuant to 10 CFR 50.59.

c.

The Bases Control Program shall contain provisions to ensure that the Bases are maintained consistent with the FSAR.

d.

Proposed changes that meet the criteria of Specification 6.8.3.m.b above shall be reviewed and approved by the NRC prior to implementation. Changes to the Bases implemented without prior NRC approval shall be provided to the NRC on a frequency consistent with 10 CFR 50.71(e).

n.

Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM)

1)

The ODCM shall contain the methodology and parameters used in the calculation of offsite doses resulting from radioactive gaseous and liquid effluents, in the calculation of gaseous and liquid effluent monitoring alarm and trip setpoints, and in the conduct of the radiological environmental monitoring program; and (continued)

SOUTH TEXAS - UNITS 1 & 2 6-11 Unit 1 - Amendment No. 137,44,,

15 Unit 2 - Amendment No. 26,!29, !439

ENCLOSURE 2 PROPOSED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION PAGE 6-11

6.0 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS 6.8 Procedures, Programs, and Manuals 6.8.3 (continued)

1.

Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program This program provides controls for monitoring any tendon degradation in pre-stressed concrete containments, including effectiveness of its corrosion protection medium, to ensure containment structural integrity. The program shall include baseline measures prior to initial operations. The Containment Post-Tensioning System Surveillance Program, inspection frequencies, and acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with Section Xl, Subsection IWL, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable addenda as required by 10 CFR 50.55a, except where an alternative, exemption, or relief has been authorized by the NRC.

The provisions of SR 4.0.3 are applicable to the Tendon Surveillance Program inspection frequencies.

m.

Technical Specifications (TS) Bases Control Program This program provides a means for processing changes to the Bases of these Technical Specifications.

a.

Changes to the Bases of the TS shall be made under appropriate administrative controls and reviews.

b.

Licensees may make changes to Bases without prior NRC approval provided the changes do not require either of the following:

1.

A change in the TS incorporated in the license or

2.

A change to the updated FSAR or Bases that requires NRC approval pursuant to 10 CFR 50.59.

c.

The Bases Control Program shall contain provisions to ensure that the Bases are maintained consistent with the FSAR.

d.

Proposed changes that meet the criteria of Specification 6.8.3.m.b above shall be reviewed and approved by the NRC prior to implementation. Changes to the Bases implemented without prior NRC approval shall be provided to the NRC on a frequency consistent with 10 CFR 50.71(e).

n.

Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM)

1)

The ODCM shall contain the methodology and parameters used in the calculation of offsite doses resulting from radioactive gaseous and liquid effluents, in the calculation of gaseous and liquid effluent monitoring alarm and trip setpoints, and in the conduct of the radiological environmental monitoring program; and (continued)

SOUTH TEXAS - UNITS 1 & 2 6-11 Unit 1 - Amendment No. 137,14-1,A-5 Unit 2 - Amendment No. !26,129, 139