ML113081430

Request for Additional Information Regarding 60-Day Response to Bulletin 2011-01, Mitigating Strategies

ML113081430
Person / Time
Site:	Vermont Yankee File:NorthStar Vermont Yankee icon.png
Issue date:	11/09/2011
From:	James Kim Plant Licensing Branch 1
To:	Entergy Nuclear Operations
Kim J, NRR/DORL, 415-4125
References
BL-11-001, TAC ME6496
Download: ML113081430 (4)

Text

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 November 9, 2011 Site Vice President Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station P.O. Box 2S0 Governor Hunt Road Vernon, VT OS3S4

SUBJECT:

VERMONT YANKEE NUCLEAR POWER STATION - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING 60-DAY RESPONSE TO BULLETIN 2011-01, "MITIGATING STRATEGIES" (TAC NO. ME6496)

Dear Sir or Madam:

On May 11, 2011, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued Bulletin 2011-01, "Mitigating Strategies" (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)

Accession No. ML 1112S0360), to all holders of operating licenses for nuclear power reactors, except those that have permanently ceased operation and have certified that fuel has been removed from the reactor vessel. The purpose of the bulletin was to obtain a comprehensive verification that licensees' mitigating strategies to maintain or restore core cooling, spent fuel cooling, and containment following a large explosion or fire were compliant with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section SO.S4(hh)(2). The bulletin requested information on licensee 10 CFR SO.S4(hh)(2) mitigating strategies in light of the recent events at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi facility to determine if (1) additional assessment of program implementation is needed, (2) the current inspection program should be enhanced, or (3) further regulatory action is warranted.

The bulletin required two sets of responses pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR SO.S4(f). The first responses were due 30 days after issuance of the bulletin (June 10, 2011). By letter dated June 9, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML11165A133), you provided a response to the first set of questions for Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station. The second responses were due 50 days after issuance of the bulletin (July 11, 2011). By letter dated July 11, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML 1119SA018), you responded to this second set of questions.

The NRC staff has reviewed the submitted information and determined that it needs additional information regarding your 50-day response to the bulletin. Please respond to the enclosed request for additional information within 30 days of the date of this letter.

-2 If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact James Kim at (301) 415-4125.

Sincerely, James Kim, Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch 1-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-271

Enclosure:

As stated cc w/encl: Distribution via ListServ

NRC Bulletin 2011-01, "Mitigating Strategies" Request for Additional Information Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station

1. Describe in detail the maintenance or testing of monitor nozzles, spray nozzles, or similar devices to ensure that they will be functional when needed.

The bulletin requested that each licensee describe in detail the maintenance and testing on equipment procured to support the mitigating strategies to ensure that it will be functional when needed. In the context of the mitigating strategies, these devices are commonly used for firefighting, spent fuel pool spray strategies, and as a means to reduce the magnitude of fission product releases. The NRC staff could not determine if you performed activities to ensure that these devices will be functional when needed.

2. Identify the minimum inventory frequency for equipment needed for the mitigating strategies not specifically identified in response to the bulletin. Alternatively, describe the inventory frequency for firefighter turnout gear and instruments needed to support the mitigating strategies.

The bulletin requested that each licensee describe in detail the controls for assuring equipment supporting the mitigating strategies will be available when needed. Firefighter turnout gear. tools. and instruments are generally needed to implement the mitigating strategies. The NRC staff noted that your response included inventory of tools, but could not determine if firefighter turnout gear and instruments are inventoried.

3. Describe in detail the fire brigade training as it relates to all phases of the mitigating strategies.

The bulletin requested that each licensee describe in detail how configuration and guidance management, including training. is assured so that the strategies remain feasible. The safety evaluation documenting the NRC review of your response to Section B.5.b of the Interim Compensatory Measures Order (EA-02-026) states that the expectation for fire brigade training (Phase 1, B.1.1) includes accelerant-fed fires and coordinated fire response.

Your response to the bulletin implies that fire brigade training is limited to pump operations.

4. Describe in detail how you ensure the availability of local law enforcement agencies relied upon for emergency response to a B.S.b event.

The bulletin requested that each licensee describe in detail how it assures the availability of offsite support, including a listing of offsite organization relied upon for emergency response.

Typically, local law enforcement agencies are relied upon for emergency response to a B.5.b event. In response to Question 5 of the bulletin, you did not identify any local law enforcement agencies as being relied upon to respond to a B.5.b event.

Enclosure

ML113081430 OFFICE LPLI LPLI-1/LA PGCB/PM PGCB/BC LPLI-1/BC 1/PM NAME

• JKim Slittle nell SRosenberg NSalgado ABaxter for ATE 11/7/11 11 11/8/11 11/9/11