ML11313A219

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

ML11313A219
Person / Time
Site:	Summer
Issue date:	11/15/2011
From:	Gleaves W Plant Licensing Branch II
To:	Gatlin T South Carolina Electric & Gas Co
Gleaves B
References
TAC ME6488
Download: ML11313A219 (4)

Text

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 November 15, 2011 Mr. Thomas D. Gatlin Vice President, Nuclear Operations South Carolina Electric & Gas Company Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station Post Office Box 88 Jenkinsville, SC 29065

SUBJECT:

VIRGIL C. SUMMER NUCLEAR STATION, UNIT 1 - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING 60-DAY RESPONSE TO BULLETIN 2011-01, "MITIGATING STRATEGIES" (TAC NO. ME6488)

Dear Mr. Gatlin:

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. ML111250360), 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 50.54(hh)(2). The bulletin requested information on licensee 10 CFR 50.54(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 50.54(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. ML11161A167), you provided a response to the first set of questions for Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station, Unit 1. The second responses were due 60 days after issuance of the bulletin (July 11,2011). By letter dated July 11, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML11194A025), you responded to this second set of questions.

T. Gatlin -2 The NRC staff has reviewed the submitted information and determined that it needs additional information regarding your 60-day response to the bulletin. Please respond to the enclosed request for additional information within 45 days of the date of this letter.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact me at (301) 415-5848.

Sincerely, William (Billy) GI ves, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing 'anch 11-1 Division of Ope ting Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-395

Enclosure:

Request for Additional Information cc w/encl: Distribution via Listserv

NRC Bulletin 2011-01, "Mitigating Strategies" Request for Additional Information Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station, Unit 1 Docket No. 50-395

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. Describe in detail the testing and inventory of communications equipment to ensure that it is available and functional when needed.

The bulletin requested that each licensee describe in detail the testing and control of equipment supporting the mitigating strategies to ensure that it will be available and functional when needed.

Communications equipment needed to support the mitigating strategies was described in the NRC Safety Evaluation documenting the NRC review of your response to Section B.S.b of the Interim Compensatory Measures Order (EA-02-026), and typically includes radios, satellite phones, spare batteries, and chargers. The NRC staff could not determine if you performed activities to ensure that communications equipment will be available and functional when needed.

3. Describe in detail how you ensure there is sufficient fuel for the pumping source when needed.

The bulletin requested that each licensee describe in detail the maintenance of equipment supporting the mitigating strategies to ensure that it will be functional when needed. The NRC staff could not determine if you performed activities to ensure that sufficient fuel would be available for the pumping source so that it will be functional when needed.

Enclosure

T. Gatlin - 2 The NRC staff has reviewed the submitted information and determined that it needs additional information regarding your 60-day response to the bulletin. Please respond to the enclosed request for additional information within 45 days of the date of this letter.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact me at (301) 415-5848.

Sincerely, IRA!

William (Billy) Gleaves, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch 11-1 Division of Operating Reactor licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-395

Enclosure:

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