ML12131A536
| ML12131A536 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Vogtle  |
| Issue date: | 05/09/2012 |
| From: | Ivey B Southern Co, Southern Nuclear Operating Co |
| To: | Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| Download: ML12131A536 (10) | |
Text
B. L. "Pete" Ivey Southern Nuclear Vice President Operating Company, Inc.
Regulatory Affairs 40 Inverness Center Parkway Post Office Box 1295 Birmingham, AL 35242 Tel 205992.7619 Fax 205.992.52 17 May 9,2012 Docket Nos.: 50-424 NL-12-0798 50-425 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, D. C. 20555-0001 Vogtle Electric Generating Plant - Units 1 and 2 60-Day Response to NRC Letter, Request for Information Pursuant to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 50.54(t) Regarding Recommendations 2.1, 2.3, and 9.3, of the Near-Term Task Force Review of Insights from the Fukushima Daiichi Accident. dated March 12,2012 Ladies and Gentlemen:
On March 12, 2012, the NRC staff issued a letter entitled, Request for Information Pursuant to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 50.54(f) Regarding Recommendations 2. 1, 2.3, and 9.3, of the Near-Term Task Force Review of Insights from the Fukushima Daiichi Accident. Enclosure 5 of the letter contains specific Requested Actions and Requested Information associated with Recommendation 9.3 for Emergency Preparedness (EP) programs. In accordance with 10 CFR 50.54, "Conditions of Licenses," paragraph (t),
addressees were requested to submit a written response to the information requests within 90 days.
The letter states that if an addressee cannot meet the requested response date, then the addressee must provide a response within 60 days of the date of the letter and describe the alternative course of action that it proposes to take, including the basis of the acceptability of the proposed alternative course of action and estimated completion date. After a careful review of the requested actions and information, we propose to take the alternative course of action described in Enclosure 1 of this letter. The basis for our proposal is explained in.
This letter contains no NRC commitments. If you have any questions, please contact Jack Stringfellow at (205) 992-7037.
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission NL-12-0798 Page 2 Mr. B. L. Ivey states he is a Vice President of Southern Nuclear Operating Company, is authorized to execute this oath on behalf of Southern Nuclear Operating Company and, to the best of his knowledge and belief, the facts set forth in this letter are true.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this ~ day of---'-(\\:....I.1,<O..:7-1-----' 2012.
1~j A~ ~K(tt~
?Votary Public My commission expires: flvl~ lib!' '};j, 2AJ rLf I
Respectfully submitted, B~~
Regulatory Affairs Vice President BLl/CLN
Enclosures:
- 1. Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to Recommendation 9.3 Information Request
- 2. Basis for Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to EP Requested Information cc:
Southern Nuclear Operating Company Mr. S. E. Kuczynski, Chairman, President & CEO Mr. D. G. Bost, Executive Vice President & Chief Nuclear Officer Mr. T. E. Tynan, Vice President - Vogtle Mr. B. J. Adams, Vice President - Fleet Operations Ms. P. M. Marino, Vice President - Engineering Mr. M. J. Ajluni, Nuclear licensing Director RType: CVC7000 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mr. V. M. McCree, Regional Administrator Mr. P. G. Boyle, NRR Senior Project Manager - Vogtle Mr. L. M. Cain, Senior Resident Inspector - Vogtle State of Georgia Mr. J. H. Turner, Environmental Director Protection Division
Vogtle Electric Generating Plant - Units 1 and 2 50-Day Response to NRC Letter, Request for Information Pursuant to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 50.54(f) Regarding Recommendations 2.1, 2.3, and 9.3, of the Near-Term Task Force Review of Insights from the Fukushima Daiichi Accident, dated March 12, 2012 Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to Recommendation 9.3 Information Request
Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to Recommendation 9.3 Information Request Estimated Request #
Completion Date 1
10/31/2012 2
06/11/2012 3
Two dates 09/28/2012 10/31/2012 Communications Requested Information Provide an assessment of the current communications systems and equipment used during an emergency event to identify any enhancements that may be needed to ensure communications are maintained during a large scale natural event meeting the conditions described (in the Discussion section of Recommendation 9.3]. The assessment should:
- Identify any planned or potential improvements to existing onsite communications systems and their required normal and/or backup power supplies,
- Identify any planned or potential improvements to existing offsite communications systems and their required normal and/or backup power supplies,
- Provide a description of any new communications system(s) or technologies that will be deployed based upon the assumed conditions described above, and
- Provide a description of how the new and/or improved systems and power supplies will be able to provide for communications during a loss of all AC power Describe any interim actions that have been taken or are planned to be taken to enhance existing communications systems power supplies until the communications assessment and the resulting actions are complete.
Provide an implementation schedule of the time needed to conduct and implement the results of the communications assessment.
Conduct the communications assessment.
Provide an implementation schedule of the time needed to implement the results of the communications assessment.
E1-1
Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to Recommendation 9.3 Information Request Estimated Request #
Completion Date 1
Two dates 04/30/2013 OS/21/2014 2
Four dates 03/29/2013 04/21/2014 Staffing Requested Information Provide an assessment of the onsite and augmented staff needed to respond to a large scale natural event meeting the conditions described [in the Discussion section of Recommendation 9.3].
This assessment should include a discussion of the onsite and augmented staff available to implement the strategies as discussed in the emergency plan and/or described in plant operating procedures. The following functions are requested to be assessed:
- How onsite staff will move back-up equipment (e.g., pumps, generators) from alternate onsite storage facilities to repair locations at each reactor as described in the order regarding the Near-Term Task Force (NTTF) Recommendation 4.2. It is requested that consideration be given to the major functional areas of NUREG-0654, Table 8-1 such as plant operations and assessment of operational aspects, emergency direction and control, notification/cornmunication, radiological accident assessment, and support of operational accident assessment, as appropriate.
- New staff or functions identified as a result of the assessment.
- Collateral duties (personnel not being prevented from timely performance of their assigned functions).
Provide onsite and augmented staffing assessment considering all requested functions except those related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2. [Phase 1 staffing assessment]
Provide onsite and augmented staffing assessment considering functions related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2. [Phase 2 staffing assessment]
Provide an implementation schedule of the time needed to conduct the onsite and augmented staffing assessment. If any modifications are determined to be appropriate, please include in the schedule the time to implement the changes.
- 1. Conduct the onsite and augmented staffing assessment:
The onsite and augmented staffing assessment considering all requested functions except those related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2. [Phase 1 staffing assessment]
The onsite and augmented staffing assessment considering functions related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2. [Phase 2 staffing assessment]
- 2. A schedule of the time needed to implement changes will be E1-2 Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to Recommendation 9.3 Information Request Estimated Request #
Completion Requested Information Date provided as follows:
04/3012013 Those associated with the Phase 1 staffing assessment.
05/21/2014 Those associated with the Phase 2 staffing assessment.
3 06/11/2012 Identify how the augmented staff would be notified given degraded communications capabilities.
4 06/11/2012 Identify the methods of access (e.g., roadways, navigable bodies of water and dockage, airlift, etc.) to the site that are expected to be available after a widespread large scale natural event.
5 06/11/2012 Identify any interim actions that have been taken or are planned prior to the completion of the staffing assessment.
6 Two dates Identify changes that have been made or will be made to your emergency plan regarding the on-shift or augmented staffing changes necessary to respond to a loss of all AC power, multi unit event, including any new or revised agreements with offsite resource providers (e.g., staffing, equipment, transportation, etc.).
Changes will be identified as follows:
04/3012013 Those associated with the Phase 1 staffing assessment.
05/21/2014 Those associated with the Phase 2 staffing assessment.
E1-3
Vogtle Electric Generating Plant - Units 1 and 2 60-Day Response to NRC Letter, Request for Information Pursuant to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 50.54(f) Regarding Recommendations 2.1, 2.3, and 9.3, of the Near-Term Task Force Review of Insights from the Fukushima Daiichi Accident, dated March 12, 2012 Basis for Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to EP Requested Information Basis for Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to EP Requested Information Communications There are two separate responses to the information requests related to communications. The alternative timing of responses to requests #1 and #3 proposed in this letter reflects the higher priority placed by the staff, and approved by the Commission in SRM-SECY 0025, upon the completion of licensee actions necessary to comply with the Final EP Rule issued on November 23, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 72,560). The proposed alternative timing is warranted as many of the licensee staff resources necessary for performing the communications assessment are the same resources involved in implementing new EP Rule requirements, responding to Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) initiatives related to enhancing communications capabilities (e.g., IER 11 4), and maintaining existing EP communications equipment.
In addition, the estimated completion date assigned to information request #3 will promote alignment between the out-year budgeting/funding of future enhancements, and the development of an accurate and complete enhancement implementation schedule.
Staffing As presented in Enclosure 1 of this letter, a 2-phase approach will be used to respond to the information requests associated with Staffing. The table below summarizes this approach.
Phase 1 Staffing Plant Type Assessment (for functions except those related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2)
Phase 2 Staffing Assessment (for functions related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2)
Multi-unit plants
- Perform staffing Perform staffing assessment assessment and implement as requested by 50.54(f) actions as required by letter using NEI12-01; recent EP Rule using ISG provide results per Enclosure and NEI 10-05 1 of this letter
- Perform staffing assessment as requested by 50.54(f) letter using I\\lEI 12-01 and material from NEI 10-05; provide results per Enclosure 1 of this letter The basis for this approach is discussed below.
- The Phase 1 staffing assessment will be performed by March 29, 2013, and provided by April 30, 2013. This assessment will consider all requested functions except those related to Fukushima Near-Term Task E2-1 Basis for Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to EP Requested Information Force (NTTF) Recommendation 4.2. An assessment considering these functions will be performed in Phase 2.
The timing of the Phase 1 staffing assessment reflects the higher NRC priority placed by the staff, and approved by the Commission in SRM SECY 0025, upon the completion of licensee actions necessary to comply with the Final EP Rule issued on November 23,2011 (76 Fed.
Reg. 72,560). In particular,Section IV.A.9 of 10 CFR 50, Appendix E, requires that licensees complete a detailed analysis demonstrating that on-shift personnel assigned emergency plan implementation functions are not assigned responsibilities that would prevent the timely performance of their assigned functions as specified in the emergency plan. As stated in the EP Rule, this analysis must be completed by December 24,2012.
Following completion of EP Rule staffing analysis, the staffing assessment associated with the NRC letter will be performed. Based on staffing analysis experience to date, it is anticipated that a multi-unit staffing analysis will require approximately three months to complete and validate. One additional month is allotted for processing of an assessment submittal package.
As requested, an implementation schedule for any modifications that are determined to be appropriate will be included with the Phase 1 staffing assessment.
- The Phase 2 staffing assessment will be performed by April 21, 2014, and provided by May 21, 2014. This assessment will consider the requested functions related to Fukushima Near-Term Task Force (NTTF)
Recommendation 4.2.
The industry will be responding to multiple regulatory actions resulting from the recommendations contained in the Fukushima NTTF Report, as modified in related Commission Papers (SECY's) and Staff Requirements Memoranda (SRM). One of these actions, in particular, has the potential to impact emergency response staffing levels. This action is associated with Fukushima NTTF Recommendation 4.2 and subsequently issued as NRC Order to Modifying Licenses with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis External Events EA-12 049 [the Order]. A summary of the Order is provided below.
This Order requires a three-phase approach for mitigating beyond design-basis external events. The initial phase requires the use of installed equipment and resources to maintain or restore core cooling, containment and spent fuel pool (SFP) cooling. The transition phase requires providing sufficient, portable, onsite equipment and consumables to maintain or restore these functions until they can be accomplished with resources brought from off E2-2 Basis for Proposed Alternative Course of Action for Responding to EP Requested Information site. The final phase requires obtaining sufficient offsite resources to sustain those functions indefinitely.
Additional details on an acceptable approach for complying with this Order will be contained in final Interim Staff Guidance (ISG) scheduled to be issued by the NRC in August 2012.
In response to the Order, each licensee must develop new strategies for mitigating beyond-design-basis external events. To ensure accurate results, the staffing assessment for response functions related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2 must be based on the actions delineated in procedures and guidelines developed in response to the Order. Once the site-specific actions associated with the new response strategies are defined (e.g., down to the procedure or guideline step level), the staffing needed to perform these actions can be assessed with the necessary level of accuracy.
Based on a review of the planned actions necessary to comply with the Order, an assessment of the staffing for the functions related to NTTF Recommendation 4.2 will be provided by 4 months prior to the first occurrence of a second refueling outage (i.e., the first "second refueling outage") as used within the context of NRC Order EA-12-049.
As requested, an implementation schedule for any modifications that are determined to be appropriate will be included with the Phase 2 staffing assessment.
The Phase 2 staffing assessment is one component of an overall licensee work plan necessary to implement the requirements of the Order.
Southern Nuclear Operating Company, as stated in the Order, "...shall complete full implementation no later than two (2) refueling cycles after submittal of the overall integrated plan, as required in Condition C.1.a, or December 31,2016, whichever comes first." Per the Order, full compliance "shall include procedures, guidance, training, and acquisition, staging, or installing of equipment needed for the strategies."
E2-3