ML13212A298
| ML13212A298 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Limerick  |
| Issue date: | 07/31/2013 |
| From: | Eugene Dipaolo Reactor Projects Region 1 Branch 4 |
| To: | Cuthbert D - No Known Affiliation |
| GRAY, MEL | |
| References | |
| Download: ML13212A298 (1) | |
Text
From:
DiPaolo, Eugene Sent:
Wednesday, July 31, 2013 11:39 AM To:
aceactivists@comcast.net Cc:
Gray, Mel; McNamara, Nancy; Tifft, Doug; prpatel@PA.gov; Barber, Scott; Aird, David; Thompson, Margaret
Subject:
Limerick Discharges to Schuylkill River Dr. Cuthbert, Im responding to your July 21 email in which you had several questions concerning the impact on the Schuylkill River from cooling tower discharges from the Limerick Generating Station, prior power reductions due to high river temperatures, and the monitoring of river discharges from the plant.
River temperature has no impact on plant operation. The ultimate heat sink for Limerick is the sites spray pond. The plants Technical Specifications specify the maximum allowed temperature limit of the spray pond during plant operation. In 2010 (as well as 2011, 2012 and this year) the Limerick units had to reduce power based on operational limits associated with secondary plant condensate temperature. Condensate temperature is dependent on cooling tower efficiency which is affected by outside ambient temperatures. The power reductions occurred on days of extreme hot weather.
Cooling tower water is blown down into the river via a discharge diffuser. The NRC regulates radiological discharges from the plant. Cooling tower discharge to the river is not an NRC-regulated activity. The plant is issued a National Pollutant Discharge System permit for the discharge by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). There are temperature limit requirements contained in the permit. Also, DEP does take independent samples of the discharge once per year. Any additional questions regarding cooling tower water discharges to the Schuylkill River should be directed to the Clean Water Office of the Pennsylvania DEP, in the Southeast Regional Office in Norristown at (484)250-5970.
Sincerely, Gene DiPaolo Senior Resident Inspector Limerick Office: 610-327-1345 Cell: 484-459-9521