Text

Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report - 2015
	ML16120A318
Person / Time
Site:	Watts Bar
Issue date:	04/29/2016
From:	Simmons P; Tennessee Valley Authority
To:	; Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
	Download: ML16120A318 (17)
	v • d • e

m Tennessee Valley Authority, Post Office Box 2000, Spring City, Tennessee 37381-2000 April 29, 2016 10 CFR 50.4 ATTN: Document Control Desk U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2 Facility Operating License Nos, NPF-90 and NPF-96 NRC Docket Nos. 50-390 and 50-391 Subject; Watts Bar Nuclear Plant - Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report - 2015 In accordance with Section 5.4.1, "Routine Reports," of Appendix B, "Environmental Protection Plant (Non-Radiological)," to the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) Units 1 and 2 Operating Licenses, enclosed is the 2015 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report for WBN. This report is required to be submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) within 90 days following the anniversary of the issuance of the WBN Unit 1 operating license (i.e., February 7, 1996). This report addresses the period from February 7, 2015 through February 6, 2016.

There are no new regulatory commitments in this letter. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact Gordon Arent, WBN Licensing Director, at (423) 365-2004.

Respectfully, Paul Simmons Site Vice President Watts Bar Nuclear Plant

Enclosure:

Tennessee Valley Authority Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report February 7, 2015 Through February 6, 2016 cc: See Page 2 cc (Enclosure);

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Page 2 April 29, 2016 NRC Regional Administrator - Region II NRC Project Manager - Watts Bar Nuclear Plant NRC Senior Resident Inspector - Watts Bar Nuclear Plant U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

m TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY WATTS BAR NUCLEAR PLANT ANNUAL NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT FEBRUARY 7, 2015 THROUGH FEBRUARY 6, 2016 E-1 of 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS L INTRODUCTION E-3 II. REPORTS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED AS SPECIFIED IN THE WBN NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT E-3 III. SPECIAL BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORTS E-4 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN NONCOMPLIANCES E-11 V. CHANGES MADE TO APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL PERMITS AND CERTIFICATIONS E-12 VI. CHANGES IN FACILITY DESIGN OR OPERATION E-13 VII. NON-ROUTINE REPORTS E-14 VIII. CHANGES IN APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN SPECIFICATIONS E-14 E-2of 15

I. INTRODUCTION The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report is provided for the period of February 7, 2015 through February 6, 2016. This report was prepared in accordance with Section 5.4.1, "Routine Reports," of Appendix B, "Environmental Protection Plant (Non- Radiological)," to WBN operating licenses NPF-90 and NFP-96, respectively. This report includes a summary of:

A. Reports previously submitted as specified in the WBN National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Number TN0020168.

B. All special reports submitted per EPP Section 4.1, "Environmental Monitoring."

C. All EPP noncompliances and the corrective actions taken to remedy them.

D. Changes made to applicable state and federal permits and certifications.

E. Changes in station design or operation that could involve a significant environmental impact or changes to the findings of the Final Environmental Statement (FES).

F. Non-routine reports submitted per EPP Section 4.2, "Unusual or Important Environmental Events."

G. Changes in the approved EPP.

II. REPORTS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED AS SPECIFIED IN THE WBN NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT The following reports were submitted as specified in the WBN NPDES Permit Number TN0020168 and the Tennessee Storm Water Multi-Sector General Permit (TMSP)

Numbers TNR051343 and TNR050000:

A. As required by the NPDES permit. Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) were completed and submitted monthly to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) no later than 15 days after the completion of the reporting period.

B. WBN submitted to the TDEC the "Compliance Survey for Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Outfall 113 Passive Mixing Zone" for "Winter 2013," "Summer 2014,"

"Winter 2014," and "Summer 2015." As summarized in the report, the compliance surveys confirm the adequacy of the passive mixing zone and the adequacy of the thennal model to evaluate the operation of Outfall 113.

C. The annual Biocide/Corrosion Treatment Report was completed and submitted to TDEC prior to the February 15, 2016 deadline.

D. The annual sampling and analysis required by the 2014 TMSP for storm water was performed and the annual report was submitted to TDEC prior to the March 31, 2015 deadline.

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II. REPORTS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED AS SPECIFIED IN THE WBN NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT (continued)

E. The annual sampling and analysis required by the 2015 TMSP for storm water was performed and the annual report was submitted to TDEC prior to the May 15, 2015 deadline.

F. DMR Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Performance Evaluation Study 35 was completed by and submitted to Environmental Resource Associates, the TDEC, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to the August 28, 2015 deadline. All analyte performance evaluations were acceptable.

III. SPECIAL BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORTS A. EPP Section 4.1.1, "Aquatic Monitoring"

1. Routine semi-annual Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET), a.k.a. chronic blotoxicity tests, were conducted on plant effluents and the appropriate reports were submitted as part of the DMR for Outfall Serial Numbers (OSNs) 101 and 113, In May and November 2015 as required by the NPDES permit. All TVA test results were valid for all sampling outfalls and dates and for both 1025 tests (P. promelas and C. dubia).

2. On December 29, 2015 TVA submitted to the TDEC the reasonable potential determination as a component of the NPDES permit renewal application. This determination summarized all of the biological monitoring results for the life of WBN, Indicating no adverse Impact to aquatic life due to WBN operation. A report on the "Biological Monitoring of the Tennessee River near the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant 2012" is not required in accordance with Part III,Section I of the WBN NPDES Permit, but was a recommendation In the "Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Supplemental Condenser Cooling Water System Fish Monitoring Program, 2001" report to be consistent with other required annual reporting programs at Tennessee and Alabama nuclear plants. TVA determined in January 2013 that these reports, or an equivalent, would be submitted with the permit renewals versus the historical annual basis.

3. In accordance with the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated Section 69-7-301 et seq., the Water Resources Information Act, WBN submitted the Water Withdrawal Registration Fonn for Calendar Year (CY) 2015 to the TDEC prior to the February 15, 2016 deadline. Although federal agencies are not subject to laws and regulations promulgated by state governments unless Congress has clearly waived the federal government's sovereign Immunity, In 2003 TVA voluntarily agreed as a matter of policy to provide the registration Information In order to assist both TVA and TDEC in carrying out their water management responsibilities.

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III. SPECIAL BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORTS (continued)

B. EPF Section 4.1.2, "Maintenance of Transmission Line Corridors" Listed below are the 500 kV transmission lines associated with WBN and information regarding the maintenance that was performed on each line:

500 kV Line Identifier Maintenance Performed There was not any Chemical or Herbicide utilized on Bull Run - Watts Bar (Note Below) these lines within the period.

05/21/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 121.33 acres (Meigs County)

1. Mix 1 - 200 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 8 gallons

Arsenal -1.5 gallons

Milestone - 0.5 gallons

Penetron-1.5 gallons

Escort XP - 6 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo -1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP -1.5 gallons

3. Mix 3-0 gallons Watts Bar - Roane 05/22/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 172 acres (Meigs County)

1. Mix 1 -180 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 7.2 gallons

Arsenal -1.35 gallons

Milestone - 0.45 gallons

Penetron -1.35 gallons

Escort XP - 5.4 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo -1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP -1.5 gallons

3. Mix 3 - 0 gallons E-5of 15

500 kV Line Identifier Maintenance Performed 05/23/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 220.18 acres (Roane County)

1. Mix 1-100 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 4 gallons

Arsenal - 0.75 gallons

Milestone - 0.25 gallons

Penetron - 0.75 gallons

Escort XP - 3 gallons

2. Mix 2-0 gallons - Machette

3. Mix 3-0 gallons 05/26/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 94.61 acres (Roane County)

1. Mix 1-80 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 3.2 gallons

Arsenal - 0.6 gallons

Milestone - 0.2 gallons

Penetron - 0.6 gallons

Escort XP - 2.4 gallons

2. Mix 2-0 gallons - Machette

3. Mix 3-0 gallons 05/27/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 37.97 acres (Roane County)

1. Mix 1 - 80 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 3.2 gallons

Arsenal - 0.6 gallons

Milestone - 0.2 gallons

Penetron - 0.6 gallons

Escort XP - 2.4 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 0 gallons - Machette

3. Mix 3-0 gallons E-6of 15

500 kV Line Identifier Maintenance Performed 06/04/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 49.64 acres (Roane County)

1. Mix 1 - 0 gallons - Backpack

2. Mix 2 - 0 gallons - Machette

3. Mix 3-0 gallons

4. Mix 4 - 200 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 6.2 gallons

Polaris -1.5 gallons

Milestone - 0.5 gallons

Penetron - 2 gallons

Escort XP - 6 gallons

5. Mix 5-0 gallons - Machette 06/05/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 65 acres (Roane County)

1. Mix 1-0 gallons - Backpack

2. Mix 2-0 gallons -1 Machette

3. Mix 3-0 gallons

4. Mix 4-100 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 3.1 gallons

Polaris - 0.75 gallons

Milestone - 0.25 gallons

Penetron -1 gallons

Escort XP - 3 gallons

5. Mix 5 - 0 gallons - Machette E-7of 15

500 kV Line Identifier Maintenance Performed 06/15/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 31 acres (Roane County)

1. Mix 1 - 270 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo -10.8 gallons

Arsenal - 2.03 gallons

Milestone - 0.68 gallons

2. Mix 2 -1 gallons -1 Machette Watts Bar - Roane

Rodeo - 0.53 gallons (continued)

Arsenal-0.1 gallons

Milestone - 0.03 gallons

Penetron - 0.1 gallons

Escort XP - 0.6 gallons 06/17/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 23 acres (Roane County)

1. Mix 1 - 380 gallons

Rodeo -15.2 gallons

Arsenal - 2.85 gallons

Milestone - 0.95 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 0.5 gallons

Rodeo - 0.27 gallons

Arsenal - 0.05 gallons

Milestone - 0.02 gallons

Penetron - 0.05 gallons

Escort XP - 0.3 gallons Watts Bar - Volunteer There was not any Chemical or Herbicide utilized on these lines within the period.

Watts Bar - Sequoyah 1 (Note There was not any Chemical or Herbicide utilized on Below) these lines within the period.

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500 kV Line Identifier Maintenance Performed 05/12/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 72.12 acres (Hamilton County)

1. Mix 1-100 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 4 gallons

Arsenal - 0.75 gallons

Milestone - 0.25 gallons

Penetron - .75 gallons

Escort XP - 3 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo -1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP - 0.15 gallons 05/13/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 150.82 acres (Hamilton County)

1. Mix 1 -130 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 5.2 gallons Watts Bar - Sequoyali 2

Arsenal - 0.98 gallons

Milestone - 0.33 gallons

Penetron - 0.98 gallons

Escort XP - 3.9 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo-1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP- 0.15 gallons E-9of 15

500 kV Line Identifier Maintenance Performed 05/14/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 98 acres (Bradley County)

1. Mix 1-165 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 6.6 gallons

Arsenal -1.24 gallons

Milestone - 0.41 gallons

Penetron -1.24 gallons

Escort XP - 4.95 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo -1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP - 0.15 gallons 05/15/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the Watts Bar - Sequoyah 2 81.45 acres (Bradley County)

(continued)

1. Mix 1 -105 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 4.2 gallons

Arsenal - 0.79 gallons

Milestone - 0.26 gallons

Penetron - 0.79 gallons

Escort XP - 3.15 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo -1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP - 0.15 gallons E-IOof 15

500 kV Line Identifier Maintenance Performed 05/15/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 47.88 acres (Bradley County)

1. Mix 1 - 40 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo -1.6 gallons

Arsenal - 0.3 gallons

Milestone - 0.1 gallons

Penetron - 0.3 gallons

Escort XP -1.2 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo-1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP - 0.15 gallons Watts Bar - Sequoyah 2 (continued) 05/16/2015 - The following methods were used to treat the 31.39 acres (McMinn County)

1. Mix 1-60 gallons - Backpack

Rodeo - 2.4 gallons

Arsenal - 0.45 gallons

Milestone -0.15 gallons

Penetron - 0.45 gallons

Escort XP -1.8 gallons

2. Mix 2 - 2.5 gallons - Machette

Rodeo-1.33 gallons

Arsenal - 0.25 gallons

Milestone - 0.08 gallons

Penetron - 0.25 gallons

Escort XP - 0.15 gallons Note: 1 The transmission line designated as Bull Run -Sequoyah in previous versions of this report has been l split into the following transmission lines; 1) Watts Bar - Sequoyah 1, and 2) Bull Run - Watts Bar. f E-11 Of 15

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN NONCOMPLIANCES WBN received zero Notice of Violations (NOV) from February 2015 to February 2016. In accordance with the NPDES permit, the following noncompliances were reported to the TDEC.

A. On April 2, 2015 WBN reported to TDEC that WBN exceeded the benchmark monitoring requirement for iron at storm water monitoring outfall SW-9 on March 3, 2015.

B. On April 10, 2015 WBN reported to TDEC on the March 2015 DMR that during routine maintenance activities, TVA discovered the flow meter at OSN 103 was not properly converting the signal from the sensor to the log reader. This was causing the reported reading to be two and one-half (2.5) times above the actual flow reading. TVA's investigation indicates that flows were over-reported from August 13, 2014 through March 19, 2015. There were no permit limits exceeded during this time period, and the issue has been corrected. The Division has not requested WBN to provide revised DMRs for the impacted months.

C. Due to constraints on the OSN 101 flow meter, flows in excess of 80,000 gallons per minute (gpm) were calculated for the months of June 2015 through December 2015.

D. On August 13, 2015 WBN reported to the TDEC in the July DMR cover letter that on July 5, 2015, the Lined/Unlined Pond treatment system was observed inadvertently discharging to the Yard Holding Pond via alternate route. Since this was considered permitted discharge, samples of the batch discharge were immediately collected for all IMP 107 parameters and analyzed. However it was later discovered that no metal cleaning chemicals containing phosphorous were used since the last batch discharge from the Lined/Unlined Pond treatment system. Since the permit did not require monitoring for Total Phosphorous in this situation, the results were included in the comments section of the DMR. Also during this batch discharge, a laboratory error issue occurred with regard to the Oil & Grease value. A Letter of Explanation pertaining to this error was also sent to the TDEC.

E. On September 11, 2015 WBN reported to the TDEC in the August DMR cover letter that on August 10, 2015, WBN personnel observed the Carbon Dioxide Sparging System out of service while the Low Volume Waste Treatment Pond was discharging. A pH sample was collected and analyzed, then the pond was isolated until the sparging system was placed back into service.

F. WBN notified the TDEC on the December 2015 and January 2016 DMR cover letters of the temperature monitoring equipment failure at the diffusers. In accordance with Part 1 of the NPDES permit, daily temperature monitoring at OSN 101 was conducted on December 25-27 and 29-31, 2015 and January 01-22, 2016 due to the equipment failure.

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V. CHANGES MADE TO APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL PERMITS AND CERTIFICATIONS A. NPDES Permit Number TN 0020168

1. The Tennessee Storm Water Multi-Sector General Permit TNR050000 was issued and effective on April 15, 2015 and expires on April 14, 2020.

Section 5.2 of Sectors L and O of this new permit requires results from annual monitoring be submitted to the Division of Water Resources within 30 days after the sample results are obtained, but no later than the March 31st of the following calendar year, whichever comes first.

2. On May 12, 2015 TVA submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the TDEC to reissue the Tennessee Multi-Sector Storm Water Permit TNR051343.

Coverage under this general permit became effective on June 12, 2015 and shall expire on April 14, 2020.

3. WBN notified the TDEC of an operational change on the September 2015 DMR cover letter. WBN began discharging water treatment plant sump effluent directly to the Low Volume Waste Treatment Pond (LVWTP). In the past, the sump discharges were routed through the Alum Sludge Ponds before flowing to the LVWTP. This is not a planned change that would affect the permit as described in Part II.B. WBN will continue to monitor discharges and maintain compliance at OSN 103.

4. On December 29, 2015, TVA submitted an NPDES permit renewal application package, which included a completed EPA Form 1, site map.

Form 2C, flow schematic, the reasonable potential determination, and a permit address form. The cun-ent NPDES permit will expire on June 30, 2016. In accordance with Part III.A.1, TVA is permitted to discharge after the expiration date of this pennit as the renewal application was submitted prior to 180 days prior to the expiration date.

B. Air Permits Number 463822

1. No changes were made to the air permit during this reporting period.

VI. CHANGES IN FACILITY DESIGN OR OPERATION In accordance with EPP Section 3.1, "Plant Design and Operation," facility design and operational changes were reviewed for potential effect on the environment as described below. A review of facility design and operational changes proposed from February 7, 2015, through February 6, 2016, was performed. Projects considered as having potential impact on the environment included those that:

Could have caused waste stream generation/alteration.

Required the acquisition/modification of permits.

Involved the use of hazardous material.

Required physical construction.

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The review, performed in accordance with the guidelines of TVA's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Program, documented that design and operational changes did not involve an unreviewed environmental question. The following criteria were used to identify those projects with a potential for environmental effects:

A. Waste stream generation/alteration:

Air, Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Asbestos, or Wastewater B. Permit Acquisition/Modification:

NPDES, Air, Inert Landfill, or Other C. Hazardous Materials; Hazardous Materials that are environmentally unfriendly and are likely to generate a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous or Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) waste.

D. Physical Construction Involved:

Erosion/Sedimentation Effects, Transportation Effects, Noise Effects, Groundwater Effects, Surface Water Effects, Floodplain Effects, Wetland Effects, Prime Farmland Effects, Unique Natural Features Effects, Aquatic Ecology Effects, Terrestrial Ecology Effects, Protected Species Effects, Sensitive Habitat Effects, Visual Effects, Historical, Cultural and Archeological Effects, Changes in Site Land Use, or Controversy.

1. Temporary Alterations:

There were no temporary alterations conducted during this period that met the environmental impact criteria.

Design and Operational Changes Most of the design and operational changes conducted during this period did not meet the environmental impact criteria. There were four facility design and operational changes made during this reporting period with a potential impact on the environment.

The appropriate environmental reviews were completed and all changes were found to be within the scope of existing environmental permits and in compliance with NEPA regulations.

Those Categorical Exclusion Checklists (CECs) written to document the review of site changes are as follows:

(1) 32464 Provide SCCW from Unit 2 Supply Weir to Unit 1 Cooling Tower Basin (2) 32526 Facilities Work Request (FWR) 15-0166 - Replace/repair leaking sections of 4" PVC Makeup Dl water Line (3) 32948 U2 Outage Temp Power Transformer Pad and Containment Berm (4) 34339 HP and LP Turbine Rotor Replacements All other facility design and operational changes made during this reporting period with a potential impact on the environment were found to be within the scope of existing environmental permits and in compliance with regulations.

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In summary, there were no facility designs or operational changes from February 7, 2015 to February 6, 2016, which resulted in an unreviewed environmental question.

VII. NON-ROUTINE REPORTS No non-routine reports for EPP Section 4.2 were issued during this reporting period.

VIII. CHANGES IN APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN SPECIFICATIONS No changes were made to the WBN operating license, Appendix B, EPP during the reporting period.

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