ML18011B025

NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 950908,discovered Zinc Concentrations of Approx 3 Ppm in Cooling Tower Blowdown Discharge.Caused by Decrease in Ph of Cooling Tower Water. Cause of Ph Change Being Investigated

ML18011B025
Person / Time
Site:	Harris
Issue date:	09/13/1995
From:	Robinson W CAROLINA POWER & LIGHT CO.
To:	Schuster K NORTH CAROLINA, STATE OF
Shared Package
ML18011B024	List: ML18011B023 ML18011B025
References
HO-950531, NUDOCS 9510050093
Download: ML18011B025 (2)

Text

Carolina Power & Light Company William R. Robinson PO Box 165 Vice President Harris Nuclear Plant 5p"1 k'~NV'ile:

HO-950531 Mr. Kenneth Schuster Raleigh Regional Supervisor North Carolina Division of Environmental Management 3800 Barrett Drive, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27602 Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. NC0039586

Dear Mr. Schuster:

In accordance with Part II, E (9) (a) of the above-referenced NPDES Permit, on September 11, 1995 Ms. J. E. Garrett of the Raleigh Regional Office of the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management was notified via telephone by Mr. R. C. Yates of CP&L's Environmental Services Section that a zinc excursion had occurred at Outfall 001 (cooling tower blowdown) of the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant (Grade III facility).

On September 8, 1995, plant personnel discovered zinc concentrations of approximately 3 parts per million (ppm) in the cooling tower blowdown discharge. The zinc limit prescribed in the Harris Plant NPDES Permit is 1 ppm. The elevated zinc level in the discharge was the result of a decrease in the pH of the cooling tower water. Plant personnel subsequently adjusted the pH of the cooling tower water and returned the zinc concentration to within the permitted concentration on September 10, 1995. The cause of the pH change is being investigated. No harm to the environment or human health occurred during or after the discharge. This is based on detected zinc levels of.026 ppm at the outfall to Harris Lake.

Ifyou have any questions or comments regarding this information, please contact Mr. R. T. Wilson at (919) 362-2444. or Mr. R. C. Yates (919) 546-7777.

Sincerely, c: Ms. J. E. Garrett cc: Ms. L. I. Cooper Mr. M. R. Greeson Mr. J. W. Gri'fith Mr. J. W. Gurganious Mr. M. Verrilli Mr. R. T. Wilson Mr. R. C.Yates NLS File H-X-230 95 i 00500'P3 95092'P PDR ADOCK 05000400 8 PDR State Road 113'ew Hill NC Tel 919 362-2502 Fax 919 362.2095

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