ML18066A255

Forwards Radiation Protection Insp Rept 50-255/98-14 on 980707-10.No Violations Noted.Mgt & Operation of Personal Contamination Monitors & RMS Were Effective,As Evidenced by High Reliability of Monitors

ML18066A255
Person / Time
Site:	Palisades
Issue date:	07/29/1998
From:	Grobe J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
To:	Thomas J. Palmisano CONSUMERS ENERGY CO. (FORMERLY CONSUMERS POWER CO.)
Shared Package
ML18066A256	List: IR 05000255/1998014 ML18066A255
References
50-255-98-14, NUDOCS 9808040045
Download: ML18066A255 (3)

See also: IR 05000255/1998014

Text

Mr. Thomas J. Palmisano

UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

REGION Ill

801 WARRENVILLE ROAD

LISLE, ILLINOIS 60532-4351

July 29, 1998

Site Vice President and General Manager

Palisades Nuclear Generating Plant

27780 Blue Star Memorial Highway

Covert, Ml 49043-9530

SUBJECT:

NRC RADIATION PROTECTION INSPECTION REPORT 50-255/98014(DRS)

Dear Mr. Palmisano:

On July 10, 1998, the NRC completed an inspection at your Palisades Nuclear Generating

Plant. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection. The inspection examined

activities conducted under your license related to radiation safety and to compliance with the

Commission's rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.

Specifically, this inspection reviewed the planning and radiological controls for a spent resin

sluice, the calibration of personal contamination monitors (PCMs), the management of the area

and process radiation monitors, and the actions completed to address open items regarding the

waste gas system and the accident gaseous iodine effluent determination. To this end, the

inspection consisted of a selective examination of representative procedures and records,

walkdowns throughout the plant, observations of radworker practices and work activities in

progress, and interviews with plant personnel.

No violations of NRC requirements were identified. Overall, the management and operation of

the PCMs and the radiation monitoring system (RMS) were effective, as evidenced by the high

reliability of these monitors. The compensatory measures for inoperable RMS monitors were

completed as required, and the control functions of the RMS performed as intended. However,

the inspectors identified that the frequency of several RMS calibrations were extended beyond

their Technical Specification (TS) required 18-month interval. Although the calibrations were

performed within the 25% exte.nsion window of the TS, this practice increases the probability

that calibration frequencies will not be met, particuiarly should problems arise during the

calibrations. Your staff indicated that they would review the scheduling process to resolve this

issue. Additionally, the planning and radiological controls for the resin sluice were effective.

The sluice was well conducted, and the radiation protection controls enabled your staff to

minimize the dose to accomplish this job. Finally, plant staff have implemented numerous

actions to correct previously identified problems with the operation of the waste gas system and

the accident iodine determination.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790*of the NRC's "Rules and Practice," a copy of this letter and its

enclosures will be placed in the NRC Public Document Room.

9808040045 980729

PDR

ADOCK 05000255

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PDR

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T. Palmisano

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We will gladly discuss any questions you have concerning this inspection.

Sincerely,

s/John A. Grobe

John A. Grobe, Director

Division of Reactor Safety

Docket No. 50-255

License No. DPR-20

Enclosure:

cc w/encl:

Inspection Report 50-255/98014(DRS)

R. Fenech, Senior Vice

President, Nuclear, Fossil

and Hydro Operations

N. Haskell, Director, Licensing

R. Whale, Michigan

Public Service Commission

Michigan Department of

Environmental Quality

Department of Attorney General (Ml)

Emergency Management

Division, Ml Department

of State Police

DOCUMENT NAME: G:/DRS/PAL98014.DRS

OFFICE

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NAME

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DATE

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OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

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T. Palmisano

Distribution:

CAC (E-Mail)

Project Mgr., NRR w/encl

C. Paperiello, Riii w/encl

J. Caldwell, Riii w/encl

B. Clayton, Riii w/encl

SRI Palisades w/encl

DRP w/encl

TSS w/encl

DRS (2) w/encl

Riii PRR. w/encl

PUBLIC IE-~ w/encl

Docket File w/encl

GREENS

IEO (E-Mail)

DOCDESK (E-Mail)

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