ML18094B221

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NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 891121,approx 220 Gallons of 15% Sodium Hypochlorite Spilled.Caused by Leaking Flange on Elbow of Piping at Entrance to Metering Bldg. Flange Repaired & Spill Later Determined Not Reportable
ML18094B221
Person / Time
Site: Salem  PSEG icon.png
Issue date: 12/27/1989
From: Preston B
Public Service Enterprise Group
To:
NEW JERSEY, STATE OF
References
NLR-E89323, NUDOCS 9001080108
Download: ML18094B221 (4)
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OPS~G Public Service Electric and Gas Company P.O. Box 236 Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey 08038 Nuclear Department DEC 2 7 1989 NLR-E89323 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Office of Hazardous Substance Control Division of Water Resources P.O. Box 2809 Trenton, NJ 08625 Gentlemen:

SALEM GENERATING STATION SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SPILL (NOVEMBER 21, 1989)

On November 21, 1989, a spill of approximately 220 gallons of 15%

sodium hypochlorite (NAOCL) was reported to the NJDEP Hotline, the National Response Center and the Nuclear Regulatory Agency.

This report was made based upon an estimated release of 231 pounds of 15% NAOCL (220 gal. x 0.15 x 7lbs/gal.) which exceeds the 40 CFR 302 RQ value of lOOlbs.

SYSTEM BACKGROUND NAOCL is used in a dilute concentration at the facility to control biofouling of the cooling water systems and is allowed to be discharged to the Delaware River under the conditions contained in NJPDES Permit NJ 0005622.

The NAOCL is stored in two above ground tanks with a capacity of 88,000 gallons each. Each tank is equipped with a Uehling*

company "Type s Tankometer". Underground pipes carry the NAOCL to a small building that houses a metering system which applies it to the cooling water systems.

EVENT DESCRIPTION At approximately 1630 hours0.0189 days <br />0.453 hours <br />0.0027 weeks <br />6.20215e-4 months <br /> on November 20, 1989, a puddle of NAOCL was discovered bubbling on the ground in the vicinity of the metering building. The source of the release was believed to be the underground pipe from the storage tanks. The storage tank in service was secured immediately to stop the release. The other tank was not in ser\rice and was not involved in the event.

The tankometer was read, and an estimate was made based upon what was believed to have been in inventory. The information available to us at the time indicated approximately 231 lbs. of NAOCL was released. The decision was made that this exceeded the RQ value of 100 lbs. and that a report was required.

9001080108 891227 PDR ADOCK 05000272 S PNU

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Mr. Nick Sodano NLR-E89323 DEC 2 7 1989 SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION The site was excavated to repair the leak on November 27, 1989.

At that time it was discovered that the underground pipe was not the source of the_ release. When.the excavation was made a large concrete slab was encountered two feet below grade. No liquid or residual chlorine was observed on the slab. The investigation shifted to the adjacent piping that was coming out of the ground and entering the metering building. The insulation was removed from the elbow at grade elevation. This revealed that the flange on the elbow was leaking. The flange was repaired. During the night rain water accumulated in the hole. Analysis of the accumulated rainwater (see attached lab sheet) and the surrounding soil indicated less than detectable amounts of both total and free chlorine indicating that no NAOCL remained on or in the ground. There was no discharge to the groundwater.

Upon the examination of the accumulated rainwater, there was continued bubbling. This was determined to be coming from a broken air line. This was repaired. The tankometer operates through the use of station compressed air. The tank level was checked and the "lost" NAOCL was again in inventory.

CONCLUSION Reporting requirements at both state and federal levels require immediate notification for a spill of material above its RQ value. The presence of the puddle of NAOCL, the fact that it appeared to be bubbling out of the ground and the unaccounted for tank inventory, caused an estimate of spilled material in excess of its RQ value. The full facts of the event could not be known until the excavation of the area. This was not possible within the regulatory framework for notification *

.In light of the present facts, this event was not a reportable spill. No further cleanup or action is required on the part of the Company.

If you have any questions in this regard, please feel free to contact John Balletto of my staff at (609) 339-4748.

Sincerely, 1:1.~/J~J Manager - Licensing & Regulation

Mr. Nick Sodano

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