ML19094A409
| ML19094A409 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Surry  |
| Issue date: | 10/26/1977 |
| From: | Stello V Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| Download: ML19094A409 (13) | |
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Harold R. Denton, Directors Division of Site Safety and Environmental Analysis, NRR FROM: Victor Stello, Jr., Director, Division of Operating Reactors, NRR
SUBJECT:
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST - SURRY ..ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION CHANGES
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PLANT NAME: Surry Units land 2 DOCKET NUMBERS: 50~280/281 RESPONSIBLE BRANCHES: ORB #4; EEB PROJECT MANAGER: M. Fairtile REQUEST TARGET DATE: November 21, 1977 TAC NUMBER; ACTIVITY CODE; NRR CONTROL NO.: 6789; E38; 42.
On May 16, 1977 the Virginia Electric and Pow~r Company requested changes
- .to the Environmental Technical Specifications for Surry Units l and 2 for complete or partial relief from thennal, physical and chemical surveys, biological ~onitoring, and impingement sampling.
- In our* evaluation of the proposed ETS changes, we find it necessary to seek technical assistance from the Hydrology-Meteorology Branch, DSEJ to review.
the result from the thermal, physical and chemical surveys.
- This program encompasses data colletted by the utility and by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science under an AEC/ERDA contract. Some of the results from the -
- Surry physical monitoring program have been reviewed by Oak Ridge as part of the Three Lab Contract to review operating data.
We also request the assistance of the Environmental Specialist Branch in the review of certain of the biological monitoring programs proposed to be deleted.. Specifi'cally, we request review of program 4 *. 13.B.4 Nekton and 4.13.E Impingement.
NRC FORM 318 (9-76) NRCM 0240
- u: s. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICES 1976 - 626*624
Harold R. Denton
- OCT 26 1971 9 Enclosure 1 is the licensee's submittal which descri'bes in detail the requested changes. T. Cain of the Environmental Evaluation Branch, DOR, has a copy of the data base for Surry and will provide it to your re-viewers on request. Your review is requested by November 21, 1977.
Victor Stello, Jr ** Director Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosure:
As stated cc: D. Eisenhut K. Goller R. Reid W. Garrmi1 l L. Hulman W. Bivins R. Ballard R. Samworth M. Fairtile DISTRIBUTION Central files EEB Rdg VSte 11 o' BGrimes TCain EAdensam JGuibert RCudlin OFFICE,...
SURNAME:ll>-
NRG FORM 318 (9-76) :NRCM 0240
- U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEa 1976 - 626 .. 624
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VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY RIOHMOND,VIROJ:Nl.A. 23261 *
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May 16, 1977 Mr. Edson G. Case, Acting Director Serial No. 116 Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation LQA/ JEE: j al Attn: Mr. Robert W. Reid, Chief Operating Reactors Branch No. 4 Docket Nos. 50-280 Division of Operating Reactors 50-281 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D. C. 20555 License Nos. DPR-32 DPR-37
Dear Mr. Case:
Amendment to Operating Licenses DPR-32 and DPR-37 Technical Specification Change No. 49 Surry Power Station Unit Nos. 1 & 2 Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.90, the Virginia Electric and Power Company here-by requests an amendment, in the form of changes to the Technical Specifications, to Operating Licenses DPR-32 and DPR-37 for the Surry Power Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2. The changes are enclosed herewith, and have been designated as Change No.
49.
An environmental monitoring program, designed to determine the effects of Surry Power Station operations on the aquatic ecology of the James River, has been underway since prior to 1970. This program includes at least two years of preoperational data and about five years of postoperational data. A compl~te operational report as required by TS 4.13D was submitted by our letter of March is, 1977.
According to TS 4.13D, if" * *
- it is established that no major adverse environmental impact has resulted or is likely to result from continued operation of Unit Nos. 1 and 2 then the program shall be terminated." The purpose of this change is to request relief from certain parts of the program since the reports issued to date clearly establish that no major adverse environmental impact has resulted or is likely to result from continued operation of Unit Nos. 1 and 2.
Specifically, complete or partial relief is requested from the following sections under TS 4.13:
.4.13A - Thermal, physical, chemical characteristics 4.13B - Biological monitoring program 4.13E - Impingement sampling TS4~13A..;. Thermal; *physical, chemical*charactetistics Salinity records have shown this section of the James River to be a dynamic environment from the standpoint of salinity concentrations and distribution (see previous 6-month operating reports). The ocean-derived salt content of the water in the area is related to the volume rate of flow of fresh water from the James River watershed and is not influenced by Surry Power Station operations. The
VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND Pow1rn COMPANY TO Mr. Edson G. Case Page 2 infrequent occurrence of a diving plume at the discharge as measured during Virginia Institute of Marine Science studies is of no biological consequence since the environs of Cobham Bay and the James River are not affected.
Temperature data have been collected under a wide variety of both environmental and operating conditions. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, under an ERDA contract, has accumulated a large data base on temperature dis-tributions in the near-field plume area. On the basis of these data, as well as the far-field data accumulated by the Vepco monitoring system, the Institute has concluded that the thermal discharge is quickly assimilated in the James River.
Beyond about 1000 yards from the discharge, water temperatures were not found to be higher than those which could occur naturally. Also, excess temperatures of 1°F were rarely found more than half the distance across the river. (Fang, C.S.
and G. C. Parker, 1976. Thermal Effects of the Surry Nuclear Power Plant on the James River, Virginia. Part VI. Results of Monitoring Physical Parameters.
Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Number 109. Vir-ginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062. ERDA Project AT - (40~1) - 4067. ERDA Report No. ORO - 4067 - 7). This same study compared actual field data with hydraulic model data and found that, because of scale dis-tortion, the hydraulic model predicted excess temperature areas much larger than those observed in the field. It should be noted that Part VI of the study cited here was preceded by five equally detailed reports on the same subject.
In light of the findings cited here and since a voluminous data base has been accumulated under almost all types of environmental and operating conditions, Vepco requests relief from the Technical Specification 4.13A requirements related to thermal and salinity monitoring as written. In lieu of the present specifica-tions, the Company proposes the attached changes to TS4.13A.
TS4.13B*- Biological monitoring program The original objective of TS4.13 was to determine "the planktonic, nektonic, and benthic characteristics" within the 10-mile tidal segment of the James River near Surry Power Station. This section of the James River has been studied to this end for about seven years. Results included in the semi-annual operating reports filed with NRC along with final reports from VIMS and Vepco have amply characterized the biota of the area. Also, and more importantly, these studies have concluded that Surry Power Station operations have not resulted in a major adverse impact on the ecology of the James River.
- 4~13~B.1*- Plankton Productivity levels in the transition zone of the James River centered on Hog Point have been shown to be low, generally less than 5mgC*m- 3 *hr-l due mainly to high turbidities. Periodic dominance shifts between species have been found to be related to salinity fluctuations in the area. The only effect of station operation
\ on phytoplankton found was limited to the cooling water canal system and to a small area of the river immediately outside of the discharge canal mouth and then only during the warmer months. There was no effect on phytoplankton populations in the James River.
r V1Ro1Nu ELECTRIC AND PowER CoMPANY To Mr. Edson G. Case Page 3 Zooplankton populations were studied and no negative impact of the power plant discharge was detected. Also, high survival of entrained zooplankton through most of the year suggested a minimal impact of the Surry plant on popu-lations in the immediate discharge area.
4.13B~2 Attached benthic community Studies using fouling plates have shown normal seasonal cycles of attached organisms related to normal seasonal cycles of temperatures and salinity.
There have been no measurable effects fr.om Surry Power Station operations.
4.13B.3 - Epibenthos The James River in the vicinity of Hog Point has been found to be an inhospitable environment for all but a few species of benthic animals (also see preoperational reports). Declines in abundance have been found for some species but these are not related to power station operations since the declines occur in both plume and nonplume areas. Generally, spatial distributions of most of the invertebrate species collected were influenced more by bottom substrate type than by the power station cooling water plume.
4.13B.4 - Nekton Studies of fish populations in the Surry area of the James River have shown no effect of power station operations. While some species increased in relative abundance, others decreased. Overall, however, the fish community has remained stable as measured by diversity, richness, and evenness indices. Most changes could be related to natural (Hurricane Agnes) or other man-made perturbations (lower James River fish kills).
- 4.13B.5 ~ Planktonic*organisms Ichthyoplankton samples have been taken from the intake canal, discharge canal, and locations within the plume, as well as from a control area. Numbers of fish eggs and larvae were generally less than l/m3. Of the two most abundant species taken, both have their centers of abundance well downstream from the Surry Power Station intakes. Any impact caused by the power station has not exceeded the natural variability in ichthyfaunal abundance in the vicinity of Hog Point.
It is evident from the data that the requirements of TS4.13.B.l (plankton),
TS4.13.B.2 (attached benthic community), TS4.13.B.3 (epibenthos), TS4.13.B.4 (nekton),
and TS4.13.B.5 (planktonic organisms) have been fulfilled. Accordingly, Vepco requests relief from these requirements in the form of cessation of environmental I \
monitoring programs as written under TS4.13.B, as provided under TS4.13.D.
- *4~13E ~*rmpirtgement With the development and installation of the Ristroph Travelling Fish Screens in May, 1974, problems associated with fish impingement at Surry Power Station have been alleviated. Based on data through the first 18 months of operations the screens have permitted about 93% of all fish impinged to be returned alive to the water as indicated in our letter of March 25, 1977. This assessment came as a result of duplicate 5-minute samples taken five days each week.
\'illUINIA EuL,UIC.: AllD l'oW?:11 Cololl'A!'iY TO Mr. Edson G. Case Page 4 Since the_scrcens have proved to be successful in their intended purpose and because they have proved tq be a most efficient biological sampling gear, Vepco proposes that the Ristroph Travelling Fish Screen sampling program serve as the program of choice in assessing fish populations in the Surry area.
These proposed changes have been reviewed and approved by both the Station and System Nuclear Safety and Operating Committees. Additionally, it has been dtermined that these changes do not constitute an unreviewed safety question as defined in 10 CFR 50.59. Further, these proposed changes should not contribute to any additional stress to the ecosystem of the James River in the vicinity of the Surry Power Station.
This change request supercedes our Technical Specification Change Request #38 dated March 11, 1976, as well as our letter of September 22, 1976.
{ Should you have any questions or connnents, we would be happy to discuss them
[ with you.
Very truly yours, J J')1 f7,-' * *
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I C. M. Stallings Vice President-Power Supply and Production Operations Attachment cc: Mr. Norman C. Moseley, Director Office of Inspection and Enforcement Region II
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(SEAL)
Atte.st:
D. Secretary COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA S.S.
CITY OF RICHMOND Before me, Robert M. Neil, a Notary Public, in and for the City and Commonwealth a::'.:oresaid, on thisl6thday of May, 1977, personally appeared C. M. Stallings and D. A. Hillsman, Jr., who being duly sworn, made oath and said (1) that they are Vice-President - Power Supply and Production Operations, and Assistant Secretary, respectively, of the Virginia Electric and Power Com-pany, (2) that they are duly.authorized to execute and file the foregoing Amendment in behalf of that Company, and (3) that the statements in the Amendment are true to the best of their know-ledge and belief.
Given under my hand and no to rial seal this 16th day of May, 1977.
My Commission expires January 20, 1981.
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v~obert M. Neil Notary Public (SEAL)
TS 4.13-1 4.13 NONRADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRA11 Applicability The nonradiological environmental monitoring program applies to the moni-toring of the temperature-salinity distribution and the biological variables in the 10-mile segment of the James River centered at Hog Island.
Objective The objectives of the program are: (1) to further confirm the relation-sr~p betwee~ thermal discharge and the physical-chemical characteristics of the water mass within the 10-mile tidal segment of the James River; (2) to further verify the continued efficacy of the Ristroph Traveling Fish Screens; and (3) to monitor the fish popuiations in cne Jaru~~
River utilizing the data collected from the screens.
Specification A. A monitoring program shall be conducted to determine the relationship between the thermal discharge and the physical-chemical characteristics of the water mass within the 10-mile tidal segment centered at Hog Is] *md.
- 1. The monitoring program shall encompass the segment of the James River Estuary which extends from below the intake of the Surry Power Station upstream to the southern shore of Jamestown Island as shown on TS Figure 4.13-1
- 2. The horizontal and vertical temperature-salinity structure of the tidal segment shall be determined at monthly intervals as follows:
e TS 4.13-2 Cruises shall be conducted at slack before flood tide. A four (4) station transect shall be established between the intake structure and Skiffes Creek just before low slack water. Temperature and salinity data shall be collected at two (2) meter intervals from surface to bottom. The cruise shall continue up the channel with same slack stations established at approximately two (2) mile inter-vals in the middle of the river. The final transect shall be made between Jamestown Island and Crouches Creek.
- 3. Mid-depth temperature shall be continuously monitored and recorded at the high level intake of the Surry Power Station.
- 4. Miu-depth temperature shall be continuously recorded in the discharge canal.
- 5. If chlorine is used in the covdenser-cooling system, chlor.ine demand in the intake canal shall be monitored. The chlorination schedule*
shall be based on plant operating data rather than on a fixed time basis. During chlorination, chlorine shall be monitored at the end of the discharge groin by use of analytical methods that :are sensitive to chlorine at concentrations much less than the concentration required for control and that will differentiate among the various chlorine containing compounds which constitute the residual chlorine. The con-centration of residual chlorine at the point of discharge to the James River shall not be greater than 0.1 mg/liter.
- 6. Records shall be kept of chemical releases to the cooling water system~
and a summary of this data shall be included in the semi-annual reports described in 4.13 D.
B. Deleted
.1 TS 4.13-3
.. e e C. The programs described in Specifications A and B . shall commence on the day Unit No. 1 is licen_sed to operate. Where installation of monitoring stations and/or purchase of equipment is necessary and/or involves authori-zation by other agencies, the affected portion of the program shall be implemented at the earliest practicable time, but not later thaµ December 31, 1972.
D. The data obtained from the programs defined in Specifications A and B shall be analyzed as they are collected and shall be compared with model and analytical predictions and with preoperational data. A report of the results of this evaluation shall be forwarded to the Division of Reactor Licensing (DRL) at the end of each six month period or fraction thereof terminating on June 30 and December 31. Such reports are due within
~O ~~y~ ~ftPr thP. P.nr. of P.ach reporting period and shall be submitted with the Routine Operating Report described in Techuical Specification 6.6.
Afinal report summarizing the results of the program shall be submitted sixty (60) days following the third anniversary of the date Unit No. 2 is licensed to operate. If on the basis of such semi-annual and final reports it is established that no major adverse environmental impact has resulted or is likely to result from continued operation of Unit Nos. 1 and 2 then the program shall be termiriated. Otherwise, it shall continue until a semi-annual report does establish that no impact has resulted or is likely to result. If on the basis of any semi-annual report or the final report it is established that the results of the monitoring program are inconclusive, either whole or in part, the licensee shall propose reasonable changes to the program designed to yield conclusive results and implement such changes when they are approved by DRL.
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- TS 4.13-4 E. Fish killed on the lo*w-level traveling screens at the station or by
- operating effects of the Surry Power Station shall be identified by species, size, and quantity, and the data shall be recorded in tabular form. Estimated numbers are to be derived through duplicate 5 -minute samples taken. Significant mortalities of fish that may be related to operation of the station shall be reported to Region II, Office of Inspection and Enforcement, within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />. Data concerning signifi-cant fish mortalities and the probably cause shall be included in a more detailed report to DRL within 10 days.
Basis Excess temperature distributions and alteration of 4ensity flows in the tidal segment have been predicted from data developed from model studies for two-plotted for different stages in the tidal cycle. The data collected under Specification A will permit an evaluation of the predictions and provide the basis for describing the parameters which may have environmental significance.
The surface and bottom records combined with profile data will also permit cross-sectional as well as longitud~nal physical-chemical evaluations to be made of the tidal segment.
The tidal segment encompassing the Surry site is in the vicinity of the mean transition zone between fresh and saltwater. During periods when the fresh-water inflow, as measured at the head of the coastal physiographic province exceeds approximately 12,000 cfs for an extended period, the water in the reach is fresh. At lower flows, the water becomes brackish and during extreme drought conditions the salinity on the discharge side of the point may reach l4 ppt,
TS 4.13-5 e
The condenser is cleaned by a mechanical system and it is expected that it will not be necessary to use chlorine to maintain condenser cleanliness. In the remote event it becomes necessary to utilize chlorine, its use will be regulated by need as demonstrated by a change in operating parameters. Re-sidual chlorine will be monitored at the point of discharge to the James River and shall not exceed 0.1 mg/liter. This concentration should have no effect on river organisms.
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