ML19329D716
| ML19329D716 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crystal River  |
| Issue date: | 03/27/1978 |
| From: | James O'Reilly NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II) |
| To: | Higginbotham L NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE) |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8003170501 | |
| Download: ML19329D716 (2) | |
Text
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NUCLEAR REGULATCRY COMMISSION g
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MAR 2 7 1978 DiORANDUM FOR:
Leo B. Higginbotham, Acting Director,'FFMSI
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FROM:
James P. O'Reilly, Director, Offica. of Inspection and Er.'orcement, RII
SUBJECT:
RADIOCHDiICAL LOWER LIMITS OF DETECTION (LLD)
Two Region II licensees, Crystal River Unit 3 and Hatch Units 1 and 2, have applied to NRR for an amendment change to the Technical Specifications to revise the LLD limits on liquid radwaste. The proposed change wculd define a Sensitivity Limit of 5.0 x 10-7/I uCi/ml (where I equals the gamma incansity).
The proposed change was a result of our inspector determining that for selected nuclides (i.e., Cr-51 and Cu-64) the licensees were unable to meet their Technical Specifications limit of 5 x 10-7 uC1/ml.
As you are aware, Cu-64 is an expected effluent nuclide frco,a EWR and is a significant fraction of a BWR's gross ga=ma liquid waste.
Cr-51 is a nor=al LWR effluent nuclide. However, as specified in Regulatory Guide 1.21, if the 5 x 10-7 uC1/=1 LLD cannot be met for Cr-51, a ratio method =ay be utilized.
Our staff does not concu.- with the propcsed Technical Specifications change.
In the case of Cu-64, the licensee's proposed LLD would be (5 x 10-7.005) 1.0 x 10-4 uCi/mi or 50% of the 10 CFR 20 limit.
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In addition, the licensee's proposed 1.0 x 10-4 uCi/ml is an LLD based upon the theoretical mini =um spectral background (appriori).
Therefore, under actual conditions (postpriori) the LLD could exceed MFC, resulting in effluenc releases.
We recommend a Technical Specifications change to read:
"LLD:
5.0 x 10-7 uC1/ml for nuclides with a halflife greater than 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />; 10% of MPC for nuclides with a halflife less than 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.
(A halflife of less than 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> precludes a " ratio method", as described in USNRC Regulatory Guide 1.21.)"
CONTACT:
G. T. Gibson 242-5598 b
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MAR 2 71978
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Please convey our assessment of the Technical Specifications change to NRR.
O-wu. b a=es P. O'Re 11y i
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