ML19350A942

Submits NPDES Notification of Noncompliance W/Effluent Limitations.Discharge Exceeded Limits on 810224,26 & 0304. Caused by Partial Plugging of Discharge Flowmeter & Effluent Accumulation in Sand Filter.Design Mod Requested

ML19350A942
Person / Time
Site:	Sequoyah
Issue date:	03/13/1981
From:	Elashry M TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
To:	Patrick J ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
References
TN0026450, TN26450, NUDOCS 8103170624
Download: ML19350A942 (2)

Text

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TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY Nonnes. TENNasset 37828 215 Natural Resources Building MARCH 1 3 1991 k

Mr. James R. Patrick, Jr. , Chief Y@y

• N N Compliance Section, Water Enforcement Branch Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV 2 Og N{U f

Q Q 345 Courtland Street g g 1 6 193; g -

Atlanta, Georgia 30365 'g g k

Dear Mr. Patrick:

NOTIFICATION OF NONC0!1PLIANCE WITH EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS - NPDES P M

N0. TN0026450 - SEQUOYAH NUCLEAR PLANT Description of the discharge--Discharge No. 003 - Operational sewage treatment plant effluent. Samples collected on February 24, 26, and March 4, 1981, contained 76, 90, and >120 mg/1, respectively, of B00 , 5exceeding the maximum pennit limitation of 45 mg/1. Also, a sample collected on March 4, 1981, contained 75 mg/l of suspended solids, exceeding the maximum permit limitation of 45 mg/1.

Cause and period of the noncompliance--The flowmeter in the discharge pipe from the sand filter became partially plugged on February 16, 1981. This caused the septic tank effluent to accumulate in the sand filter which may have fluidized the sand filter. We believe that this blockage caused a reduction in the treatment efficiency of the system. After the plugged flowmeter was removed and the chlorine contact tank was pumped on March 6,1981, the effluent appeared clear. Since the blockage has been removed we believe that the system will recover quickly.

Steps taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of the noncomplying discharge--On February 17, 1981, a design modification request was written to initiate replacement of the plugged flowmeter. No replacement flowmeters were available locally, so on March 6,1981, the plugged flowmeter was removed and the bypass line was installed to allow unimpeded flow until a replacement flowmeter could be obtained. A replacement flowmeter has been ordered and it will be installed as soon as possible after it is delivered. The chlorine contact tank was pumped out on March 6,1981, to remove any solids which had accumulated during the problem period.

l Sincerely, Mohamed T. El-Ashry, Ph.D.

Director of Environmental Quality cc: See page 2 i

An Ecual Opportunity Emotoyer

c.. . .

MARCH 1 3 1981 Mr. James R. Patrick, Jr.

cc: Tennessee Department of Public Health Division of Water Quality Control 621 Lorde11 Hull Building Nashville, Tennessee 37219 Mr. Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S.-Nuclear Regulatory Commission 7920 Norfolk Avenue Washington, DC 20555 Mr. James P. O'Reilly, Director Office of Inspectic.. 3nd Enforcement U.S. Nuclear Regulattry Commission, Region II 101 Marietta Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303 A

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