ML20003G336
| ML20003G336 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07001201 |
| Issue date: | 04/15/1981 |
| From: | Crow W, Shum E NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8104290063 | |
| Download: ML20003G336 (2) | |
Text
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APR 151981 t i I r Co g
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DOCKET NO.: 70-1201 Q
LICENSEE:
Babcock & Wilcox (B&W)
% Mggman,f FACILITY:
Comercial Nuclear Fuel Plant (CNFP),
Lynchburg, Virginia y
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2
SUBJECT:
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Of B&W'S LICENSE AMENDMENT i
(SNM-1168) TO ALLOW ON-SITE STORAGE OF NATURAL
- URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE (UF )
6 I
Backoround By letter dated February 27, 1981, Babcock & Wilcox (the licensee) requested an amendment to Materials License No. SNM-1168 to authorize the storage of up to 3,000,000 pounds of natural uranium as uranium hexafluoride(UF6). The UF6 is contained in cylinders sealed and equipped with valve protectors. The cylinders will be stored within the CNFP security fence on timbers designed to give support and " cradle" the items to guard against rolling, and the area will be maintained under weed control.
II Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action The licensee's proposed action would not result in a release of radioactivity and chemicals under normal conditions since the UF6 cylinders are sealed and equipped with valve protectors. During the loading and unloading of the UF6 cylinders, however, accidents, such as the dropping of the cylinder, could happen. This could result in the rupture of the UF6 cylinder resulting in the release of some UFg. Since the UF6 is in solid form, a substantial release of UF6 to the environment is not possible unless it is accomolished l-by a fire at the same time.
(The heat of sublimation for UF6 [147 F] =
l-58.2 Btu /lb).
In order to avoid a serious vehicle accident resulting in a fire and rupture of cylinder within the UFs storage. area, the licensee will chain the storage area as an exclusion zone; vehicle speed will be controlled by posing a 10 mph speed limit in the excess area, and signs will be erected at the edge of the pavement warning that entry of any unescorted vehicle into the unpaved zone of the storage area is prohibited.
During loading and unloading operation, there will be at least one crane operator, two persons assigned to assure cylinders are seated properly, and one Health-Safety Monitor person present. These people will be responsible to assure that the necessary trucks and cranes are guided 0 1" em t
2-APR 151951 into position properly to avoid potential accident or injury. A fire hose will be standing by, ready for immediate use in case of a fire.
Therefore, the chance for such a combination of events (fire and rupture of UF6 cylinder) to occur is remote and the risk to the environment is small.
III Conclusion Based on the above evaluation, it is concluded that the licensee's proposed action for the on-site storage of natural UF6 contained in cylinders would be non-substantive and insignificant from an environmental impact stand-point. Thus, pursuant to 10 CFR 51, Section 51.5(d)(3), an environmental impact appraisal need riot be prepared. Approval of the license amendment is reconsnended, i
E. Y. Shum Uranium Process Licensing Section Uranium Fuel Licensing Branch Division of Fuel Cycle and Material Safety Approved by:
W. T. Crow, Section Leader 9
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