ML20028B807
| ML20028B807 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Surry  |
| Issue date: | 11/24/1982 |
| From: | Eisenhut D Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | VIRGINIA POWER (VIRGINIA ELECTRIC & POWER CO.) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20028B808 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8212060339 | |
| Download: ML20028B807 (3) | |
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7590-01 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION In the Matter of
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Docket Nos. 50-280 and 50-281 VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
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(Surry Power Station, Unit Nos.
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1 and 2)
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EXEMPTION I.
The Virginia Electric and Power Company (the licensee) is the holder of Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-32 and DPR-37 which authorize operation of the Surry Power Station, Unit Nos.1 and 2.
These licenses provide, among other things, that they are subject to all rules, regulations and Orders of the Commission now or hereafter in effect.
The facilities comprise two pressurized water reactors at the licensee's site located in Surry County, Virginia.
II.
On November 19, 1980, the Commission published a revised Section 10 CFR 50.48 and a new Appendix R to 10 CFR 50 regarding fire protection features of nuclear power plants (45 F.R. 70002). The revised !'ction 50.48 and Appendix R became effective on February 17, 1981.Section III of Appendix R contains fifteen subsections, lettered A through 0, each of which specifies requirements for a particular aspect of the fire protection features
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at a nuclear power plant. One of these fifteen subsections, III.G., is the subject of this exemption request. III.G specifies detailed requirements for fire protection of the equipment used for safe shutdown by means 'of separation and barriers (III.G.2).
If the requirements for separation and barriers could not be met in an area, alternative safe shutdown capability, independent cf that area and equipment in that area, was required (III.G.3).
By letter dated 8212060339 821124 PDR ADOCK 05000280 F
7590-01
July 23,1982, the licensee requested an exemption from the requirements of Section III.G.3b to the extent that it requires the installation of a fixed fire suppression in the control room.of Units 1 and 2.
In support of this request, the licensee notes that installed hose standpipes provide the best possible fire suppression for these areas and the installation of an automatic fire suppression system in these areas would not enhance fire protection safety above that provided and may be detrimental to overall facility safety.
III.
We have reviewed the licensee's exemption request. The control room is bounded on all sides by concrete which provides a three hour rated fire barrier. Openings into the room are protected by fire doors, dampers and fire rated penetration seals. The control room contains instrumentation and control equipment necessary to operate the plant under both normal and abnormal condi-tions.
Control Room fire protection consists of early warning smoke detectors located in adjacent areas, in vertical boards in the contral room and at the ceiling near the air flow return. This protection is supplemented by portable fire extinguishers throughout the control room complex and a hose station is located just outside the control room.
In addition, the. control room is continuously manned.
In the event the control room becomes uninhabitable due to smoke or heat, an alternate capability to achieve safe shutdown exists outside the control room.
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7590-01
,- For the above reasons, there is reasonable assurance that adequate safe shutdown capability is available in the event of a fire. Therefore, the installation of a fixed fire suppression system will not significantly increase the level of fire protection in the control room, and the exemption requested by the licensee should be granted.
IV.
Accordingly, the Commission has determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.12, an exemption is authorized by law and will not endanger life or property or ccmmon defense and security and is otherwise in the public interest and hereby grants an exenption from the requirements of Section III.G.3b of Appendix R to 10 CFR 50 to the extent that it requires the installation of a fixed fire suppression system in the control room at Surry Power Station, Unit Nos.1 and 2.
The NRC staff has determined that the granting of this Exemption will not result in any significant environmental impact and that pursuant to 10 CFR 551.5(d)(4) an environmental impact statement or negative declaration 1
j and environmental impact appraisal need not be prepared in connection with this action.
FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION f
Dar e Eisenh i
Division of Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Dated at Bethesda, Maryland this 24th day of November,1982 i
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