ML20056D977
| ML20056D977 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | South Texas  |
| Issue date: | 07/30/1993 |
| From: | Black S Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20056D978 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9308190118 | |
| Download: ML20056D977 (4) | |
Text
7590-01 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER COMPANY SOUTH TEXAS PROJECT. UNIT NOS. 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-498 AND 50-499 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The U.S. Nuclear Regulatcry Commission (the Commission) is considering issuance of an exemption from the requirements of Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 20 in response to a request filed by the Houston Lighting & Power Company (the licensee) for the South Texas Project, Units I and 2, located in Matagorda County, Texas.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT jdentification of Proposed Action:
The proposed action would grant an exemption from a requirement in footnote d-2(c) in Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 20 related to protection factors for respiratory protective devices. The footnote requires that no allowance is to be made for the use of sorbents against radioactive gases or vapors.
The exemption would allow the use of a radioiodine protection factor of 50 for certain respiratory protection canisters used by workers at the licensee's facility.
The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's request for
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exemption dated December 19, 1991, and supplemented by letter dated July 1, 1993.
The Need for the Proposed Action:
The proposed exemption is needed because the use of the sorbent canisters described in the licensee's request can potentially reduce the time required 9308190118 930730 i
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to complete those tasks that require the use of respiratory protection devices, thereby minimizing the amount of radiation exposure to plant operating personnel.
Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action:
The proposed exemption will most likely reduce the work effort and occupational exposure for some tasks at South Texas. The utilization of air purifying respirators in lieu of air-supplied or self-contained apparatuses, where possible, can result in person-rem reductions estimated overall at 25 percent for tasks requiring radiciodine protection. The 1ight weight, less cumbersome air purifying respirators (i.e., sorbent canisters) can provide increased comfort and mobility in most cases, and result in increased worker efficiency and decreased time on-the-job.
With regard to potential radiological impacts to the general public, the proposed exemption involves features located entirely within the restricted
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area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20.
It does not affect the potential for, or consequences of, radiological accidents and does not affect' radiological plant effluents. Consequently, the Commission conc 1cdes that there are no significant radiological impacts associated with the proposed exemption.
With regard to potential nonradiological impacts, the proposed exemption involves systems located entirely within the restricted areas as defined.in 10 CFR Part 20.
It does not affect nonradiological plant effluents and has no other environmental impact. Therefore, the Commission concludes that there are no significant nonradiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed exemption.
P.
Alternative to the Proposed Actign:
Since the Commission concluded that there are no significant environmental impacts that would result from the proposed action, any alternative with equal or greater environmental impacts need not be evaluated.
The principal alternative would be to deny the requested exemption. This would not reduce the environmental impacts as a result of plant operations.
Alternative Use of Resources:
This action does not involve the use of any resources not previously considered in the Final Environmental Statement for the South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2, dated August 1986.
Aaencies and Persons Contacted:
The NRC staff reviewed the licensee's request. The staff consulted with the State of Texas regarding the environmental impact of the proposed action.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT:
The Commission has determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the proposed exemption.
Based upon the foregoing environmental assessment, we conclude that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment.
For further details with respect to this action, see the request for l
exemption dated December 19, 1991, supplemented July 1, 1993, which are available for public inspection at the Commission's Public-Document Room, The -
Gelman Building, Lower Level, 2120 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20555, and i
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at Wharton County Junior College, J.M. Hodges Learning Center, 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, Texas 77488.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 3001 day of July 1993.
FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Suzanne
, Director Project Directorate IV-2 Division of Reactor Projects III/IV/V Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation r
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