ML20078Q350
| ML20078Q350 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Pilgrim |
| Issue date: | 02/02/1995 |
| From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20078Q329 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9502210214 | |
| Download: ML20078Q350 (2) | |
Text
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION t
WASHINGTON D.C. 2006H1001 SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 157 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. DPR-35 BOSTON EDIS0N COMPANY PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION DOCKET NO. 50-293
1.0 INTRODUCTION
By letter dated September 6, 1994, the Boston Edison Company (the licensee) submitted a request for change to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station Technical Specifications (TSs). The requested change would remove TS Section 4.5.H.4 which requires the testing and calibration of pressure switches in certain emergency core cooling system (ECCS) lines.
2.0 EVALUATION l
The discharge piping for ECCS is maintained filled to prevent water hammer during automatic pump starts. Monthly venting is the primary means of ensuring filled discharge piping. The pressure switches are an adjunct to such venting.
Piping in the Core Spray System, the Low Pressure Coo' ant Injection System (LPCI), the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system, and the Reactor Core Isolation Coolant (RCIC) system are all equipped with pressure switches that detect pressure decay in the discharge piping of these systems.
A change is proposed removing TS Section 4.5.H.4, thereby removing the ECCS discharge piping pressure switches from TSs. The proposed change does not change Pilgrim's configuration or equipment. The switches perform a surveillance function and do not provide a signal needed to prevent or mitigate an accident. The switches will continue to perform their surveillance function and their surveillance and calibration will be performed in accordance with Pilgrim procedures.
Removal of Section 4.5.H.4 eliminates the possibility of inoperable switches forcing the shutdown of Pilgrim or the alternative'of declaring an operable safety system inoperable because of its association with these switches.
9502210214 950202 PDR ADOCK 05000293 P
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i The purpose of Section 4.C.H.4 is to assure that the ECCS discharge piping is maintained full to prevent water hammer. The purpose of the pressure switches is to detect voids in ECCS discharge piping to prevent the possibility of damage due to water hammer.
These switches are not safety related, hava no automatic functions, and are not relied on to prevent or mitigate an accident.
Instead, they enhance the existing discharge pipe venting surveillance requirements by detecting void formation in discharge pipe.
l The switches will continue to perform their surveillance function through Pilgrim procedures. Venting will continue to be required by TSs.
3.0 STATE CONSULTATION
In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Massachusetts State Official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment. The State official had no comments.
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION
P The amendment changes a requirement with respect to installation or use of a.
facility component located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20 and changes surveillance requirements. The NRC staff has determined that the amendment involves no significant increase in the amounts, and no 3
significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in' individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a i
proposed finding that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding (59 FR 53838). Accordingly, the amendment meets the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b) no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendment.
5.0 CONCLUSION
The Commission has concluded, based on the consideratior.s discussed above, that:
(1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the l
Commission's regulations, and (3) the issuance of the amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the i
public.
Principal Contributor:
K.R. Cotton Date:
February 2, 1995
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