ML20082L025
| ML20082L025 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | South Texas  |
| Issue date: | 08/26/1991 |
| From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20082L024 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9109030182 | |
| Download: ML20082L025 (2) | |
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SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR,R_EGULATION RELATED TO AMENOMENT NOS. 26 AND ;6 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE N05. NPF-76 AND NPF-80 HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER COMPANY CITY PUBLIC SERVI,CE BOARD OF SAN ANTONIO U NTRAL POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY QTY OF AUSTIN, TEXA5 DOCKET N05. 50-498 AN.0 50-499 SOUTH TEXAS PROJECT, UNITS 1 AND 2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
4 By application dated February 26, 1991, Houston Lighting & Power Company, et. al.,
(the licensee) requested changes to the Technical Specifications (TS) (Appendix A to facility Operating License Nos. NPF-76 and NPF-80) for the South Texas Pr^ ject, Units 1 and 2 (STP).
The proposed changes would revise the TS Surveillance 4.6.1.2 to allow the use of the mass point method as incorporated in ANSI /ANS-56.8-1987, " Containment System Leakage Testing Requirements," to calculate containment integrated leakage rates in accordance with Appendix J to 10 CFR Part 50 as amended November 15, 1988.
2.0 BACKGROUND
In 1973, when the Commission i n tially promulgated its rcquirements concerning containment integrated leakage cate testing (10 CFR 50, Appendix J), the Commission required licensees to use state-of-the-art leakage test methodology and specifically called for Type A test methods cascribed in ANSI N45.4-IP72,
" Leakage Rate Testing of Containment Structure for Nuclear Reactors" (Appendix J,Section III.A.3).
This standard accepted two techniques for evaluating test results:
the total time data analys.s technique and the point-to point data analysis technique.
The STP Technical Specifications are written to include the methods and provisions of ANSI N45.4-1972 and state that the provisions of ANSI N45.4-1972 are to be used te satisfy the Containment Leakage Surveillance (4.0.1.2).
Subsequent advances in leakage rate testing technology have provided improved test methods, including the mass point method.
The mass point method was incorporated i, a newer standard, ANSI /ANS-56.8-1987, " Containment System Leakage Testing Requirements." On November 15, 1988, the NRC amended h6 P
. g Appendix J (53 FR 45890) to explicitly perr.it use of the mass point method.
The NRC staff had accepted the mass point method as an improved alternative method of calculating containment leakage rates.
Although Appendix J was revised, the requirements nf STP TS Surveillance 4.6.1.2..ontinue to endorse the methods and provisions of AN51 N45.4-1972.
Consequently, the licensee proposed to amend the licenses by modifying the TSs 3.0, EVALUATION The staff has evaluated the licensee's justification for the requested TS change and found it to be in compliance with the requirements of Appendix J to 10 CFR Part 50.
Based on the review of the licensee's submittal, the staff concludes that this Technical Specification change will not impact the safe operation of the plant and is therefore acceptable.
4.0 STATE CONSULTATION
In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Texas State official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment.
The State official had no comments.
5.0 EtVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION j
The amenaTent changes surveillance requirements.
The NRC staff has determined that the amendment involves no significant increase in the amounts, and no s igni f icant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupa-tional radiation exposure.
The Commission has previously issued a proposed finding that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding (56 FR 15643).
Accordingly, the amendment meets the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9L Pursuant to 10 CFE 51.22(b) no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment neeo be prvpared in connection with the issuance of the amendment.
- 6. 0 CONCLUSION The Commission has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that:
(1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by optration in the proposed manner, (?) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the 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 public.
Principal Contributor:
J. Pulsipher Date:
August 26, 1991 l
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