ML20086F315
| ML20086F315 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Peach Bottom  |
| Issue date: | 07/08/1977 |
| From: | Cooney M PECO ENERGY CO., (FORMERLY PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC |
| To: | Stello V Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| RO-77-19, NUDOCS 8312210071 | |
| Download: ML20086F315 (2) | |
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PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY 2301 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHI A. PA.19101 l
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(2151841 40o0 f i, 7 > 4l T-July 8,1977 (N
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Mr. Victor Stello, Jr.
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Director l
Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation l
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Comission Washington, DC 20555
SUBJECT:
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVIATION
Dear Mr. Stello:
1 The following deviation was reported to Mr. Sternberg, Office of Inspection and Enforcement, Region 1, United States Nuclear Regulatory Comission on June 29, 1977 i
Reference:
License Number DPR-44/56 l
Environmental Technical Specification:
2.2 3
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Report No.:
50-277/278-77-19 Report Date:
July 8,1977 Deviation Date: June 28,1977 Facility:
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Units 2 and 3 R. D. 1, Delta, PA 17314 Identification of Deviation:
l The pH for the sewage plant effluent exceeded the Environmental Technical Specification limit.
Conditions Prior to Deviation:
Sewage plant operating normally.
Description of Deviation:
i A daily grab sample from the sewage plant ef fluent measured a pH of 5.3.
The Technical Specification limit is that pH shall be within the range of 6.0 to 9.0.
COPY SENT REGION 771960266 9312210071 770708 g jp gyy PDR ADOCK 05000277 S
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Mr. Victor Stello, Jr.
50-277/278-77-19 July 8, 1977 Page 2
Designation of Apparent Cause of Deviation:
It was believed at the time that an acidic solution may have been flushed into the sewage system and reduced the pH of the whole system; however, no such source could be located.
Further information received from our sewage plant consultent (Betz Environmental Engineers, Inc.) indicates that the problem may be due to low alkalinity input to the sewage treatment plant and low alkalinity of the domestic water, which did not give proper neutralization of the CO2 formed in the digestion process.
At present actions are underway to determine the validity of the alkalinity hypothesis. No definitive cause can be designated until these studies are complete.
Analysis of Deviation:
An attempt is being made to neutralize the effluent just before its release to the river. Since the flow from the sewage plant is not constant during the day this method of pH control was not completely successf ul during the peak flow periods. Because the effluent from the sewage plant was being diluted by a factor of 50,000 at these times, the pH change in the circulating water leaving the discharge canal was not detectable. The environmental impact was insignificant.
Corrective Action:
The sewage plant is being operated normally and the effluent is being neutralized when possible. A joint effort between Peach Bottom and Betz Environmental Engineers, Inc. is underway to optimize the operation of the sewage plant in order to prevent far-ther deviations of this nature.
This will include studies and efforts to verify the low alkalinity hypothesis through the addition of soda ash to the sewage plant, input.
Failure Data:
Several previous occurrences.
Very truly yours, A 9 /s=
M. J Cooney Su rintendent Generation Division - Nuclear cc:
Mr. J. P. O'Reilly NRC, Reg. Office
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