ML20086F318

Environ RO 77-16:on 770614,pH for Sewage Plant Effluent Exceeded ETS Limit.Caused by Development of Bacterial Strain Which Produces Low Ph During Digestive Process.Plant Being Operated Normally

ML20086F318
Person / Time
Site:	Peach Bottom
Issue date:	06/24/1977
From:	Cooney M PECO ENERGY CO., (FORMERLY PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC
To:	Stello V Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
RO-77-16, NUDOCS 8312210078
Download: ML20086F318 (2)

Text

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% O lE RLE COPY PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY 2301 M ARKET STREET P.O. BOX 8699 PHILADELPHI A. PA.19101 (215184140oo ,, , - - ' '

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June 24,'1977

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SJ ' .a C Mr. Victor Stello, Jr. -

.# l' Director s -

Division of Operating Reactors , ,

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulations N

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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Co= mission Washington, D. C. 20555

SUBJECT:

ENVIRONMENTAL DEVIATION The following deviation was reported to Mr. Sternberg, Office of Inspection and Enforcement, Region 1, United States Neelear Regulatory Commission on June 15, 1977.

Reference:

License Number DPR-44/56 Environmental Technical Specifications: 2.2.3 Report:No.: 50-277/278-77-16 Report Date: June 24, 1977 Deviation Date: June 14, 1977 Facility: Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Units 2 and 3 R. D. 1, Delta, PA 17314 Identification of Deviation:

The pH for the sewage plant effluent exceedad the Environment Technical Specification limit.

Conditions Prior to Deviation:

Sewage plant operating normally.

Description of Deviation:

A daily grab sample from the sewage plant effluent measured a pH of 5.4 The Technical Specification limit is the pH shall be within w the range of 6.0 to 9.0  ;

8312210078 770624 i PDR ADOCK 05000277 I s eo" COPY SENT REG 10fL JUL 14 # 771860096

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O O Mr. Vict.or Stello, Jr. 50-277/278-77-16 June 24, 1977 Page 2 Designation of Aeoarent Cause of Deviation An acidic solution may have been flushed into the sewage system and reduced the pH of the whole system; however, since no such source could be located, it is thought that the low pH of the effluent was caused by the development of a bacterial strain which produces a low

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pH during the digestive process. Our sewage plant consultant (Betz Environmental Engineers, Inc. ) believes that neutralization of the aeration tank at this time would only prolong the life of organisms.

This low pH condition in the aeration tank continues.

Analysis of Deviation:

An attempt is being made to neutralize the effluent just before its release to the discharge canal. This effort is successful for the most part; however, since the flow from the sewage plant is not constant during the day, this method of pH control is not completely successful i during the peak flow periods. Because the effluent from the sewage plant

is 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 environ = ental impact was insignificant.

Corrective Action:

, The sewage plant is being operated normally to allow the redevelopment of the correct bacterial colonies 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 further deviation of this nature.

Failure Data:

Several previous occurrences.

Very truly yours,

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bY f s' M. J. Cooney S rintendent Generation Division - Nuclear cc: Mr. J. P. O 'Reilly NRC, Reg. Office s.

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