ML20086F426

Environ RO 77-14:on 770606 & 08,ph for Settling Basin Effluent Exceeded ETS Limit.Cause Not Identified.Settling Basin Isolated & Neutralized.Ph Checked & Sys Returned to Normal Operation

ML20086F426
Person / Time
Site:	Peach Bottom
Issue date:	06/16/1977
From:	Cooney M PECO ENERGY CO., (FORMERLY PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC
To:	Stello V Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
RO-77-14, NUDOCS 8312270042
Download: ML20086F426 (2)

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PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY 2301 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA. PA.19101 (215) e414ooo June 16,1977 S0- 23 2 z2 3 Mr. Victor Stello, Jr. , y, Director Division of Operating Reactors v a

s. e, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulations - \

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Conmission y C\

Washington, DC 20555 -I

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SUBJECT:

ENVIRONMENTAL DEVIATION g"4 v.s. neaue netwct., .. !

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Dear Mr. Stello:

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O The following deviations were reported to Mr. Greenman and Mr. Sternberg, Office of Inspection and Enforcement, Region 1, United States Nuclear Regulatory Conmission on June 7,1977 and on June 9,1977

Reference:

License Number DPR-44/56 Environmental Technical Specifications: 2.2.2 Report No.: 50-277/278-77-14 Report Date: June 16,1977 Deviation Date: June 6,1977 and June 8,1977 Facility: Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Units 2 and 3 R.D. 1, Delta, PA 17314 Identification of Deviation:

The pH f'or the settling basin effluent exceeded the Environmental Technical Specification limit.

Ccnditions Prior to Deviation:

Settling basin operating with long path. Raw water sump in automatic mode of operation.

8312270042 770616 PDR ADOCK 05000277 .

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Mr. Victor Stello, Jr. 50-277/278-77-14

. J~une 16, 1977 Page 2 l

Description of Deviation:

The daily grab sample from the settling basin effluent on June 6,1977 measured a pH of 2.8. The verification sample also measured 2.8. On June 8,1977 the daily grab sample from the settling basin effluent measured a pH of 9.1. The verification sanple also measured 9.1.

Designation of Apparent Cause of Deviation:

The cause of these deviations could not be definitively identified.

The pH neter calibrations and pump trip setpoints were checked and found to be correct. The second pH deviation occurred during the investigation of the first deviation and added no further information as to the source of the deviations. It is believed, however, that the neutralizing pump discharge valve may have been partially open allowing discharge of un-neutralized waste. The limit switch on the neutralizing pump discharge valve, which defeats the pump trip on high or low pH when the valve is closed, was found to operated just before the valve was fully closed.

Therefore, unless the valve was checked to be. completely closed, the neutralizing pump could operate in a recirculating mode with a slightly open discharge valve. This would allow discharge of un-neutralized waste to the settling basin.

Analysis of Deviation:

The duration of each deviation was less than one hour. Because the settling basin flow is diluted by a f actor of 10,000 the effect on the pH of the circulating water leaving the discharge canal was minimal -

and therefore, the environmental impact was minimal .

Corrective Action:

Each time the settling basin was isolated and neutralized.

Af ter the pH was checked, the system was returned to normal operation.

The water plant operators were instructed to verify that the neutraliz-ing pump discharge valve was completely closed when it is supposed to be. The limit switch for the neutralizing pump discharge valve is being studied to determine if it can be modified to improve the closed position setting.

Failure Data:

Several previous occurrences of deviations in pH.

Very truly yours, fg

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

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