ML20127C958
| ML20127C958 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Millstone  |
| Issue date: | 01/11/1993 |
| From: | Stolz J Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20127C960 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9301150044 | |
| Download: ML20127C958 (4) | |
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7590-01 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION NORTHEAST NUCLEAR ENERGY COMPANY MILLSTONE NUCLEAR POWER STATION. UNIT NO. 3 DOCKET NO. 50-423 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is considering issuance of exemptions from various requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J to the Northeast Nuclear Energy Company (NNECO or the licensee) for the Millstone Nuclear Power Station, Unit No. 3, located at the licensee's site in New London County, Connecticut.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Identification of the Procosed Action:
The proposed action would grant' exemptions applicable for one cycle of operation, from the periodic retest requirements for performing one Type B test and 37 Type C tests, set forth in 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J, Section Ill.
Type B tests measure leakage rates across certain specific types of reactor containment penetrations identified in Appendix J,Section II. Type B test requirements are set forth in Appendix J,Section III.B. Type C tests measure containment isolation valve leakage rates. Type C test requirements are set forth in Appendix J,Section III.C.
The only Type B test the proposed exemption would apply to is the fuel transfer canal blind flange. The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's request for schedular exemptions dated November 18, 1992.
9301150044 930111 PDR ADOCK 05000423 P
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- The Need for the Proposed Action:
One of the conditions of all operating licenses for water-cooled power reactors, as specified in 10 CFR 50.54(o), is that primary reactor containments shall meet the containment leakage test requirements set-forth in 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J.
In particular, NNECO seeks exempticn, for 10 months, from the requirement of performing the Type B and C tests.
The licensee seeks the requested exemptions because performance of the Type B and C tests as required oy Appendix J would require an early shutdown of the plant.
Environmental Imoacts of the Prooosed Action:
The staff has reviewed the proposed exemptions and has concluded that the schedular exemptions from various requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J, Section III.B. and III.C. Type B and C tests will not compromise containment integrity. This conclusion is based, in general, on the periodic containment integrated leak rate test and the favorable Type B and Type C testing results at Millstone 3 to date.
Thus, radiological releases will.not differ from those determined-previously and the proposed exemptions do not otherwise affect facility radiological effluent or occupational exposures.
With regard to potential nonradiological impacts, the proposed exemptions do not affect plant nonradiological effluents and have no other_ environmental impact. Therefore, the Commission concludes there are no measurable radiological or nonradiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed exemptions.
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. Alternatives to the Proposed Action:
Since the Commission has concluded there is no measurable environmental impact associated with the proposed exemptions, any alternatives with equal or greater environmental impact need not be evaluated. The principal alternative to the exemptions would be to deny the exemptions requested.
Such action would not enhance the protection of the environment.
Alternative Use of Resources:
This action does not involve the use of resources not considered previously in the Final Environmental Statement for Millstone Unit 3.
Aaencies and Persons Consulted:
The NRC staff reviewed the licensee's request and did not consult other agencies or persons.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Based on the foregoing environmental assessment, the Commission concludes that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment. Accordingly, the Commission has determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the proposed exemptions.
For further details with respect to this action, see the request for exemptions d'ated November 18, 1992, which is available for public inspection at the Consission's Public Document Room, the Gelman Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20555, and at the local public document room located at
e-
) the Learning Resources Center, Thames Valley State Technical College, 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, Connecticut 06360.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland this 11th day of January 1993.
FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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. Stolz, Director Pr ject Directorate I vision of Reactor Projects - I/II Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation l
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