ML20127N160

NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 920814,26 & 27,pH for Mesa Treatment Plant Permit Limitations of 6 to 9 Exceeded as Result of Treatment Plant Going Through Nitrification State.New Operational Controls Implemented

ML20127N160
Person / Time
Site:	San Onofre
Issue date:	11/20/1992
From:	Marsh W SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO.
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
NUDOCS 9212010022
Download: ML20127N160 (3)

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Southum Califamia Edison Company

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U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Att.ention: Document Control Desk Washington, D. C. 20555

Subject:

Docket No. 50-206 Report of NPDES Permit Violation San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Unit 1

Reference:

Letter, H. W. Newton (SCE) to A. L. Coe (California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region), NPDES Monitoring Report, September 30, 1992 Section 6.16.2.c of the Technical Specifications to facility Licen' e No. DPR-13 for San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Unit I requires Southern California Edison (SCE) to report violations of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This let'er reports three NPDES violations for Unit 1. The referenced letter is provided as an enclosure.

During the month of August all sampled water sources were found to be within permit limits with the exception of pH for the Mesa Treatrrent Plant. The pH permit limitations of 6 to 9 were exceedcd on three occasiors. The violations occurred on August 14, 26, and 27. On all three occasions the pH was low at 4.7, 5.3, and 5.3 respectively.

At the time the referenced report was submitted, the cause of toe low pH was believed to be a result of the treatment plant going through a r itrification l

state which causes acid production. Subsequent investigation has verified thit cause. To minimize the chances of future occurrences, new operational controls and the use of supplemental buffering agents have been implemented.1hese new operational controls appear to be effective and will be modified as required to maintain compliance.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Sincerely, e (b00 Enclosure cc: J. B. Martin, Regional Administrator, NRC Region V J. O. Bradfute, NRC Project Manager, San Onofre Unit 1 C. W. Caldwell, NRC Senior Resident inspector, San Onofre Units 1, 2&3 R. F. Dudley, Section Chief, Non-Power, Decommissioning, and Environmental Project, Directorate of Reactor Project-3, 4 & 5 9212010022 921120 PDR ADOCK 05000206 ,

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i September 30, 1992 /

California Regional Water Quality Control Board )

.' San Diego Region 4 9771 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite D San Diego, California 92124-1331 Mr. Arthur L. Coe .'.

, Attention: .

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Subject:

HPDES Monitoring Report

San Onofre '!uclear Generating Station, Unit 1

! The NPDES Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) for San Onofro Unit 1 covering the month of August is submitted in accordance with the requirements of order No.88-001. (NPDES Permit No. CA0001228) . A summary of t'ne generating unit's status and significant analytical results is provided below.

i The unit was in operation all month and all sampled water scurces were found to be within . permit limits with the exception of pH l

for the Mese, Treatm^nt Plant. The pH exccaded the permit l limitation (between 6 to 9) on August 14, August 26 and August

27. The pH Nalues were 4.7, 5.3, and 5.3 respectively for those i days. Edison's investigation into the cause of the low pH continues, but it is believed that the treatment plant periodically goes into a nitrification state which causes acid production.- operational controls are being implemented and monitored for their effectiveness. This effort will be ongoing until satisfactory pH control is attained. In addition to i operational control, supplemental addition of buffering agents will be used as needed to adjust pH.

Pursuant to Order No.88-001, Reporting Requirement 12, the following representative has prepared and is authorized to sign the reports required by this order: Robert M. Goodson, Environmental Engineer. ,

I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information submitted in the attached L document, and based on my inquiry of those individuals j -immediately responsible for obtaining.the information, I believe i the submitted information is true, accurate, and complete. I am

a Mr. Arthur L. Coe September 30, 1992 j aware that there are significant penaltics for submitting false i information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment.

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H. W. NEWTON Manager Site Support Service; i

j - RMG UlAUG92.NPD i

• j Enclosure .

cc: Environmental Protection'3gency,' Region IX bec: R. M. Rosenblum .

!. H. W. Newton /M. J. Johnson - v/o enclosure l R. V. D. Reid

! N. J. Mascolo - v/o enclosure j G. E. Hammond - v/o enclosure

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