ML20135A280

Discusses Director'S Decision Re Actions Requested by Petitioners W/Regard to Use of Thermo-Lag by Reactor Licensees.Petitioners Requested Immediate Shutdown of Reactors Using Thermo-Lag

ML20135A280
Person / Time
Site:	Peach Bottom, Comanche Peak
Issue date:	04/10/1996
From:	Brian Bonser NRC
To:	Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
Shared Package
ML20134Q318	List: ML20134Q315 ML20134Q334 ML20134Q362 ML20135A031 ML20135A166 ML20135A192 ML20135A219 ML20135A238 ML20135A280 ML20135A305
References
FOIA-96-485 DD-96-03, DD-96-3, NUDOCS 9702270081
Download: ML20135A280 (1)

Text

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V, c:dd j

l April 10, 1996 Note To: ' Chairman Jackson-1 From: -

Brian Bonser h Coordinated With: Kathryn/Annette

Subject:

Director's Decision (DD-96-03)_

This Directorb Decision concerns actions requested by several Petitioners with regard to the use of Thermo-Lag by reactor licensees.

The Petitioners requested the immediate shutdown of all reactors using Thermo-Lag and the suspension of Oyster Creek, Peach Bottom Units 1 & 2, and Comanche Peak Unit 1 operating licenses.

The Petitioners had several areas of concern: ,

+ The enforcement of the regulations by the NRC.

+ The ability of fire watches to compensate for a degraded fire barrier.

+ The combustibility of Thermo-Lag.

+ Faulty ampacity ratings that could result in the use of inappropriate cables.

+ Oyster Creek's failure to report test results on pombustibility to the NRC.

• Improper installation of Thermo-Lag barriers at Comanche Peak Unit 1.

The Directors Decision found no basis for taking the requested actions.

To the contrary, the issues raised by the Petitioners are being addressed. The Director's Decision was based on:

+ The staff is addressing deficiencies in fire barriers constructed with Thermo-Lag material as part of a Commission-approved action

~

plan and has issued several bulletins and a generic letter to the nuclear industry to provide information and guidance.

+ Fire barrier systems constructed with Thermo-Lag have been identified and declared inoperable.

+ Compensatory measures (i.e. fire watches) approved by the NRC have been implemented until permanent corrective actions are taken.

'These actions in combination with other fire protection features in place provide an adequate level of fire protection until licensees s implement permanent corrective actions. \

9702270081 970225 PDR FOIA BINDER 96-485 PDR