ML20135E189

Informs That in 1996 Util Initiated Assessment of Plant Fire Barrier Penetration Seals to Ensure Correct Installation & Proper Configuration

ML20135E189
Person / Time
Site:	Maine Yankee
Issue date:	03/03/1997
From:	Hebert J Maine Yankee
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
CAL, JRH-97-48, MN-97-38, NUDOCS 9703060341
Download: ML20135E189 (2)

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MaineYankee RELI ABLE ELECTRICITY SINCE 1972 329 BATH ROAD + BRUNSWICK, MAINE 04011 + (207) 7984100 l March 3,1997 l MN-97-38 JRH-97-48 l UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Attention: Document Control Desk Washington,DC 20555 i

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References:

(a) License No. DPR-36 (Docket No. 50-309 j (b) Confirmatory Action Letter, dutcd December 18,1996 -

(c) Confirmatory Action Letter, Supplement 1, dated January 30,1997 '

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Subject:

Cardox System Gentlemen:

When the Maine Yankee Cardox system becomes inoperable, Section 12.5.1, Cardox System Operational Requirements of the Maine Yankee Fire Protection Plan, requires that the system be restored to operable status within 14 days or submit a Special Report to the Commission within the next 30 days outlining the cause of the inoperability and the plans for restoring the system to operable status.

In 1996 Mainc Yankee initiated an assessment of the plant's fire barrier penetration seals to ensure correct installation and proper configuration. In addition. Maine Yankee is assessing cable separation throughout the plant to comply with a Confirmatory Action Letter [ reference (b)]. For personnel safety both in the Control Room and in areas with limited access,it is ,

necessary to remove portions of the Cardox system from service under administrative controls l to perform inspections of fire barrier penetrations and cables. i On January 17,1997, the Cardox system in the protected cable tray room was removed from service to assess penetrations and inspect cables between the Control Room and the protected cable tray room. Compensatory measures were implemented in accordance with the Fire Protection Plan. These consist of establishing a roving fire watch to check the area at least once per hour and providing backup fire suppression equipment as required by the Fire Protection Plan. Manual fire suppression equipment is available in the affected areas as well as automatic smoke detection. '

It.is anticipated that portions of the Cardox system'may remain out of service for several months while the assessment of the fire barrier penetration seals and cable separation continues.

I n g , , , Maine Yankee has been shut down since December 12,1996. .. ;gh O l 9703060341 970303 PDR F

ADOCK 05000309 PDR z EE%%I%.h

L , i MaineYankee UNITED' STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION MN-97-38 Attention: Document Control Desk Page Two Maine Yankee will provide written notification Ia the Commission when the Cardox system is returned to operable statu;.

Should you have any questions regarding the above, please contact me.

Very truly yours,

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• d James R. Hebert, Manager Licensing & Engineering Support Department JRil/mwf c: Mr. Hubert Miller Mr. J. T. Yerokun Mr. Daniel II. Dorman I Mr. Patrick J. Dostle Mr. Uldis Vanags l

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