ML20148C545
| ML20148C545 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/18/1988 |
| From: | Hurt R NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Bixby W ENERGY, DEPT. OF |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20148C551 | List: |
| References | |
| REF-PROJ-M-32 NUDOCS 8803220434 | |
| Download: ML20148C545 (2) | |
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MAR 181988 Project No. M-32 Dr. W. W. Bixby, Director West Valley Project Office U. S. Department of Energy P.O. Box 191 West Valley, NY 14171-0191
Dear Dr. Bixby:
The Monitoring Team report on the preoperational assessment conducted at the West Valley Dwonstration Project (WVDP) during the week of January 4,1988, is enclosed for your information. The Monitoring Team reviewed the start-up readiness of the Supernatant Treatment System, the Cement Solidification System, and the Liquid Waste Treatment System.
The Team examined the WVDP's programs in the areas of welding, quality assurance, fire protection, emergency planning, effluent treatment, procedure control, operator training, and analytical chemistry. The Team's general conclusion is that the WVDP's i
programs in these areas are adequate and support the conclusion that the t
Supernatant Treatment System and its downstream processes can be operated without significant impact on public health or safety.
As expected for such an intensive assessment, the Team found areas where l
improvements cculd be made; there are 52 specific recomendations in the report.
In most cases the issues involved were minor.
However, with regard to four of the findings, we ask that you inform us of measures you have taken or plan to l
take to resolve them.
In approximate order of priority, these four findings were:
(1) failure to comply with applicable codes and standards in welding nondestructive examination practices (see pp. 9-12), (2) failure to comply with applicable codes and standards in ventilation system testing (see pp. 17-18),
(3) failure to evaluate the safety consequences of loss of onsite electrical power (see pp. 29-30), and (4) general weakness in environmental measurements analytical capability (see pp. 21-22).
We understand that you are already preparing a report on the welding nondestructive examination issue and that we will receive a copy when it is I
finished.
On the ventilation issue, we would like either a commitment to perform the preoperational tests required by applicable codes or an explanation of why you consider the tests to be unnecessary. On the power i
l failure issue, the vulnerability of onsite electrical power to a fire or other mishap in the electrical switch gear room makes it important to consider whether i
a total power loss would have significant safety consequences.
Please provide either an evaluation of the consequences of a power loss or a commitment to take steps to eliminate the vulnerability of onsite power to an accident in the electrical switch gear room.
On the environmental measurements issue, please indicate what steps you have taken or plan to take to strengthen your capabilities in this area.
l 8803220434 880318 l
Dr. W. W. Eixby 2
ggg 1 g jggg Finally, we appreciate the cooperative attitude evidenced by West Valley Nuclear Services and the effective coordination provided by your staff. The Monitoring Team was impressed with the completeness and professionalism of the WVDP's efforts in the areas reviewed. Your programs in process analytical chemistry, operator training, liquid effluent monitoring, and emergency preparedness deserve special compliment.
As always, feel free to call me if you have any questions about this report.
Sincerely, giginal signed by:
R. Davis Hurt West Valley Project Manager Advanced Fuel and Special Facilities Section Fuel Cycle Safety Branch
Enclosure:
Report on the Preoperational Monitoring of the West Valley Demonstration Project, January 1988 DISTRIBUTION: N/ enc 1
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