ML20148E018
| ML20148E018 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Wolf Creek  |
| Issue date: | 05/28/1997 |
| From: | NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20148E016 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9706020231 | |
| Download: ML20148E018 (3) | |
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4 UNITED STATES g
j NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20666-0001
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SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT N0.105 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE N0. NPF-42 4
WOLF CREEK NUCLEAR OPERATING CORPORATION l
WOLF CREEK GENERATING STATION DOCKET NO. 50-482 i
1.0 INTRODUCTION
l By letter dated March 18, 1997, Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (the licensee) requested changes to the Technical Specifications (Appendix A to 4
Facility Operating License No. NPF-42) for the Wolf Creek Generating Station.
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The proposed change would revise Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 4.5.2.c to reduce the visual inspection requirement to once per day and during final containment entry.
The current TS SR requires an inspection of each affected area at the completion of each containment entry, when containment integrity is required.
This requires extra containment entries which lead to additional personnel exposures.
2.0 BACKGROUND
l NUREG-1366, " Improvements to Technical Specification Surveillance i
Requirements," December 1992, reported the TS line-item improvements that were 3
identified by the staff. The TS improvements were based on an NRC study of surveillance requirements (SRs) and included information provided by licensee personnel that plan, manage, and perform surveillances.
The study included insights from a qualitative risk assessment of SRs based on the standard TS
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for Westinghouse plants and the TS for the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant, Unit t
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The staff examined operational data from licensee event reports, the nuclear plant reliability data system (NPRDS), and other sources to assess the effect of TS SRs on plant operation. The staff evaluated the effect of longer surveillance intervals to reduce the possibility for plant transients, wear on 4
equipment, personnel radiation exposure, and burden on personnel resources.
Finally, the staff considered surveillance activities for which the safety benefits are small and not justified when compired to the effects of these activities on the nafety of personnel and the plant.
The NRC staff issued guidance on the proposed TS changes to all holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power reactors in GL 93-05, "L;ne-Item Technical Specifications Improvements to Reduce Surveillance Requirements for Testing During Power Operation," dated September 27, 1993.
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3.0 EVALUATION TFe licensee has proposed changing TS SR 4.5.2.c from requiring an inspection at the completion of each containment entry to requiring inspection of the containment at least once daily if the containment has been enf ared that day, and during the final entry to ensure that there is no loose debris that could clog the sump suction strainers. The proposed change would reduce exposure to personnel doing work in the containment by limiting the time spent in i
containment.
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The purpose of the visual inspection of the containment is to limit the amount j
of loose debris that could potentially be transported to the containment sumps and clog the screens in the event of a loss-of-coolant-accident (LOCA).
Extending the inspection interval to daily introduces the potential for loose debris from an earlier entry to be left in the containment until later in the day. However, the licensee has reviewed the design of the containment sumps and screens and concluded that no appreciable debris will reach the recirculation sump screens and thus, that the change will not result in significant blockage. The staff agrees with this conclusion.
The proposed TS modification is consistent with tha guidance provided in GL 93-05. This guidance is based on the NRC staff findings and recommendations stated in NUREG-1366. NUREG-1366 recognized that testing is important to periodically verify that systems, structures, and components are available to perform their safety functions. The study did find that, while most testing at power is important, safety can be improved, equipment degradation decreased, and an unnecessary burden on personnel resources eliminated by reducing the amount of testing when TS surveillance intervals warrant relaxation. The licensee has shown that the proposed TS change is compatible with the plant design and operation. The staff concludes that the proposed TS change does not adversely affect plant safety, will result in a decrease in radiation exposure to plant personnel and is, therefore acceptable.
4.0 STATE CONSULTATION
In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the K6nsas State Official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment. The State official had no comments.
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION
The amendment changes a surveillance requirement. The NRC staff has determined that the amendment involves no significant increase in the amounts, and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a proposed finding that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding (62 FR 19839). Accordingly, the amendment meets the eligibility criteria for
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4 categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b) no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendment.
6.0 CONCLUSION
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The Commission has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that:
(1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the
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public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations, i
and (3) the issuance of the amendment will not be inimical to the common i
defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.
Principal Contributor:
J. Stone Date:
May 28, 1997 i
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