ML20149J273

NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 880208,pH at Plant Surge Basin,Outfall 6B Exceeded Permitted Max of 9.0.Probably Caused by Effects of Algae.Util Working W/State of Sc to Gain Approval for Use of Algicides

ML20149J273
Person / Time
Site:	Summer
Issue date:	02/16/1988
From:	Nauman D SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC & GAS CO.
To:	Thomas S NORTH CAROLINA, STATE OF
References
NUDOCS 8802220337
Download: ML20149J273 (2)

Text

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n sgcarpgina ti cir$c a cas company gnj. Nau Nuclear Oper:.t>ons gurreg292Q SCE&G February 16, 1988 Mr. Stephen C. Thomas NPDES Permits Section South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Division of Water Quality Assessment and Enforcement 2600 Bull Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201

SUBJECT:

Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station NPDES Permit No. SC0030856

. Discharge Noncompliance

Dear Mr. Thomas:

This letter is being submitted as a written follow-up to the telephone notification of February 8,1988, that pH at the Plant Surge Basin, Outfall 6B, had exceeded the permitted maximum of 9.0. Samples taken on February 8, 1988, showed pH values of 9.25, 9.33, and 9.49 at 0750, 0800 and 1500 hours0.0174 days <br />0.417 hours <br />0.00248 weeks <br />5.7075e-4 months <br />, respectively.

An investigation was conducted with the following items noted:

A) Flow through Outfall 68 was at a minimum due to reduced system leakage which contributed to increased stagnation of the Plant Surge Basin.

8) The pH increased through the day and decreased overnight.

Results of the investigation are inconclusive at this time but seem consistent with pH problems due to the contributing effects of algae. The pH may be brought under control with maximum flow through the outfall but this is not conducive to normal operations and maintenance, i.e., increased wear on system components, pumps, etc.

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (SCE&G) has been working with the Industrial and Agricultural Wastewater Division at SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to gain approval for the use of algicides as re::mmended by the SC Wildlife and Marine Resources Commission. Pending the approval to use algicides at this (and other) outfalls, similar pH oroblems may continue intermittently.

8802220337 880216 gDR ADOCK 050 5 hv O

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Mr. Stephen C. Thomas

- February 16, 1988 Page 2 The pH of Outfall 68 was measured et 8.7 on February 16, again indicating the intermittent nature of this problem. Should you have any further questions, please contact W. Frank Bacon of my staff at (803) 340-4156.

ry u y yours,

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DCB: DAN / led pc: 0. S. Bradham H. B. Williams M. N. Browne A. R. Koon, Jr.

W. F. Bacon -

NRC Document Control' Desk (Docket No. 50-395) (

NPCF' File 814.07 i

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