ML20195B574

Discourses on Proposed Amend 3 to Physical Security Plan & Requests Approval of Subj Amend as Submitted

ML20195B574
Person / Time
Site:	05000142
Issue date:	07/03/1978
From:	Catton I CALIFORNIA, UNIV. OF, LOS ANGELES, CA
To:	Case E Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Shared Package
ML20155H438	List: ML20155H433 ML20155J880 ML20155J917 ML20155K253 ML20155K277 ML20155K283 ML20155K303 ML20155K341 ML20155K368 ML20155K389 ML20155K408 ML20155K417 ML20155K420 ML20155K571 ML20195B206 ML20195B254 ML20195B261 ML20195B278 ML20195B297 ML20195B322 ML20195B345 ML20195B386 ML20195B441 ML20195B532 ML20195B574 ML20195B649 ML20195B674 ML20195B709 ML20195B785 ML20195C045
References
FOIA-85-196 NUDOCS 8806210457
Download: ML20195B574 (2)

Text

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. LOS ANGELES j) s_

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• SAN MCO * $AN FMNC15CO SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE LOS ANCELL5 CALIFORNIA 90o 4 Boelter Hall 2567 July 3, 1978 Mr. Edson G. Case, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555 Cear Mr. Case: Occket: 50-142 Oue to the sensitive nature of the contents of this letter, we request that this document be withheld from public disclosure pursuant to Section 2.790 of 10 CFR 20.

Page 2 of our proposed Amendment 3 to The Security Plan states that the reactor console is considered semi-essential equipment. The console is located in a controlled area (S level) during working hours and the area oecomes an A level area, keyed but non-alarmed, during non-worA!ng hours.

The intent of this measure is to limit access and traffic to the control room during non-working hours to A level NEL personnel only. This will be accomplished by an electric strike key control system which will become operational by September 1, 1978.

We do not believe that the reactor console is vital equipment in the sense that its loss or damage would pose a threat to the health and safety of the general public. Our belief stems from the following considerations:

1. There is essentially no decay heat due the low core power density and the limited hours of reactor operation. Hence, core cooling after shutdown is not necessary. .

2. The safety checks in the preliminary start-up procedure are such that any damage or sabotage to the reactor console would not allow the reactor to either reach criticality or operate above 1 watt.

To alarm the control room, either with magnetic switches for the three doors or with area alarms would affect the laboratory and personnel in the  ;

following: ,

1. Financial: The cost for the installation of the magnetic switches l on the doors would be approximately $1,S00. while for the area i alarms the cost would be approximately 52,000.

2. Alarms would require A level personnel to call the police department ,

\ for entry through a connon pathway to certain sections of the l laboratory, including a restroom, offices, other work areas, etc. l

3. Increase the probability of false alarms due to the addition of an add-on system to the reactor high bay alarm system. l

'4 Increase tne risk of inadvertent intrusions by A level personnel causing a police response.

8806210457 880603 .

PDR FOIA l AFTERGOBS-196 PDR Nt: CLEAR ENERGY LABOR ATORY IV AN C ATTO N, Dtreetor

. I July 3, 1978 i Page Two In summary, we would like Amandment #3 to be accepted as submitted.

We are continuing to upgrade our security system without restricting operations; the latest additions being an electric strike key system to the control room, an alarmed panic exit device on the cargo door to the reactor high bay and the issuance of an A level key to the watch commander of the UCLAPD. However, we do believe that one more step on our part is in order.

This would be to tie the control rod drive relays to the reactor high bay alarm system or to another switch inside the reactor high bay. Thus, i

unauthorized operation of the reactor would require entry into the h gh bay, actuation of the control rod magnetic power switch (to be alarmed), and accuating the dump valve switch (alarred). This measure will be reflected in Amendment 44.

We hope that this discourse on the subject meets with your approval and that we may look forward to your favorable response.

Sincerely, j M (2,C#h w k Ireu Ivan Catton, Director  !

Nuclear Energy Laboratory l l

IC/li cc: D. C. Dilanna e

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