ML20196C087
| ML20196C087 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Duane Arnold  |
| Issue date: | 06/10/1988 |
| From: | Perkins K Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20196C091 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8807010007 | |
| Download: ML20196C087 (4) | |
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i 7590-01 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION IOWA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, ET AL.
i DOCKET NO. 50-331 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ine U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Comission (the Comission) is considering issuance of an amendment to Facility Operating License No OPR-49, issued to Iowa Electric Light and Power Company, Central Iowa Power Cooperative, and Corn Belt Power Cooperative (the licensees), for operation of the Ouane Arnold Energy Center (DAEC), located in Linn County, Iowa.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Icentification o_f Jroposed Action:
The proposed amendment would revise the provisions in the Technical Speci-fications, (TS) relating to the Engineered Safety Feature (ESF) logic system functional testing frequency and requirements.
The proposed action is 1* accordance with the licensee's application for amendment dated December 11, 1987.
The Need for the Proposed Action:
The proposed changes to the TS are required so that the licensee can perform comprehensive logic system functional testing each refueling cutage, in accardance with the staff position on this issue.
Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action:
The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed revisions to the DAEC Technical Specifications.
The proposed revisions would extend t'le logic 8807010007 OB0610 DR ADOCK ObOO 1
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4 system functional test frequency from annually to once per operating cycle (typically 18 months), and would clarify the definition of Logic System Functional Test, for consistency with the NRC staff's position.
This extension would allow these tests to be performed during periodic plant shutdowns, so that all ESF logic system components can be. properly tested.
Changing the frequency of various Logic Systen Functional Tests from annually to once per operating cycle increases the surveillance interval by approximately 50%. The probability of detecting a random failure of a contact or relay in a logic system is similarly decreased by approximately 50%. However, the reliability of the mechanical components of a safety system remains unchanged because these components are functionally tested or calibrated at unabanged and more frequent intervals. Since the probability of a relay or contact failure is small relative to the prob-ability of mechanical component failure, increasing the logic system functional test interval represents no significant change in the overall safety system unavailability. The proposed changes would also result in more comprehensive testing. Therefore, although testing will be less frequent, it will not increase the probability or consequences of accidents.
No changes are being made in the types or amounts of any effluents that may be released offsite. There is no significant increase in the allowable individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. Accordingly, the Commission concludes that this proposed action would result in no significant radiological environmental impact.
With regard to potential nonradiolegical impacts, the preposed changes to the TS involve systems located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20. They do not affect nonradiological plant effluents and have no other environmental impact.
Therefore, the Comission concludes that there are no significant nonradiological environmental impacts c.ssociated with the proposed amendment.
The Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amenoment and Opportunity for j
Hearing in connection with this action was published in the Federal Register on May 4, 1988 (53 FR 15931). No request for hearing or petition for leave to intervene was filed following this notice.
Alternative to the Proposed Actio_n.:
n Since the Comission concluded that there are no significant environmental effects that would result fren the proposed action, any alternathes with equal or greater environmental impacts need not be evaluated.
The principal alternative would be to deny the requested amendment. This would not reduce environmental impacts of plant operation and would result in reduced operational flexibility.
Alternative Use of Resources:
This action does not involve the use of any resources not previously consid-cred in the Final Environmental Statement for the Duane Arnold Energy Center, dated March 1973.
Agencies and Persons Consulted:
The NRC staff reviewed the licensee's request and did not consult other agencies or persons.
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FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The Connission has detennined not to prepare an environmental impact state-ment for the proposed license amendment.
Based upon the foregoing environmental assessment, we conclude that the pro-posed action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human en-vironment.
For further detail: with respect to this action, see the application for amendment dated December 11, 1987 which is available for public inspection at the Connission's Public Document Room, 1717 H. Street, N.W., vlashington, D.C.
and at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 500 First Street,'3.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland This 10th day of June 1988.
FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION A% %
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Kenneth E. Perkins, Director Project Directorate III-3 Division of Reactor Projects - III, IV, Y and Special Projects
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