ML20198N600

NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 860402,biological Oxygen Demand of Samples from Discharge Point 501 Exceeded Permit Limits.Cause Unknown.Waste Sludge Tank Pumped to Prevent Recirculation of Ultrion 8155 During Decant

ML20198N600
Person / Time
Site:	Peach Bottom
Issue date:	05/22/1986
From:	Leitch G PECO ENERGY CO., (FORMERLY PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC
To:	PENNSYLVANIA, COMMONWEALTH OF
References
NUDOCS 8606060133
Download: ML20198N600 (2)

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PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY 23O1 M ARKET STREET P.O. BOX 8699 PHILADELPHIA PA.19101 12151041-4000 May 22, 1986 Department of Environmental Resources Bureau of Water Quality Management One Ararat Blvd.

Harrisburg, PA 17110

SUBJECT:

Noncompliance with NPDES Permit ,

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Permit No. PA 0009733 Gentlemen:

DESCRIPTION OF NONCOMPLIANCE:

The Biol~ogical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of samples from the discharge point 501 (Sewage Treatment Plant) exceeded the permit limits for instantaneous maximum and the monthly average for April, 1986.

Date Sample Taken: 4/02/86 4/17/86 Date Results Received: 4/14/86 4/30/86 Results of Analysis: 43 mg/l 85 mg/l Monthly Average Analysis: /l Permit Limitation: 64 mg/l 30 mg monthly average 60 mg/l instantaneous maximum CAUSE OF NONCOMPLIANCE:

The cause of the noncompliance is unknown. It is suspected that the Ultrion 8155 chemical used for total phosphorous treatment may be contributing to the high BOD problem. When the results of the first sample arrived, ano ther sample was collected on April 17, 1986. More carryover from the clarifier has been noted since the use of Ultrion 8155 was started.

DURATION OF NONCOMPLIANCE:

The duration of the noncompliance may have been for the entire month of March.

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CORRECTIVE ACTION:

On April 4, 1986, a microscopic inspection of life in the aeration tank revealed a complete loss of life which is believed to be associated with the use of the Ultrion 8155. Use of the product was discontinued at this time and the vendor representative was informed of the problem. Solids were allowed to increase in order to help recover biological activity. At a meeting on April 14, 1986, the Nalco vendor representative indicated that use of a flocculant might be necessary to decrease the volume of sludge to prevent excess wasting. The Department was informed by telephone of our testing of a flocculant. Formal i Department approval will be obtained for the flocculant if ,

successful. The Nalco vendor representative will conduct jar tests and make system modifications to the Nalco system to allow delivery of both chemicals to the sewage treatment plant. i l

l The waste sludge tank was pumped out on April 24, 1986.

This may prevent recirculation of the Ultrion 8155 during decant. I In addition arrangements were made to get a proposal l from another vendor regarding the operation of the Sewage Treatment Plant.

Very tr you s, s V l G. M. Leitch Superintendent '

Nuclear Generation Division JAV/WTU:ala cc: Environmental Protection Agency Director l

j Water Permits Branch ONRR 1 Pennsylvania Section 3WM52 US NRC 841 Chestnut Building Washington, DC 20555 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 9

Administrator, Region I  !

j Office of Inspection and Enforcement US Nuclear Regulatory Commission }

631 Park Avenue  !

1 King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406 i

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