ML20202E637
| ML20202E637 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/11/1998 |
| From: | Blaha J NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| SECY-98-017, SECY-98-017-R, SECY-98-17, SECY-98-17-R, WIR-980206, NUDOCS 9802180206 | |
| Download: ML20202E637 (27) | |
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4 february 11. 1998 SECy 98-017 fat:
The Commissioners Etom:
James L. Blaha, A%istant for Operations. Office of the ED0 Subiect:
WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 6,1998 Contents Enclosure Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
A l
Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards B
Nuclear Regulatory Research C
Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data D
General Counsel E*
Administration F
Chief Information Officer G
Chief Financial Officer H*
Human Resources I
Small Business & Civil Rights J*
Enforcement K*
State Programs L*
Public Affairs M
International Prcgrams N
Office of the Secretary 0
Region I P
Region 11 P
Region III P
Region IV P
Executive Director for Operations 0*
Congressional Affairs R
@ signed by
- No input this week.
James L. Blaha James L. Blaha Assistant for Operations. OED0
Contact:
S. Shaeffer, OEDO Document Name: C:\\ WEEK 206.
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WASHINGTON, D. C. 30045 INFORMATION REPORT February 11. 1998 Secy 98 017 f.o.t:
The Commissioners f.com:
James L. Blaha, Assistant for Operations, Office of the EDO Subiect:
WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 6, 1998 Contents Enclosure Nuclear Reactor Regulation A
Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards B
Nuclear Regulatory Research C
Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data D
General Counsel E*
Administration F
Chief Information Officer G
Chief Financial Officer H*
Human Resources I
Small Business & Civil Rights J*
Enforcement K*
State Programs L*
Public Affairs M
International Programs N
Office of the Secretary 0
Region I P
Region 11 P
Region III P
Region IV P
Executive Director for Operations C*
Congressional Affairs R
- No input this week.
J
$5
/ mes L. Blaha sistant for Operations OEDO
Contact:
S. Shaeffer. OEDO SECY NOTE:
To be made publicly available in 5 working days from the date of this paper
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Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation t
Items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 Publication of Draft' Generic Letter on Year 2000 Problem in Comouter Systems In the January 28, 1998, Federal Reaister pages 4498 through 4501, the NRC staff's draft Generic Letter No. 98-XX:
Year 2000. Readiness of Computer Systems at Nuclear Power Plants, was published for public comment. The staff is seeking comments on its proposed actions regarding the Year 2000 problem.
Specifically, the draft generic letter requires that licensees provide a response 1) confirling that they are implementing a Year 2000 program comparable to that identified in NEI/NUSMG 97-07.
- Nuclear Utility Year 2000 Readiness" or a descr 9 tion of their program, and 2) by July 1, 1999, confirming that the facility is Year 2000 ready and in compliance with-its license and NRC regulations.
Comments are due by March 2, 1998.
Salem Nuclear Generatina Station. Units 1 and 2 Salem Unit 2 is operating at 100% power.
The seat leakage rate through the primary safety valves has remained steady at about 1.2 gpm.
Plans are underway for a possible maintenance shutdown to replace the safety valves in April or May 1998.
Salem Unit 1 is currently in cold shutdown (Mode 5). The licensee is-
-proceeding on a schedule for being ready to enter Mode 4 in mid-February 1998, with restart-estimated in March 1998. The NRC Readiness-Assessment Team Inspection has been set for the weeks of February 9 and 16, 1998. There are presently no technical and programmatic items on the Integrated Test-Program and MOVs that need to be verified before the unit can restart. However.
Region I is reviewing the documentation to close those items needed prior to I
Mode 4.
The Salem Assessment Panel (SAP) met on January 30, 1998 to discuss Unit 1-readiness for Mode 4.
The licensee discussed an issue regarding the control area tentilation system
-(CAVS) for Salem Units 1 and 2 with the SAP on January 30, 1998.
PSE&G identified two electri' cal design deficiencies.concerning (a) the power supply to the Unit 2 radiation monitor that controls the position of emergency air intake dampers and (b) battery room ventilation fan powered from a nonsafety buss that impacts the operability of the control area ventilation (CAV) system during operation in-a specific degraded condition.
In the event of a loss -of offsite power coincident with a loss of coolant accident. GDC-19 control room dose limits could be exceeded.
Compensatory measures have been established to eliminate this concern during single unit operation.
PSE&G-1s evaluating options-February 6.- 1998 ENCu0SURE A
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L' including _ reanalysis, design changes or technical specification changes to permit two unit operation with the CAV system in this degraded condition.
Currently, there are no licensing amendments that are needed before the scheduled restart of Unit 1.
'Crvstal River 3 Startun-On_ February 1. 1998, at 11:35 pm (EDT). Crystal River 3 commenced a reactor start-up and-entered Mode 2.
On February 2. 1998.-at 12:03 am the plan achieved criticality and subsequently, at 1:47 am, entered into Mode 1..The-Unit is currently at 15% power and will increase to-various power levels to complete required main turbine testing. surveillances, and nuclear instrumentation calibrations. Two hold points are scheduled at 50%
and 90% power. The Unit is scheduled to be 100% power b; February 9. 1998.
7
-An_0perational Safety Inspection Team is onsite to assist the Resident Inspectors in monitoring power ascension.
Nine Mile Point. Unit 1
~0n January 28, 1998, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (NMPC) met with the NRR Office _ Director to discuss a reporting requirement with respect to blowdown panels in the reactor and turbine buildings of Unit 1.
These requirements were the subject of an NRC letter of-September 12. 1997. from Mr. Ashok Thadani and the.NMPC response _of October-27, 1997. The meeting was-transcribed.
Specifically, the meeting involved NMPC's failure to report to the NRC in 1993 that the blowdown value of 45 pounds per square foot (psf)
' stated in the design bases section of the FSAR was exceeded because of oversized bolts:-this failure to report had been cited by the-NRC as a Level IV violation.
NMPC disagrees with the NRC staff that the 45 psf.is a design basis and that exceeding it constituted a reportable event.
NMPC states-that the' overpressure capacities of the reactor and turbine buildings, which are also stated in the design bases sections of the FSAR to-be at leaLt 80 psf.
are the only design bases. -This item is of generic interest as it involves the' definition and scope of " design basis" which is being considered for future rulemaking.
The NRC staff stated that a response to.NMPC's_ letter of October 27, 1997, and
-information presented during the meeting would be issued in about 45 days.
NMPC will further summarize its position in a letter to the NRC in about 2 weeks.
Manaaement Chances On January 28. 1998. Duquesne Light Company (DLC) announced a reorganization
-of senior managers. Mr. Sushil Jain has been promoted to the position of-Senior.Vice_ President (VP) - Nuclear Services Group.
He will retain his direct responsibilities for. engineering and licensing activities in addition February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE A
_to his new duties. Mr. Ronald LeGrand assumes the position'of VP - Operations--
Support Group responsible primarily for outage planning. security. _and training activities. Mr. Richard Brandt assumes the duties of yP - Nuclear
-Operations Group'&' Plant Manager. previously performed by Mr. LeGrand.
Mr. Brandt joined DLC in December 1997, following three years as Plant Manager at-Perry Nuclear Power Station. The reorganization described above became effective the first-week in February 1998.
Wisconsin Electric Power Company, licensee for Point Beach Units 1 and 2.
announced that Mr.-Mark _Reddeman.. currently the Quality Assurance Section Manager, will be assigned to the position of Plant Manager, effective April 3.
1998. Mr. Reddeman was previously Plant Manager at Hope Creek.
Mr. Gary Boldt, currently acting as the Director-Nuclear Engineering, will oe assigned as the Quality Assurance Section Manager, effective February 13 =1998. A permanent replacement for the role of Director-Nuclear Engineering-is being sought.
During the period of February 13 through April 3.1998. Mr. Reddeman will receive turn-over from the current Plant Manager. Mr. Fred Cayia.
Mr. Cayia will be loaned to INP0 for a period of approximately one year.
Illinois Power Company (IP) has contracted with PECO Energy Company to provide.
management services for the Clinton Power Station.
They have signed a three-year contract with an option for an additional five years.
The following-management changes were effective February 3. 1998:
George Hunger (PECO)
Plant Mar.ager Vince Cwietniewicz (PECO)
Manager - Maintenance Jeff Goldman:
(PECO)
Manager - Work Management Wayne Romberg (IP):
Manager - Engineering Mike Wyatt (IP)
Manager - Recovery-Greg Tierney.
(PECO)
Supervisor-- Electrical Maintenance Tom Roe (IP)
Supervisor - Maintenance Support Bill Carsky-(PECO)
Director - Design Engineering-Larry Wigley (IP)
Director - Project-Engineering Bill McGuire (PECO)
Director - Operations Mike Tacelowski (PECO)
Supsrvisor - Operations Services John Owens (IP)
Director - Experience Assessment Bob Deppi (PECO)
Director - Work Coordination February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE A'
.}.
{-
Jim Hale (IP)
Supervisor - Outage Management Ralph Reed (INPO)
Supervisor - Scheduling Walt McFarland (PECO) was previously announced as the Chief Nuclear Officer.
February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE A
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Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 Conference of Radiation Control Proaram Directors. Inc.
Orohan Source Committee
-On January 26-27, 1998, staff from the Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety participated in the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors. Inc. (CRCPD) committee meeting regarding the CRCPD's orphan source initiative _ The comittee also had representatives from Illinois.
Pennsylvania. Texas. Nebraska, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Energy, The goal is to develop and facilitate implementation of a dynamic nationwide database system that will manage orphan sources.
EPA provided funding of $200.000 for this initiative.
The-comittee worked to develop a strawman program which will be discussed with the-States during next May's CRCPD annual meeting.
The program would define the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders, develop the criteria for use of the system, implement an outreach program and a management program. The development of a pilot program to test the system was also discussed. The committee will meet again during March to finalize the strawman program.
Interaaency Coordination i
On February 3.-1998, staff from the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS) participated at the interagency meeting of the Subcommittee-on Safeguards and Monitoring. This subcommittee is currently addressing efforts to strengthen International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and issues related to the implementation of the Model Protocol:on Strengthened Safeguards in the U.S.
On February 2. 1998. NMSS staff 3articipated at the interagency meeting of the Subgroup on IAEA Safeguards in t1e U.S.
This subgroup is addressing issues related to the_ application of the U.S. voluntary offer for the implementation of IAEA safeguards at U.S. facilities, At,mic-Safety and Licensina Board Pre-hearino 1
On January 26-30.-1998, staff from the Spent Fuel Project Office, the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Security traveled-to Salt Lake City.
Utah, and to the Reservation of the Skull Valley 8and of Goshute Indians (the Reservation), to participate in a site visit and to attend an Atomic Safety and Licensing Board pre-hearing conference regarding the application from Private Fuel Storage. Limited Liability Company (PFS) to construct and operate an independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI) on the Reservation.
In addition to the applicant, the State of Utah, and the Host Tribe, other participants in the site visie and the pre-hearing conference will include representatives of: Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia, a group of Skull Valley Goshutes February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE B i
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which opposes the ISFSI: Castle ibck Land and Livestock Limited Company.
Skull Valley Limited Company, and Ensign Ranches of Utah. Limited which represent land owners near the Reservation: and the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, representing Goshute Indians whose reservation straddles the Utah / Nevada border.
Each of these groups is seeking standing in the PFS proceedings.
-Tailings and Mine Waste 98 On January 26 28. 1998, staff from the Uranium Recovery Branch attended the fifth annual Tailings and Mine Waste Conference held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Colorado, lne purpose of the conference was to provide a forum for discussion and establishment of dialogue among all people in the mining industry and environmental community regarding tailings and mine waste. This year's conference was comprised of 100 papers on topics such as new m
.ods for tailings stabilization, ground water remediation, and revegewtion of reclaimed areas.
The presentations included those of several Uranium Recovery licensees who presented papers on the current state of their tailings sites as they near completion of their tailings reclamation and groundwater corrective action plans and move toward site closure.
dx February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE B
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Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research Items of Interest Week Ending February C. 1998 00nortunity for International Collaboration in Human Factors Research The Integrated Test Facility (ITF) perhaps the most sophisticated facility of its kind in the world, supports research for the " improvement of nuclear power plant safety through human error reduction." It was designed by the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and is supported by a staff of 23.
The lab contains a full-scope simulator that models an actual Korean plant (essentially ABB CE System 80).
The control room contains advanced controls and displays typical of those which could be proposed for integration into existing United States nuclear power plants and may therefore be relevant to NRC licensing.
The control room includes a large screen overview display.
color CRTs with soft controls, reconfigurable flat panel displays, and programmable alarm tiles, fhe lab is s pported by a highly sophisticated
' Data Analysis Experiment Evaluation Supporting System" (DAEXESS).
This system can record, in real time, control inputs. video and audio of crew actions, eye movement behavior, and physiological performance.
Datc are automatically encoded and time-synchronized to permit analysis of crew workload, errors, response time, etc.
Of significance to NRC researchers is that the ITF has access to licensed operators who can serve as test subjects and the language used is English.
At the invitation of KAERI. Jerry Wachtel of RES and John O'Hara of Brookhaven National Laboratory met with the staff of ITF on January 22. 1998.
Dr. Jung-Woon Lee of KAERI initiated the invitation based on discussions with NRC staff during an IEEE meeting on human factors in June 1997.
Dr. Lee's purpose, and the NRC's interest, was to determine the potential for future collaborative research between KAERI and NRC on human factors issues. particularly with advanced nuclear power plants.
The ITF staff expressed a strong interest in coopera+1ve work with NRC.
KAERI is a signatory to a " cooperative laboratory relationship" with 00E and participates in an international collaborative program on severe accident research organized by NRC.
ITF personnel will explore these agreements to determine if they might facilitate cooperation in the human factors arena.
Collaboration between NRC and KAERI in this field could enhance NRC's access to timely, sophisticated research into advanced human systems interfaces and add the capability to undertake relevant studies not previously possible.
A current NRC research effort on the effects of interface management tasks on crew workload and performance might be an excellent candidate for such collaboration.
c February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE C
__0
e Ground Water Monitorina Technoloav Transfer Workshoo An important regulatory issue for the site decommissioning management plan and for low level waste and high level waste sites is the estimation of infiltration rates and distributions that affect radionuclide release and subsequent migration.
RES is funding field studies at the University of Arizona (UAZ) to evaluate and test ground water monitoring strategies, including specific field systems, methods, and instrumentation that will provide technical bases for review of site infiltration monitoring programs.
As part of this RES funded research program, a workshop will be convened February 11 12, 1998, at the UAZ's Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC) to provide
- hands on" technology transfer of findings from the NRC funded research on assessing state-of-the art unsaturated zone monitoring systems and strategies. Workshop attendees will include NRC staff members Agreement State (Utah, Washington, Arizona, California, and New York) regulators and representatives, Agricultural Research Service and U.S. Geological Survey scientists, DOE national laboratory and Nevada Test Site contractor scientists, university scientists, private sector consultants, and field instrument vendors.
Findings from the MAC field experiments used to test the monitoring strategies and systems will be presented. The workshop is structured to maximize time in the field for demonstrating the field methods and instruments, to observe the meteorological, irrigation. and data storage systems, and to question the UAZ investigators on lessens learned.
The workshop will conclude with a discussion of monitoring reliability and durability issues, it is expected that a NULG/Ck report outlining the field study research results, including lessons learned in testing the strategies, methods, and instrumentation, will be issued in October 1998.
February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE C
Office for Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 Event Reoortino Guidelines On January 28. 1998 the staff published NUREG 1022. Revision 1. " Event Reporting Guidelines.10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73." in final form. The purpose of this revision is to help ensure that events are reported as required by impraving the guidance, including clarification and consolidation of the gu % r.ce into a single reference document.
NUREG-1022. Revision 1 was prepared in response to difficulties in interpreting event reporting requirements and inconsistencies in reporting thresholds.
Primarily, the staff edited, clarified, and combined the information contained in NUREG-1022 and its Supplements 1 and 2. the Statements of Considerations for 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.'i3. and other published reporting guidance such as generic letters, bulletins and information notices.
A draft report was published for comment in 1991, the issues raised were discussed at public meetings in 1992 and 1993, and a second draft was published for comment in 1994.
The final version is being distributed widely and will be available on the Internet at the NRC's home page.
In addition, a Federal Register notice will be published shortly.
It should be noted that there is a need to revise the current rules to (1) correct weaknesses. includir.g elimination of unnecessary reporting, and (2) better align the rules with the NRC's current needs, including the move toward risk informed regulation.
A rulemaking plan to address these areas is now being prepared.
The rulemaking would include substantial public input and focus on what the NRC really needs to have reported in view of current programs and sources of information.
Technical Trainina The first presentation of the PRA Technology and Regulatory Perspectives course (P-lll) was held at the TTC January 26 - February 6, 1998.
The course was developed at the request of NRR to address the-special needs of regional inspectors resident inspectors, and other technical personnel who require knowledge of PRA issues and insights to better evaluate the effects of design, t
testing. maintenance, and operating strategies on system reliability.
Twenty-one students attended the course, representing each region. NRR, and AE00.
The course was taught by Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory assisted by staff from NRR and the TTD. The course is a combination of lectures and case studies that focus on the application of PRA results in inspection planning. monitoring licensee performance, and reviewing licensee risk-based submittals.
A PRA Basics for Regulatory Applications (P-105) course was held at the PDC February 3-6, 1998.
This was the first of seven PRA Basics for Regulatory Applications courses that have been added to the PRA course schedule in February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE D
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el f
FY 1998 at the request of NRR.
The four day course addresses the needs of the regulatory personnel who require knowledge of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) issues and insights to betti.e evaluate the effects of design, testing, maintenance, and operating strategies on system reliability.
The full range of PRA topics is presented in abbreviated form with the goal of introducing the regulatory staff personnel to the basic concepts and terminology of PRA as applied to the inspection process.
The course uses actual plant PRAs and IPEs and stresses the uses and applications of these publications in planning audits and inspections and evaluating plant safety issues.
The TTD simulator engineering staff completed training for the code generation tools recently purchased from GSE Systems.
These tools were obtained to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing TTD simulator engineering resources.
Use of these tools will allow in house development of replacements for outdated and low fidelity Assembly and FORTRAN models to improve simulator capability to support programmatic goals. The tools support generation of simulation models for thermal hydraulic, electrical and instrumentation and logic systems. One example of the im roved capability and fidelity of the modeling generated using these tools is the area of inter-system actions and relationships, such as inter system LOCAs.
This is consistent with the long term goal of moving from proprietary computer platforms to a more open environment.
The code generation tools and associated training will allow the small TTD simulator engineering staff to add functionality to NRC simulators in support of user needs within existing budgetary limitations.
Cocoerative Proiects As part of Ukrainian Priority 2.1 (Analytical Simulator) of the Lisbon Initiative, two members of the TTD staff participated in site acceptance testing for the VVER-1000 simulation model February 2 6.- 1998 at the Ukrainian Analytical S',mulator facility in Kiev Ukraine.
The Analytical Simulator has been installed in the offices of the Ukrainian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (UkrNRA) as a tool to support inspector training and operational assessment.
As part of site acceptance testing, the team of UkrNRA, NRC, and contractor engineers completed the final tests of simulator hardware and software.
The Analytical Simulator was formally dedicated und declared ready for use by the
- Deputy Minister for Environ" ental Protection and Nuclear Safety of Ukraine at a ceremony on February 5, 1993.
PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATIONS 1.
PN0 1 98-002. Duquesne Light Co. (Beaver Valley 1 2 ). BEAVER VALLEY UNIT 1 FORCE 0 SHUT 00WN GREATER THAN 72 HOURS 2.
PNO 1 98 003. Smith Environmental Technologies Corp., LOST PORTABLE GAUGE February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE D
d 3.
PN0 II 98 004. Florida Power Corp. (Crystal River 3). CRYSTAL RIVER 3 RESTART CONCURRENCE 4.
PNO II 98 005. Florida Power Corporation. (Crystal River 3) CRYSTAL RIVER 3 STARTUP 5.
PNO Ill 98 013. Briadwood 2. REACTOR TRIP FOLLOWING TURBINE TRIP 6.
PNO Ill 98 014. Commonwealth Edison Co. (Dresden 2. 3). TWO INDIVIDUALS CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH COMPROMISE OF OPERATOR LICENSE EXAM 7.
PN0 Ill 98-015. Detroit Edison Co. (Fermi 2) UNIT REMAINS SHUTDOWN TO REPAIR RHR VALVE FOLLOWING REACTOR SCRAM 8.
PNO IV-98 004A. Terracon Consultants. RECOVERY OF STOLEN PORTABLE MOISTURE / DENSITY GAUGE l
February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE D
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c Office of Administration items of Interest Week Ending February 6, 1998 Procedures Ano11 cable to Proceedinas for the issuance of Licenses for the Rece10t of Hiah-Level Radioactive Waste at a Geoloaic Renository. Extension of Coment Period (Part 2)
A document that extends the comment period for a proposed rule that would I
amend the regulations containing the NRC's Rules of Practice for licensing proceedings on the disposal of high level radioactive waste at a geologic repository was published in the Federal Register on February 2, 1998 (63 FR 5315).
The comment period for the proposed rule now closes March 30, 1998,
)
Contract Awards j
Contract No. NRC-10 98 141 entitled, " Security Guard Service for the White Flint Complex" was awarded to United International Investigative Services.
The fixed price contract in the amount of $1,960,637.83 is effective February 1, 1998 through January 31,1999, with 4 one year option periods for a total contract value of $9.803,189.15.
This competitive negotiated procurement was completed in three months using procurement streamlining techniques.
Door leaks in Link between Buildinas During the week of. February 2.1998, DFS arranged for the Lerner Corporation (the link contractor) to return and repair the on going leak at-the double door near OWFN.. Previous attempts-to correct this problem have not been successful. This time, new door sweeps were added between the doors and along the bottom Modifications to the concrete pavers will still be made to help divert water away from the doors.
Work on the pavers is expected to be completed within two weeks, i
February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE F
Chief Information Officer items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Reauests Received durina the 5 Day Period of January 30. 1998 - February 5. 1998:
IMPAC listing with addresses.
(F01A/PA 98-047)
Envirocare of Utah, plutonium. U 233. U 235 and/or special nuclear material.
(F01A/PA 98-048)
Atlas Uranium Hill ard Tailings Site. Moab. UT. 1/23/98 sampling report.
(F01A/PA 98-049)
Radiation hazard, possible contamination of lead shielding products.
(F01A/PA 98 050)
Correspondence between NRC and named individual.1965 through 1998.
(F01A/PA-98-051)
TMI. 1979 accident reports.
(F01A/PA 98-052)
IG investigation on named individual, exact 1990 time frame and cause.
(F01A/PA 98 053)
Dow Chemical Lic. # C-2782. Phelps Dodge Consolidated Aluminum. Spectrulite Consortium owners / operators of magnesium / aluminum facility in Madison. IL 1957 through 1992.
(F01A/PA-98-054)
SECY-97 249 paper, voting records, and Staff Requirements Memorandum.
(F01A/PA-98-055)
Radiation exposure on named individual.1983 through 1984 at Indian Point.
(F01A/PA 98-056)
February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE G l
I Office of Human Resources r
items of Interest Week Ending February 6, 1998 Presidential Rank Award Nominations Forwarded to the Office of Personnel Manaaement On January 30, 1998, the NRC's 1998 Presidential Rank Award nominations were forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (0PM).
The Chairman will be notified by OPM sometime this summer of the NRC's winners of the Distinguished Executive and Meritorious Executive Rank Awards.
Arrivals HENNIGAN, James Office Automation Assistant NMSS Retirements LYNCH, Maurice Sr Project Manager NRR WALKER. Harold Sr. Investigator (Task Leader) 01 Departures HAMMOND, Mark Field Public Affairs Officer OPA MILLER, Carolyn Branch Chief OCFO TINSLEY, Robert Hydrogeologist NMSS February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE I
Office of Public Affairs items of Interest Week Ending February 6, 1998 Media Interest The Christian Science Monitor is planning a story on ABB Combustion Engineering's application to export two nuclear power reactors to North Korea.
There was considerable press interest in Chairman Jackson's visit to Millstone.
PC Magazine is planning an article on the NRC's web page.
School Volunteers Procram Pam Kruzic. C10. and Steve Alexander. NRR, judged a science fair at Farquhar M.S.
Press Releases Headquarters:
98 21 NRC Advisory Committee on Nuclear Waste to Meet February 24-26 in Rockville, MD 98-22 NRC Advisory Committee to Discuss Proposed Rules on Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials 98-23 NRC Invites Public to Submit Nominations for Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards 98-24 NRC Withdraws Proposal on Strategies for Assessing Licensees' Safety-Conscious Work Environment Regions:
1-98 12 NRC Accepting Comments. Hearing Requests on Yankee Rowe Plan 1-98-13 Note to Editors: Millstone Meetings 1-98 14 NRC to Review Findings of Indian Point 2 Special Inspection 111-98 11 NRC Staff Rates Quad Cities " Good" in Operations and Plant Support and " Acceptable" in Maintenance and Engineering February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE M
111 98 12 NRC Special Inspection Team to Present Preliminary Findings on Small Uranium Hexafluoride Release at Allied Signal Plant IV 98 7 NRC Commissioner Diaz to Meet With News Media Following Visit to Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant s
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a February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE M
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' Office of International Programs Items of Intere*t Week Ending February 6, 1998 Etoort License Anolication is Withdrawn i
In a letter dated February 6,1998,1NBB Combustion Engineering Nuclear Systems-j withdrew its application for an NRCLlicense to export two nuclear power reactors to North Korea.
1AEA Vacancy Notices-
]
The following notices from the International Atomic Energy Agency have been posted on NRC bulletin boards.
- D 1 -Head, Office of-Internal Audit and Evaluation Support 98/001 Director General P-3 Supervisor, Mass Spectrometry 90/002 Research and Isotopes Annual Proaram Review Heetina with Nuclear Reaulatorv Administration of Ukraine NRC held the seventh annual program review meeting with a delegation from the Nuclear Regulatory Administration of Ukraine at NRC headquarters during the week of January 26, 1998.
The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress of the nuclear safety assistance program since the last meeting a-year ago and to plan the program for 1998.
NRC Executive Director for Operations, Joseph Callan,- and the Director signed'the Memorandum of Meeting on January.30, J
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February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE N
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Office of the Secretary items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 i
Document Date Subject Information Papers Released to the Public
- 1. SECY 98 013 1/28/98 Weekly Information Report Week i
Ending January 23, 1998
- 2. SECY-98 014 1/30/98 Annual Report on Commission Adjudication l
Memoranda Released to the Public
- 1. SRM 2/5/98 Briefing on Material Control of Generally Licensed Devices (SECY 97-273) (M9801218) i Commission Corresoondence Released to the Public 1.
Letter to Congress, dated 1/30/98, provides the quarterly report on the nondisclosure of safeguards information (for the quarter beginning on October 1 and extending through December 31. 1997).
2.
Letter to Representative David McIntosh, dated 1/29/98, provides information on NRC's organizational structure.
3.
Letter to Congress, dated 1/28/98, provides a summary of actions taken by the NRC in response to recommendations concerning the NRC which were in reports issued by the GA0.
4, Letter to Utah Governor Michael Leavitt, dated 1/27/98, concerns the clarification of Utah's position in allowing the receipt of low-level and mixed radioactive waste from the DOE at Envirocare of Utah. Inc.'s facility in Clive, UT.
Federal Reaister Notices Issued 1.
Safety-Conscious work Environment: Withdrawal of Proposal.
2.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Seeks Qualified Candidates for the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards: Request for Resum6.
3.
Notice of Public Meeting: Licensing Support System Advisory Review Panel, February 24 and 25. 1998.
February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE 0
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Region !
Items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 Gama Industries. Port Norris. NJ Licensina Ac3ns During the week of January 26. 1998. Region I issued two licensing actions concerning the Gamma Industries license for their Port korris. NJ site.
This site was contaminated with cobalt 60 during previous sealed source manufacturing operations. The licensee requested in 1989, that NRC terminate the license, however, remediation is not complete.
Region I obtained a satisfactory work plan from the licensee (now in Texas since the site has been abandoned for several years).-voided the termination request, and issued a new license that incorporates the work plan and a schedule for remediation of the si_te. The goal is license termination and release of the site for unrestricted use.
Meetina With the Denartment of the Armv On February 4.1998, NRC staff held an exit meeting with the Department of the Army to discuss the Westwood Radioactive Material Disposal Facility in the Edgewood Area. Aberdeen Proving Ground. Maryland. The meeting was held to discuss the results of an inspection of the decommissioning and remediation activities at that site between August 1997 and February 1998.
The decommissioning activities included removal of soils, piping and underground septic system equ hment contaminated with radioactive material.
Remediation is now complete.
rinal status surveys and soil analysis are being conducted.
In addition, the NRC staff discussed the status of the confirmatory survey for the 26th Street Disposal Site, at the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Department of the Army has requested that this location of use be removed from its Byproduct Materials License.
The licensee conducted characterization and remediation at the site between 1995 and 1997.
Radiological surveys performed by the licensee in 1997 indicate that the previously contaminated areas now meet NRC criteria for unrestricted release, On December 8. 1997 Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (0 RISE).
under contract with the NRC. conducted confirmatory surveys at the site.
Analysis of the samples is in progress.
Radioloaical Investiaation of Buried Obiects at Haddam Neck The licensee is evaluating indications of at least two buried objects within the radiologically controlled area on the Haddam Neck site.
As part of the effort to decommission the site, the licensee collected, through interviews with former site employees. information regarding potentially onsite burials, in resoonse to the information the licensee conducted surveys with ground penetrating radar which show two buried objects.
Radiation dose rates at the surface are not conclusive regarding whether radwaste or radioactive material February 6, 1998 ENCLOSURE P
is present in the locations.
The licensee is preparing preliminary plans to dig up soil and asphalt using hand tools to obtain additional radiation dose and contamination ceasurements.
The resident inspector and Region I staff will closely monitor the licensee's actions.
State of Connecticut officials have been infonned.
l Commissioner Dieus Visit to NIH Comissioner Dicus visited the National Institutes Of Health (NIH) on
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February 3.1998. Accompanying the Comissioner were Dr. Carl Paperiello.
Director of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. Mr Joel i
Lubenau. Technical Assistant, and Mohamed Shanbaky DNMS Branch Chief.
Region 1.
i l
The Comissioner discussed with NIH senior management the scope of radioactive material use at the Institute and technical issues related to the safe use of radioactive materials.
The Comissioner toured the facility and observed Nuclear Medicine operations and research facilities. After the facility tour.
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the Comissioner met with other licensee staff including members of the Radiation Safety Comittee and discussed program status including security of radioactive materials.
i February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE P 1
l' Region 11 Items of Interest Week Ending February 6, 1998 Virainia Electric and Power Comoany - Surry On February 5, 1998, the D; rector Division of Reactor Projects presented NRC certificates to five newly licensed operators and senior operators at a licensee presentation ceremony, Issues discussed included the Commission's Policy Statement on the conduct of nuclear power plant operations and the special trust the public has that the operator's first responsibility is reactor safety, Nuclear Fuel Services NFS began process 7ng of high enriched uranium aluminum alloy scrap on February 2, 1998.
This is the initial portion of the process to down blend this material to low enriched uranium.
In addition. t1e President of NFS and other NFS representatives met with the Regional Administrator on February 4 to discuss items of mutual interest, including the licensee's progress on their Performance Management Plan.
fjorida Power Corocration Crvrtal River 3 The Crystal River 3 31 ant continued its power ascension.
On February 8, 1998, the reactor had reacled 70 percent power.
Phase 11 of the Operational Safety Team Inspection, which was focused on operations, completed its inspection and conducted an exit with the licensee on February 6, 1998. The p w escension has been essentially uneventful: the licensee reviewed status of W plant and ascension actions with the NRC when the reactor reached the 50 percent power level.
February 6, 1998 ENu GSUPE P
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Region 111 Items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 Manaaement Meetina w;th Illinois Power comoany - Clinton Nuclear Power Plant On February 5, 1998, a meeting was conducted at the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant, Clinton. Illinois, between management representatives from Illinois Power Company and members of the NRC staff.
The meeting discussion focused on the new management changes and the status the utility's corrective action program and the conduct of operations at the slant.
NRC Regional Administrator A. Bill Beach participated in tie meeting.
Manaaement Meetina with Commonwealth Edison Comoany - Quad Cities Nuclear Station On February 6, 1998, a meeting was conducted in the Region 111 Office, Lisle, Illinois; between management representatives from Commonwealth Edison Company and members of the NRC staff.
The meeting discussion focused on the status of the utility's updated methodology and technical resolutions to the issues surrounding the w ad Cities Nuclear Power Station's safe shutdown procedures in the event of a fire during dual unit operation.
NRC Regional Administrator A. Bill Beach participated in the meeting.
Auamented insoection Team Public Exit - AlliedSianal - Metrono11s Works On February 6, 1998, an Augmented Inspection Team (AIT) public exit meeting was conducted in Metropolis, Illinois, between the management representatives of AlliedSignal, Inc., and members of the NRC' staff. The meeting was held to discuss the preliminary findings of the AIT.
A small release of uranium hexafluoride occurred on January 27, 1998, when three workers loosened a flange during maintenance work in the uranium conversion building. The workers involved were wearing respirators and protective clothing but received minor skin irritations to their necks and arms.
One worker received a small uranium uptake, which was less than 10 percent of the weekly limit.
Upon arriving at the facility, the team reviewed the environmental samples and radiation surveys conducted by the licensee and confirmed that the release did not leave the site.
Radiation levels were normal at the facility's fence line during and after the incident, Manacement Chanaes Announced at Illinois Power Comoany - Clinton Nuclear Power Plant On February 3,1998, Illinois Power Company announced that Mr. George A.
Hunger Jr., assumed the position as manager of the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant._ Mr. Hunger was most recently director of licensing for PEC0 Nuclear and chairman of the Nuclear Review Board for PECO Energy's Peach Bottom and Limerick generating stations.
Mr. Hunger is joined by seven other PECO Energy February 6.-1998 ENCLOS'JRE P
em)1oyees who filed mar,agement positions at the Clinton plant starting Fe)ruary 3. 1998.
Manaaement Chanaes Announced at Wisconsin Electric Power comoany - Point Beach Station On February 3, 1998, Wisconsin Electric Power Company announced that Mr. Alfred Cayia, current plant manager for the Point Beach Nuclear Power i
Station, will take a temporary position beginning April 3, 1998, at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).
The-utility also announced that Mr. Mark Reddemann, currently quality assurance manager at the Point Beach l
station _will assume position of plant manager in Mr. Cayia's absence.
In addition Wisconsin Electric stated that beginning February _13,1998, Mr. Gary i
Boldt, current director of nuclear engineering, will replace Mr. Reddemann as j
quality assurance manager. Mr. _ Boldt will report directly to Mr. Richard R.
~
Grigg, Wisconsin Electric's chief nuclear _ officer, and Mr. Reddemann will-report directly to Mr. Scott Patuiski, site vice president.
-l Manaaement Chance Announced at Consumers Power Comoany - Palisades Station On February 4. 1998, Consumers Power Company announced that Mr. Gerald R.
Boss will assume the position of operations manager for the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant.
Mr. Boss will report to Mr. Dave W. Rogers, general manager, plant operations.
Previously, Mr. Boss held the operations manager position at the Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant for approximately two years.
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l Region IV Items of Interest Week Ending February 6. 1998 i
Wolf Creek Plans Breater Reolacement in January 1999, the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation plans to begin replacing all 4.16 and 13.8 KVAC medium voltage GE Magne Blast circuit breakers at the Wolf Creek Generating Station with Siemens 3AFS style vacuum circuit breakers.
The company expects to complete the replacement of the safety related medium voltage breakers by the end of 2000 and all remaining medium voltage breakers by the end of 2001.
This change is expected to increase the reliability of medium voltage breakers because of the reduced number of mechanical components in each breaker.
However, the decision is being made for commercial reasons based on the resources needed to maintain the current Magne Blast breakers.
While more than 30.000 of the Siemens breakers have been used worldwide since their introduction in the 1970s, only a few US nuclear units have installed these breakers.
A Siemens breaker user's group is being formed.
Waterford 3 Performance Imoroyement Plan On February 6. 1998, the Regional Administrator and other members of the Region IV and NRR staff met with representatives of Entergy Operations. Inc.
This was one of a continuing series of meetings to discuss progress with the Waterford 3 Performance improvement Plan.
The specific areas discussed included the status of actions to improve performance in engineering, review of selected plant performance indicators, and the status of corrective actions related to the findings of a corrective action program essessment.
Meeting =with Wood River Medical Center On February 6. 1998, the Director. Division of Nuclear Materials Safety and members of the Region IV staff conducted a closed Predecisional Enforcement 4
Conference with Wood River Medical Center management regarding an inspection conducted November 4 5, 1997.
During the conference. 22 apparent violations were discussed which, together. Indicated inadequate oversight and control of the radiation safety program by the licensee, in addition, one apparent violation involved the falsification of required survey records by a former employee.
February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE P
Office of Congressional Affairs Items of Interest j
Week Ending February 6. 1998 CONGRESSIONAL HEARING SCHEDULE.
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Madden 03/11 10:00 DOE FY99 Budget for DOE ~s Office Reps. McDade/Fazio 2362B RHOB of Nuclear Energy Energy & Water Appropriations
@propriations Madden 03/12 10:00 00E - OCRWM FY99 Appropriations for Reps. McDade/Fazio 2362B RHOB Nuclear Waste Management Energy & Water Appropriations ypropriations Gerke 04/28 9:30 TBA Year 2000 Computer Problem Sen. McCain/Hollings SR-253 Comnerce. Science & Transp 1
February 6. 1998 ENCLOSURE R 1
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