ML20206Q636
| ML20206Q636 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/16/1999 |
| From: | Travers W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Collins S NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20206Q280 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9905190184 | |
| Download: ML20206Q636 (1) | |
Text
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% UNITED STATES
[ I NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
' 5 I WASHINGTON, D.C. 20655 4 001
)
y February 16, 1999 j MEMORANDUM TO: Samuel J. Collins, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Reg ation -
FROM: William D. Travers bIW Executive director for Operations l
SUBJECT:
DIFFERING PROFESSIONAL OPINION REGARDING ALLOWABLE VALUES IN TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS l Attached is a copy of the report, dated January 15,1999, that was issued by the ad hoc panel chartered by tb former Executive Director for Operations to review the Differing Professional Opinion submitted by Frederick Burrows regarding the use of allowable values in lieu of trip setpoints in technical specificehs. The panel concluded that if a trip occurs at the allowable value, or at a setting more cc. r:,,vative than the allowable value, the applicable safety limits will not be exceeded. Therefore, it is possible to justify the use of allowable values in the technical specifications to satisfy the requirement (in 10 CFR 50.36) that the technical specifications contain the limiting safety system setting. I concur with this conclusion.
The panel believes that the staff's current approach of including allowable values in improved Standard Technical Specifications (ISTS) to satisfy the n muirements of 10 CFR 50.36 is technically adequate. However, the panel also believes uiat the staff should more clearly document its basis for accepting the inclusion of al!owable values rather than trip setpoints as Limiting Safety System Settings in ISTS such that automatic protective devices function as required ensuring that safety limits are met. The panel, therefore, recommended that the staff clearly Cument this basis. mako it available to Mr. Burrows and the public, and include it in the bast . sction of future plant ISTS. I concur with this recommendation. Therefore, I request that you provide a schedule for preparing the basis, for providing that basis to Mr.
Burrows and the public, and for the first ISTS that will contain that basis. As you prepare a schedule for those actions, you should consider the safety significance of the issue and establish a priority based on other tasks in the Office. If, in the future, exigencies of Office tasks dictate that your schedule cannot be met, you should inform me with a copy to Mr.
Burrows.
Attachment:
As stated 9905190184 990513 7 PDR ORG NE TOP PDR ,
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