ML20244B188

Notifies of Util Intent to Use Chlorine in Spray Pond at Plant to Control Algae.Forwards Ltr from Station Detailing Chlorination Program & What Steps Will Be Taken to Prevent Discharge from Spray Pond During Chlorination

ML20244B188
Person / Time
Site:	Limerick
Issue date:	04/05/1989
From:	Willsey W PECO ENERGY CO., (FORMERLY PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC
To:	Feola J PENNSYLVANIA, COMMONWEALTH OF
References
NUDOCS 8904190051
Download: ML20244B188 (4)

Text

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l J' Lt- L PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY 2301 MARKET STREET P.O. BOX 8699 PHILADELPHIA A, PA.19101

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April.5, 1989 Mr. J. A .. Feola Regional Water Quality Manager Department of Environmental Resources 1875 New Hope Street Norristown, PA 19401

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RE: Limerick Generating Station NPDES Permit PA 0051926

Dear Mr.-Feola:

Pursuant to Chapter 92.7 " Reporting of New or Increased Discharges" of the Departments' Rules and Regulations, we hereby notify you of our intent to use chlorine in the spray pond at Limerick Generating Station to control algae.

Attached is a letter from the station detailing the chlorination program and what steps will be taken to prevent a discharge from the spray pond during chlorination. We expect to begin the monthly chlorination program immediately.

The use of chlorine in the spray pond, as described in i the attached, is expected not to violate the discharge ,

conditions and limitations stated in the subject NPDES l permit. We spoke to Rob Ryan of the Department who l indicated that a permit amendment would not be required l since there was little chance of discharge to the river during chlorination and if there was a discharge, the chlorine concentration would be monitored via discharge  ;

point 001 as stipulated in the subject NPDES permit.  !

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. ' If'there are any questions, please' call--

David Mobraaten at 215-841-5679.

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-Sincerely yours,-

r W. B. Willse'/'

Director Environmental Affairs

• Attachment DWM:nas-cc: Rob Ryan, DER

'Norristown, PA r

Administrator NRC, King of Prussia 1 Director NRC, Washington,.DC EPA-3WM52.

Philadelphia, PA-4 I

%~ 1 3892064380 i

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. PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY i LIMERICK GENERATING STATION i

RECEIVED I March 21, 1989 i MARa -x9  !

W. B. WILLSEY FROM: M. J. McCormick, Jr.

t TO: W. B. Willsey

SUBJECT:

Chlorination of LGS Emergency Spray Pond As per your request, the following information is being provided concerning the possibility for chlorine discharges 3 during chlorination of the LGS spray pond. The pond is essentially a closed water system, with little make up or blowdown being required. Monthly treatments with sodium hypochlorite are planned in order to minimize algae growth.

Before each application, we verify that there are no operational requirements to return spray pond water to any location other than the spray pond. In addition, chlorination is scheduled at a time when spray pond use is expected to be minimal. By procedure, we ensure that the water level is a few inches below the discharge point to allow for unexpected water input. This is accomplished either by lowering the water level, or by installing a riser to raise the overflow boundary. Furthermore, river makeup to the pond occurs infrequently, and would be suspended during the treatment. A calculated amount of hypochlorite is added in order to achieve a 1 to 2 ppm concentration, assuming no chlorine demand. Since significant biological activity does exist in the spray pond, the resulting concentration will obviously be much lower. Chlorine levels are then monitored until they dissipate, which takes a day or two.

In the event that an unexpected discharge occurs, such as during an extraordinary rainfall, substantial dilution would be provided by cooling tower blowdown. Because of this, NPDES instantaneous maximum limits should be met. In addition, corrective measures, such as installing a physical block over the spray pond outlet, would be implemented to prevent an extended release.

Let me reiterate that these treatments are not intended to result in a chlorine discharge. By design, releases from the spray pond are not continuously required, therefore, they can be suspended for extended time periods. Chlorine will only be j present in the pond for a few days each month. During that time, '

l we will take several administrative precautions to prevent the discharge of that water, making such an event extremely unlikely.

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-In'the event that some anomaly causes an inadvertent release, l treatment conditions should ensure that final plant effluent i limitations will not be exceeded.

Therefore, since we are not planning' pollutant discharges 1

'that would conflict with the allowances of-our NPDES permit, I do 1

not feel that this treatment program requires afpermit revision. 4 However, if you feel that.a courtesy notification to the PA DER '

is advisable, then one should be pursued. In addition, the

-involvementfof the PA Fish Commission should not:be necessary, as acknowledged by their representatives during'a recent visit.

YourLassistance with resolving'this topic is greatly appreciated, as delays in the treatment program can ultimately degrade the quality of the spray pond system. Any questions should be directed to Steve'Dietch at extension 2711. l

,4 e / nwu 5

Mr J. McCormick, Jr.

Plant Manager j'gyfLSCD/sjm sed 3/15/89.1 cc: G .' M . Leitch R.'W. Dubiel T. J. Jackson L_ _ _ - - - - -