ML20245B405

Responds to 881004 & 890119,23 & 0310 Ltrs Re Status of Investigation of Concerns About Corrosion Inhibitors & Design of Sampling Sys.Low Velocity of Liquid in Hotwell Sampling Considered Satisfactory

ML20245B405
Person / Time
Site:	Browns Ferry, Sequoyah, 05000000
Issue date:	04/14/1989
From:	Black S Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:	Buggs E AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
Shared Package
ML20245B391	List: ML20245B388 ML20245B398 ML20245B405 ML20245B408 ML20245B409 ML20245B410 ML20245B412 ML20245B418
References
NUDOCS 8906230159
Download: ML20245B405 (1)

Text

~

. .. , l

.- 1 g UNITED STATES L

.[f. *

7. t g-j NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555

,,,g

1. April 14,1989 s

Mr. Eugene D. Buggs 409 Cameron Circle, #2402 j E ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402 l

Dear Mr. Buggs:

This is in reply to your letters of October 4,1988; January 19, 1989; January 23, 1989 and March 10, 1989 in which you inquired about the status of  !

the investigation of your concerns about corrosion inhibitors and the design of  ;

sampling systems. You had also written to the Department of Labor because you  !

felt that your job was eliminated in retaliation for raising technical concerns. i The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has the responsibility for protecting public health and safety and the environment from effects associated with nuclear facilities and materials subject to licensing. The Commission's range of regulation is generally limited to nuclear safety-related and associated systems and as such, the choice of corrosion inhibitors for c1osed cooling water systems is an issue that does not fall within its area of control. In a similar manner, engineering decisions such as the design of the main sample line and establishing the allowable humidity for dry layups are the responsibility of the licensee.

The low velocity of the liquid in the hotwell sampling line is considered satisfactory since the purpose of the sampling is to measure conductivity and dissolved oxygen. Corrosion in both trains of cooling water systems do occur, but simultaneous catastrophic failure is extremely unlikely. The drawings for the new instrument panels were reviewed by TVA and the pressure taps were shown in the-correct location. The NRC staff monitors these systems to assure safe. operation and shutdown of the nuclear power facility.

In its letter to you dated December 16, 1988, the Department of Labor did not find evidence of discrimination under the Energy Reorganization Act.

While we understand the thrust of your technical concerns and recognize the value of your project, it is not appropriate for us to discuss your resuming employment with TVA.

We appreciate your efforts to inform us of'your concerns. Should you have further questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Paul Cortland at (301) 492-0754.

Sincerely, ,

/tk. a 7t. (MWy[L NdL-.

Suzanne . Black, Ass tant Director

( for Projects TVA Projects Division Office of Nucleer Reactor Regulation 8906230159 PDR ADOCK h PNV h59 .

P

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ . - _ .