ML20248L833
| ML20248L833 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Vermont Yankee File:NorthStar Vermont Yankee icon.png |
| Issue date: | 02/09/1996 |
| From: | Cooper R NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I) |
| To: | Reid D VERMONT YANKEE NUCLEAR POWER CORP. |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20248L142 | List:
|
| References | |
| FOIA-97-365 NUDOCS 9806110403 | |
| Download: ML20248L833 (21) | |
Text
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[ g NUCLEAR REGULAlORY COMMISSION 5 l REGION 1
$ g 475 ALLENDALE ROAD d KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19400-1415
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. February 9, 1996 Mr. Donald A. Reid Vice President, Operations Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation RD 5, Box 169 Ferry Road Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
SUBJECT:
Dear Mr. Reid:
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently received information concerning deficiencies associated with the augmented offgas system at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station. This system is important because it is a control process for minimizing radioactive effluents and radiation dose at the site boundary during normal operations. More details are enclosed for your organization's review and follow-up. This information was discussed telephonically on January 11, 1996, between Mr. R. Conte of my staff, you and Mr. R. Wanczyk of your staff. As a result of this discussion, it is our understanding that you have chartered a review team to look into this matter.
We request that the results of your review and disposition of this matter be submitted to Region I within 30 days of the date of this letter. If more time is needed for your review, a status report within 30 days of this letter will be acceptable along with a date on when the final report will be submitted to us. We expect that your evaluation of this matter will be thorough, objective and of sufficient scope and depth to resolve this matter.
The information was from an anonywous source and forwarded to us by the New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution, Inc. who also made the information publicly available as noted in several media reports on the matter. As such the information does not need to be exempt from public disclosure. However, we request that your response contain no personal privacy, proprietary, or safeguards information so it can be released to the public and placed in the NRC Public Document Rooms. If necessary, such information shall be contained i in a separate attachment, appropriately marked, which will be withheld from public disclosure. The affidavit required by 10 CFR 2.790(b) must accompany l
your response if proprietary information is included.
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, HICKEY 97-365 PDR;
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t Donald R. Reid 2 ,
The response requested by this letter and the accompanying enclosure are not subject to the clearance procedures of the Office of Management and Budget as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Pub. L.96-511. If you have any questions concerning this request, please contact Mr. Richard Conte at this office (610-337-5183). Your cooperation with us is appreciated. We will gladly discuss any questions you may have concerning this information.
Sincerely, Richard W. Cooper II, irector Division of Reactor Projects Docket No. 50-271
Enclosure:
As stated cc w/ enclosure:
R. Wanczyk, Plant Manager, Vermont Yankee M. Daley, New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution, Inc.
D. Katz, Citizens Awareness Network, Inc.
R. Sedano, State of Vermont bec w/ enclosure:
D. Vito
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ENCLOSURE The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Region I Office) received information relatad to deficiencies associated with the advance offgas (A06) system at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station. Specifically:
[ 1. The advanced offgas system has been allowed to deteriorate over the t: years; and, as a result, the plant is discharging illegal amounts of l
radioactivity.
- 2. In order to save money, plant managers cancelled a plan by the engineers to refurbish the system during the 1995 refueling.
- 3. The engineers that spoke out against the cancelling were punished and had a bad report inserted in their personnel file.
- 4. Recently the offgas system was declared out of operation because critical monitoring equipment was not calibrated properly. This condition existed for many years.
NOTE: With respect to item 4, a preliminary review by NRC inspectors of recent calibration problems on the hydrogen monitor for the A0G system indicated that the problem is related to an error in the plant's Technical Specifications (TS). This review will be documented in NRC Inspection Report No. 50-271/95-25 as an unresolved item; but, in this response, we request the following additional information:
- a. - Your perspective on the calibration problem with the hydrogen monitor, how long the problem existed, and the root cause of the TS error along with corrective actions. Also, provide information on when a license amendment will be submitted for NRt. staff review.
- b. Provide information on any other critical monitoring equipment that is or was inoperable since the last refueling outage along with root cause and corrective actions taken or planned.
- 5. The vice president at Yankee Atomic (YAEC) knows about this, but has done nothing because.it would affect the recent organization changes -
he knows it could affect his job if he had to tell Vermont Yankee managers that they were not operating the plant correctly.
In addressing the above items your response should include:
- a. Current status of the offgas system, including any outstanding work requests .and planned modifications (items 1, 2, and 4 above)
- b. Summiary of any known recent (since the last refueling outage) offgas system problems by plant staff or as documented in Vermont Yankee Event Reporting System along with completed or planned resolutions (items 1, 2, and 4 above).
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- c. Basis for postponement or cancellation of preventive / corrective maintenance or any modifications to the offgas system from the 1995 outage (items 2 and 3).
- d. Provide details on any management / personnel disciplinary actions completed or planned associated with decisions related to the offgas system, and its modifications, since the last refueling outage (itent 3 and 5 - 10 CFR 2.790 information may need to be segregated in the response).
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VERMONT YANKEE NUCLEAR POWER STATION RESIDENT INSPECTOR OFFICE VERMONT YANKEE FAX NO.: 802 257-7791 OFFICE NO.: 802 257-4319/4310 l
RICH CONTE, SECTION CHIEF, DRP,3A FROM: VERMONT YANKEE
// Bill Cook, Sr. Resident Inspector
// Paul Harris, Resident Inspector
// Chris Curtis, Resident Office Assistant DATE SENT: T5 TmfE: b5 NUMBER OF PAGES WCLUDMG TMS FORM:__ f
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De3r H dthe l I must report to you a. serious violation of HRC requirements at Vermont l Yankee.
Tbc advanced offgas system has been allowed to deteriorate over the years and -
s a result the plant is discharging illegal amounts of radioactivity.
- To order to save money plant managers cancelled a plan by the engineers to l -refurbish the system during the 1995 refueling.
l The er.gineers that spoke out against the cancelling were punished and had a I bad rep 0rt inserted in their personnel file.
Recently the offgas system was declared out of operation because critical monitoring equipment was not calibrated properly. I am told this condition
- has existed for many years.
The vice president at Yankee Atomic (YAEC) knows about this, but has dcle nothing because it would affect the recent organization changes - he knows it could affect his job if he had to tell Vermont Yankee managers that they were i
l not operating the plant correctly.
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VERMONT YANKEE NUCLEAR POWER STATION RESIDENT INSPECTOR OFFICE VERMONT YANKEE FAX NO.: 802 257-7791 OFFICE NO.: 802 257 #319/4310 t
RICH CONTE, SECTION CHIEF, DRP,3A FROM: VERhiONT YANKEE
// Bill Cook, Sr. Resident Inspector Paul Harris, Resident Inspector
// Chris Curtis, Resident Office Assistant DATE SENT: ,
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- 3.8 LIMITING CONDITIONS FOR 4.8 SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS OPERATION to areas at and beyond the site boundary would exceed 0.3 mram to any
__ oraan over one month. _ _ _
J. Exnlosive cas Mixture J. Explosive cas Mixture
- 1. If the hydrogen 1. 'the concentration of concentration in the hydrogen in the off-gas off-gas downstream of system downstream of the the operating roccabiner recombiners shall be reaches four percent, continuously monitored take appropriate action by the hydrogen monitor that will restore the required operable by concentration to within Table 3.9.2.
the limit within 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br />.
K. Steam Jet Air _Eiector~ K. Steam Jet Air Eiector ~
- 1. Gross radioactivity 1. The gross radioactivity release rate from release rate shall be the SJAE shall be continuously monitored limited to less in accordance with than or equal to Specification 3.9.5.
0.16 Ci/sec (after 30 minutes decay).
- 2. With the gross 2. The groes radioactivity radioactivity release rate of noble release rate at the gases from the SJAE SJAE exceeding the shall be determined to above limit, be within the limit of restore the gross Specification 3.8.K.1 at radioactivity , the following release rate to frequencies by within its limit performing an isotopic within 72 hours8.333333e-4 days <br />0.02 hours <br />1.190476e-4 weeks <br />2.7396e-5 months <br /> or analysis (for Ko-138, be in at least Hot Xe-135, Xe-133, Kr-88, standby within the Kr-85m, F.r-87) . on a subsequent reprasantative sample of 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br />. gasse taken at the discharge.
- 3. With the gross radioactivity release a. Once per week.
rate at the SJAE greater b. Within 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br /> than or equal to following an 1.5 Ci/sec (after increase of 25% or 30-minute decay), 5000 restore the gross microcuries/sec, radioactivity release whichever i:
rate to less than greater, in 1.5 Ci/sec (after stea #-state 30-minute decay), or be activity. levels in Hot standby within during steady-state 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br />. reactor operation, as indicated by the SJAE monitor.
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u Amendment No. 43 177 PO
- d - M a ltGld36 21:11 Sii M I-?30 t________u_________________ __ _ _ _ _ _ . _ . _
I VYNPS ff 3.9 LIMITING CONDITIONS FOR
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O9ERATION 4.9 SURVEILLANCE REQUIRD(ENTS i
3.9 RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENT MONI'ICRING 4.9 SYE sMS RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENT M MITORING SYSTEMS Aeolicability: Applicability:
Applies to the monitoring Applies to the required systems or programs which surveillance of the monitoring perform a surveillance, systems or programs which protective or controlling perfom a surveillance, function on the release of . protective or controlling radioactive effluents from the function on the release of plant and their identification
-in the environner.t. radioactive effluents from the plant and their identification in the environment.
Obiective obiective.:
To assure the operability of the To specify the type and radioactive effluent monitoring frequency of surveillance to be systems and environmental applied to the radioactive programs. effluent monitoring system and
,. environmental programs.
Soeelfications: specifications:
A. Licuid Effluent A. Liquid Effluent Instrumentation Instrumentation
- 1. During periods of 1. Each radioactive liquid release through the effluent monitoring monitored pathway, the instrumentation channel radioactive liquid shall be tested and offluent monitoring calibrated as indicated instrumentation channel in Table 4.9.1.
shall be operable in accordance with Table 3.9.1 with their alarm setpoints set to ensure that the limits of Specification 3.8.A.1 -
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are not exceeded. '
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[B. Gas)ous_Bffluent_ 3. Gaseous Effluent f Instrumentation Instrumentation
- 1. The gaseous process and 1. Each gaseous process or effluent monitoring effluent monitoring instrumentation channels instrumentation channel shall be operable in shall be tested and accordance with calibrated as indicated Table 3.9.2 with their in Table 4.9.2.
alarm / trip setpoints set to ensure that the limits of Specifications 3.4.E.1.4,a.a.J. D and 3.8.K.1 are not ~
exceeded.
_ _J Amendment No. 83 190 S0*d OdN P O HE" $1:11 SE6 T -6&~.G3
WNPS TABLE 3.9.2 GASROUS EFPLUENT MONITORINC INSTRtDGDFTATION Minimum Channels Instrument Operable Notes
- a. Noble Gas Activity Monitor 1 7, 8, 9
- 2. Augmente<*, off-Gas System
- a. Noble Gas Activity Monitor Between 1 2, 5, 6, 7 the charcoal Bed System and the Plant Stack (Providing Alarm and Automatic Tomination of Release)
- b. Flow Rate Moaitor 1 1, 5, 6
- 6. Hydrogen Monitc h 1 [3,5,6T_
- 3. Plant stack l a. Noble Gas Activity Monitor 1 5, 7, 10
- b. Iodine sampler Cartridge 1 4, 5
'c. Particulate Sampler Filter 1 4, 5
- d. Sampler Flow Integrator 1 1, 5
- e. Stack Flow Rate Moniter 1 1, S i
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Amendment No. H , 103 195 90'd ~4 8 lt O H3 i 9I:II 5661-62-:G2
VYNPS TABLE 3.9.2 NOTATION NOTE 1 - Nith the number of channels operable less than required by the minimum channels operable requirement, effluent releases via this pathway'may continue provided the flow rate is estimated at least once per 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br />.
NOTE 2 - With the number of channels operable less than required by the minimum channels operable requirement, offluent releases via this pathway may continue for a period of up to 7 days provided that at least one of the stack monitoring systems is operable and off-gas system temperature and pressure are measured continuously, NOTE 3 - With the number of channels operable less than required by the minimum channels operable requirement, operation of the AOC System may continue provided gas samples are collected at least once per 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> and analysed within the following 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br />, or an orderly transfer of the off-gas effluents from the operating recombiner to the standby recombiner shall be made.
NOTE 4 - With the number of channels operable less than required by the minimum channels operable requirement, offluent releases via the' affected pathway may continue provided samples are continuously collected with auxiliary sampling equipment.
NOTE 5 - With the number of channels oper*able less t'han required by the minimum channels operable requirement, exert reasonable offorts to
, return the instrument (s) to operable status within 30 days.
NOTE 6 - During releases via this pathway.
NOTE 7 - The alarm / trip setpoints of these channels shall be determined and adjusted in accordance with the methodology and parameters in the of f-Site Dose Calculation Nanual (ODCM), With a gaseous process or effluent monitoring instrumentation channel alarm / trip setpoint less conservative than a value which will ensure that the limits of 3.4.E.1.a and 3.8.K.1 are met, issnediately take actions to suspend the release of radioactive gaseous effluents monitored by the I affected channel, or declare the channel inoperable, or change the l setpoint so it'is acceptably conservative.
NOTE 8 Minimum channels operable required only during operation of the steam Jet Air Ejector.
h0TE 9 - With the number of channels operable less than requirad by the minimum channels operable requirement, gases from the SJAE may be released to the environment for up to 72 hours8.333333e-4 days <br />0.02 hours <br />1.190476e-4 weeks <br />2.7396e-5 months <br /> provided:
- 1. The Aoo System is not bypassed: and
- 2. The AGG System noble gas activity monitor is operable.
NOTE 10 - With the number of channels operable less than required by the
! minimum channels operable requirement, of fluent releases via this pathway may continue provided grab samples are taken at least once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> and these samples are analysed for gross activity within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.
l Amendment No. 64, 103 196 40*d :eu aoud3'i 9I:IT sii!-6E:>3]
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, l, TABLE 4.9.2 NOTATION (1) The Instrument Punctional Test shall also demonstrate that automatic isolation of this pathway and the control Room alarm annunciation occurs if any of the following conditions entsts:
(a) Instrument indicate measured levels above the alarm setpoint.
(b) c'ircuit failure.
(c) Instrument indicates a downscale failure.
(d) Instrument controls not set in operate mode.
(2) The Instrument Functional Test shall also demonstrate that control Room alarm annunciation occurs when any of the following conditions exists (a) Instrument indicates measured levels above the alarm setpoint.
(b) circuit failure.
(c) Instrument indicates a downscale failure.
(d) Instrument controls are not set in operate mode.
(3) The Instrument calibration for radioactivity measurement instrumentation shall include the use of a known (traceable to National Bureau of Standards) radioactive source positioned in a reproducible geometry with respect to the sensor. These standards should permit calibrating the system over its normal operating range of rate capabilities.
I (4) The Instrument Calibration shall include the use of standard gas samples (high range and low range) containing suitable concentrations, hydrogen balanc.e nitrogen, for the detection range of interest per Specification 3.8.J.1.
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- g, ea,,,* = - % House panel *;:ll* 7,:,=,- * :'lll',s a unwarranted de-; pi ym.n:a.oi.ao.
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% s s i. . D.ta. Of. stun &siste . p.uld .6 fle* s,. .i ca.thig th. 68g, s.,td ,lisi,,pvW 8.,en yuall.y.,a.
OI*d set 4 itsotidari e1:II ;661-ez sac E I
oven th ArWe in 1875, Mrs.
6 4,aphysicobley up k active Calment recalls working 22 her O cettue.edtre rAom i --
i aset accLgdad the father's shop at age se and eeulag solated, peaclae med canvases to wate, samples and mun from i recens of her. Van Gogh, the Dutok impressnes. "Ws'rs obUgated to f;Uow up on he sneend fluer of a
- eneal ist who depleted Artes in several It," he said, gggg gm, e'%nt l
- I le of his derant paintings. a survotDance 1se, where er ,
Cook sak!it's not uncommee for pima She moved surslag Asses that Asocido efficleUp listed hur as theDe Oct.13, b Culneena W Book of , s 1er her, werkt's oldest perses able to a# also. conduct its own investigatten, eeptaW4 g.,e w, ,tn1jn ,
thenticate her age with osfittat . .
The systern la postlen is knows Emelair dad.d also thei'the docume,nts, records enestly as civu and rehgknas the advanced ef!ghe system, effges system was recently out of wklch directs the radaeactive operstbn Wm of hk problems D6en- flanloa process through a largogases Mt are a by p g -
charcoal hokung systom and out
.'n vn neverMdeclared out of rough the Hoint concrete opentbn,
E~
However, he said an engineer where Deen has served for theTlms geen have very short r* did metice a discrep,eacy recently past year, Kaybart sened on the House Agttculture Comenittee, dip active as lives, according te plaat sensernlag the calibration. of hy.
anws ac alt, and drogen moolters. Theplant cheeks Ways and hans le the fleuse IM nah of Wrbg and for hydmgen in the offgas syt tas. writing committee and all time delay are sulacleat to virh* tern's piping becau6e of its flarn-proposala deshng wth avenuss er aHy auminate radallon releases moble auture, M changes in the tax code must eriginate hihat comsdttee.
at the stack.
The one.inser demonstrated "a hg U 1 Deen was first eloesed to the Vermont Senate trotn Windham "R's a system we dn1gned and good quoi.doning attitude," Sinc.
installed to minirnae releases of the attention of the '
yg County jo 1940, served eely one larm la the Renate and was redladon,"
very well" he said. "Ws worked & aakt an investlgados d ,
~
elected to the Sun ,le 1990. He 51aclair rebuttad the ellegation .fsDowtag proper I practi
' was re electedla1993 and againin jfM. of increased and hgal radiatha its operstloan tranual, known a releases.
$Nf88 During b 1301M
- ive "There's nothing la here that incorrect.Its techalcal speelfications, w sessions Dean served as would support the action ht we-trman 're discharging Uleg et h Fouse Fish and Wildbfe Committee, and was assigned to creased leuls of rada,a1 of la cember,stound the sametim makte tion," he plant was shut down briefly for ;
the tax writing commatae by Ob.
hyh '"'
uchowskilast year.
A fly fishing guide by professloa, There Imide theoro radJation otherreasons monitors took stack that are routinelf soVermontYankee the oppor,tunity i a
to rep pie d. #
e, Dean is a aatsve of Pennsylvania snointataed and catarated, as re hydrogen mon!!srs,Sincialt said.
and has been a residaat of West. quired by plant precedurws, Site lairsakt **there never was a concern everoperabdity," he sakL f
-~
minster sinceItfit. To W is a member of the Vermont"We're web within ourlimite for h the intter - that plant m
~
Water Raseurces Board, the Con.
secticut River Watenhed Mel.
sory Board, Common Cause, Troug metMagdlbrent Pubito service Comrnisslerwr that'soccurred." the elfges not.tsly?
tla!!mited, the Atlanuc Salmon ment monitors the plant's stattsIttchard Sedano, whose d Federatica, Sportsman $ocjelythe andBass the Amer, Anglers daily, sand be wasn't aware clany - wee onlypartly true.
'ptirited) problems with the 6Hr.as system. The plan was to de "some on-ican cavit Libertiss unloa. "We're coartdent (Vermont hancements"to b offgas system, be saki
)
. way,"$edariosakL"TothedegreeYankee) o e- is operating la
- n that some system ts crmpromind, sance. '!be project was optional.
iH Sth UCkl - e we'd be concernedL" he said, and was not aimed al
$ tate Nuclear Engtzeer William correctlag a doncleccy. '
,f. herman was not avallatlo for plans worstft comment.
nt*me completed ih wa C8r9et e .
Radiation plant's monitors perirnster fence shown no drastle chargo, accord-Slacialr said, and no one was rep, outside have project, the 'rtmended "Our goalls to get to the tettom ii;iii in conn s
the health department's Divistenlag to Ray bCandlesa, chie
-- ((n[ 1 at Occupational and Radiological theinformation,"he sakt itseith. The gases rolessed the coalmn's Diana side.
- Great through the stact are primarUy ter botham said the timing of the let.
Pricel ,sein, or cisemicain wort, g,ses go,,w,as ,3,33,,37interesting, following as il Getready such as krypten and menoa, he ,,,,y,,,, ,,
sakt- plast, .ent to it.dert rollard at
- for the "We e been contiumb men . the wien or Corcerned sclantista, '
New liarbg slace IMO," McCandless Maineaboct fakifled safety data at
~ Yearl ,,3t ,.Any drestne increase, we'd pient. Yankee nuclear power
.co ~
_ w ,
Aside from checklog radiah % aliega%s :mve led the levels around the plant, McCand- WRCla order the plant, widch had se, es. """. weis v'
less regularly visits the plant to hoped to adstart operatione this check on the plant's lateraa: ra- week following e alamonth,540 distion monitors.11ts emco con- smCuen steam generator tube re-t 333 (Laneusly samples alt from around pelr.' to remain closed until all the ptant and regulatry monitors Jiablecomputer codeareresolve .
c,'
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. 6; : zg I _g_ m a
h Novestbar 28, 1995
'Mr. Donald A. Reid
- Vice President, operations Versnont. Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation AD 5, Sox 169 Ferry Road Brattleboro, Vereont 05301 SUSJECT
- IN8pECTION REPORT NO.. 50-271/96-24'
Dear Mr. Reid:
This refers to the routine safety inspection conducted by Dr. Jason C. Jang of this of fice free october 30-November 3, .1995, of a :tivities authorized by NRC License Number DPR-28 at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear power Station, Vernon, Vermont, and to the discussions of our findings held by Dr. J. C. Jang with Mr. G. Maret and others of your staff at the conclusion of the inspection.
Areas exaeined during this inspection, involving your radioactive offluent control prograss, are important to public health and safety and are discussed-in the Mac Region I inspection report that is enclosed with this letter.
Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations by the inspector.
Within the scope of this inspection, we noted that you maintained' effective
-programs for radioactive liquid and gaseous effluent control sufficient to protect the public health and safety and the environment. We noted further that the responsible individuals _in the Chemistry Department had maintained their knowledge, qualifications, and expertise relative to'these programs. No safety concerns 'or violations of NRC requirements were identified in your program.
No reply to this letter is required._ Your cooperation with us in this statter
, is appreciated.
. Sincerely, original signed sy
)
John R. White, Chief-Aadiation safety Stanch Division of Reactor safety Docket No. 50-271 Enclosures Inspection Report No. 50-271/95-24 l
ET'd .di DIOWd3A
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3 5.0 RADIOACTIVE LIQUID AND CASEOUS EFFLUENT CONTROL PROGRAMS The inspector toured the plant and reviewed the following licensee procedures and radioactive liquid and gaseous discharge permits to determine the implementation of the Ts and the off-site Dose calculation Manual (ODCH) requirements:
- Procedure OP 2610, Liquid Waste Disposal,
- Procedure OP 2611, Caseous Radwaste, e Procedure OP 2612, Burning of Radioactively-contaminated Waste oil, and e Procedure OP 4609, Periodio Evaluation of Off-Site Radiological Doses.
During discussions with the licensee regarding the radioactive liquid effluent control practices at the site, the inspector noted that tho licensee processed and recycled the liquid radwaste. There were no radioactive liquid releases during'1994 and 1995 as a result of this programs and, therefore, no radioactive liquid release permits were issued. The inspector noted that the responsible individual from the Chemistry Department continued to work with the Operations Department and contractors during the refueling outage to monitor chemical intrusion to the RCA. The licensee operates the radioactive liquid radwaste systems efficiently and recycles all water, i.e., with no direct discharges to the river. The licensee's goal is to minimize or eliminate routine radioactive liquid releases from the site during normal operation.
Dur'ing this inspection, the inspector noted that the new main sta_ck noble gas detectors were installed and readout (output) instrumentations were upgraded, from 6-decade-log meters to digital readout meters. It is expected that the use of digital meters for calibrations and routine readings will enhance the accuracy of the monitoring results. Through review of gaseous effluent permits, the associated procedures, and discussions with the licensee regarding radioactive gaseous effluent control program, the inspector determined that the licensee implemented the program effectively.
The chemistry Department has the responsibility to conduct the effluent control programs, as aforementioned in Section 3.1 of this inspection report.
During discussions with the members of Chemistry Department, the inspector noted that the responsible individuals had excellent knowledge in the areas of (1) radioactive liquid and gaseous effluent controls, (2) quantifying the total amount of gaseous effluent release using the radiation-monitoring systems, and (3) protection of the public health and safety and the environment.
Based on the above reviews, the inspector determined that the licenses had conducted excellent radioactive liquid and gaseous effluent control programs.
The inspector aleo noted that the licensee's management supported the effluent control programs, and the chemistry staff continually reviewed its effluent control programs vigorously with a view toward improvement.
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4 7.0 Cf.LIBRATION OF EFFLUENT /PR0dESS RADIATION-MONITORING SYSTEMS (RMS)
The inspector reviewed the most recent calibration results for the following effluent / process monitors:
- Liquid Radwaste Discharge Monitor 8 Service Water _ Discharge Monitor 8
e Rein Stack Noble Gas Monitor (Normal and High Range Augmented Offgas (AOG), Building Noble Gas Monito The Isc Department had the responsibility to perform electronic calibrations for the above RMS. Th1 Chemistry and Radiation Protection Departments had the l
responsibility to perform radioloolcal calibrations.) All reviewed A calibrations were performed at the required frequencies, and results were )
I within the licensee's acceptance criteria,---
During the previous inspection conducted in November 1994, the inspector was informed that the RMS uparade croinct for the_ main mtack and Anc-mnnitorino systems, including replacement of ths 6-decade logarithmic scale with digital readoute in the control room, would be completed during 1995 refuel outage.
This upgrade project was completed during the 1995 refuel outage. The licensee performed the primary and the secondary calibrations for these RMS. l The inspector reviewed the calibration results, which were within the licensee's acceptance criteria. The inspector noted that the licensee used a statistical method (i.e., linear regression method) to determine the linearity.
Based on the above reviews, the inspector determined that the licensee had an
' effective calibration program for the effluent / process monitors.
8.0 AIR-CLEANING FYSTEMS The inspector reviewed the licensee's most recent surveillance results as part of the examination of the implementation of the technical specification requirements for the standby gas treatment system.
e Visual Inspections l
8 In-Place HEPA Leak Tests 8 In-Place Charcoal Leak Tests l
- System Air Flow Tests
- Delta Pressure Tests e Laboratory Tests for the Iodine collection Efficiencies All ravj'Wed test results were found to be within the licensee's acceptance criterik. The inspector also nottd that the responsible individual had a good knowledge of the operational requirements for the air cleaning systems. Based on the above reviews, the inspector determined that the licLasee implemented the requirements for the above system off,ectively.
PT*d 3du P old3n I?:IT 5661-6!-?3]
- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ - - _ - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~~
e 5
9.0 YANREE ATOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY (YAEL)
A part of thic inspection, the inspector visited the licensee's effluent analytical contractor laboratory (YAEL). The inspectors (1) toured the YAEL facilities and observed laboratory activities including semple processing, (2) held discussion with the YAEL technical staff, and (3) reviewed selected procedures and quality assurance / control programs.
The inspector noted that the responsible individuals had excellent knowledge in the areas of (1) origin of the radioactive liquid and gaseous effluent samples, (2) analytical technique, (3) importance of quality assurance / control, and I (4) protection of the public health and safety and the environment.
Based on the above reviews, the inspector determined that the YAEL conducted excellent affluent samples analyses and quality assurance / control programs.
The inspector had no further questions.
10,0 EXIT INTERVIEW '
The inspector net with the licensee representatives denoted in section 1.1 of this inspection report at the conclusion of the inspection on November 2, 1995, at the Vermont Yankee site. The inspector summarized the purpose, scope, and findings of the inspection. The licensee acknowledged'the inspection findings.
SI d Jdu itG;d3A 22:TT 166I-62-33G
_ - . - - _ . ,. _ . . _ _ , _ _ y,# -
dWah
- 610 S.'t e :
Panal Date: I 31N h Acknowledged:
Confidentiality Granted:
Ya.
@ N/A Yas ALLEGATION PANEL ECIS NS Previous AllegFion Panels on is ue: Yes h)
Attendees: Chair -
M (i t h0 Yt Branch Chief (AOC) -h(hl M 6 SAC - !!b OI Rep. -
RI Counsel - Others 8. Nk , J4tLw.0 ,k;Uo,Ww d i
DISPOSITION ACTIONS:
concurrences), responsible person, (State actions required for closure Oi docuaientation)
ECDandexpectej(closure
- 1) Acknowledgement letter (if known allecer) - //7tJ l l-
/ N /A d b A ///#"
(includingspecial
- kOf Y A W~N;f1H4f Y Astk. A /Y MW /" hY !/f/AM/4 h 14klW1
~ :M / mms / '] /d L L,0 >
Mb Respon'sible Per on: ECD:
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[hh
,/
Cl u e D cumpntation: .
Complet d: _
- 2) p UD4vius ' AAAM N N A40Ht$?TY . I)1. JAf L . / 311A.f-ll3 & h St)fjj)/62{[A 0 f F 0 . I0 ,
Responsible Person: (( ECD: _/ /4/ [f[#
t ~j ~j"I ClQsure Documentation: Completed:
- 3) 148W I MNGM k b bl - am OT b inisch c W G I Adb deo*1%WJJ MllW - hICfALLS/ AM/ZAKYPI b Al (A"4h Wil /_bt. OkWUYYbbA OT W A1Aud to sa WaM' n su wmabwk w M 4E& M)>o[
Respo"nsible Person: bMd bD: MM[C4 h <-
C sure Do m3n at n: _ Completed: k
- 4) b A t.& N Wlbk Al/$tWM t% !AWAMAfrM C A/A/1/A) h lY0uef
& %'fja")/$ OkhC4 - M & wtEkh AL 8'
' lb HU)n[hf /$WJN !
' QO V " ~
Responsible Person:
Closure Documentation:
.I ECD: b/!kh f //l b fb Completed:
5)
Responsible Person: ECD:
Closure Documentation: Comple ed: .a ALjff_bbhJ-$8Y Ssfety Significance Assessment: bf)(d ~Mf) IM ostf djDbe it
& a>wn b1wd' ou tia++ TJanc 4cruk foc-w) Aud.
mdvabdnm '
dsM kmJidaJJm2/AtL% /L 5/sh %mAsi/cH-caiue ~
nor'ES , d i ! ' 0 ' (f i Factors to consider Prior to Referral to a Licepee If an allegation is to be referred to a licensee, the following factors are to be considerede fe k$$ de!!!hy kn a g(e Net anY o$ve ea$ leg $1on
- b. The possibility that the release of information could bring harin to the alleger.
E EcIkhe'$$k idheIs Eh$'a egakken * " * ' * #* "
h*I$[y I*
- I" d.
gg the alleger has voiced objections over the release of the allegation to the licens ee, applicant, or D*thFdhr*1!$8'*1: ins'rtf $$! epi!"i*fitikil"**'"' '"" '" ' 5 """*"*'2 '5*"*Y' "h'** d " " ' '"""
- f. Whether the alleger has already taken this concern to the licensee with unsatisf actory results ,
o eria Insteknabove erske($ N CIg!t!
in:1:n ate t
that it en tb la Dbis <pestionar.e fok effNk whether a referral affe$s ap$
1 $ a $[c propriate.
see n o!fbas bNe the Distribution: Panel Attendees, Reg 1CDal Counsel, CI, f.eSpCnI1ble E e r 2 ~,n s (Original to
Allegation f.f- C follow-up recommer/jations prepared by DRP, Branch 5 s
A. Refer thc allegation to the licensee via letter and request the following items be specifically addressed as they apply to the allegation:
b a 1) Provide current status of offgas system, including any outstanding work requests and planned modifications. (addresses, in part, paragraphs 1,2, and 5)
- 2) Psovide a summary of any and all recent offgas system problems and the g resolution of those problems. (addresses, in past, ps rsgraphs 1, 2, and 5) iI N}, 3) Assuming an offgas system modification was cancelled during the 1995 refuel outage, provide the basis for the cancellation. (addresses paragraph 3) 4 As a follow-up to 3), provide a summary of management / personnel actions taken, if any, associated with the decision to cancel the offgas system modification.
(10CFR2.790 provisions may be applicable.) (addresses, in part, paragraphs 4 and 6)
Recent specialist inspection (95-24, Jason Jang) reviewed the offgas system effluent releases (among others) and did not identify any violations of off-tite release limits or p (tk problems related to the calibrations and adequacy of effluent monitoring equipment. The li report does identify the recent installation of new main stack noble gas detectors with upgraded digital readouts.-(addresses, in part, paragraphs 1 and 2)
C. Resident inspectors reviewed current status of offgas system radiation monitors and release rates, no immediate problems identified. Resident inspectors also examined the recent problems with the hydrogen monitors (adequacy of calibration methodology and test gas used). Both of these items will be ad:fressed in inspection report 95-25.
(addresses, in part, paragraphs 1, 2, and 5)
[ Recommend that John Calvert examine any previously planned or proposed offgas system modifications during the planned inspection the week of 1/22/96. (addresses, in part, 3 paragraphs 3 and 5) .
E. Additional specialist inspector follow-up (on-site or in-office) to examine, in detail, sadiatierHneniter and hydrogen monitor calibration methodologies and effinuit f5EEEli- i (sed s.;.4 mym.), if warranted. (addresses paragraphs 1,2.and 5) l
' Office of Investigation examine the potential harassment and ntimid issues.
ra s 4 nd 6) - ricst k/ 1 of A The allegation panel should b7a are that Mr. Gary Weigand, President VY, has chartered an investigation team, via a December 29,1995 memorandum, to investigate these a])egations and ;
report their findings by final report on January 15,1996. (see attached)
\\
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+
TOTAL P.01
-