ML22306A051
| ML22306A051 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane |
| Issue date: | 10/27/2022 |
| From: | Lackey M TMI-2 Solutions |
| To: | Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| References | |
| TMI2-RA-COR-2022-0022 | |
| Download: ML22306A051 (1) | |
Text
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TMl-2 SOLUTIONS October 27, 2022 TM I2-RA-COR-2022-0022 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN ; Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555-0001 Three Mile Island, Unit 2 NRC Possession Only License No. DPR-73 NRC Docket No. 50-320 10 CFR 50.51 10 CFR 50.82(a)(7)
Subject:
Notification of "Amended Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report" (PSDAR) for Three Mile Island, Unit 2 in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(7)," Revision 5
References:
(1)
LetterTMl2-RA-COR-2021-0004 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions, LLC) to Document Control Desk (U.S. NRC), "Notification of
'Amended Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report' (PSDAR) for Three Mile Island, Unit 2 in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(7),
Revision 4," dated 17 March 2021 (ML21084A229)
(2)
Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2021-0002 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) "License Amendment Request - Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications," dated 19 February 2021 (ML21057A046)
This letter submits Revision 5 of the TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PS DAR) (Reference 1) to the NRC. TMl-2 Solutions has prepared this PS DAR revision (Attachment 1) in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.82, "Termination of license," paragraph (a)(4)(i). This revision includes:
Information incorporated from supplements to the DECON License Amendment Request (LAR) (Reference 2),
Updated descriptions of decommissioning plans, including the TMl-2 Reactor Building and Reactor Vessel, construction of the Decommissioning Support Building (DSB) and Interim Waste Storage Facility (IWSF),
Reevaluation of environmental impacts of decommissioning on historical, cultural, and archaeological resources, and Information regarding planned date of License Termination Plan submittal.
includes the Regulatory Commitments contained in this submittal. This list supersedes the Regulatory Commitment List previously included in Reference 1.
In accordance with 10 CFR 50.91(b)(1), a copy of this submittal has been sent to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In the event that the NRC has any questions with respect to the content of this document or wishes to obtain any additional information, please contact me at 509-420-3078 or Mr.
Tim Devik, TMl-2 Licensing Manager, at 603-384-0239.
Sincerely, D,g1lally signed by Michael B_ lackey M I. Ch a e I DN, C*US, O*Ene,gysolut,on,,
CN=MIChael B _ Lackey E* mblackey@emergysolut1ons com Reason: I am lhe aulhor of this B Lackey~::~~~
1 V1s1on Date: 2022-10-27 17.40;36 Foxit PhanlomPDF Vers10n 9 7 0 Mike Lackey Senior Vice President D&D Operations Energy Solutions Attachments: - Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Station, Unit 2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR), Revision 5 - List of Regulatory Commitments cc: w/Attachments Regional Administrator - NRC Region I NRC Lead Inspector - Three Mile Island Nuclear Station - Unit 2 NRC Project Manager - Three Mile Island Nuclear Station - Unit 2
TMl-2 Service List cc:
Ken Robuck President and CEO Energy Solutions 299 South Main Street, Suite 1700 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 John Sauger President and Chief Nuclear Officer Reactor D&D Energy Solutions 121 W. Trade Street, Suite 2700 Charlotte, NC 28202 Mike Lackey Senior Vice President D&D Operations Energy Solutions 121 W. Trade Street, Suite 2700 Charlotte, NC 28202 Frank Helin Project Director TM 1-2 Solutions 121 W. Trade Street, Suite 2700 Charlotte, NC 28202 Russ Workman General Counsel Energy Solutions 299 South Main Street, Suite 1700 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Daniel F. Stenger Hogan Lovells US LLP 555 13th St NW Washington, D.C. 20004 Director, Bureau of Radiation Protection Department of Environmental Protection Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Rachel Carson State Office Bldg.
13th Floor P.O. Box 8469 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8469 Chief, Division of Nuclear Safety, Bureau of Radiation Protection Department of Environmental Protection Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Rachel Carson State Office Bldg.
13th Floor P.O. Box 8469 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8469 Chairman, Board of County Commissioners, Dauphin County 112 Market Street 7th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101 Chairman, Board of Supervisors of Londonderry Township 783 S. Geyers Church Rd.
Middletown, PA 17057
ATTACHMENT 1 TO LETTER NUMBER TM12-RA-COR-2022-0022 THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNIT 2 POST -SHUTDOWN DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES REPORT (PSDAR)
REVISION 5 THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNIT 2 NRC POSSESSION ONLY LICENSE NO. DPR-73 TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................... 1
- 2. BACKGROUND.......................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Summary of Decommissioning Alternatives..................................................... 4
- 3. DESCRIP.TION OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES............................................. 5 3.1 Phase 1 a Decommissioning Planning................................................................ 8 3.1.1 Phase 1 a Activities........................................................................................ 8 3.1.2 Phase 1 b: Fuel Bearing Material Recovery and Source Term Reduction. 9 3.2 Phase 2 Decommissioning................................................................................ 10 3.2.1 License Termination.................................................................................... 10 I
3.2.2 Site Restoration........................................................................................... 11 3.3 General Decommissioning Considerations..................................................... 11 3.3.1 Decommissioning Preparation Activities........................................... 11 I
3.3.2 Major Decommissioning Activities.................................................. ;......... 12 3.3.3 Decontamination and Dismantlement Activities....................................... 14 3.3.4 Radioactive Waste Management................................................................ 15 3.3.5 Removal of Mixed Waste............................................................................. 15 3.3.6 Site Characterization................................................................................... 15 3.3.7 Groundwater Protection and Radiological Decommissioning Records Program......................................................................................................... 16 3.4 Phase 3: Fuel Bearing Material Management.................................................. 16
_J 3.5 Changes to Management and Staffing............................................................. 17
- 4. SCHEDULE OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTMTIES................................................ 17
(
- 5. ESTIMATED COSTS OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES.................................. 18
- 6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES................... 21 6.1 Environmental Impact <?f TMl-2 Decommissioning........................................ 23 6.1.1. Onsite/Offsite Land Use............................................................................. 23 6.1.2 Water Use...................................................................................... 23 6.1.3 Water Quallty.............................................................................. 24 6.1.4 Air Quality.................................................................................... 25 6.1.5 Aquatic Ecology............................................................................ 26 6.1.6 Terrestrial Ecology........................................................................ 28 6.1.7 Threatened and Endangered Species............................................... 30 TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 6.1.8 Radiological................................................................................................. 33 6.1.8.1 Phase 1 b Occupational Dose................................................................ 33
_ 6.1.8.2 Phase 2 Occupational Dose.................................................................. 35 6.1.8.3 Public Dose............................................................................................ 36 6.1.8.4 Conclusion............................................................................................. 37 6.1.9 Radiological Accidents............................................................................... 37 6.1.10 Occupational lssues.................................................................................. 40 6.1.11 Cost...... :...................................................................................................... 40 6.1.12 Socioeconomics........................................................................................ 40 6.1.13 Environmental Justice............................................................................... 41 6.1.14 Cultural, Historic, and Archeological Resources.................................... 42 6.1.15 Aesthetic Issues........................................................................................ 44 6.1.16 Noise........................................................................................................... 45 6.1.17 Transportation........................................................................................... 46 6.1.18 Irreversible and lrretrtevable Commitment of Resources...................... 47 6.2 Environmental Impacts of License Termination............................................. 47 6.3 Additional Considerations................................................................................ 47 6.4 Conclusion......................................................................................................... 48
- 7. REFERENCES.......................................................................................................... 49 J
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
REVISION HISTORY Revision Number 0
1 2
3 4
5 Revision Description Initial Issue (June 2013).
Incorporated information to update Table 1 to 2012 dollars (November 2013 Changes are on Pages 1, 2, 14, and 15.
)
Incorporated information resulting from 2014 Decommissioning Cost Analysis, revised information on the post-defueling monitored storage agreement, and incorporated various administrative clarifications.
I (December 2015) Changes are on Pages 1, 2, 5 through 15, and 25.
Revised section I "Introduction" with general information pertaining to transfer of ownership of TMl-2 and accelerated decommissioning. Revised section II "B'ackground" to include information that addresses transfer of Possession Only License No. DPR-73 from FirstEnergy to TMl-2 Solutions; Revised section Ill "Description of Decommissioning Activities" to address activities following license transfer to TMl-2 Solutions, updated the project organization, and replaced decommissioning "periods" with decommissioning "phases." Revised section IV "Schedule of Decommissioning Activities," and section V "Estimated Cost of Decommissioning Activities," with updated detailed schedule and decommissioning cost information. Changes are on paoes throuohout.
Revised to reflect transfer of license from GPUN to TMl-2 Solutions and transition of TMl-2 from its PDMS state to DECON. Updated Section Ill to provide a description of decommissioning activities. Updated Section VI "Environmental Impacts" to present the results of the evaluation of potential environmental impacts upon TMl-2. Changes are on pages throughout therefore revision bars are not included.
Incorporated information from DECON LAR supplements and updated References list accordingly. Replaced "Debris Material" with "Fuel Bearing Material".throughout. Added Section 3.3.1 "Decommissioning Preparation Activities." Added descriptions on use of technology for decommissioning, updated strategy for the TMl-2 Reactor Building and Reactor Vessel, the Interim Waste Storage Facility and Decommissioning Support Building.
Added description of TMl-2 SNM management in Section 3.3.3. Added Table 5-1 summarizing the TMl-2 Decommissioning Project Schedule.
Updated Section 6 "Environmental Impacts" to reevaluate previous impact conclusion on cultural, historic and archaeological resources and incorporate updated accident analysis information. Added planned L TP submittal date. Editorial enhancements. Changes are on pages throughout and desionated with revision bars.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
.I to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 1 of 52
- 1. INTRODUCTION GPU Nuclear, Metropolitan Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, and TMl-2 Solutions, LLC, submitted an "Application for Order Approving License Transfer and Conforming License Amendments" for TMl-2 to the NRC for review in a letter dated November 12, 2019 (Reference 1). TMl-2 Solutions requested that the Order authorize the license transfer to take place at any time up to one year after date of issuance. The license transfer application was approved by the NRC in Reference 2. TMl-2 Solutions became the TMl-2 licensee on December 18, 2020, following the closing of the transaction specified in the October 15, 2019 Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement among the Applicants (the- "Closing"). TMl-2 Solutions maintains responsibility for all licensed activities at the TMl-2 site, including responsibility under the License to complete radiological decommissioning pursuant to NRC regulations. TMl-2 Solutions has developed this Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) for TMl-2 in accordance with the,
requirements of 10 CFR 50.82, Termination of license," paragraph (a)(4)(i).
The TMl-2 Possession Only License No. DPR-73 (POL) ("License") is currently maintained by TMl-2 Solutions in accordance with the NRC approved SAFSTOR condition (a method in which a nuclear facility is placed and maintained in a condition that allows it to be safely stored and subsequently decontaminated) known as Post-Defueling Monitored Storage (PDMS). GPU Nuclear maintained TMl-2 in the PDMS state since the NRC provisions for cleanup were met on December 28, 1993 until TMl-2 Solutions obtained the license in December 2020. TMl-2 Solutions prepared this PS DAR to reflect the transition of the TMl-2 facilities from PDMS to DE CON (a facility undergoing decommissioning).
d By letter dated August 14, 2012 (Reference 3), GPU Nuclear informed the NRC of the status of TMl-2 relative to the 1996 decommissioning rule changes in 10 CFR 50.51, "Continuation of license," and 10 CFR 50.82, "Termination of license." The letter stated the intent to submit a PSDAR that describes the planned decommissioning activities, schedule, cost estimates, and the environmental impacts of the'TMl-2 facility decommissioning. In a letter dated February 13, 2013 (Reference 4), the NRC stated that September 14, 1993 is considered the date of TMl-2's cessation of operations. The September 14, 1993 date coincides with the issuance of amendment 45, which converted the TMl-2 operating license into a POL (Reference 5).
The PS DAR is provided in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.82 and has been developed utilizing the applicable guidance of Regulatory Guide 1.185 "Standard
-- Format And Content For Post-Shutdown Dec:;ommissioning Activities Report," Revision
- 1.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
,J
- 2. BACKGROUND to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 2 of 52 TMl-2 is located on the northern-most section of Three Mile Island near the east shore of the Susquehanna River in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The station is comprised of two pressurized water reactors. The TMI Nuclear Station includes Unit 1, owned by Constellation Energy Generation, LLC (Constellation), which has pennanently ceased power operations and consistent with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(ii) removed the fuel from the reactor vessel, and the shutdown and defueled Unit 2 owned by TMl-2 Solutions.
TMl-2 was a non-operational pressurized water reactor that was rated at a core thermal power level of 2772 megawatt-thennal with a corresponding turbine-generator gross output of 959 megawatt-electric. TMl-2 employed a two loop pressurized water reactor nuclear steam supply system designed by Babcock and Wilcox Corporation: The Reactor Coolant System is housed within a steel-lined, post-tensioned concrete structure (Reactor Building), in the shape of a right, vertical cylinder with a hemispherical dome and a flat, reinforced concrete basemat. A welded steel liner plate, anchored to the inside face of the Reactor Building, serves as a leak-tight membrane.
The TMl-2 cooling towers are located at the southern end of TMI adjacent to the TMl-2 turbine building.
GPU Nuclear was issued an operating license for TMl-2 on February 8, 1978, with commercial operation declared on December 30, 1978. On March 28, 1979, the unit experienced an accident initiated by interruption of secondary feedwater flow. The lack of secondary feedwater resulted in the reduction of primary-to-secondary heat exchange that caused an increase in the reactor coolant temperature, creating a surge into the pressurizer, and an increase in system pressure. The pressure operated relief valve (PORV) opened to relieve the pressure but failed to close when the pressure decreased. The reactor coolant pumps were turned off and a core heat-up began as the reactor coolant system water inventory continued to decrease resulting in a reactor vessel water level below the top of the core. This led to a core heat up that caused fuel dall)age. Some of the damaged fuel material travelled down through the region of the southeastern assemblies and into the core bypass region. A portion of the fuel material passed around the bypass region and migrated down into the lower internals and lower head region, but overall reactor vessel integrity was maintained throughout the accident.
As a result of this accident, small quantities of spent nuclear fuel, damaged core material, and high level waste (collectively referred to as "Fuel Bearing Material") were transported through the Reactor Coolant System and the Reactor Building. 1 In addition, a small quantity of Fuel Bearing Material (FBM) was transported to the Auxiliary and 1 TMl-2 Solutions uses the term Fuel Bearing Material (FBM), defined as any component or pieces of components associated with pressunzed water reactor operations that have been contaminated by used nuclear fuel and/or the associated isotopes In used nuclear fuel. FBM is synonymous with other legacy terms such as Debris Material, Core Debris, or Fuel Bearing Waste which describe the inseparable mixture of ~1 % of U02 fuel inventory remaining after the completion of defueling and removal of core structural materials, plant components, and control rod materials.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 3 of 52 Fuel Handling Build(ngs (AFHB). Further spread of the material also qccurred as part of.
the post-accident water processing cleanup. activities.
The quantity of fuel remaining at TMl-2 is a small fraction of the initial fuel load; approximately 99 percent(%) was successfully removed in the defueling. Additionally, large quantities of radioactive fission products that were released into various systems and structures ~ere removed as part of'the waste processing activities during the TMl-2 Cleanup Program. The cleanup *to meet the NRC post:..accident safe storage criteria was
- completed and accepted bi the NRC with TMl~2 entering into PDMS in December 1993.
NUREG-0683, the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) and its three Suppl~ments (Refe.rences 6, 7, 8, and 9f provide an overall evaluati<:>n of the environmental impacts that could result from decontamination and disposition of radioactive wastes.
beginning from when plant condit,ons were stabilized after the accident and continuing through completion of the cl~anup from the accident. A discussion of the PEIS relative to
- TMl-2 environmental impacts is presented in Section 6 "Environmental Impacts of Decommissioning Activities."
Approximately 99% of the fuel was removed and ~hipped to the Idaho Natio11al Engineering *and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) under the responsibility,of the U.S.
. Department of Energy (DOE). The reactor coolant system was decontaminated to the extent practical to reduce radiation levels to as* low as is reasonably achievable (ALA RA). As part of the decontamination effort*, water was removed to the extent practical from the reactor coolant system and the fuel transfer canal, and the fuel.
transfer tubes were isolated. Radioactive wastes from the major clean-up activities have been shipped off-site or has been packaged and staged for shipment off-site.
F 9llowing the decontamination activities, only the Reactor Building and a few areas in the AFHB continued.to have general area radiation levels higher than those of an undamaged reactor facility nearing the end of its operating life.
. GPU Nuclear maintained TMl-2 in the PDMS state while successfully operating TMl-1 unt.il AmerGen (a joint venture between Philadelphia Energy Company 911d Brjtish
- Energy) purchased the operating TMl-1 from GPU Nuclear in 1998. The sale of TMl-1
- included the TMl-1 buildings, structures, and the majority of the site property; however,
.GPU Nuclea'r maintained ownership of TMl-2.
FirstEnergy acquired GPU Nuclear and ownership of TMl-2 in 2001 as part of a larger acquisition of GPL). In December 2003, Exelon Corp. acquired sole ownersh_ip of TMl-1.
A monitoring. agreement between GPU Nuclear and Exelon provided for Exelon performing certain functions *at TMl-2, on behalf of GPU Nuclear, while TMl-2 is in PDMS.
These functions include maintenance and testing, radiological and. environmental
- col')trols,* security and safety functions and licensing activities required by the PDMS Technical Specifications and PDMS Final Safety Analysis Report. In December 2020 TMl-2 Solutions acquired ownership of TMl-2, and with that the monitoring agreement between GPU Nuclear and Exelon is now between TMl-2 Solutions and Constellation.
. I TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMI2-RA-GOR-2022-0022 Page 4 of 52 A 2004 cost analysis for decommissioning TMl-2 assumed a delayed DEGON scenario, which deferred the decontamination and dismantling (D&D) activities at TMl-2 until they are synchronized with TMl-1 such that the licenses for both units are terminated concurrently. This scenario assumed a 10-year dormancy period for TMl-2, following the TMl-1 original license expiration in 2014, with decommissioning preparation to begin in 2024. The initial schedule assumed decommissioning operations would begin in 2026 and would be completed over a 10-year period with site restoration projected in 2036.
Since that time a 20-year extension to the TMl-1 operating license was granted by the NRG. This warranted a revision to the decommissioning cost analysis for TMl-2.
A 2014 cost analysis1 for TMl-2 evaluated a DEGON scenario that assumes TMl-1 would commence decommissioning upon cessation of operations in 2034 and that the decommissioning programs for both units would run independently from each other.
PSDAR revision 2, section IV "Schedule of Decommissioning Activities," established the schedule for the decommissioning of TMl-2 to commence following the expiration of the TMl-1 Operating License on April 19, 2034, with TMl-2 license termination occurring in 2053. However, with the approval of the application and transfer of the License to TMl-2 Solutions (Reference 2), TMl-2 Solutions assumed all authorities provided for and responsibilities under the License, including possession, maintenance, and eventual radiological decommissioning of TMl-2 and associated buildings and structures.
Thereafter, following completion of all necessary engineering and licensing actions and NRG approval of the License Amendment Request (Reference 12), TMl-2 Solutions will move into DEGON with the goal to accelerate the decommissioning of TMl-2.
TMl-2 Solutions will commence decommissioning of TMl-2 and will complete all activities necessary to terminate the License and release the TMl-2 site years ahead of the plan reflected in revision 2 of the PS DAR which presumes license termination occurring in 2053. Revised decommissioning schedule information was provided to the NRG in PSDAR Revision 3 (Reference 10). TMl-2 Solutions anticipates completing decommissioning of TMl-2 and releasing the TMl-2 site (except for an area to be set aside for storage of FBM on the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) approximately 16.5 years after the license transfer. Table 5-1 provides the current TMl-2 decommissioning project schedule. The schedule begins with the date of license transfer and ends with the estimated date associated with completing Phase 2.
2.1 Summary of Decommissioning Alternatives The NRG has evaluated the environmental impacts of three general methods for decommissioning power reactor facilities in NUREG-0586, "Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities: Supplement 1, Volumes 1 and 2, Regarding the Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Reactors," (GEIS) (Reference 11 ). The three general methods evaluated are summarized as follows:
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-GOR-2022-0022 Page 5 of 52 DEGON: The equipment, structures and portions of the facility and site that contain radioactive contaminants are promptly removed or decontaminated to a level that pem,its temiination of the license shortly after cessation of operations.
SAFSTOR: After the plant is shut down and defueled, the facility is placed in a safe, stable condition and maintained in that state (safe storage). The facility is decontaminated and dismantled at the end of the storage period to levels that permit license termination. During SAFSTOR, a facility is left intact or may be partially dismantled, but the fuel is removed from the reactor vessel and radioactive liquids are drained from systems and components and then processed. Radioactive decay occurs during the SAFSTOR period, thereby reducing the quantity of contamination and radioactivity that must be disposed of during decontamination and dismantlement.
ENTOMB: Radioactive structures, systems and components (SSGs) are encased in a structurally-long-lived substance, such as concrete. The entombed structure is appropriately maintained, and continued surveillance is carried out until the radioactivity decays to a level that pem,its temiination of the license.
The decommissioning approach that has been selected by TMl-2 Solutions is the DEGON method. Following NRG approval of the License Amendment Request (Reference 12), TMl-2 Solutions will transition the plant from the current PDMS state to DEGON. The decommissioning strategy for the project is to initiate prompt decommissioning with a project goal of achieving unrestricted release of the TMl-2 site, except for the ISFSI.
J
- 3. DESCRIPTION OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES The objective of decommissioning TMl-2 is to safely perfom, all the activities associated with decontamination and dismantlement of the remaining plant SSG's and facilities in compliance with applicable federal, state and local rules and regulations.
No major decommissioning activities will be performed while in the PDMS condition. 2 The PDMS state was established following the accident to ensure an inherently stable and safe condition of the facility such that there was no risk to the public health and safety. The PDMS state has been approved by the NRG (Reference 5) and is governed by the PDMS Safety Analysis Report, PDMS Technical Specifications, and PDMS Quality Assurance Program.
The PDMS Technical Specification requirements to monitor and survey radiplogical conditions have been established and maintained since 1993. TMl-2 Solutions has 2 As defined in 10 CFR 50.2, "Definitions," a "major decommissioning activity" is "any activity that results in permanent removal of major radioactive components, permanently modifies the structure of the containment, or results in dismantling components for shipment containing greater than Class C waste in accordance with 10 CFR 61.55."
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 6 of 52 established a TMl-2 Materials Security plan implemented as a contracted service by Constellation which owns and maintains the TMl-1 facility (Reference 48).
As discussed in the TMl-2 PDMS Safety Analysis Report:
There is no credible possibility of nuclear criticality.
Fuel and core debris removed from the reactor vessel and associated systems has been shipped offsite.
Any potential for significant release of radioactivity has been eliminated.
Water has been removed to the extent practical from the reactor coolant system and fuel transfer canal, and fuel transfer tubes hav~ been isolated.
The treatment and processing of accident generated water has been completed.
Radioactive waste from the major cleanup activities has been shipped off-site or has been packaged for shipment off-site.
Radiation within the facility has been reduced, as necessary, consistent with ALARA principles to levels that will allow necessary plant monitoring activities, the performance of required maintenance, and any necessary inspections.
TMl-2 Solutions holds title to and ownership of the TMl-2 power block; any TMl-2 improvements at the site; easements for other portions of the site; and any FBM within the TMl-2 facility. TMl-2 Solutions maintains responsibility for developing NRC compliant storage and disposal plans for any remaining FBM until title to the FBM is transferred to the DOE for disposal. Refer to Section 3.3.3 "Radioactive Waste Management' for a discussion related to disposal of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW). TMl-2 Solutions assumes responsibility for all licensed activities at the TMl-2 site, including responsibility under the license to complete radiological decommissioning pursuant to NRC regulations.
TMl-2 Solutions submitted a License Amendment Request (LAR) for NRC review (Reference 12) which proposes to remove or revise certain license conditions and technical specification (TS) requirements to reflect TMl-2 facility conditions during DEGON. The changes proposed the elimination of those TS no longer applicable based on current plant radiological conditions and updated safe fuel mass limits (SFML)
(Reference 38). Upon issuance, this proposed amendment will modify the 10 CFR Part 50 License and the TS to support entry into DEGON. The LAR has since been supplemented by References 36 through 43.
After taking the necessary engineering actions and upon receipt of NRC approval of the LAR (Reference 12), TMl-2 Solutions will commence decommissioning of TMl-2 and will TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 7 of 52 complete all activities necessary to terminate the license and release the TMl-2 site.
TMl-2 Solutions intends to substantially complete decommissioning of TMl-2 and release the site by 2037, except for an area set aside for storage of FBM at the existing TMl-1 ISFSI.
Decommissioning activities will be performed in accordance with approved programs and associated implementing procedures as required. Radiological and environmental programs will be maintained throughout the decommissioning process to ensure occupational, public health and safety, and environmental compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The decommissioning of TMl-2 has been divided into multiple phases as described below and presented in Table 3-1.
Phase 1 is comprised of Phase 1 a and Phase 1 b. The focus of Phase 1 a is preparation for decommissioning which includes activities such as decommissioning planning, engineering and regulatory activities, performance of radiation surveys, including the use of remote technologies, procurement of long lead equipment, installation of shielding and monitoring equipment, restoration of lighting and cranes, and limited decontamination activities consistent with the PDMS Safety Analysis Report. The focus of Phase 1 bis the recovery, packaging, and storage of FBM and the reduction of the overall radiological source term at TMl-2 to levels that are generally consistent with a nuclear plant toward the end of its operational life that has not experienced a core-damage accident. Major decommissioning activities will occur under Phase 1 b and Phase 2.
Phase 2 includes the decommissioning and dismantlement of the TMl-2 site to a level that permits the release of the site, except for an area to be set aside for storage of FBM on the ISFSI and the License Termination Plan (L TP) as well as site restoration activities.
Phase 3 refers to the management of the FBM on the ISFSI. Activities associated with Phase 3 include providing security and maintenance for the ISFSI as well as decommissioning the ISFSI.
Table 3-1 specifies the relationship between the Phases and the activities performed in each Phase. A description of the activities associated with each Phase is provided in the following sections.
Phase Phase 1 Phase 1a Phase 1b Table 3-1 Phase Activities Activities PlanninQ, EnQineerinQ, Remediation Preparation for DecommissioninQ Fuel Bearing Material Recovery and Source Term Reduction TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
Phase 2 Phase 3 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 8 of 52 Typical Decommissioning and Dismantlement Site Remediation L TP and Site Restoration Fuel Bearing Material Management 3.1 Phase 1 a Decommissioning Planning While in Phase 1 a, TMl-2 will remain in a PDMS state during which preparations for decommissioning will occur. Phase 1 a includes planning, engineering, and regulatory activities, performance of radiation surveys, including the use of remote technologies, procurement of long lead equipment, installation of shielding and monitoring equipment, restoration of lighting and cranes, and limited decontamination activities.
3.1.1 Phase 1 a Activities The types of activities performed during Phase 1 a include the following:
Radiological and non-radiological characterization of the site and the surrounding environs.
Identification of transport and disposal requirements for radioactive waste and hazardous waste.
Development of program plans and procedures which governs the conduct of the decommissioning in areas such as Radiological Protection, Waste Management, Safety & Health, Environmental Management, Training, and QA.
Design, fabrication and installation of temporary shielding.
Maintenance of contamination control envelopes.
Procurement of specialty tooling and equipment.
Procurement of radioactive waste shipping containers, specialized waste containers and boxes, casks, liners, and industrial packages for packaging.
Shipment of radioactive liquid waste Removal of non-contaminated components/materials/structures Removal of non-installed LLRW materials ISFSI and Dry Cask Storage System (DCSS) design Removal of or modifications to deactivated passive systems, structures, and components (SSCs) as described in the PDMS Safety Analysis Report Evaluating decontamination and dose reduction techniques Design, development, installation and maintenance of temporary facilities, or temporary modifications to existing facilities to support D&D activities such as:
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 9 of 52 Establishment of a temporary D&D electrical distribution system.
Repair and upgrade of the site infrastructure including roads, rai'iroad spurs, bridges and facilities.
Design, and maintenance activities associated with restoration of cranes.
Establishment of a temporary liquid radioactive waste processing system.
Establishment of temporary High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) ventilation system(s) or maintenance of existing HEPA ventilation system(s).
Design, developl)lent, installation and maintenance of an Interim Waste Storage Facility (IWSF).
Design, development, and construction of a Decommissioning Support Building (DSB).
Preparation of Phase 1 a activities will require coordination with Constellation in accordance with the PDMS Service Agreement conditions.
3.1.2 Phase 1 b: Fuel Bearing Material Recovery and Source Tenn Reduction Following Phase 1 a TMl-2 will enter Phase 1 b. The purpose of Phase 1 b is to perform the activities associated with FBM recovery and source term reduction necessary to reduce radiological conditions at TMl-2 to levels that are generally consistent with a plant at the end of its qperational life. Major decommissioning activities associated with Phase 1 b can commence following NRC approval of the TMl-2 Solutions issued LAR (Reference 12) that revises the License by deleting the TS, Limiting Conditions for PDMS, and Surveillance Requirements that are not applicable during decommissioning.
Phase 1 b will continue until the radiological source term at TMl-2 is reduced to levels that are consistent.with a nuclear plant toward the end of its operational life that has not experienced a core-damage accident and FBM is packaged and stored on the ISFSI.
FBM recovery and source term reduction activities that will be performed in Phase 1 b include:
FBM recovery and source term reduction of the reactor coolant system including the reactor pressure vessel, steam generators, pressurizer, and piping Dose reduction and decontamination of locked High Radiation Areas Removal and disposition of material necessary to minimize occupational dose to workers while maintaining As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) requirements FBM recovery and source term reduction activities associated with the Reactor Building and AFHB Recovery, packaging, and storage of the remaining FBM Packaging and transportation of LLRW as required TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMI2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 10 of 52 ISFSI and DCSS related construction Section 3.3.2 "Major Decommissioning Activities" discusses activities that will be performed in Phase 1 b necessary to facilitate source term reduction and FBM removal.
The results of radiological surveys performed during Phase 1 b will be used to determine which SSCs are removed as part of Phase 2 decommissioning. Similarly, ALARA considerations may provide the basis to perform removal of SSCs in Phase 1 b.
3.2 Phase 2 Decommissioning Phase 2 includes the decommissioning, license termination and site restoration activities described below. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2037.
At the commencement of Phase 2 decommissioning, the TMl-2 facility will generally be in a similar radiological condition as would a plant at the end of its operational life.
The overall goal of Phase 2 is decommissioning of the TMl-2 site to a level that permits the release of the site, except for an area to be set aside for storage of FBM on the ISFSI. Decommissioning activities that will be performed in Phase 2 include:
Removing, packaging, and disposing of any remaining radioactive components, structural elements, and equipment in preparation for structural demolition.
Demolishing plant structures to nominally three feet below grade.
Backfilling the site of the existing grade elevation.
3.2.1 License Termination Also included in Phase 2 is the preparation and execution of the License Termination Plan (L TP) and site restoration activities. The L TP will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9) and will be submitted at least two years prior to the anticipated date of license termination. The L TP will include a site characterization, description of remaining dismantling activities, plans for site remediation, updated cost estimate to complete the decommissioning, any associated environmental impacts, designation of the end use of the site, and the procedures for the final radiation survey.
The L TP will be developed following the guidance contained in Regulatory Guide 1.179, "Standard Format and Content of License Termination Plans for Nuclear Power Reactors." As described in Regulatory Guide 1.179 (Reference 13), the L TP will use the guidance contained in NUREG-1575, "Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM)" (Reference 14), to develop the final radiological survey plan and survey methods. The use of MARSSIM to develop the final radiological survey plan and survey methods will demonstrate compliance with the requirements 10 CFR 20, Subpart E, "Radiological Criteria for License Termination." Once the L TP is TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page*.11 of 52 approved, the final remediation of the site facilities and services can commence. These activities include, but are not limited to:
Removal of remaining plant systems, structures and components as they become nonessential to the decommissioning program, or worker health and safety (for example, waste collection and processing systems, electrical power and ventilation systems)
Removal of contaminated yard piping and any contaminated soil 1
- Use of the NUREG-1575 guidance ensures that the surveys are conducted in a manner that provides a high degree of confidence that applicable NRC criteria are satisfied.
Once the final survey is complete, the results are provided to the NRC. The NRC will terminate the license if it determines that site remediation has been performed in accordance with the L TP, and that the final status radiation survey and associated documentation demonstrate that the facility is suitable for release.
Phase 2 is expected to complete in 2037. TMl-2 Solutions is planning to submit the License Termination Plan to the NRC by the end of 2027.
3.2.2 Site Restoration After the NRC terminates the license, site restoration activities will be performed. TMl-2 Solutions currently assumes that remaining clean structures will be removed to a nominal depth of three feet below the surrounding grade level. Affected area(s) would then be backfilled with suitable fill materials, graded, and appropriate erosion controls established.
3.3 GENERAL DECOMMISSIONING CONSIDERATIONS 3.3.1 Decommissioning Preparation Activities While still in PDMS, periodic entries will be made to inspect, monitor, and maintain the Reactor Building and AFHB. Entries will also be made to acquire additional data to support decommissioning preparations. In the event that changing conditions are indicated, an evaluation will be performed as to the need for, and form of, corrective actions to be taken. In general, areas will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with the deciding factors being the area's impact on personnel exposure and the possibility of a release to the environment.
TMl-2 will utilize innovative technologies to execute some decommissioning activities.
The project uses a 3-dimensional digital Building Information Model (BIM) of TMl-2 which will support various efforts including but not limited to planning work, training craft through environment familiarization without exposure to dose rates, tracking decommissioning progress as SSCs are removed, and quantifying waste take offs for shipping and estimation purposes. Additionally, TMl-2 will use remote technology TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 12 of 52 including robots equipped with gamma scanners, cameras, and 3D model scanners to collect data in the TMl-2 Reactor Building 1basement as well as the 305' and 347' elevations to create a heat map locating hot spots. TMl-2 will also use advanced analysis software to model source term reduction utilizing full removal or shielding elements.
The reconfiguration and modification of site structures and facilities will be performed to support decommissioning operations. Modifications to the Reactor Building or other buildings to facilitate movement of equipment and materials, support the segmentation of the reactor vessel and reactor vessel internals, and for large component removal are described below.
The Decommissioning Support Building (DSB) is a proposed free-standing enclosure planned for construction west of the TMl-2 Reactor Building. The DSB is located such that equipment and material can travel from the Reactor Building's Equipment Hatch and into this structure for processing, decontamination and packaging. The DSB incorporates and partially envelopes the existing Containment Air Control Envelope (CACE) structure, which is constructed adjacent to the Equipment Hatch. There will be a separate low-dose facility to segment, decontaminate and package radiological waste without exposing workers to high dose rates within the TMl-2 Reactor Building.
To facilitate equipment and waste transport into and out of the Reactor Building it will be necessary to remove the Reactor Building equipment hatch and expand the size of the hatch opening. The equipment hatch is approximately 8 feet deep and 23 feet in v
diameter and contains a personnel hatch. The existing access opening could be 1
enlarged in multiple ways including squaring off the side and top to create a 25'-0" wide x 25'-0" high opening. This approach would take advantage of the flat face of the exterior 8'-0" thick wall. The existing opening can also be resized to accommodate larger dimensions.
The Interim Waste Storage Facility (IWSF) is a proposed in-plant interim storage area that will contain concrete storage containers and liners filled with A, B, and C waste materials, pending specific campaigns to send them to a final disposal facility. The IWSF will be located in an area of the Turbine Building (TB) operating deck that immediately surrounds the former Main Generator and Main Turbines. The TB Operating Deck is serviced by the TB Crane which has sufficient capacity to handle the liner transfer shield and the On-Site Storage Containers (OSSCs) that will provide shielded storage of the liners.
3.3.2 Major Decommissioning Activities As defined in 10 CFR 50.2, "Definitions," a :major decommissioning activity" is "any activity that results in permanent removal of major radioactive components, permanently modifies the structure of the containment, or results in dismantling components for shipment containing greater than Class C waste in accordance with 10 CFR 61.55."
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 13 of 52 Prior to starting a major decommissioning activity, the affected components will be surveyed and plans developed to maintain occupational dose As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) and below the occupational dose limits in 10 CFR Part 20 during decommissioning. Note the approaches described below may be altered for ALARA and/or cost efficiency purposes in accordance with the TMl-2 Radiological Protection Program.
Decontamination of components and piping systems will be performed as required to minimize worker exppsure. The removal, packaging, and disposal of all piping and components that are no longer essential to support decon:,missioning operations will be performed. This includes the removal, packaging, and disposal of SSCs attached to the reactor vessel.
Major decommissioning activities will take place in Phase 1 b and Phase 2. This includes the removal and disposal of contaminated and activated major components and structures, leading to the tennination of the 10 CFR Part 50 operating license. The following discussion provides a general summary of the major decommissioning activities currently planned for TMl-2.
Decommissioning of the TMl-2 Reactor will start with Reactor Vessel Isolation. Due to the existing dose rates, the Reactor Coolant System (RCS) cannot be isolated from the Reactor Vessel (RV) using conventional methods. TMl-2 Solutions will isolate the RCS by flooding the vessel and installing and welding tapered plugs into all nozzles using the shielded work platfonn (SWP) previously utilized during post-accident cleanup. After the plug welds have been inspected and accepted, the water level will be raised up to the reactor vessel flange elevation. After the RV RCS Isolation is complete, the SWP will be removed in preparation for Reactor Vessel Internal (RVI) segmentation.
The segmentation effort required to prepare the RVI for packaging will be performed under water. Mechanical segmentation technologies will be applied which includes use of slow rotating saw blades with a surface pattern that generates "easy to collect' shaped chips (no coiling).
The current plans for RVI are to perfonn in vessel segmentation. This process will reduce or eliminate any potential risk of pulling the core support barrels that may have been impacted by the accident. The Plenum located in the cavity will be moved and placed on a volume reduction station (VRS) turntable where it will be cut to the appropriate size to fit into an FBM or LLRW liner. Water filtration and chip collection systems will be installed to keep dose rates low and visibility high during the project.
Segmentation of each of the RVI components will be done in accordance with a predetermined segmentation plan designed to maximize the packing factor in the designated containers.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 14 of 52 In preparation of reactor vessel (RV) segmentation, the reactor cavity sealing surface around the RV will be removed to make the gap between bio shield and RV accessible.
The free-standing thermal insulation will be removed and disposed of. The RV nozzles will be cut and capped after the inside of the RV is cleaned and dewatered. Measures to cut and cap in-core instrumentation penetrations under the RV will be taken. If additional obstacles or recesses are present in the gap, they will also be removed. At this point the vertical cuts on the RV flange section will be perfonned.
I Tenting of the cutting area will be used to add a layer of contamination control, as required. The packaging of segments can be perfonned in the reactor cavity deep end or on the operating floor as appropriate for the exposure rates associated with the segments. Once the RV has been cut and packaged except for the hemispherical bottom head (HBH), the inner part of the shielding plate will be removed and the same torch cutting equipment will be used to cut the RV support skirt after the HBH is attached to the polar crane. The HBH can either be disposed of in one piece or positioned in the refueling pool for manual *separation into halves. If dose rates disallow for manual segmentation, a torch guide rack can perfonn the separation cut while the support skirt provides stability.
Other major decommissioning activities that would be conducted include the removal and disposal of the pressurizer, steam generators, reactor coolant piping, reactor coolant pumps and motors; spent fuel pool support equipment, and contaminated concrete or metals.
- In addition to the reactor and large components discussed above, other plant components will be removed from the Reactor Building, AFHB, Turbine Building, and associated support buildings radiologically surveyed and dispositioned appropriately.
3.3.3 Decontamination and Dismantlement Activities The overall objective of D&D is to ensure that radioactively contaminated or activated materials will be removed from the site to allow the site to be released for unrestricted use. This may be accomplished by decontamination in place, off-site processing of the materials, or direct disposal of the materials as radioactive waste. A combination of these methods may be utilized. The methods chosen will be those deemed most appropriate for the circumstances.
LLRW generated from TMl-2 D&D activities will be managed in accordance with approved procedures and with the intent of complying with commercial disposal facility requirements. This includes the characterization of contaminated materials, packaging, transporting and disposal at a licensed LLRW disposal facility.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 15 of 52 3.3.4 Radioactive Waste Management A major component of the decommissioning work scope for TMl-2 is the packaging, transportation and.disposing of contaminated/activated equipment, piping, concrete, and soil. A waste management plan has been developed consistent with regulatory requirements and disposal/processing options for each waste type at the time of the D&D activities (Reference 16) satisfying the Regulatory Commitment provided in Reference 1 and revised in Reference 35. LLRW will be disposed of at Energy Solutions Clive, Utah LLRW disposal facility assuming it meets the waste acceptance criteria(s)
(WAC) for the facility. Class B and Class C LLRW will be disposed of at the Waste Control Specialists (WCS) facility in Andrews, Texas.
LLRW from TMl-2 will be packaged to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) criteria for shipment and transported by licensed transporters. The waste management plan is based on the evaluation of available methods and strategies for processing, packaging, and transporting radioactive waste in conjunction with the available disposal facility options and associated WAC.
Transportation will be largely by railroad in standard and'specialty bulk packages, such as intermodal containers, and gondola type rail cars.
TMl-2 Solutions has devel,oped a program to ensure proper c;1ccounting of Special Nuclear Material (SNM) is conducted throughout the decommissioning process, meeting the applicable requirements of 10 CFR 74, with applicable exemptions. Current estimates of radionuclide content will be refined using LLRW characterizations and the site final status surveys (Reference 43).
3.3.5 Removal of Mixed Waste If mixed wastes are generated, they will be managed in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. Mixed wastes will be transported by authorized and licensed transporters and shipped only to permitted and licensed facilities. If technology, resources, and approved processes *are available, these processes will be evaluated to render the mixed waste non-hazardous.
3.3.6 Site Characterization To supplement the plant historical knowledge base, site characterization activities will be performed prior to and during the decommissioning process. The characterization will further the identification, categorization and quantification of radiological, regulated, and hazardous wastes. Surveys will be conducted as required, to establish hazardous and radioactive material contamination levels and radiation levels throughout the site.
This information will be used in developing procedures, surveys and sampling plans to ensure that hazardous, regulated, and radiologically contaminated areas are remediated and to ensure that worker exposure is controlled. As decontamination and dismantlement work proceeds, radiological surveys will be conducted to maintain a TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 16 of 52 current site characterization and to ensure that decommissioning activities are adjusted accordingly.
As part of the site characterization process, a neutron activation analysis calculation study of the reactor internals and the reactor vessel will be performed. Using the results of this analysis (along with benchmarking surveys), neutron irradiated components will be classified (projected for the future D&D time-frame) in accordance with 10 CFR Part 61, "Licensing requirements for land disposal of radioactive waste." The results of the analysis inform the basis of the plans for removal, segmentation, packaging and disposal. Other reactor plant components may be classified as FBM based upon the type of material adhered to it. Disposal of these reactor plant components will be in accordance with_applicable regulatory requirements.
3.3.7 Groundwater Protection and Radiological Decommissioning Records Program Constellation manages the groundwater (GW) protection program for the TMI site in consideration of the site monitoring agreement between Constellation and TMl-2 Solutions in accordance with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Technical Report 07-07, "Industry Groundwater Protection Initiative - Final Guidance Document" (Reference 15).
This program is controlled by procedures and will continue during decommissioning, though TMl-2 Solutions will eventually manage the GW protection program for the site.
Records of leaks, spills and remediation efforts are retained and are retrievable to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 50.75(g). These records are used to determine area classification for purposes of performing surveys.
Neither the monitoring results of the groundwater protection program nor events noted in 10 CFR 50. 75(g) reports indicate the presence of long-lived radionuclides in concentrations sufficient to preclude unrestricted release under 10 CFR 20.1402, "Radiological criteria for unrestricted use."
3.4 Phase 3: Fuel Bearing Material Management A new ISFSI pad within the existing TMI ISFSI is planned to allow for dry storage of all TMl-2 related FBM. The FBM will remain on the ISFSI until it is transferred to the DOE which retains ultimate authority and responsibility for disposal of debris material pursuant to Standard Contract DECR01-83NE44477. The ISFSI will be staffed by a security force. In addition, personnel will be assigned to maintain the ISFSI and comply with the ISFSI license commitments. Shipping of FBM will be performed when repositories for this type of waste are developed by the DOE or other disposal options are available. Following the removal of the FBM, the ISFSI site will be decommissioned, remediated, and surveyed per the NRG-approved License Termination Plan. Following the final site survey and NRC approval, license termination will occur.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 17 of 52 3.5 Changes to Management and Staffing Throughout the decommissioning process, plant management and staffing levels will be adjusted to reflect the ongoing transition of the site organization. Staffing levels and qualifications of personnel used to monitor and maintain the plant during the various periods of decommissioning will be subject to appropriate Technical Specification,
Quality Assurance Program and Emergency Plan requirements. These staffing levels do not include contractor staffing which may be used to carry out future FBM movements, plant modifications, and the D&D license termination site restoration work. Contractors may also be used to provide general services, staff augmentation, or replace permanent staff. The monitoring and maintenance staff will be comprised of radiation protection, radiological environmental monitoring program, plant engineering and craft workers as appropriate for the anticipated work activities.
- 4. SCHEDULE OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES TMl-2 Solutions will commence decommissioning of the TMl-2 facility and will complete all activities necessary to terminate the License and release the TMl-2 site years ahead of the plan reflected in revision 2 of the PS DAR which presumes license termination occurring in 2053. Revised decommissioning schedule information was provided to the NRC in PSDAR Revision 3 (Reference 10). TMl-2 Solutions anticipates completing decommissioning of TMl-2 and releasing the TMl-2 site (except for an area to be set aside for storage of FBM on the ISFSI) approximately 16.5 years after the license transfer. Table 5-1 below provides the current TMl-2 decommissioning project schedule.
The schedule begins with the date of license transfer and ends with the estimated date associated with completing Phase 2.
Table 5-1 Three Mile Island Unit 2 Decommissioning Project Schedule Description Start End Approx.
Duration (years)
Phase 1 - Planning, En~ ineering, Remediation
- License Transfer Approved 12/2020 12/2020
- Contract Closing & Asset Transfer 12/2020 12/2020 Planning, Engineering & Regulatory 12/2020 11/2024 4
Phase 1 Long Lead Procurement 1/2021 3/2025 4.5 Infrastructure Upgrades & Modifications 1/2022 6/2025 3.5 Surveys, Shielding & Contamination Control 6/2022 12/2023 1.5 Rad Building Source Term Reduction 1/2023 9/2028 6
Waste Packaging, Transport & Disposal 6/2023 3/2029 6
Reactor Vessel Source Term Reduction 1/2025 3/2027 2
Large Component Source Term Reduction 6/2025 6/2027 2
- Phase 1 Source Term Reduction Complete 9/2028 9/2028
- Phase 1 Complete 6/2029 6/2029 TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 18 of 52 Phase 2 - Decommissioning & License Termination Phase 2 Planning 1 /2029 12/2030 2
Phase 2 Lonq Lead Procurement 6/2029 6/2031 2
Infrastructure Upgrades & Modifications 6/2029 6/2031 2
Waste Packaginq, Transport & Disposal 2/2031 12/2036 6
Clean Buildinq Demolition 3/2032 6/2036 4
Rad Buildinq Interior/ Systems D&D 6/2032 12/2034 2.5 Rad Building Open Air Demolition 1/2034 6/2036 2.5 Final Site Surveys & License Termination 6/2034 3/2037 3
Site Restoration 1/2036 6/2037 1.5
- Phase 2 Complete 6/2037 6/2037 Phase 3 (FBM Management) will commence following the completion of Phase 2. TMl-2 Solutions is responsible for developing a storage and disposal plan for any remaining FBM until title to the FBM is transferred to the DOE for disposal. The long-term management of FBM is addressed in the TMl-2 Solutions "Plan for Management of Debris Material" (Reference 16).
- 5. ESTIMATED COSTS OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES As presented in PSDAR Revision 3, the decommissioning cost analysis completed in December 2018 (Reference 17) was utilized to obtain site-specific commodity quantities, and then Energy Solutions applied its weights and estimated unit cost factors, which take into consideration the EnergySolutions execution strategy and the methods and schedule discussed in Section 4 above, to arrive at an updated estimated cost to decommission TMl-2 which was provided in Reference 45. EnergySolutions also utilized the latest available industry experience (e.g., information from the Zion and La Crosse projects, and 25 years of experience in planning and engineering for other facilities, including complex decommissioning).
The cost estimate recognizes the present state of TMl-2 decontamination, contingency for unknown or uncertain conditions, the availability of low and high level radioactive waste disposal sites, and site remediation requirements. The methodology used to develop the cost estimate follows the basic approach developed by the Atomic Industrial Forum (now the Nuclear Energy Institute) in AIF/NESP-036, "Guidelines for Producing Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Cost Estimates." The decommissioning cost analysis for TMl-2 has been summarized in Table 5-2. 3 This PSDAR will not be updated for minor changes in anticipated decommissioning costs. However, the status of TMl-2 decommissioning funding will continue to be reported to the NRC in accordance with 10 CFR 50. 75(f)(1) and 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)(v).
This report will include, at a minimum, the assumptions used in the rates of escalation of decommissioning costs and rates of earnings used in funding projections. Additionally, 3 The decommissioning cost analysis presented in Table 5-2 is based on information provided in Proprietary Enclosure 1A from Reference 45.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 19 of 52 TMl-2 Solutions, in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(7), will inform the NRC in writing (with a copy sent to Pennsylvania), before performing any decommissioning activity inconsistent with or making any significant schedule change from those actions and schedules described in the PSDAR, including changes that significantly increase the decommissioning cost. TMl-2 Solutions will also include an updated site-specific estimate of remaining decommissioning costs in the License Termination Plan in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9)(ii)(F). The annual 10 CFR 50. 75(f)(1) reports continue to demonstrate that the current fund balances are more than adequate to cover the expected future cost of decommissioning. If future estimated costs or funding levels change significantly, TMl-2 Solutions will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that sufficient funds remain available for decommissioning.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 20 of 52 Table 5-2 Three Mile Island Unit 2 Decommissioning Cost Summary **
(thousands of 2020 dollars)
Description Total Cost Planning & Transition 2,785 Engineering & Procedures 11,620 Site Upgrades & Preparations 35,923 Large Component & Building Source Term Reduction 64,367 Waste Packaging Transportation & Disposal 28,912 Other Direct Costs 42,125 Undistributed Costs
- 269,143 Performance Baseline 454,875 Contingency 91,477 PHASE 1 TOT AL - SOURCE TERM REDUCTION 546,351 Planning & Transition 3,848 Engineering & Procedures 6,410 Large Component Removal & Building Demolition 39,144 Waste Packaging, Transportation & Disposal 192,116 Final Surveys & License Termination 5,775 Site Restoration 27,559 Other Direct Costs 21,638 Undistributed Costs
- 148,806 Performance Baseline 445,296 Contingency 69,533 PHASE 2 TOTAL - DECOMMISIONING & LICENSE 514,830 TERMINATION TOT AL PROJECT 1,061,181
- Undistributed Costs may also be referred to as "Allocated Support Costs"
- Does not include anticipated costs for long-term storage of FBM after Phase 2 until acceptance by t he DOE (estimated to be $59.5 million dollars).
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 21 of 52
- 6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES To support the PSDAR environmental impacts review, the environmental effects of decommissioning activities planned for TMl-2 were evaluated to determine if potential environmental impacts are bounded by previously issued environmental impact statements. NRC regulation 10 CFR 50.82(a)(4)(i) requires that "the PSDAR include... a discuss.ion that provides the reasons for concluding that the environmental impacts associated with site-specific decommissioning activities will be bounded by appropriate previously issued environmental impact statements." To determine if the estimated potential environmental impacts associated with TMl-2 decommissioning activities are boun'ded, the potential environmental impacts were compared to those evaluated in:
NUREG-0586, Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities, Supplement 1, Regarding the Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Reactors (Reference 11) (Referred to as the Decommissioning GEIS or GEIS), dated November 2002.
NUREG-1496, Generic Environmental Impact Statement in Support of Rulemaking on Radiological Criteria for License Termination of NRG-Licensed Nuclear Facilities (Reference 18), dated July 1997*.
Atomic Energy Commission, Final Environmental Statement Related to the Operation of Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2 (Reference 19)
(Referred to as the FES), dated December 1997.
NUREG-0112, Final Supplement to the FES Related to the Operation of Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2 (Reference 20) (Referred to as the Final Supplement to the FES), dated December 1997.
NUREG-0683, Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2 Volumes 1 and 2 (Reference 6), dated March 1981.
NUREG-0683, Supplement No. 1, Final Report, Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Statjon, Unit 2, Final Supplement Dealing with Occupational Radiation Dose, October 1984 (Reference 7), dated October 1984.
NUREG-0683, Supplement No. 2, Final Report, Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Waste 1s Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2, Final Supplement Dealing with Disposal of Accident Generated Water, June 1987 (Reference 8), dated June 1987.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 22 of 52 NUREG-0683, Supplement 3, Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2, Final Supplement Dealing with Post Defueling Monitored Storage and Subsequent Cleanup, August 1989 (Reference 9), dated August 1989.
As required, site-specific impact assessments were conducted for threatened and endangered species and environmental justice. Site-specific assessments were also performed for aquatic ecology, terrestrial ecology, and cultural and historic resources for decommissioning activities beyond the "operational area," as that term is defined in the Decommissioni.ng GEIS (Reference 11 ). Although the TMl-2 site boundary is the area under the ownership and control of TMl-2 Solutions, for the purpose of assessing decommissioning environmental impacts, the operational area at TMl-2 is considered to consist of the larger Three Mile Island site, including the north end of Three Mile Island from the fence line encompassing the south parking area northward. The operational area also includes the North and South Access Roads and the junction with the mainline railroad at the North Access Road. This area encompasses the reactor and surrounding buildings, intake structure and discharge pipe, parking lots, laydown yards, landscaped areas, and transportation infrastructure. Excavation of fill within the site boundaries on Three Mile Island could potentially take place outside of the operational area.
The levels of significance assigned to site-specific environmental impacts are classified as small, moderate, or large, as defined in the decommissioning GEIS (Reference 11 ).
TMl-2's decommissioning plans are consistent with the methods assumed by NRC in NUREG 0683, "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and associated supplements (References 6, 7, 8, and 9) and the decommissioning GEIS (Reference 11 ). No unique site-specific features or additional unique aspects of the planned decommissioning have been identified beyond those discussed in the PEIS and the associated supplements. Also, TMl-2 Solutions has concluded that the environmental impacts associated with planned TMl-2 decommissioning activities are either bounded by the impacts addressed by previously issued environmental impact statements or are expected, based on site specific reviews, to be small.
As presented in Section 3, "Description of Decommissioning Activities," administrative, regulatory and engineering planning 'will occur as part of Phase 1 a, while TMl-2 remains in PDMS. Upon entry into DECON, major decommissioning activities begin with Phase 1 b, which entails activities necessary to complete the cleanup from the March 28, 1979 accidenL(i.e., source term reduction and FBM removal). Phase 1 b decommissioning activities are evaluated against the potential environmental impacts analyzed in the PEIS. The objective of Phase 1 b decommissioning is to achieve building and equipment decontamination to the point where general area dose'rates approximate those of an undamaged reactor nearing the end of its operating life. At the completion of Phase 1 b, TMl-2 will prepare for Phase 2 decommissioning which entails typical D&D TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 23 of 52 activities. Decommissioning activities performed in Phase 2 are assessed against the GEIS.
6.1' Environmental Impact of TMl-2 Decommissioning The following is a summary of the reasons for reaching the conclusions that the environmental impacts of decommissioning TMl-2 are (1) bounded by the PEIS and supplements and the decommissioning GEIS or (2) site-specific, small, and bounded by other previously issued environmental impact statements, or (3) expected to be site-specific and small. Each environmental resource evaluated in the GEIS is addressed.
Further, no unique site-specific environmental features or unique aspects of the planned decommissioning activities have been identified.
6.1.1 Onslte/Offsite Land Use In Section 4.3.1 of the GEIS, the NRC generically determined land use impacts to be small for facilities having land-use changes only within the site boundary. For decommissioning that involves land use changes beyond the site boundary, the GEIS concluded that impacts could not be predicted generically and must be evaluated on a site-specific basis.
No offsite land is expected to be needed to support TMl-2 decommissioning. On-site land is expected to be sufficient for decommissioning activities (e.g., laydown, staging, handling, temporary storage, processing, packaging, and shipping of waste and material~, personnel processing, and parking). Site restoration activities include backfill of excavations. The fill needed will be obtained from material (e.g., crushed concrete) resulting from onsite demolition. If additional fill is needed, it could be excavated from onsite or, if more appropriate or practical, fill could also be purchased. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regulates fill and has established criteria for clean and regulated fill and permitting requirements for beneficial reuse of regulated fill under its municipal and residuaI*waste regulations (25 Pa. Code § 287.2 or 271.2). TMl-2 Solutions will comply with state regulations regarding the use of fill materials and will obtain permits as needed.
TMl-2 Solutions has determined that onsite land to be used to support decommissioning at TM~2 has been previously disturbed and decommissioning activities at TMl-2 would not result in changes in onsite land use patterns. After the site is released for unrestricted use, the land could continue as industrial use or be available for other nonindustrial uses. TMl-2 Solutions concludes that anticipated onsite land use impacts are bounded by the GEIS.
6.1.2 Water Use The GEIS observes that quantities of water required during decommissioning are trivial compared to those used when a plant is operating. The GEIS mentions construction dust abatement and decontamination (flushing systems or pressure-washing components) as typical decommissioning water uses. NRC asserted in Section 4.3.2 of TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 24 of 52 the GEIS that potential impacts of decommissioning on water use at all plants are neither detectable nor destabilizing and made the generic conclusion that impacts in all cases are small.
Onsite groundwater wells are provided by TMl-1, these wells supply water for water consumption at TMl-2.
Since the shutdown of TMl-2 and entry into PDMS, the demand for water has decreased significantly below the demand during operation. The operational demand for cooling water, makeup water, and service water has ceased. The demand for water needed to conduct plant decommissioning activities (flushing piping, hydro-lasing, dust abatement, etc.) will be less than the demand for industrial water supply during
- operation.
Because TMl-2 Solutions expects water use during TMl-2 decommissioning to be much lower than water use during operational years, which is consistent with the statements made in the GEIS, and because there is nothing about TMl-2's design, location, configuration, operating history, or decommissioning plans that would alter or contradict this generic conclusion, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that decommissioning water use impacts for TMl-2 are bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
6.1.3 Water Quality Decommissioning activities with potential for impacting surface water quality include FBM removal, stabilization, large component removal, decontamination and dismantlement, and structure dismantlement. Stormwater runoff and accidental releases c
(spills) are the most likely sources of pollutants entering surface waters during decommissioning. The GEIS asserts that regulatory programs applicable to permitted substance releases plus the application of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for controlling stormwater runoff and erosion will render any change in surface water quality from decommissioning activities nondetectable and non-destabilizing. With respect to groundwater, the GEIS noted that demolishing concrete structures and storing rubble on site could result in changes (higher alkalinity) in local water chemistry, but the non-radiological effects of such changes on water quality would be non-detectable offsite at all nuclear power plants. Furthermore, Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act would apply to concentrated subsurface placement of demolition debris, which would limit water quality effects from using rubble and soil as fill material.
During TMl-2 decommissioning, compliance with permits and adherence to erosion and sediment controls, soil stabilization practices, structural practices, and pollution
- prevention measures would ensure that water quality impacts from decommissioning are small and temporary. Any land disturbing activities would be of relatively short duration, permitted and overseen by responsible regulatory agencies, and guided by PADEP approved Erosion and Sediment Control BMPs. TMl-2 Solutions will continue to comply with applicable regulations which require reporting of hazardous material spills. All reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent or mitigate spills of hazardous materials. TMl-2 Solutions will comply with PADEP regulations regarding fill and obtain TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 25 of 52 waste permits as needed. Groundwater movement at TMI-Nuclear Station (TMINS) is into the Susquehanna River. Groundwater at the station is prevented from migrating beneath the river to the mainland by the opposing flow of groundwater from higher land to either side of the river. If any localized alteration in the groundwater chemistry associated with the use of crushed concrete as clean fill were to occur, it would not impact offsite groundwater quality.
Demolition of TMl-2 structures and buildings and related earth-moving work (digging, grading, filling) has at least a limited potential to result in erosion and sedimentation that could affect water quality, but these kinds of construction activities routinely take place around operating nuclear power plants and are subject to the provisions of state-issued permits. Cofferdams with dewatering systems would be used to isolate the shoreline area and facilitate removal of the reinforced concrete intake structures. BMPs w6uld be employed to limit erosion while these structures are being demolished/removed. After the intake structures have been removed, measures would be employed to prevent erosion. The existing riprap at the shoreline of the north end of the island that serves to mitigate erosion would be left in place.
In Section 4.3.3 of the GEIS, NRC concluded generically that for all facilities, decommissioning impacts to surface and groundwater quality would be small. Because there is nothing about TMl-2's design, location, configuration, operating history, or decommissioning plans that would alter or contradict this generic conclusion and TMl-2 Solutions would comply with regulatory and permit requirements to protect surface water and groundwater resources, TMl-2 Solutions has detennined that impacts of decommissioning on water quality would be small and bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
6.1.4 Air Quality The GEIS identified decommissioning activities that may affect air quality, including worker transportation to and from the site, dismantling of systems and removal of equipment, movement and open storage of material onsite, demolition of buildings and structures, shipment of material and debris to offsite locations, and operation of concrete batch plants. NRC considered the potential for adverse impacts from these activities, the greatest of which would be fugitive dust, for the range of decommissioning plants and generically detennined air quality impacts to be small.
During TMl-2 decommissioning, reasonable and appropriate control measures such as wetting of soil piles and concrete structure demolition by hammering, covering loads and staging areas, and seeding of bare areas would be implemented to control fugitive dust so that emissions do not extend offsite in compliance with PADEP regulations (25 Pa Code §123.2). PADEP requires general pennits and permit conditions for portable engines and portable crushers and grinders under25 Pa. Code §127.514, 127.611 and 127.631. Pennits governing air emissions from the decommissioning activities and equipment would be obtained as required, and as needed, TMl-2 Solutions, will maintain existing air permits for equipment that will continue to be used during TMl-2 decommissioning. The exhaust from commuting and shipping vehicles could affect air TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA..:CQR-2022-0022 Page 26 of 52 quality somewhat, but it is unlikely that air quality would be degraded sufficiently to be noticeable beyond the immediate vicinity of State Highway 441.
Demolition of the TMl-2 cooling towers may involve the use of explosives. The GEIS considered the use of explosives and stated in Section 0.1.3 that control measures would be implemented during demolition to keep releases, including those associated with fugitive dust, within regulatory limits regardless of the methods used during demolition. PADEP also regulates use of explosives (25 Pa. Code Chapter 211),
requiring their use to be designed to minimize hazards of noxious gas generation and flyrock (i.e., flying debris) as well as damages from ground vibration and airblast (i.e.,
airborne vibration energy). The necessary explosive use permit would be obtained and explosive use requirements and demolition industry BMPs would be implemented.
In Section 4.3.4 in the GEIS, NRC concluded that the impacts of decommissioning on air quality would be neither detectable nor destabilizing and that current and commonly used mitigation measures should be sufficient. Because (1) the air quality impacts from decommissioning activities at TMl-2 are expected to be temporary, localized, and small in magnitude, (2) reasonable and appropriate control measures would be employed, (3) the appropriate permits would be obtained, and (4) there is nothing about TMl-2 's design, location, configuration, operating history, or decommissioning plans that would alter or contradict the generic conclusion in Section 4.3.4 of the GEIS, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that air quality impacts from TMl-2 decommissioning activities are bounded by the analysis.in the GEIS.
6.1.5 Aquatic Ecology Aquatic resources may be directly or indirectly impacted by decommis-sioning activities.
Direct impacts to aquatic communities may result from shoreline or in-water construction or from dredging. Indirect impacts may result from construction-related erosion and stormwater runoff. These impacts are typically undetectable (or barely discernible) and do not destabilize any important attributes of the resources. The GEIS determined that such decommissioning activities within the operational areas of nuclear power plants, including removal of shoreline or in-water structures, would have only minor impacts on aquatic communities, provided all appropriate BMPs are employed. Therefore, the GEIS concluded generically that aquatic impacts from decommissioning activities within a defined operational area would be small. However, the GEIS noted that if disturbance beyond the operational area is anticipated, potential impacts must be determined through site-specific analysis.
The aquatic resource of chief concern for decommissioning at TMl-2 is Lake Frederic, an impounded section of the Susquehanna River downstream of Middletown, Pennsylvania. The impoundment provides storage capacity for the York Haven Hydroel~ctric Project.
I I
Biologists under contract to Metropolitan Edison, General Public Utilities Corporation, and Exelon conducted studies of Lake Frederic's aquatic communities over four distinct periods: (1) before TMl-1 and TMl-2 began operating (1970-1973), (2) during TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 27 of 52 peak operation with one or two reactors in service (1974-1979), (3) the period when both reactors were shut down, following the TMl-2 accident (1980-1985), and (4) following restart of TMl-1 (1986-1990). Differences in distribution and abundance of benthic organisms and fish between years were attributed to fluctuations in environmental variables (e.g., river flow and water temperature). Taken as a whole, the studies show that the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Three Mile Island supports a healthy benthic macroinvertebrate community and a diverse assemblage of cool water and warm water fishes. There is no indication that pollution-tolerant species or groups predominate in Lake Frederic, or that sensitive or pollution-intolerant species have been excluded.
The decommissioning GEIS identified structure dismantlement as an activity that had potential for adversely affecting aquatic communities. Direct impacts are possible from shoreline or in-water construction or from dredging. Indirect impacts may result from construction-related erosion and stormwater runoff. These impacts are typically undetectable (or barely discernible) and do not destabilize any important attributes of the resources. The GEIS concluded generically that such decommissioning activities within the operational areas of nuclear power plants, including removal of shoreline or in-water structures, would have only minor impacts on aquatic communities, provided all appropriate BMPs are employed. Therefore, the GEIS concluded that aquatic impacts from decommissioning activities would be small.
The Final Supplement to the FES considered the effects of site preparation and construction on aquatic biota in the vicinity of TMINS. The NRC staff compared biological sampling data upstream and downstream of the intake-discharge area and found no major differences in parameters measured that could be causally related to construction activities. The staff concluded that construction impacts were temporary and localized to the intake-discharge area and did not result in any irreversible adverse impacts to the local or river-wide ecosystem. Impacts associated with decommissioning are expected to be similar and bounded by those experienced during the initial construction.
TMl-2 Solutions has determined that it may be necessary to obtain fill from outside of the operational area but within the boundaries of TMINS. In a discussion of controls employed to limit construction impacts, the original FES noted that borrow pits were sited and engineered to ensure that eroded soil was carried toward the pit rather than toward the river. A similar strategy would be employed by TMl-2 Solutions during decommissioning should it be necessary to mine fill dirt from outside of the operational area. 'This should reduce the potential for impacts to aquatic biota from obtaining fill dirt from areas outside of the operational area. The ground disturbance would be governed by local and state NPDES regulations to minimize runoff and sedimentation to protect surface water resources as discussed in Section 6.1.3. If the excavation of fill dirt could impact wetlands or other water resources, 25 Pa. Code Chapter 105, Dam Safety and Waterway Management, as well as the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit requirements would apply. Given that these activities outside the operational area would be conducted in compliance with' applicable regulations to protect surface water TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 28 of 52 quality, impacts to aquatic communities would be small.
- In conclusion, TMl-2 Solutions has determined that impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning on aquatic resources, including those outside of the operational area, would be small.
Hence, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that such impacts are bounded by the analysis in the GEIS when they occur within the operational area. Impacts associated with activities outside the operational area would be similar to those experienced during construction of the station and are bounded by t~e analyses in the FES and Final Supplement to the FES.
6.1.6 Terrestrial Ecology Section 4.3.6.4 of the GEIS maintains that "for facilities where habitat disturbance is limited to operational areas, the impacts on terrestrial ecology (i.e., plant and animal communities) are not detectable or destabilizing," primarily because most vegetation and wildlife habitat in the operational area was removed during plant construction, which causes the terrestrial habitat to be of low-quality during plant operation and decommissioning (Reference 11 ). NRC staff concluded that, "for such facilities potential impacts to terrestrial ecology are small" and no further mitigation measures are warranted. Site-specific analysis is only required of licensees when decommissioning activities are likely to occur outside of the operational area, or if protected species are inhabiting portions of the operational area at the time of decommissioning (see Section 6.1.7).
Terrestrial habitats in the vicinity of TMl-;-2 are described in the site-specific environmental assessments listed in Section 5.0, the 2005 Wildlife Habitat Council's Site Assessment and Wildlife Management Opportunities Report (Reference 21 ), and the more recent Three Mile Island Wildlife Management Plan (Reference 22). Before station construction, much of Three Mile Island (approximately 270 acres of high, level ground) was leased to a farmer who cultivated com and tomatoes. Low-lying areas along the river were, depending on elevation and frequency of flooding, occupied by either bottomland hardwood forest or stream terrace hardwood forest. All farming on the island ceased in 1968 w:hen construction work began on TMINS.
Approximately 200 acres of natural ~abitat remain on the island, mostly on its southern half. The Wildlife Management Plan describes three primary habitats in the southern half of the island: wetland, grassland, and forest land. Wetlands include forested riparian ("fringe") wetlands along the river's edge, former borrow pits (dug during construction) that now have the appearance and function of natural wetlands, and seasonal/ephemeral wetlands. Grasslands and meadows are found in the southern half of the island in some of the areas where crops were once cultivated. Three forest community types are present: bottomland hardwoods, stream terrace hardwoods, and black locust forest. The mix of upland and wetland habitats that developed over a period of 40 years now provide important habitats for an array of amphibians, reptiles, small and large mammals, songbirds, wading birds, and waterfowl.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 29 of 52 As noted earHer in this section, NRC staff concluded in the decommissioning GEIS that when decommissioning activities are limited to operational areas impacts to terrestrial resources are expected to be small. Site-specific analysis is only required of licensees when decommissioning activities are likely to occur outside of the operational area.
TMl-2 Solutions has determined that it may be necessary to obtain fill from outside of the operational area but within the boundaries of the TMINS. Should this be necessary, every effort would be made to obtain fill from previously disturbed areas and avoid high-value habitats (wetlands, mature hardwood stands, grasslands). Earth-moving and digging activities associated with excavation of fill outside of the operational area could have both direct impacts (some smaller, less-mobile amphibians and reptiles could be crushed by equipment or buried by fill dirt) and indirect impacts (noise from heavy equipment could disturb birds and larger mammals in the vicinity). With several pieces of equipment operating simultaneously, noise levels can be relatively high at locations within several hundred feet of active construction sites. But construction noise attenuates rapidly over relatively short distances, particularly if dense vegetation is present. Based on noise levels known to elicit a startle response in wildlife (> 75 dBA),
the zone of disturbance generally extends only 400-800 feet from a construction site.
Any disturbance associated with excavating fill material would be temporary, measured in days or weeks or months rather than years, and would have no lasting impact on any ecologically important species. Excavation of fill and restoration activities would, to the extent practicable, be scheduled so as to minimize impacts to nesting birds in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The FES and the Final Supplement to the FES summarized impacts of construction of station facilities on terrestrial communities. Impacts included permanent loss of native vegetation (wildlife habitat) and noise-related disturbance of wildlife. Impacts associated with excavating fill from outside the operational area to support the decommissioning activities would be similar to those observed during construction of the station and described in the FES (and Supplement) but less severe, because the area disturbed would be much smaller.
In the decommissioning GEIS, the NRC concluded that impacts from decommissioning on terrestrial resources are small provided these activities take'place within the operational area, which is assumed to have minimal value as wildlife habitat. Outside of a grassy (mowed) field and adjacent patch of woods between the North Access Road and northern end of the island and another small woodlot southeast of the TMl-2 cooling towers, the TMl-2 operational area contains very little wildlife habitat. This field and the patches of woods provide habitat for small mammals and songbirds that can tolerate relatively high levels of human activity and noise and are sometimes collectively referred to as "backyard wildlife." Most of the operational area is occupied by industrial facilities (buildings and cooling towers) and gravel-covered parking lots and equipment storage areas. A site-specific analysis was conducted of impacts of obtaining fill from outside the operational area and determined impacts to terrestrial resources would be negligible, provided sensitive habitats are avoided and construction BMPs are employed. Impacts associated with activities outside the operational area would be similar to those experienced during construction of the station and are bounded by the TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 30 of 52 analyses in the FES and the Final Supplement to the FES. Therefore, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning on terrestrial resources are small and bounded by the GEIS and previous TMINS environmental impact statements.
6.1. 7 Threatened and Endangered Species The GEIS lists stabilization, large component removal, decontamination and dismantlement (removal of contaminated soil), and structure dismantlement as activities with potential to impact threatened and endangered species. The GEIS did not make a generic determination on the impact of decommissioning on threatened and endangered species but noted that impacts to these species are expected to be minor and non-detectable when activities are confined to the site operational area. Impacts are to be determined on a site-specific basis, paying particular attention to activities outside of the developed operational area. Noise and dust generation from construction activity and increased truck traffic, rather than direct impacts such as habitat destruction, are the primary concerns.
Six species are federally listed as endangered or threatened in Dauphin, Lancaster or York counties as shown in Table 6-1. No bog turtles, Northeastern bulrushes, Northern long-eared bats, dwarf wedgemussels, Indiana bats, or Atlantic sturgeons have been observed on or immediately adjacent to TMI.
Table 6-1 Federally Protected Species in Dauphin, Lancaster, and York Counties, PA County Scientific Name Common Name
- Dauphin, Acipenser oxyrinchus Atlantic sturgeon Lancaster, York Dauphin Scirpus Northeastern ancistrochaetus bulrush Lancaster Alasmidonta dwarf heterodon wedqemussel York Mvotis sodalist Indiana bat
- Dauphin, Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-Lancaster eared bat Lancaster Glyptemys bog turtle muhlenbergii
- LE - Listed Endangered, LT - Listed Threatened
- PE - Pennsylvania Endangered, DL - Delisted Data from Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, 2020b Federal Status*
State Status**
LE PE LE PE LE PE LE PE LT PE LT PE With respect to conservation efforts at TMINS, three species are particularly noteworthy:
bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and osprey.
Bald eagles first nested on Three Mile Island in 2010 but were seen foraging in the area for two or three decades prior to this date. Bald eagles were delisted by the USFWS in 2007 (Federal Register Volume 72, No. 130, July 9, 2007) and were subsequently delisted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2014 (44 Pa.B. 1429, March 15, 2014). Although no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, they are fully TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 31 of 52 protected under another federal statute, The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
There are two active bald eagle nests on Tt,ree Mile Island, one in the wooded area at the northern end of the operational area, north of the north Access Road, and one in a forested area south of the operational area. Both nests have been active for several years, notwithstanding their proximity to a busy, noisy industrial facility. The north nest is exposed to noise from commuting workers' vehicles that peaks during shift changes as well as noise from delivery/service vehicles. The south nest is adjacent to the South Access Road, which is used infrequently by TMINS employees but was exposed to high levels of noise and activity during refueling outages, when the South Access Road is used by visiting outage workers for 3-4 weeks. Given that bald eagles have nested
,successfully on Three Mile Island since 2010 in spite of relatively high levels of disturbance (road noise, night lighting, public address system) associated with both normal plant operations and refueling outages, there is no reason to believe that a similar level of disturbance during decommissioning would prevent eagles from nesting or from rearing and fledging young.
Peregrine falcons first nested on the roof of the TMl-1 Reactor Building in 2002 and have produced two or three offspring annually since. Attempts to lure the nesting pair to other locations have been successful; however, a new nest has been observed on the TMl-2 Reactor Building several years ago, and efforts to remove it have not been attempted. Peregrine falcons are known to exhibit a high degree of nest fidelity, returning to the same breeding territory and nest location year after year. If the peregrine falcons continue to nest on the TMl-2 Reactor Building and present a risk of effecting the schedule for demolishing TMl-2 structures during the falcon nesting season, TMl-2 Solutions plans to contract with specialists prior to building demolition to determine the most feasible method to prevent the falcons from nesting on the structure without harming them and attempt to re.lo~te their nesting site.
Ospreys have nested on the TMl-1 met tower since 2005. They also nest on two platforms erected on the south end of the island. Ospreys were delisted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2017 (47 Pa.B. 1467, March 11, 2017). They continue to be protected by the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code (Title 34, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes), like all raptors in the Commonwealth, but are not afforded the same level of protection as listed (threatened or endangered) species.
No aquatic species listed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the USFWS (or proposed for listing by the USFWS) has been observed or collected in Lake Frederic and there is no protected or critical habitat present. Therefore, none of the decommissioning activities should affect a protected aquatic species. TMl-2 Solutions will consult with state and federal resource agencies before Major decommissioning activities in water commence to ensure that no listed aquatic species has been discovered in the intervening years and that no species previously documented in Lake Frederic has, in the intervening years, been afforded state or federal protection.
The American holly (//ex opaca), state listed as threatened, was observed in the southern portion of the island during a Site Assessment and Wildlife Opportunities TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 32 of 52 Report carried out for TMl-1 license renewal. With the exception of the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, osprey, and American holly, no additional known occurrences of state-listed species are known on TMI.
Decommissioning activities with greatest potential for directly and indirectly affecting terrestrial plant and animal communities are those scheduled, when major reactor structures are to be demolished such as the TMl-2 cooling towers using either explosives or mechanical means. As discussed in Section 6.1.1, above, land within the operational area is sufficient to provide space for laydown yards, equipment or materials storage, temporary offices, and other decommissioning support areas or structures.
Current parking facilities have been adequate to support refueling and maintenance outages over the years and are assumed to be adequate to support decommissioning.
Because there is ample open space to support TMl-2 decommissioning operations, there would be no reason to clear any land outside of the operational area. Therefore, there would be no direct impacts to the habitat of any threatened or endangered species. Excluding the mining of fill dirt, all decommissioning activities will be confined to the operational area, which does contain a large (approximately 14-acre) field (met tower area) and two small (4-and 8-acre) patches of woods, but these habitats are adjacent to roads and facilities, thus exposed to a constant level of noise and human activity.
Demolition of the TMl-2 powerblock structures and cooling towers appears more likely to disturb wildlife, including nesting eagles and peregrine falcons. Demolition of buildings and structures will likely involve large cranes, excavators, pneumatic hammers, concrete and rebar saws and other extremely noisy equipment. These demolition and dismantlement activities are likely to take several weeks or months at a time. Although birds and small mammals on Three Mile Island have apparently become accustomed to traffic noise, diesel generator startup noise, public announcement system noise, and an array of other industrial noises, they are not routinely exposed to noise from the heavy equipment used in demolition work. Taking down the cooling towers with explosives would appear to be less of a concern, because animals would be exposed to elevated sound and pressure levels for a very brief period, perhaps seconds. The cleanup of cooling tower rubble is expected to create more of a disturbance than the implosion/explosion.
All of the activities expected to generate high noise levels will take place in areas well removed from the highest-quality wildlife habitat on the island, the grasslands, wetlands, and forests in the southern portion of the island. As noted in Section 6.1.6, above, the zone of disturbance generally extends only 400-800 feet from a construction site. The northern eagle nest is approximately 2200 feet from the closest structure that will be demolished, the TMl-2 auxiliary building. TMl-2 Solutions will consult wi.th appropriate state and federal resource agencies when a decision is reached on timing and method of cooling tower removal to ensure that agency concerns are addressed.
All decommissioning activities at TMl-2 (with the possible exception of mining fill material) will take place within the site operational area, which was disturbed during TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 33 of 52 construction of the facility and contains only isolated patches of wildlife habitat. The potential impacts of mining fill material outside of the operational area on (non-protected) terrestrial resources were considered in depth in Section 6.1.6 and could, depending on the site chosen, include (1) removal of vegetation, (2)Jdisplacement and/or elimination of smaller, less-mobile animals, and (3) noise or activity-related disturbance of birds and larger mammals. Any of the state-listed birds known to occur in the Three Mile Island vicinity could be disturbed by excavation work but would be expected to simply move away from the sources of disturbance (workers, vehicles, earth-moving equipment).
NRC has determined that_ potential impacts of decommissioning on threatened and endangered species must be evaluated on a site-specific basis. TMl-2 Solutions has determined that none of the planned decommissioning activities at TMl-2 would eliminate or degrade the natural habitat of any state or federally listed species. The TMl-2 Reactor Building, which has been used by nesting peregrine falcons for the last several years would be razed. Any indirect (disturbance-related) impacts from construction noise and human activity related to TMl-2 decommissioning would be localized, of short duration, and ecologically insignificant. Birds and mammals that are intolerant of noise and human activity are expected to simply avoid (or move away from) noisy construction sites. TMl-2 Solutions therefore concludes that adverse impacts to threatened and endangered species from TMl-2 decommissioning activities would be small but addressed in accordance with appropriate regulations.
Based on the site-specific findings summarized in this section, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that TMl-2 decommissioning activities are not likely to adversely affect any threatened or endangered species and will have no effect on any designated critical habitat. However, in the future, when TMl-2 decommissioning activities, such as demolition or disturbance of land areas that could affect a protected species have been finally determined and scheduled, TMl-2 will update the site specific assessment of environmental impacts to protected species in the PSDAR, as needed. To comply with its continuing obligation under 1 0CFR 50.82(a)(6) to assure that no decommissioning activity that would result in significant environmental impacts would be performed without NRC review, the results of the assessment would be provided to the NRC in accordance with applicable NRC regulations.
6.1.8 Radiological The GEIS considered radiological doses to workers and members of the public in Section 4.3.8 when evaluating the potential consequences of decommissioning activities.
6.1.8.1 Phase 1 b Occupational Dose Phase 1 b includes source term reduction and decontamination of the plant to the point where general area dose rates approximate those in an undamaged reactor facility nearing the end of its operating life. Phase 1 b is considered a continuation of the cleanup that was not completed prior to entry into PDMS. In other words, it meets the TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
'- to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 34 of 52 definition of the delayed cleanup alternative defined by NRC staff in PEIS Supplement 3 (Reference 9).
PEIS, Supplement 3, Table 3.18 "Occupational Radiation Dose Estimate for Delayed Cleanup" (Reference 9) provided estimated occupational dose ranges for remaining cleanup activities. The occupational radiation dose from placing the TMl-2 facility in PDMS, maintaining PDMS for 33 years, and then completing cleanup is estimated to be 1300 to 3300 person-rem. These doses are in addition to the occupational dose already received and the dose required to complete defueling.
As discussed in PEIS Supplement 3, the estimates were based on a task-by-task analysis of the work to be done and were presented as a range of values because of uncertainties in the cleanup process, the technology that will be available when post-storage cleanup is performed as well as the location and depth of penetration of the contamination. For example, it is not known if workers would need to enter the basement during decontamination, and if waste would have to be manually packaged when removed from the basement. A discussion of the methodology used to calculate the occupational doses is found in PEIS Supplement 3, Appendix H.
Phase 1 b corresponds to approximately 33 years from the date of publication of PEIS Supplement 3 and has a scheduled duration of approximately 6.5 years which makes it reasonable to assume an occupational dose estimate for remaining cleanup activities in Phase 1 b of 1300 to 3300 person-rem.
Since the 1979 accident, significant radioactive decay has occurred resulting in greatly reduced impacts of occupational dose to plant workers. The TMl-2 Radiation Protection Program and associated implementing procedures will incorporate ALARA principles into work activities to manage occupational dose to the workforce and minimize radiation exposure to the extent practicable. In addition, advances in technology since entry into PDMS will be implemented in order to manage occupational dose. Examples of technology and methods for consideration to achieve ALARA goals include robotics, remote dismantling of systems and components, remote visual monitoring and remote radiological monitoring.
- LLRW will be disposed of at Energy Solutions Clive, Utah LLRW disposal facility assuming it meets the waste acceptance criteria(s) (WAC) for the facility. Class Band Class C LLRW will be disposed of at the Waste Control Specialists (:NCS) facility in Andrews, Texas.
Occupational dose will be limited to 5 rem/year total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) as required by 10 CFR 20.1201 (a)(1 )(i) and will be administratively controlled as specified in the Radiation Protection Program to a lower value to ensure that personnel do not exceed regulatory limits. TMl-2 Solutions has developed a Radiation Protection Program that addresses occupational dose administrative limits. The implementation of administrative limits ensures compliance with regulatory limits for occupational dose. It is also anticipated that administrative practices will result in equitable distribution of TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 35 of 52 dose among available qualified workers to ensure collective dose to the work force is maintained ALARA. Dose estimates and tracking of accumulated occupational dose will be an integral part of the radiological work planning process during Phase 1 b. As planning for the Phase 1 b scope of source term reduction progresses, planners will develop detailed source. term removal plans for each cubicle or component of the plant using current radiological survey data, plant drawings and walk down information.
TMl-2 Solutions has and will continue to evaluate occupational dose impacts as new data are collected during Phase 1 b activities. Administrative controls, as well as the use of advanced technologies will ensure that potential impacts of radiological dose to workers will be small.
6.1.8.2 Phase 2 Occupational Dose The goal of Phase 1 bis to reduce source term and remove FBM to the extent where general area dose rates approximate those in an undamaged reactor facility nearing the end of its operating life. Therefore, following the completion of Phase 1 b, decommissioning activities performed during Phase 2 represents an undamaged reactor decontamination and dismantlement. Because the ALARA program continues to reduce occupational doses, the 2002 GEIS is expected to bound occupational dose impacts for workers during Phase 2.
In much the same manner as Phase 1 b, occupational dose to workers during Phase 2 will be limited to 5 rem/year TEDE as required by 10 CFR 20.1201 (a)(1 )(i) and will be administratively controlled to a lower value to ensure that personnel do not exceed regulatory limits. TMl-2 Solutions' Radiation Protection Program addresses occupational dose administrative limits. The implementation of administrative limits ensures compliance with regulatory limits for occupational dose. It is also anticipated that administrative practices will result in equitable distribution of dose among available qualified workers to ensure collective dose to the work force is maintained ALARA.
Dose estimates and tracking of accumulated occupational dose will be an integral part of the radiological work planning process during Phase 2.
TMl-2 Solutions will continue to evaluate occupational dose impacts as planning for Phase 2 proceeds and as new data are collected during Phases 1 b and Phase 2 activities. Administrative controls, as well as the use of advanced technologies will ensure that potential impacts of radiological dose to workers during Phase 2 will be small.
TMl-2 Solutions has elected to decommission the TMl-2 facility using the DECON method. It is expected that the occupational dose required to complete the decommissioning activities at TMl-2 will be within the range of the cumulative occupational dose estimates for decommissioning PWR plants of 560-1215 person-rem provided in Table 4-1 of the GEIS. At the commencement of Phase 2 decommissioning, the TMl-2 facility will generally be in a similar radiological condition as would a plant at the end of its operational life. Therefore TMl-2 is bounded by the PWRs evaluated in TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 36 of 52 the GEIS. The Radiation Protection Program and associated implementing procedures ensures that occupational dose is maintained ALARA and well within 10 CFR Part 20 limits. There are no unique characteristics at TMl-2 in Phase 2 that would invalidate this conclusion.
6.1.8.3 Public Dose Section 4.3.8 of the GEIS considers doses from liquid and gaseous effluents when evaluating the potential impacts of decommissioning activities on the public. Table G-15 of the GEIS compared effluent releases between operating facilities and decommissioning facilities and concluded that decommissioning releases are lower.
The GEIS also concluded that the collective dose and the dose to the maximally exposed individuai'from decommissioning activities are expected to be well within the regulatory standards in 10 CFR Part 20 and Part 50.
Prior to the March 28, 1979 accident at Unit 2, there was no detectable radiological impact due to the nom,al operation of either unit. From March 28, 1979 on, there were some transient, low level increases in the immediate radioenvironment. The increases were.limited to iodine-131 in air and milk, and the gamma immersion dose. The '
average incremental radiological doses associated with radioactivity increases along critical pathways were:
Inhalation of airborne iodine-131 resulted in about 1.38 mrem to the adult thyroid; ingestion of iodine-131 in cows' milk resulted in about 0.67 mrem to the infant thyroid, and the gamma immersion dose resulted in about 2.4 mrem to the adult There were no detectable increases found in the local off-site radioenvironment due to the accident after April 12, 1979, for gamma immersion dose, May 19, 1979, for iodine-131 in cows' milk, and May 3, 1979, for iodine-131 in air.
The expected radiation dose to the public from TMl-2 decommissioning activities will be maintained within regulatory limits through the continued application of the TMl-2 Radiation Protection Program and associated implementing procedures as well as contamination controls combined with the reduced source tern, available in the facility.
Section 4.3.8 in the GEIS states that radionuclide emissions in gaseous and liquid effluents are reduced in facilities undergoing decommissioning. A review of the Annual Reports of environmental monitoring at TMl-2 for the years from 1979 through 2019 demonstrate that radioactivity levels in the offsite environment are not measurably increasing', and that the operation of TMINS had no adverse radiological impact on the environment. It is reasonable to expect that public doses during decommissioning would also be well within such limits. Therefore, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that the impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning on public dose are small and are bounded by the GEIS.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 37 of 52 6.1.8.4 Conclusion TMl-2 Solutions concludes that radiological impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning are small for the following reasons:
During Phase 1 b the TMl-2 Radiation Protection Program and associated implementing procedures will ensure th?t dose at the site boundary remain below regulatory limits. Implementation of these procedures take into account detailed work planning and execution of the D&D work and support activities, including measures to maintain occupational dose ALARA and below the occupational dose limits in 10 CFR Part 20 during decommissioning.
At the conclusion of Phase 1 b decommissioning, and prior to the commencement of Phase 2 decommissioning, the TMl-2 facility will generally be in a similar radiological condition as would a plant at the end of its operational life. Therefore TMl-2 is bounded by the PWRs evaluated in the GEIS. The GEIS generic evaluation of radiological impacts applies to an undamaged PWR. Both occupational dose and public dose should be similar to those of other PWR plants, indicating that TMl-2 doses in Phase 2 are typical.
Deferred or delayed decommissioning as in the case of PDMS allows for radionuclides to decay over time, resulting in less dose at the time of decommissioning.
Public doses during TMl-2 PDMS operations have been well within the NRC-established public dose limits and are reasonably expected to decrease during decommissioning.
Therefore, TMl-2 Solutions further concludes that the radiological impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning are bounded by the analysis in the PEIS for Phase 1 b and by the GEIS for Phase 2.
6.1.9 Radiological Accidents Section 4.3.9 in the GEIS examined a range of radiological accidents hypothetically possible during the decommissioning period. These included anticipated operational occurrences, nonnuclear fuel-related accidents, and nuclear fuel-related accidents.
NRC determined that many of these accidents had been previously analyzed in environmental reviews for the operation of the plant. The GEIS concludes that impacts of radiological accidents of all types applicable to decommissioning activities are small.
Given their potential to result in offsite doses, the GEIS considered spent fuel accidents of most concern for decommissioning. Once in dry cask storage, however, spent fuel management is no longer within the scope of decommissioning environmental review because NRC evaluated the environmental impacts of continued spent fuel storage for all nuclear power plants in NUREG-2157, "Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Continued Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel" (Reference 23). Consequently, the only accidents of importance to offsite doses during decommissioning are those involving spent nuclear fuel in the spent fuel pool. Spent fuel pool accidents would no longer be applicable after the spent fuel is moved to dry cask storage.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 38 of 52 There is no spent fuel being stored in a spent fuel pool at TMl-2. The TMl-2 facility is in a defueled condition; 99% of the fuel has been removed from the site and is being safely stored in an ISFSI at the Idaho National Laboratory. There are no design basis accidents (DBA) associated with TMl-2 and the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of a DBA are not applicable to TMl-2.
A fire inside of containment with the Reactor Building purge in operation is the applicable unanticipated radiological accident in Phase 1 a (PDMS).
GPU Nuclear performed an unanticipated events analysis as presented in Appendix H, Section 8.2 of the PDMS Safety Analysis Report (SAR). The purpose of the analysis was to detem,ine the unanticipated event that produces the bounding radiological dose at the site boundary during PDMS. This provides the measure upon which to ensure that any activity performed during PDMS will not exceed the radiological dose at the site boundary. The guidance of NUREG/CR-2601 "Technology, Safety and Costs of Decommissioning Reference Light Water Reactors following Postulated Accidents,"
(Reference 24) was used as the basis for the selection of the unanticipated events that were analyzed. The results of this analysis indicate that a fire in the Reactor Building with the Reactor Building purge system in operation is the unanticipated event that produces the bounding radiological dose at the site boundary during Phase 1 a (PDMS).
No major decommissioning activities will occur during Phase 1 a. Therefore, an unanticipated event involving a major fraction of the remaining inventory of radionuclides is not likely.
The fire inside of the Reactor Building with the Reactor Building ventilation and purge in operation was evaluated by the NRC as part of the Exelon request for exemption from portions of 10 CFR 50.47 and 10 CFR 50, Appendix E (Reference 25). Per the TMl-2 Fire Protection Program Evaluation (FPPE) (Reference 26) which was used as an input to the exemption request, the dose at the exclusion area boundary is 13.5 mrem expressed as a bone dose. Due to the isotopic mix (e.g., negligible amounts of iodine) and the nature of potential releases (i.e., particulate matter), a more restrictive basis (i.e., the critical organ) for comparison was selected for reporting dose for TM.I-2 fires.
The results of the NRC evaluation confim, the conclusions presented in the PDMS Safety Analysis Report. The TMl-2 facility would not have consequences that could potentially exceed the applicable dose limits in 10 CFR 100.11 and 10 CFR 50.67 and the dose acceptance criteria in Regulatory Guide 1.183 "Alternative Radiological Source Terms for Evaluating Design Basis Accidents at Nuclear Power Reactors" (Reference 27). The analysis demonstrates that 365 days after pem,anent cessation of power operations, the radiological consequences of the analyzed unanticipated event will not exceed the limits of the EPA early phase Protective Action Guides (PAGs) at the Exclusion Area Boundary (EAB). The NRC approved the exemption request to eliminate offsite emergency response (Reference 28) in part based upon the FPPE (Reference 26). As stated in Reference 28 the NRC staff concluded that granting the requested exemptions to Constellation would provide reasonable assurance that an offsite TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 39 of 52 radiological release will not exceed the limits of the EPA PAGs at the site's exclusion area boundary for remaining applicable design-basis accidents. The summary of the NRC analysis of this event relative to dose at the site boundary is presented in Reference 28.
After the issuance of Reference 28, Revision 12 of the FPPE (Reference 26) was revised and reissued as Revision 13 (Reference 29). Revision 13 of the FPPE uses updated source term information which accounts for 26 years of decay (1992 through 2018) as well as accounting for additional loose contamination. Federal Guidance Reports 11 and 12 are applied for dose conversion factors. TMl-2 issued a comprehensive revision of FPPE Revision 13 (Reference 29) to reflect the transition from Constellation to ESJ responsibility, creating Revision O of the new FPPE, TMl2-FP-EVA-0001 (Reference 44).
The results presented in Reference 29 indicate that the fire inside of the Reactor Building with the Reactor Building ventilation and purge in operation remains the most limiting unanticipated event and that the dose at the exclusion area boundary is 12.4 mrem expressed as a bone dose which is less than 13.5 mrem as reported in Reference 28. The dose at the site boundary does not exceed the limits presented in 10 CFR 100.11 and the EPA PAGs.
Prior to performing any major decommissioning activities, an analysis of credible accidents that may occur during Phase 1 b was performed in order to determine the limiting radiological dose at the site boundary.
Reference 12 contained an evaluation of a high integrity container (HIC) fire. This evaluation considered the activity released from a HIC containing expended resins, assumed an unfiltered release for a 2-hour duration fire and 100 percent combustion of the contents of the HIC. Per Reference 39, this event is no longer possible as TMl-2 Solutions will use inorganic, thus non-combustible, media for processing water at TMl-2.
Reference 39 contains an updated TMl-2 Event Analysis which includes a*variety of events selected for further review to assess a bounding event for TMl-2 during DEGON.
The TMl-2 Event Analysis confirms that the 100 mrem Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) at the Exclusion Area Boundary will not be exceeded, and that the most limiting event is a fire in the TMl-2 Reactor Building while the Reactor Building purge is operating at the nominal flowrate through the entire duration of the fire. All fire zones in the Reactor Building were analyzed with respect to resultant off-site dose. The calculated result of an off-site dose from a puff release without benefit of the HEPA filters was determined to be 14.6 mrem (Reference 42).
There are no postulated accidents that can occur inside of the Reactor Building during Phase 1 b or Phase 2 that result in the dose at the site boundary exceeding the limits of 10 CFR 100.11 and the EPA PAGs including such times as when the enlarged equipment hatch is open to allow movement of equipment, waste, and other materials into and out of the Reactor Building. The Radiation Protection Program identifies the TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 40 of 52 controls that will be implemented through procedures during D&D activities occurring inside of the Reactor Building. Implementation of these procedures take into account detailed work planning, and execution of the D&D work and support activities, including measures to maintain occupational dose ALARA and below the occupational dose limits in 10 CFR Part 20 during decommissioning.
TMl-2 Solutions concludes that radiological accident impacts of decommissioning activities at TMl-2 would be small and are bounded by the analysis in the GEIS. TMl-2 Solutions knows of no unique features or conditions at TMl-2 that would lead to a conclusion concerning radiological accidents different than that reached in the GEIS.
6.1.10 Occupational Issues Section 4.3.10 of the GEIS concluded that impacts due to occupational issues would be small for all plants based on strict adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards, practices, and procedures.
TMl-2 decommissioning will be conducted under a comprehensive non-radiological safety and health program meeting OSHA, NRC, and TMl-2 Solutions procedural requirements. Historically, the nuclear power industry has lower rates of injuries and illnesses than other industries. Demolition of the TMl-2 cooling towers may involve the use of explosives. NRC considered the use of explosives during decommissioning and specifically mentioned the hazards of fugitive dust and noise levels from blasting in Sections 0.1.3 and 0.1.14 of the GEIS. As discussed in Section 6.1.4, PADEP regulates the use of explosives, requiring their use be designed to minimize hazards to workers and the public. Blasting activities would take place under the control of licensed personnel and the blasting activities would be subject to state issued permits that ensure the activity can be conducted safely. OSHA regulations for worker protection would also ensure that the appropriate worker protection programs such as a respiratory protection plan and hearing protection plan were in place.
The TMl-2 site-specific decommissioning plan poses no unique hazards from what was evaluated in the GEIS. Accordingly, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that anticipated impacts resulting from non-radiological occupational issues during TMl-2 decommissioning are small and thus bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
6.1.11 Cost A site-specific decommissioning cost analysis is presented in Section 5.0. Section 4.3.11 of the GEIS recognizes that an evaluation of decommissioning cost is not a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirement. Therefore, a bounding analysis is not applicable.
6.1.12 Socioeconomics Section 4.3.12 of the GEIS evaluated changes in workforce and population changes, changes in local tax revenue, and changes in public services. The GEIS concluded that TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 41 of 52 socioeconomic impacts are neither detectable nor destabilizing and that mitigation measures are not warranted. TMl-2 ceased operations in 1979 and has been maintained in a PDMS condition since December 1993 by a limited workforce currently provided by Constellation under a monitoring services agreement.
The results of the TMl-1 socioeconomic analysis state that impacts to socioeconomic resources as a result of TMl-1 decommissioning are small and bounded by the analysis in the GEIS (Reference 11). Considering TMl-2 has been in PDMS for approximately 29 years the impact upon socioeconomic resources while maintaining the PDMS condition are considered small relative to the results of TMl-1 socioeconomic analysis.
Furthermore, the workforce associated with TMl-2 decommissioning at its highest is small, less than 200 individuals, as compared to the last two TMl-1 refueling outages (T1 R22 (2017) 936 contractors badged, T1 R21 (2015) 1705 contractors badged) and not expected to destabilize housing prices or impact tax revenues as discussed in the TMl-1 socioeconomic analysis. Therefore, based on the findings summarized above, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that impacts to socioeconomic resources from TMl-2 decommissioning would be small and thus bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
6.1.13 Environmental Justice Section 4.3.13 of the GEIS determined environmental justice to be an environmental impact area for which no generic conclusion could be determined due to its site-specific nature. Therefore, the GEIS indicates that site-specific assessments for each decommissioning nuclear power plant must be prepared.
Since TMl-2 occupies the same operational area as TMl-1, and in consideration of the proximity of TMl-1 to TMl-2, it is concluded that the results of the site-specific assessment of environmental justice prepared by Exelon (Reference 30) for TMl-1 is applicable to TMl-2.
The Exelon site-specific assessment of TMl-1 examined the geographic distribution of minority and low-income populations within a 50-mile radius of TMINS using the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Census block groups containing minority populations were identified and were concentrated in the larger metropolitan areas of Harrisburg, Reading, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York. The nearest minority population blocks are located southeast of Harrisburg, about 5-6 miles northwest of TMINS. Census block groups containing low-income populations were concentrated in the cities of Harrisburg, Reading, Lancaster, and York. The nearest low-income populations are located southeast of Harrisburg, about 5-6 miles northwest of TMINS.
The site-specific assessment performed for TMl-1, determined that decommissioning impacts to all resource areas would be small, indicating that the effects are not detectable or are so minor that they will neither destabilize nor noticeably alter any important attribute of the resource. Because no member of the public will be substantially affected, there can be no disproportionately high and adverse impact or effects on minority and low-income populations resulting from the decommissioning TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
of TMl-1. to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 42 of 52 TMl-2 Solutions concurs with the results of Exelon's analysis and therefore concludes that the effects of decommissioning TMl-2 are not detectable or are so minor that they will neither destabilize nor noticeably alter any important *attribute of the resource*. Because no member of the public will be substantially affected, there can be no disproportionately high and adverse impact or effects on minority and low-income populations resulting from the decommissioning of TMl-2.
6.1.14 Cultura*I, Histc;>ric, and Archeological Res~urces Section*4.3.14 of the GEIS determined that potential effects of decommissioning *on
- cultural, historical and archaeological re*soqrces would be small for all plants when the
- decommissioning activities are co*nfined to the operational area. However, impacts outside the. operational area "must.be determined through site-specific analysis." TMl-2 Solutions anticipa~es that decommissioning activities will.take place wi~hin the T~l:-2
. operational area, except for the possible excavation of fill from onsite areas outside of the operational area to backfill the foundations of buildings and structures after demolition.
In Section 4.3.14.2 of the GEIS, NRC noted the potentiai for 'the nuclear'facility itself to be potentially eligible fqr inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP),
especially if it is older than 50 years and re*presents a significant historic or engineering achiev.ement.' TMl-2 is a typical mid-twentieth.century light water reactor. The design, engineering processes, and construction of TMl-2 are* unexceptional and lacking a'ny major e'ngineering innovations. The engineering drawings from the station will be
- archived by records management until decommissioning is complete.
Extensive documentatjon *and educational informatio'n are p,ub.licly accessible on the
- 1979 accident at TMl-2.4 TMl-2 Solutions will ensure retention of records related to the TMl-2 *accident for the period commencing March 28, 1979 through April 4, 1979 in accordance with NRC Orders.arid the Records Exemption granted by the NRC (R~ferences 46 and 47). TMl-2 Solutions has facilitated a. donation of approximately 200 videotapes from the PDMS Library to the Pennsylvania State Archives for digitizati(?n and public access. TMl-2 has also agreed that, following completion of decommissioning and license terminati.on, the rights *and title* to the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Collection of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library will be transferred to The Pennsylvania State University Libraries.
TMl-2 was classified as a historic structure eligible for listing on the NRHP in 2010 (Reference 31 ). In Reference 32, TMl-2 Solutions acknowledged that TMl-2 is a historic site.and that cultur~I resources exist on Three* Mile Island and requested input from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) regarding concerns that should be considered in the assessment. Reference 33 presents the SHPO response. TMl-2 4 For example, the NRG Knowledge Management Portal for the Three Mile Island Unit 2 Accident of 1979 accessible at https://tmi2kml.inl.gov.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 43 of 52
.
- Solutions is coordinating with the SHPO to detem,ine which documents, models and
-artifacts should be preserved and turned over to state historic collectipns to ensure.
mitigation *of impacts to the TMl-2 historic. structures during decommissioning. This includes revising the TMl-2 Historic Resource Survey Fom, for the TMl-2 district
- (Reference 31 )-and portion of the PA railroad spur, which.TMl-2 Solutions will submit to the NRC under separate cover when finaliz~d.
- TMl-2 Solutions previously. stated that demolition of TMl-2 *st~uctures eligible for the NRHP ~ould have a large environmental impact as defined in 1°0 CFR Part 51 *Appendix B to Subpart A,. However, the decommissioning GEIS concludes that decommissioning activities that could have cultural impacts are limited to s.tabilization with regards to rewiring o_f the site to el,iminate unneeded electrical circuits, larg,e component removal, and decontamination and dismantlement phases of DEGON, specifically removal of contaminated soil from specific areas, if discovered. As noted in Section 4.3.. 14.3, activities condl,lcted within the operational area are not expected to have a detectable *
.effect on important cultural resources because these.areas-have normally been highly degraded during facility construction and operation. Be~use TMl:-2 Solutions plans to
- conduct such activities within the operational area and will establish a Cultural_
Resources Protection Plan to en-sure continued stewardship of cultural resources on Three Mile Island, the environmental impact will be small. TMl-2 wili'submit a License Termination Plan that covers requirements of 10 CFR 50.82 in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9).
Because TMl-1.and TMl-2 are located within the* same *operational area with virtually iden'tical resources, TMl-2 Solution~ benefits from previous historic and arch~eological database searches. Information provided in Exelon's TMl-1 PSDAR (Reference 30),
reports locations of inventoried resources on the island and within an approxim~tely 6-mile radius.
. One archaeological site within* the TMl-1 and*TMl-2 operational area (!dentified on the NRHP as 36DA50) is believed to remain intact. The site is north of the access road at the northern end of the operational area. its eligibility for listing on the NRHP is categorized as undetermined due to insufficient information, presumably due to uncertainty about its current condition.*
Six archaeological sites are locate9 on-the central ano southern portions of Three Mile Island outside the TMl-1 and TMl-2 operational area but within the TMINS property boundary. In* 2016, one of these archaeological sites (36DA 100) was determined tq be eligible for the NRHP. That site is ~t the south end.of the island near the South Access Road; Another archaeological site (36DA98) is immediately south of the operational area in a location used for staging and soil borrowing during construction of the station, and it was likely removed by those construction activities. A third site (36DA51) has been detem,ined to be not eligible for listing, and three more sites (36DA99, 36DA 101,
and 36DA235) are considered unevaluated due to insufficient infom,ation.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 44 of 52 Beyond Three Mile Island operational area, but within a 6-mile radius, there are 13 properties currently listed on the NRHP and 32 NRHP-eligible properties. One property, a section of the Pennsylvania Railroad Main Line linear historic district, lies 0.4 miles away from TMl-1 and TMl-2 and the remaining properties* are more than 1 mile away.
c*onste!lation deyeloped a map assessing the archaeo_logical potential of the entirety of T~ree Mile Island. The map depicts much of the island as either disturbed due to construction of the station or as having low potential due to distance from river channels
- anq redu~d likelihood of deep, Holocene epoch alluvia.I deposits. The perimeter of the island, including the northern*end within* the TMINS operational area where one site is located, and the southern end, where four sites occur, has high archaeological potential.
Away from the shoreline, th~ southern' end :of the island has moderate archaeological potential, including areas adjoining the TMl-1 operational*area along the South Access Road.,
It' is anticipated that backfill for demolished building and structure foundations will be sourced from onsite demolition activities. If additional clean fill is. needed, it could be obtc;tined from onsite within or beyond the operational area. Prior to excavating backfill outside* of the operational area, TMl-2 Solutions y..,ill develop an Archaeological Resources-Monitoring Plan which will provide protocols for evaluating the area's archaeological sen'sitivity to ensure continued stewardship of cultural resources on
- Three Mile Island. In addition, procedures will provide direction and contact infom,ation should an unanticipated cultural resource be encountered.
Use of explosives for demolition of the natural draft cooling towers* is anticipated and will be in accordance with applicable PADEP reg.ulations (25 Pa. Code §211) and best
- I.
management practices and will seek to minimize the g~neration of fugitive dust, avoiding* possible adverse effects to historic properties. PADEP regulations for use of explosives also limit peak particle velocities to minimize ground vibration that could *
- . damage structures. Demolition of the natural draft cooling towers will be perfom,ed in acco,rdance with* regulatory limits, but also by use of innovative techniques that will be carefully planned, reviewed and executed under controlled conditions. The collapse of the towers is not expected to adversely affect ClJrrently identified historic properties.
Based on the findings discussed above, TMl-2 Solutions concludes,that impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning to cultural, historical, and archaeological resources, including those from possible excavation of fill material within the TMINS boundaries but outside of the operational area, a.re small.
6.1.15 Aesthetic Issues In Section 4.3.15 of the GEIS, the NRG singles out st~ucture dismantlement and
,entombment as the only activities that m~y have impacts on aesthetic resources. The aesthetic impacts of decommissioning fall into two categories: (a) impacts, such as noise, associated with decommissioning activities that are temporary and cease when decommissioning is complete and (b) the changed appearance of the site when decommissioning is complete. NRC drew the generi,c conclusion that for all plants, the TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 45 of 52 potential impacts from decommissioning on aesthetics are sr:nall and that the removal of structures is gene*rally considered beneficial to the aesthetics of the site.
. During TMl.:2 decommissioning, the impact of noise and dust would b~ temporary and controlled to minimize impacts. The appeara,nce of TMl-2 will be altered *as the buildings and structures are dismantled. There are clear views of the plant from the Susquehanna River and of the taller str'uctures from the mainland. The visual. intrusion during dismantlement would be temporary and would serve to *reduce the aesthetic impact of the site*. Therefore, TMl-2 Solutions concludes*that the impacts of TM'"-2 decommissioning on aesthetics are small and generally considered beneficial: Thus, such impacts are bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
6~1.16 Noise Section*4:3.16 of the GEIS generically examined noise puring decommissioning*,
concluding that noise impacts would be small,.
Decommissioning activities would be comparable to the initial construction of the plant.
Section 4.3 of the operations phase Environmental Report (ER) for T,Ml-2* (Reference 34).
characterizes the construction activity as normal sounds from heavy equipment and the work.accompar:,ying a large construction proj~ct. The' ER notes that the remote locati'on of the site m,inimizes the effect of n'oise on the p'ublic.
N RC also considered the higher noise levels of demolition* methods including use of pneumatic drills or explosives and concluded that environmental effects may be minimized by proper scheduling due to the ~hart duration and isolated use of such methods. The consideratio*n of these higher noise activities in Section 0.1.4 of the GEIS did not alter NRC's conclusion that it is unlikely that.the noise associated with most decommissioning activities will be of sufficie.nt strength to be environmentally detectable or to destabilize the environment. In addition, PADEP has established regulatory limits for a_irblast (i.e.,. audible and in-audible airborne vibration energy) from th_e use of explosive*s, requires a PADEP~issued pem,it for blasting, and requires that blasting activities take place under the control of licensed personnel*.
Decommissi6,:iing activities will be primarily limited to previously disturbed. land surrounding the power block and isolated from both wildlife and members of the public.
The noise levels associated with the decommissionfng activities are not expected to be any more severe than during the initial construction of the station or refueling outages and are not expected to present an audible intrusion on the surrounding community and environment. Higher noise levels may occur* during the demolition of the cooling towers, but that activity will be limited in duration.
Therefore,, because TMl-2 decommissioning activities are of the typ~ previously considered by NRC and TMl-2 has no site-specific conditions that would alter the NRC's prior findings, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that the noise impacts from decommissioning activities would be small and thus bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
6.1.17 Transportation to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 46 of 52
- In Section-4.3:17 of the GEIS*, NRC states that its "... regulations are adequate to protect the public against unreasonable risk from the transportation of radioactive materials."
Therefore, the effects of transportation of radioactive waste on public health and safety are considered to be neither detectable nor destabilizing. TMl-2 will comply with NRC and Department of Transportation regulations for shipments of radioactive waste from TMl-2 decommissioning.
The GEIS analyzes radiological shipments of waste from decommissioning and
- calculates incident-free doses and *Iatent-cancer fatalities to crew, the public along 'the route, and onlookers. The GEIS also-calculates the collective dose for radiological accidents during transportation. The calculated impacts are closely related to the distance shipped, volumes shipped, and activity levels. The estimated volumes of LLRW associated with TMl:.2 decommissioning are summarized in Table 6-2 usi.ng waste type's from the GEIS, TABLE 6-2 Estimated Radioactive Waste Associated with TMl-2 De~bmmissioning Waste Class Volume (cf)
Cla*ss A 4,200,000 Class B & C 17,000 Class A wastes will be shipped to the EnergySo/utions disposal site in.Utah and Class s*
and C wastes will be shipped to the Waste Control Specialists facility in Andrews, Texas. Approximately 99% of all wastes will be shipped to the disposal site via rail. As stated in the GEIS "shipment of spent fuel by rail red.uces the radiological impacts*
significantly (more than a factor of 10 for shipments *from the,northeast to Nevada).
Similar reductions would be expected in the radiological impacts of the shipment of LLW from decommissioning if shipments were made by rail *rather th.an by truck.".
If radiological impacts alone are considered, the conclusions in the GEIS would bound the impacts of transportation of radioactive waste from TMl-2 decommissioning. The TMl-2 waste shipments would travel shorter distances than were analyzed in the GEIS.
For TMl-2, the volumes would be lower for both high-activity and low-activity waste than.
the waste volumes NRC considered in the GEIS ana~sis.
Section 4.3.17 of the GEIS recognizes non-radiological impacts of transportation to include' increased traffic, wear and tear on area roadways, and increased traffic accidents from both radiological and non-radiological' transport, including that for hazardous waste. NRC concluded that transporting materials to and from a decommissioning site would not significantly impact the overall traffic volume or compromise the safety of the public. TMl-2's waste shipments are* not expected to be TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities. Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 47 of 52 large enough in number to have a detectable or destabilizing effect on traffic flow or road wear. The number of workers during the decommissioning phases is expected to be below the number of temporary workers supporting Exelon during TMl-1 refueling outages as noted in Section 6.1.12. Consequently, challenges to the existing transportation infrastructure are not expected. Furthermore, the combination of radioactive shipments, non-radioactive shipments, and other transportation will occur over an extended time and will not result in significant changes to public safety or the transportation infrastructure.
The GEIS concludes that both non-radiological and radiological impacts of decommissioning transportation are small. No unique features or site-specific conditions are present at TMl-2 that would alter these NRC prior findings. Therefore, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that transportation impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning are small and thus bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
6.1.18 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commlbnent of Resources Section 4.3.18 of the GEIS generically concluded that the impacts of decommissioning on irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources are small. Given that TMl-2 would be decommissioned to radiological standards for unrestricted release, the land will be available for other uses. Furthermore, the materials and fuel consumed during TMl-2 decommissioning would be minor. The decommissioning of TMl-2 would generate radioactive waste and non-radiological waste requiring land disposal. Land devoted to radioactive waste disposal sites or industrial landfills was not within the scope of the GEIS because such commitments are addressed in the licensing documents for the disposal sites. Therefore, TMl-2 Solutions concludes that the impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning on irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources would be small and thus bounded by the analysis in the GEIS.
6.2 Environmental Impacts of License Termination A License Tem,ination Plan (L TP) for TMl-i will be developed and L TP will include a supplemental review of environmental impacts describing any new infom,ation or significant environmental change associated with the proposed tem,ination activities.
Although the L TP, including a supplemental environmental review, need not be prepared and submitted until a minimum of two years prior to the anticipated license tem,ination date, as required by 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9), the absence of any unique site-specific factors, significant groundwater contamination, unusual demographics, or impediments to achieving unrestricted release indicate that impacts resulting from TMl-2 license termination will be similar to those evaluated in NUREG-1496 (Reference 18).
TMl-2 Solutions is planning to submit the L TP to the NRC by the end of 2027.
6.3 Additional Considerations The following considerations are relevant to concluding that TMl-2 decommissioning activities prior to license tem,ination will not result in significant environmental impacts not previously reviewed:
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 48 of 52 Continued compliance with radiological release and dose regulatory limits and adherence to plant procedures for monitoring.
Continued site access control to minimize or eliminate radiation release pathways to the public.
Transport of radioactive waste in accordance with plant procedures, applicable Federal regulations, and the requirements of the receiving facility.
Continued adherence to ALARA principles during decommissioning and compliance with occupational dose limits.
Continued compliance with applicable regulations and permit conditions.
Continued storage of FBM in accordance with license conditions and plant procedures.
The following considerations are also relevant to concluding that decommissioning activities will not result in significant environmental impacts not previously reviewed.
Significant cleanup of the TMl-2 facility has already been completed with approximately 99% of the fuel debris removed and shipped to INEEL.
Radiation protection techniques and technology have advanced since the plant entered PDMS in 1993 and are expected to significantly reduce occupational exposure.
6.4 Conclusion TMl-2 Solutions has performed an environmental review to evaluate environmental impacts associated with decommissioning activities; confirming that the anticipated or potential impacts are within the bounds of the NRC prepared PEIS (References 6,7, 8, and 9) during Phase 1 bas well as the generic impacts that NRC described in the GEIS (Reference 11 ).
This evaluation indicates that TMl-2 decommissioning activities fall within the range of decommissioning activities considered by NRC in the PEIS and GEIS. There are no unique aspects of the plant or the expected decommissioning techniques that would invalidate the conclusions of the PEIS or GEIS. The evaluation indicates that the impacts of TMl-2 decommissioning are bounded by the GEIS's assessment for those environmental issues for which NRC made generic determinations. For the areas where a site-specific assessment was required, the anticipated impacts from TMl-2 decommissioning were determined to be small and bounded by the plant's FES. In addition, after decommissioning plans mature and before decommissioning activities occur that either could be potentially impactful to an environmental resource for which a site-specific assessment was required or would be otherwise inconsistent with those actions or activities described in the PSDAR, TMl-2 Solutions will notify the NRC in writing and seek appropriate environmental review in accordance with applicable NRC regulations.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
- 7. REFERENCES to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 49 of 52
- 1. Halnon, G.H. (GPU Nuclear, Inc.), Sauger J. (TMl-2 Solutions LLC) letter TMl 112 "Application for Order Approving License Transfer and Conforming License Amendments," (ML19325C600) dated November 12, 2019.
- 2. Letter from USNRC to Sauger, J. (TMl-2 Solutions, LLC), "Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit No. 2-- Issuance of Amendment No. 64 Re: Order Approving Transfer of License and Conforming License Amendment (EPID L-2019-LLA-0257)," (ML20352A381) dated December 18, 2020.
- 3. Pace, D. L. (GPU Nuclear) to NRC letter, "Notification of Intent to Submit a Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report," (ML12235A227) dated August 14, 2012.
- 4. Camper, L. W. (NRC) to Pace, D. L. (GPU Nuclear) letter, "Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2 (TMl-2) - Failure to Submit Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report-Non-cited Violation (Docket: 05000320),"
(ML12349A291) dated February 13, 2013.
- 5. Masnik, M. T. (NRC) to Long, R. L. (GPU Nuclear) letter, "Issuance of Amendment No. 45 for Facility Operating License No. DPR-73 to Possession Only License for Three Mile Island Nuclear Station Unit 2 (TAC No. ML69115),"
dated September 14, 1993.
- 6. NUREG-0683 "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2," Volume 1 and Volume 2, dated March 1981.
- 7. NUREG-0683 Supplement 1, "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2,"
(Occupational Radiation Dose), dated October 1984.
- 8. NUREG-0683 Supplement 2, "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2," (Disposal of Accident-Generated Water), June 1987.
- 9. NUREG-0683, Supplement 3, "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Related to Decontamination and Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Resulting from March 28, 1979 Accident Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2," Supplement 3, (Post-Defueling Monitored Storage and Subsequent Cleanup) dated August 1989.
- 10. Halnon, G.H. (GPU Nuclear, Inc.), "Notification of Amended Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) for Three Mile Island, Unit 2 in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(7)," Revision 3 (ML20013E535) dated December 12, 2019.
- 11. NUREG-0586, "Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities: Supplement 1, Volumes 1 TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 50 of 52 (ML023470304) and 2 (ML023470323), Regarding the Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Reactors," (GEIS)" dated November 2002.
- 12. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2021-0002 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions)
"License Amendment Request - Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications," dated February 19, 2021.
- 13. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Regulatory Guide 1.179, "Standard Format and Content of License Termination Plans for Nuclear Power Reactors,"
(ML19128A067) dated July 2019.
- 14. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NUREG-1575, "Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM)," (ML003761445) dated August 2000.
- 15. Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Technical Report 07-07, "Industry Groundwater Protection Initiative - Final Guidance Document," August 2007.
- 16. van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USN RC, letter TMl2-RA-COR-2021-0003 "TM 1-2 Solutions Plan for Management of Debris Material," dated March 15, 2021.
- 17. Halnon, G.H. (GPU Nuclear, Inc.) to USNRC, letter TMl-19-003 "Decommissioning Funding Status Report for the Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2," (ML19087A153) dated March 28, 2019.
- 18. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NUREG-1496, "Generic Environmental Impact Statement in Support of Rulemaking on Radiological Criteria for License Termination of NRG-Licensed Nuclear Facilities," July 1997 (ML042310492).
- 19. Atomic Energy Commission, "Final Environmental Statement Related to the Operation of Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2," Dated December 8, 1972 (Included as Appendix B of Reference 16) (Referred to as the FES).
- 20. N UREG-0112, "Final Supplement to the Final Environmental Statement Related to the Operation of Three Mile Island Nuclear Station Unit 2," December 1976 (ML080090250) (Referred to as the Final Supplement to the FES).
- 21. Wildlife Habitat Council, "Site Assessment and Wildlife Management
,Opportunities Report for Constellation Corporation's Three Mile Island Generating Station," October 2005.
- 22. Exelon Corporation, TMI Environmental Department, "Three Mile Island Wildlife Management Plan," 2015.
- 23. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NUREG-2157 Vol. 1, "Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Continued Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel,"
September 2014 (ML14196A105).
- 24. NUREG/CR-2601 "Technology, Safety and Costs of Decommissioning Reference Light Water Reactors following Postulated Accidents" (ML14023A051), dated December 1990.
- 25. Gallagher, M. P. (Exelon Generation Company, LLC) to USNRC, "Request for Exemptions from Portions of 10 CFR 50.47 and 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix E,"
(ML19182A104), dated July 1, 2019.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 51 of 52
- 26. 90-3017, "Three Mile Island Unit No. 2 Fire Protection Program Evaluation,"
Revision 12, dated May 18, 2018.
- 27. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Regulatory Guide 1.183, Revision 0, "Alternative Radiological Source Terms for Evaluating Design Basis Accidents at Nuclear Power Reactors," dated July 2000 (ML003716792).
- 28. SECY-20-0041, "Request by Exelon Generation Company, LLC for Exemptions from Certain Emergency Planning Requirements for the Three Mile Island Nuclear Station," (ML19311C763) dated May 5, 2020.
- 29. 90-3017, "Three Mile Island Unit No. 2 Fire Protection Program Evaluation, Revision 13, dated February 2, 2020.
- 30. Gallagher M.P. (Exelon Nuclear.), "Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 1 -
Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report," Revision 1 (ML19095A041) dated April 5, 2019.
- 31. Nagle, C. L., "Historic Resource Survey Fom,, Three Mile Island Unit 2,"
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Bureau for Historic Preservation, Key #156047, 2010.
- 32. Letter TMl2-2020-003 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions LLC) Three Mile Island Nuclear Station Unit 2 Decommissioning Project; Request for lnfom,ation on Historic and Archaeological Resources," dated September 24, 2020.
- 33. McLearen D.C. (Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office), dated October 26, 2020.
- 34. Metropolitan Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, and Pennsylvania Electric Company, "Three Mile Island Nuclear Station Unit 1 and 2, Environmental Report -Operating License Stage," 1971.
- 35. Letter TMl-20-006 from Halnon, G. H. (GPU Nuclear, Inc.) and van Noordennen, G. P. (EnergySolutions), "Notification of Revision of Commitment for 'Amended Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report' (PSDAR) for Three Mile Island, Unit 2 in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(7)," dated 2 March 2020 (ML20066F494).
- 36. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2021-0010 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USNRC, "Supplemental lnfom,ation to License Amendment Request-Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications" dated 5 May 2021 (ML21133A264).
- 37. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2021-0011 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USNRC, "Revised Calculation Supporting License Amendment Request-Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications" dated 26 May 2021 (ML21133A264).
- 38. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0001 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USNRC, "Supplemental Information to license Amendment Request-Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications," dated 5 January 2022 (ML22010A066).
39.Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0002 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USNRC, "License Amendment Request-Three Mile Island, Unit 2, TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5 to TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0022 Page 52 of 52 Decommissioning Technical Specifications, Supplemental Information," dated 7 January 2022 (ML22013A177).
- 40. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0008 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USN RC, "Supplemental Information to License Amendment Request - Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications," dated 7 April 2022 (ML22101A077).
- 41. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0007 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USN RC, "License Amendment Request - Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications, Response to Questions," dated 8 April 2022 (ML22101A077).
- 42. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0013 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USNRC, "License Amendment Request-Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications, Response to Questions," dated 16 May 2022 (ML22138A285).
- 43. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2022-0019 from Lackey, M. (Energy Solutions) to USN RC, "License Amendment Request-Three Mile Island, Unit 2, Decommissioning Technical Specifications, Response to Request for Additional Information," dated 29 September 2022.
- 44. TMl2-FP-EVA-0001, "Three Mile Island Unit 2 Fire Protection Program," Revision 0, dated June 24, 2022.
- 45. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2021-0004 from van Noordennen, G. P. (TMl-2 Solutions) to USNRC, "Notification of 'Amended Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report,' (PS DAR) for Three Mile Island, Unit 2 in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(7), Revision 4," dated 17 March 2021 (ML21084A229).
- 46. Letter TMl2-RA-COR-2021-0017 from van Noordennen, G. P. to USNRC, "Supplemental Letter to Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 2 {TMl-2) -
Request for Exemption from Record Retention Requirements," dated December 15, 2021 (ML21354A027).
- 47. Letter from Snyder, A. (USN RC) to Sauger, J. (TMl-2 Solutions), "Three Mile Island, Unit No. 2 - Partial Exemption from Certain Record Retention Requirements and Conforming Amendment (EPID: L-2021-LLE-0045)," dated September 16, 2022 (ML22196A394).
- 48. Letter from Snyder, A. (USN RC) to Sauger, J. (TMl-2 Solutions), "Three Mile Island, Unit No. 2 - Issuance of Amendment for Requested Licensing Action Regarding Revision to License Condition 2.C.(2), Physical Protection (EPID: L-2021-LLA-0103)," dated August 30, 2022 (ML22189A195).
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
I ATTACHMENT 2 TO TM12-RA-COR-2022-0022 LIST OF REGULATORY COMMITMENTS THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNIT 2 NRC POSSESSION ONLY LICENSE NO. DPR-73 TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5
LIST OF REGULATORY COMMITMENTS The following list identifies those actions committed to by TMl-2 Solutions in this letter and Attachment 1 ("Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Station, Unit 2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report). Any other actions discussed in the submittal represent intended or planned actions by TMl-2 Solutions. They are described only as information and are not Regulatory Commitments.
TYPE REGULATORY ONE-TIME CONTINUING SCHEDULED COMMITMENT ACTION COMPLIANCE COMPLETION DATE As part of the site X
Prior to removal, characterization process, a segmentation, neutron activation analysis packaging and calculation study of the reactor disposal of RV/RVI internals and the reactor vessel will be performed.
The Groundwater Protection X
Until replaced by Program will continue for TMl-2 the LTP in accordance with NEI groundwater Technical Report 07-07 during monitoring program decommissioninQ.
TMl-2 Solutions will consult with X
Prior to cooling appropriate state and federal tower removal resource agencies when a decision is reached on timing and method of cooling tower removal to ensure that agency concerns are addressed.
TMl-2 Solutions will submit the X
Upon acceptance revised Historic Resource from the State Survey form for TM 1-2 and the Historic PA Railroad spur to the NRG Preservation Office under separate cover.
TMl-2 Solutions will develop a X
Cultural Resources Protection Plan which will provide protocols December 31, for ensuring continued 2022 stewardship of cultural resources on Three Mile Island.
TMl-2 Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, Rev. 5