ML23335A122
| ML23335A122 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Vogtle  |
| Issue date: | 12/19/2023 |
| From: | Lauren Nist NRC/NRR/VPOB |
| To: | Coleman J Southern Nuclear Operating Co |
| References | |
| EPID L-2023-LRQ-0002 | |
| Download: ML23335A122 (1) | |
Text
December 19, 2023 Ms. Jamie M. Coleman, Director Regulatory Affairs Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
3535 Colonnade Parkway, Bin-N-274-EC Birmingham, AL 35243
SUBJECT:
VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT, UNITS 3 AND 4 SAFETY EVALUATION REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATING STRATEGIES RELATED TO ORDER EA-12-049 (EPID NO. L-2023-LRQ-0002)
Dear Ms. Coleman:
On March 12, 2012, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued Order EA-12-049, Issuance of Order to Modify Licenses with Regard to Requirements for Mitigation Strategies for Beyond-Design-Basis External Events, (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System Accession No. ML12054A736). This order directed licensees to develop, implement, and maintain guidance and strategies to maintain or restore core, containment, and spent fuel pool cooling capabilities in the event of a beyond design basis external event. Order EA-12-049 applied to all power reactor licensees and all holders of construction permits for power reactors.
By letter dated August 22, 2013, Southern Nuclear Operating Company (SNC) submitted an overall integrated plan (OIP) for Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (VEGP) Units 3 and 4 in response to Order EA-12-049 (ML13235A260). Between February 2014 and February 2023, SNC submitted 19 six-month status reports as required by Section IV.C.2 of the Order. During a June 13, 2019, Category 1 public meeting (ML19171A022), SNC and the NRC staff discussed SNCs proposed plan for implementation of EA-12-049 and the associated Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.155 rulemaking for VEGP Units 3 and 4. As discussed with the NRC staff during this public meeting, SNC provided an updated OIP, in a format similar to that of the final integrated plan (FIP) for the SNC fleet, in a letter dated May 15, 2020 (ML20136A453). The updated OIP supplemented and expanded on the August 22, 2013, OIP submittal and contained information on VEGP Units 3 and 4 compliance with NRC Order EA-12-049 requirements. By letter dated October 27, 2020, the NRC issued an Interim Staff Evaluation (ISE) on SNCs progress towards full compliance with the Order (ML20269A396). SNC notified the NRC of VEGP Unit 3 compliance with EA-12-049 on November 7, 2022 (ML22311A457). By letter dated August 21, 2023 (ML23233A123), SNC submitted a compliance letter and FIP for VEGP Units 3 and 4 in response to Order EA-12-049.
The compliance letter stated that the licensee achieved full compliance for both units on July 20, 2023.
The enclosed safety evaluation provides the results of the NRC staffs review of SNCs strategies for VEGP Units 3 and 4. The intent of the safety evaluation is to inform SNC that its integrated plan, if implemented as described, appears to adequately address the requirements of Order EA-12-049 now codified in 10 CFR 50.155, Mitigation of beyond-design-basis events.
J. Coleman On September 9, 2022, Order EA-12-049 was withdrawn for each licensee that was issued this order.
The NRC staff will evaluate implementation of the plans through baseline inspections conducted under the reactor oversight process (ROP).
If you have any questions, please contact Cayetano G. Santos Jr. at (301) 415-7270 or cayetano.santos@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Lauren A. Nist, Director Vogtle Project Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos.52-025 and 52-026
Enclosure:
Safety Evaluation cc: Listserv Lauren A.
Nist Digitally signed by Lauren A. Nist Date: 2023.12.19 15:34:58 -05'00'
Package: ML23335A137 Letter: ML23335A122 Safety Evaluation: ML23335A123
- via e-mail NRR-043 OFFICE NRR/VPO/PM NRR/VPO/LA RII/DCO/BC RII/DCO/D NAME CSantos RButler*
BDavis NCoovert DATE 12/01/23 12/07/23 12/07/23 2/07/23 OFFICE NRR/VPO/D NAME LNist DATE 12/19/23