Text

Issuance of Amendment Nos. 254 and 251 Regarding the Adoption of Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-500, DC Electrical Rewrite – Update to TSTF-360
	ML25125A303
Person / Time
Site:	Farley
Issue date:	06/18/2025
From:	Turner Z; NRC/NRR/DORL/LPL2-1
To:	Coleman J; Southern Nuclear Operating Co
	Turner, Zachary
References
	EPID L-2024-LLA-0091
	Download: ML25125A303 (1)
	v • d • e

June 18, 2025 Ms. Jamie M. Coleman Regulatory Affairs Director Southern Nuclear Operating Company 3535 Colonnade Parkway Birmingham, AL 35243

SUBJECT:

JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 - ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT NOS. 254 AND 251 ADOPTING TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION TASK FORCE (TSTF) TRAVELER TSTF-500, DC ELECTRICAL REWRITE -

UPDATE TO TSTF-360 (EPID L-2024-LLA-0091)

Dear Ms. Coleman:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 254 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-2 and Amendment No. 251 to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-8 for the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2, respectively. The amendments consist of changes to the technical specifications in response to your application dated June 28, 2024, as supplemented by "NL-25-0433, License Amendment Request for Adoption of Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-500, Revision 2 - DC Electrical Rewrite - Update to [[TSTF" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid. - Response to Request for Additional Information|letter dated January 17, 2025]].

The amendments adopt the NRC approved Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-500, Revision 2, DC Electrical Rewrite - Update to TSTF-360, revising the requirements related to direct current (DC) electrical systems.

A copy of the related Safety Evaluation is enclosed. A Notice of Issuance will be included in the Commissions Federal Register notice.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Zachary M. Turner, Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-348 and 50-364

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 254 to NPF-2

2. Amendment No. 251 to NPF-8

3. Safety Evaluation cc: Listserv

SOUTHERN NUCLEAR OPERATING COMPANY ALABAMA POWER COMPANY DOCKET NO. 50-348 JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNIT 1 AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 254 Renewed License No. NPF-2

1.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) has determined that:

A.

The application for amendment to the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Unit 1 (Farley, the facility), Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-2 (the license) filed by Southern Nuclear Operating Company (the licensee), dated June 28, 2024, as supplemented by "NL-25-0433, License Amendment Request for Adoption of Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-500, Revision 2 - DC Electrical Rewrite - Update to [[TSTF" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid. - Response to Request for Additional Information|letter dated January 17, 2025]], complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commissions rules and regulations set forth in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Chapter I; B.

The facility will operate in conformity with the application, the provisions of the Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; C.

There is reasonable assurance (i) that the activities authorized by this amendment can be conducted without endangering the health and safety of the public, and (ii) that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commissions regulations; D.

The issuance of this amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public; and E.

The issuance of this amendment is in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 of the Commissions regulations and all applicable requirements have been satisfied.

2.

Accordingly, the license is amended by changes to the Technical Specifications, as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment. Paragraph 2.C.(2) of the license is hereby amended to read as follows:

2.C.(2)

Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 254, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license.

Southern Nuclear shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.

3.

This amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 120 days from the date of issuance.

FOR THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Michael Markley, Chief Plant Licensing Branch II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Changes to Renewed Facility Operating License and Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: June 18, 2025 GLENN MILLER Digitally signed by GLENN MILLER Date: 2025.06.18 12:36:20 -04'00'

SOUTHERN NUCLEAR OPERATING COMPANY ALABAMA POWER COMPANY DOCKET NO. 50-364 JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNIT 2 AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 251 Renewed License No. NPF-8

1.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) has determined that:

A.

The application for amendment to the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 (the facility), Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-8 (the license) filed by Southern Nuclear Operating Company (Southern Nuclear, the licensee), dated June 28, 2024, as supplemented by "NL-25-0433, License Amendment Request for Adoption of Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-500, Revision 2 - DC Electrical Rewrite - Update to [[TSTF" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid. - Response to Request for Additional Information|letter dated January 17, 2025]], complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commissions rules and regulations set forth in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Chapter I; B.

The facility will operate in conformity with the application, the provisions of the Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; C.

There is reasonable assurance (i) that the activities authorized by this amendment can be conducted without endangering the health and safety of the public, and (ii) that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commissions regulations; D.

The issuance of this amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public; and E.

The issuance of this amendment is in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 of the Commissions regulations and all applicable requirements have been satisfied.

2.

Accordingly, the license is amended by changes to the Technical Specifications as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment. Paragraph 2.C.(2) of the license are hereby amended to read as follows:

2.C.(2)

Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 251, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license. Southern Nuclear shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.

3.

This amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 120 days of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Michael Markley, Chief Plant Licensing Branch II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Changes to Renewed Facility Operating License and Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: June 18, 2025 GLENN MILLER Digitally signed by GLENN MILLER Date: 2025.06.18 12:36:41 -04'00'

ATTACHMENT TO JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 254 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-2 DOCKET NO. 50-348 AND LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 251 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-8 DOCKET NO. 50-364 Replace the following pages of the Renewed Facility Operating Licenses and Appendix A Technical Specifications (TSs) with the attached revised pages. The revised pages are identified by amendment number and contain marginal lines indicating the areas of change.

Remove Insert License License NPF-2, page 4 NPF-2, page 4 NPF-8, page 3 NPF-8, page 3 TSs TSs 3.8.4-1 3.8.4-1 3.8.4-2 3.8.4-2 3.8.4-3 3.8.4-3 3.8.4-4 3.8.4-4 3.8.4-5 3.8.4-6 3.8.5-1 3.8.5-1 3.8.5-2 3.8.5-2 3.8.5-3 3.8.6-1 3.8.6-1 3.8.6-2 3.8.6-2 3.8.6-3 3.8.6-3 3.8.6-4 3.8.6-4 3.8.6-5 5.5-20 Farley - Unit 1 Renewed License No. NPF-2 Amendment No. 254 (2)

Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 254, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license. Southern Nuclear shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.

(3)

Additional Conditions The matters specified in the following conditions shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Commission within the stated time periods following the issuance of the renewed license or within the operational restrictions indicated. The removal of these conditions shall be made by an amendment to the renewed license supported by a favorable evaluation by the Commission.

a.

Southern Nuclear shall not operate the reactor in Operational Modes 1 and 2 with less than three reactor coolant pumps in operation.

b.

Deleted per Amendment 13 c.

Deleted per Amendment 2 d.

Deleted per Amendment 2 e.

Deleted per Amendment 152 Deleted per Amendment 2 f.

Deleted per Amendment 158 g.

Southern Nuclear shall maintain a secondary water chemistry monitoring program to inhibit steam generator tube degradation.

This program shall include:

1)

Identification of a sampling schedule for the critical parameters and control points for these parameters; 2)

Identification of the procedures used to quantify parameters that are critical to control points; 3)

Identification of process sampling points; 4)

A procedure for the recording and management of data; 5)

Procedures defining corrective actions for off control point chemistry conditions; and Farley - Unit 2 Renewed License No. NPF-8 Amendment No. 251 (2)

Alabama Power Company, pursuant to Section 103 of the Act and 10 CFR Part 50, Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities, to possess but not operate the facility at the designated location in Houston County, Alabama in accordance with the procedures and limitations set forth in this renewed license.

(3)

Southern Nuclear, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Part 70, to receive, possess and use at any time special nuclear material as reactor fuel, in accordance with the limitations for storage and amounts required for reactor operation, as described in the Final Safety Analysis Report, as supplemented and amended; (4)

Southern Nuclear, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Parts 30, 40 and 70, to receive, possess, and use at any time any byproduct, source and special nuclear material as sealed neutron sources for reactor startup, sealed sources for reactor instrumentation and radiation monitoring equipment calibration, and as fission detectors in amounts as required; (5)

Southern Nuclear, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Parts 30, 40 and 70, to receive, possess, and use in amounts as required any byproduct, source or special nuclear material without restriction to chemical or physical form, for sample analysis or instrument calibration or associated with radioactive apparatus or components; and (6)

Southern Nuclear, pursuant to the Act and 10 CFR Parts 30, 40 and 70, to possess, but not separate, such byproduct and special nuclear materials as may be produced by the operation of the facility.

C.

This renewed license shall be deemed to contain and is subject to the conditions specified in the Commissions regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I and is subject to all applicable provisions of the Act and to the rules, regulations, and orders of the Commission now or hereafter in effect; and is subject to the additional conditions specified or incorporated below:

(1)

Maximum Power Level Southern Nuclear is authorized to operate the facility at reactor core power levels not in excess of 2821 megawatts thermal.

(2)

Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 251, are hereby incorporated in the renewed license.

Southern Nuclear shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.

(3)

Deleted per Amendment 144 (4)

Deleted per Amendment 149 (5)

Deleted per Amendment 144

DC Sources Operating 3.8.4 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.4-1 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2) 3.8 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS 3.8.4 DC Sources Operating LCO 3.8.4 The Train A and Train B Auxiliary Building and Service Water Intake Structure (SWIS) DC electrical power subsystems shall be OPERABLE.

APPLICABILITY:

MODES 1, 2, 3, and 4.

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME A.

One Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem inoperable.

A.1 Restore Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem to OPERABLE status.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months OR In accordance with the Risk Informed Completion Time Program B.

Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition A not met.

B.1 Be in MODE 3.

AND B.2

NOTE-----------

LCO 3.0.4.a is not applicable when entering MODE 4.

Be in MODE 4.

6 hours6.944444e-5 days 0.00167 hours 9.920635e-6 weeks 2.283e-6 months 12 hours

DC Sources Operating 3.8.4 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.4-2 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME C. One battery charger on one required SWIS DC electrical power subsystem inoperable.

C.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

AND C.2 Verify battery float current 2 amps.

AND C.3 Restore required battery charger to OPERABLE status.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months 72 hours D. One required SWIS DC electrical power subsystem inoperable for reasons other than Condition C.

OR Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition C not met.

D.1 Declare associated Service Water System train inoperable.

Immediately

DC Sources Operating 3.8.4 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.4-3 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME E.

NOTE------------

RICT entry not permitted for this loss of function Condition when a second DC power electrical subsystem is intentionally removed from service.

Two or more required DC electrical subsystems inoperable that result in a loss of function.

E.1 Restore required DC electrical subsystems to OPERABLE status.

1 hour1.157407e-5 days 2.777778e-4 hours 1.653439e-6 weeks 3.805e-7 months OR In accordance with the Risk Informed Completion Time Program F.

Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition E not met.

F.1 Be in MODE 3.

AND F.2 Be in MODE 5.

6 hours6.944444e-5 days 0.00167 hours 9.920635e-6 weeks 2.283e-6 months 36 hours

DC Sources Operating 3.8.4 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.4-4 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.8.4.1 Verify battery terminal voltage is greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.8.4.2 Verify each required Auxiliary Building battery charger supplies 536 amps at 125 V for 4 hours4.62963e-5 days 0.00111 hours 6.613757e-6 weeks 1.522e-6 months and each required SWIS battery charger supplies 3 amps at 125 V for 4 hours4.62963e-5 days 0.00111 hours 6.613757e-6 weeks 1.522e-6 months .

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.8.4.3

NOTES------------------------------

1.

The modified performance discharge test in SR 3.8.6.6 may be performed in lieu of SR 3.8.4.3.

2.

This Surveillance shall not normally be performed for the Auxiliary Building batteries in MODE 1, 2, 3, or 4. However, portions of the Surveillance may be performed to reestablish OPERABILITY provided an assessment determines the safety of the plant is maintained or enhanced.

Verify battery capacity is adequate to supply, and maintain in OPERABLE status, the required emergency loads for the design load profile when subjecting the battery to a service test.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program

DC Sources Shutdown 3.8.5 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.5-1 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2) 3.8 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS 3.8.5 DC Sources Shutdown LCO 3.8.5 DC electrical power subsystem(s) shall be OPERABLE to support the DC electrical power distribution subsystem(s) required by LCO 3.8.10, "Distribution Systems Shutdown."

APPLICABILITY:

MODES 5 and 6, During movement of irradiated fuel assemblies.

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME A.

Required battery charger on one Auxiliary Building subsystem inoperable.

AND Redundant Auxiliary Building subsystem battery and required battery charger OPERABLE.

A.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

AND A.2 Verify battery float current 2 amps.

AND A.3 Restore battery charger to OPERABLE status.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months 72 hours

DC Sources Shutdown 3.8.5 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.5-2 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME B.

One battery charger on one required Service Water Intake Structure (SWIS) subsystem inoperable.

AND Required redundant SWIS subsystem battery and charger OPERABLE.

B.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

AND B.2 Verify battery float current 2 amps.

AND B.3 Restore battery charger to OPERABLE status.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months 72 hours C.

One or more required DC electrical power subsystems inoperable for reasons other than Condition A or B.

OR Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition A or B not met.

C.1 Declare affected required feature(s) inoperable.

OR C.2.1 Suspend CORE ALTERATIONS.

AND C.2.2 Suspend movement of irradiated fuel assemblies.

AND Immediately Immediately Immediately (continued)

DC Sources Shutdown 3.8.5 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.5-3 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME C.

(continued)

C.2.3 Initiate action to suspend operations involving positive reactivity additions.

AND C.2.4 Initiate action to restore required DC electrical power subsystems to OPERABLE status.

Immediately Immediately SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.8.5.1

NOTE-------------------------------

The following SRs are not required to be performed:

SR 3.8.4.2 and SR 3.8.4.3.

For DC sources required to be OPERABLE, the following SRs are applicable:

SR 3.8.4.1 SR 3.8.4.2 SR 3.8.4.3 In accordance with applicable SRs

Battery Parameters 3.8.6 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.6-1 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2) 3.8 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS 3.8.6 Battery Parameters LCO 3.8.6 Battery parameters for Train A and Train B Auxiliary Building and Service Water Intake Structure (SWIS) electrical power subsystem batteries shall be within limits.

APPLICABILITY:

When associated DC electrical power subsystems are required to be OPERABLE.

ACTIONS

NOTE----------------------------------------------------------

Separate Condition entry is allowed for each battery.

CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME A.

One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with one or more battery cells float voltage < 2.07 V.

A.1 Perform SR 3.8.4.1.

AND A.2 Perform SR 3.8.6.1.

AND A.3 Restore affected cell voltage 2.07 V.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months 2 hours 24 hours2.777778e-4 days 0.00667 hours 3.968254e-5 weeks 9.132e-6 months B.

One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with float current > 2 amps.

B.1 Perform SR 3.8.4.1.

AND B.2 Restore battery float current to 2 amps.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months 12 hours

Battery Parameters 3.8.6 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.6-2 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME

NOTE-------------------

Required Action C.2 shall be completed if electrolyte level was below the top of plates.

C.

One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with one or more cells electrolyte level less than minimum established design limits.

NOTE-------------------

Required Actions C.1 and C.2 are only applicable if electrolyte level was below the top of plates.

C.1 Restore electrolyte level to above top of plates.

AND C.2 Verify no evidence of leakage.

AND C.3 Restore electrolyte level to greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

8 hours9.259259e-5 days 0.00222 hours 1.322751e-5 weeks 3.044e-6 months 12 hours 31 days D.

One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with pilot cell electrolyte temperature less than minimum established design limits.

D.1 Restore battery pilot cell temperature to greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months E.

One or more batteries in redundant Auxiliary Building subsystems or one or more required batteries in redundant SWIS subsystems with battery parameters not within limits.

E.1 Restore battery parmeters for required batteries in one subsystem to within limits.

2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months

Battery Parameters 3.8.6 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.6-3 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME F.

Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition A, B, C, D, or E not met.

OR One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with one or more battery cells float voltage < 2.07 V and float current > 2 amps.

F.1 Declare associated battery inoperable.

Immediately SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.8.6.1

NOTE-------------------------------

Not required to be met when battery terminal voltage is less than the minimum established float voltage of SR 3.8.4.1.

Verify each required battery float current is 2 amps.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.8.6.2 Verify each required battery pilot cell float voltage is 2.07 V.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.8.6.3 Verify each required battery connected cell electrolyte level is greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program

Battery Parameters 3.8.6 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.6-4 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.8.6.4 Verify each required battery pilot cell temperature is greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.8.6.5 Verify each required battery connected cell float voltage is 2.07 V.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program

Battery Parameters 3.8.6 Farley Units 1 and 2 3.8.6-5 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2)

SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS SURVEILLANCE FREQUENCY SR 3.8.6.6

NOTE-------------------------------

This Surveillance shall not normally be performed for the Auxiliary Building batteries in MODE 1, 2, 3, or 4.

However, portions of the Surveillance may be performed to reestablish OPERABILITY provided an assessment determines the safety of the plant is maintained or enhanced.

Verify required battery capacity is 80% of the manufacturers rating when subjected to a modified performance discharge test.

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program AND 12 months when battery shows degradation or has reached 85% of expected life with capacity < 100%

of manufacturers rating AND 24 months when battery has reached 85% of the expected life with capacity 100% of manufacturers rating

Programs and Manuals 5.5 Farley Units 1 and 2 5.5-20 Amendment No. 254 (Unit 1)

Amendment No. 251 (Unit 2) 5.5 Programs and Manuals 5.5.22 Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program This Program provides controls for battery restoration and maintenance. The program shall be in accordance with IEEE Standard (Std) 450-2020, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications, as endorsed by Regulatory Guide 1.129, Revision 4 (RG), with RG exceptions and program provisions as identified below:

a.

The program allows the following RG 1.129, Revision 4 exceptions:

1. RG 1.129, Regulatory Position 1, Subsection 2, References, is not applicable to this program.

b.

The program shall include the following provisions:

1. Actions to restore battery cells with float voltage < 2.13 V;

2. Actions to determine whether the float voltage of the remaining battery cells is 2.13 V when the float voltage of a battery cell has been found to be < 2.13 V;

3. Actions to equalize and test battery cells that had been discovered with electrolyte level below the top of the plates;

4. Limits on average electrolyte temperature, battery connection resistance, and battery terminal voltage; and

5. A requirement to obtain specific gravity readings of all cells at each discharge test, consistent with manufacturer recommendations.

SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 254 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-2 AND AMENDMENT NO. 251 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-8 SOUTHERN NUCLEAR OPERATING COMPANY JOSEPH M. FARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-348 AND 50-364

1.0 INTRODUCTION

By letter dated June 28, 2024 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML24180A204), as supplemented by "NL-25-0433, License Amendment Request for Adoption of Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-500, Revision 2 - DC Electrical Rewrite - Update to [[TSTF" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid. - Response to Request for Additional Information|letter dated January 17, 2025]] (ML25017A393), Southern Nuclear Operating Company (Southern Nuclear, the licensee) proposed changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) for Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant (Farley, the facility), Units 1 and 2, to adopt the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) approved Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Standard Technical Specifications (STS) Change Traveler TSTF-500, Revision 2, [Direct Current (DC)] Electrical Rewrite - Update To TSTF-360. Adoption of TSTF-500, Revision 2, proposes new actions for an inoperable Service Water Intake Structure (SWIS) battery charger in both limiting condition of operation (LCO) 3.8.4, DC Sources - Operating, and LCO 3.8.5, DC Sources - Shutdown, and new actions for an inoperable Auxiliary Building battery charger for LCO 3.8.5. TS changes also include the relocation of a number of Surveillance Requirements (SRs) in TS 3.8.4 that perform preventive maintenance on the safety-related batteries to a licensee-controlled program. TS LCO 3.8.6, Battery Cell Parameters, is renamed to Battery Parameters, and is modified by relocating Table 3.8.6-1, Battery Cell Parameter Requirements, to a licensee-controlled program, and specific actions with associated Completion Times (CT) for out-of-limits conditions for battery cell voltage, electrolyte level, and electrolyte temperature are added to TS 3.8.6. In addition, specific SRs are being proposed for verification of these parameters.

The licensee proposed that the items to be relocated will be contained in the new Administrative Controls TS 5.5.22 Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program, for the maintenance and monitoring of station batteries.

The proposed adoption of TSTF-500, Revision 2, provides new TS Actions for an inoperable battery charger and alternate battery charger testing criteria. The longer CT for an inoperable battery charger will allow additional time for maintenance and testing.

In addition, a number of SRs are relocated out of the TS. Monitoring requirements for battery cell parameters and performance requirements for battery maintenance activities are relocated to a licensee-controlled program. The TS are also revised to include requirements on battery cell parameters as a replacement for requirements on the battery. This focuses TS requirements on the analysis basis safety function of the battery.

The supplemental letter provided additional information that clarified the application but did not expand the scope of the application as originally noticed, and did not change the NRC staffs original proposed no significant hazards consideration determination as published in the Federal Register on September 3, 2024 (89 FR 71436).

The licensee stated that the license amendment request (LAR) is consistent with the Notice of Availability for TSTF-500, Revision 2, announced in the Federal Register on September 1, 2011 (76 FR 54510).

1.1 Proposed Technical Specification Changes The proposed change revises the following:

TS 3.8.4, DC Sources - Operating, is revised to add Conditions for inoperable battery chargers and inoperable batteries. Specification 3.8.4 is also revised to relocate Surveillances on battery corrosion, connection resistance, visual inspection, terminal connection, and discharge tests to the [new] TS Administrative Controls Program.

TS 3.8.5, DC Sources - Shutdown, is revised to add Conditions for inoperable battery chargers and inoperable batteries. The list of TS 3.8.4 Surveillances that must be met is also revised to be consistent with the change to TS 3.8.4.

LCO 3.8.6, Battery Cell Parameters, is renamed Battery Parameters.

Table 3.8.6-1, Battery Cell Parameters Requirements, is deleted and existing Conditions and Surveillances are replaced.

Maintenance and monitoring of station batteries will be controlled by the new Administrative Controls TS 5.5.22, Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program.

1.2 Proposed Variations to TSTF-500 Variation 1:

In the supplemental letter, the licensee proposed a variation to TSTF-500. The licensee stated it would not add to Farley TS 3.8.4 the new Condition A in TSTF-500 with Required Actions for an inoperable battery charger in Farleys Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem. The licensee would retain current TS 3.8.4 Condition A (One Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem inoperable.)

Variation 2:

The licensee noted in the LAR the design differences between TSTF-500 and Farley TS and proposed to add plant-specific requirements for Auxiliary Building DC subsystems and SWIS DC subsystems. Standard TS do not include these DC system designations.

Variation 3:

Farley TS were previously amended to adopt TSTF-425, Relocate Surveillance Frequencies to Licensee Control - RITSTF Initiative 5b (ML11167A226). This amendment modified the Surveillance Frequencies of the current SRs 3.8.4.1, 3.8.4.6, 3.8.4.7, 3.8.4.8, 3.8.6.3 (i.e., proposed SRs 3.8.4.1, 3.8.4.2, 3.8.4, 3.8.6.6, and 3.8.6.4, respectively). These SR Frequencies were not revised in TSTF-500. The Frequencies of these SRs will continue to reflect the current licensing basis and remain In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program (SFCP), which is specified in the Farley Nuclear Plant (FNP) TS 5.5.19).

Since TSTF-500 did not address any change to the equivalent NUREG-1431 Surveillance Frequencies, these differences do not impact the applicability of TSTF-500 or the model safety evaluation (SE).

2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) staff considered the following regulatory requirements applicable for the review of the LAR:

The regulation at Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Part 50, Appendix A, General Design Criterion (GDC) 17, Electric power systems, states, in part, that:

An onsite electric power system and an offsite electric power system shall be provided to permit functioning of structures, systems, and components important to safety. []

The onsite electric power supplies, including the batteries, and the onsite electric distribution system, shall have sufficient independence, redundancy, and testability to perform their safety functions assuming a single failure. []

Electric power from the transmission network to the onsite electric distribution system shall be supplied by two physically independent circuits (not necessarily on separate rights of way) designed and located so as to minimize to the extent practical the likelihood of their simultaneous failure under operating and postulated accident and environmental conditions. []

Provisions shall be included to minimize the probability of losing electric power from any of the remaining supplies as a result of, or coincident with, the loss of power generated by the nuclear power unit, the loss of power from the transmission network, or the loss of power from the onsite electric power supplies.

The regulation at 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix A, GDC 18, Inspection and testing of electric power systems, states, in part, that [e]lectric power systems important to safety shall be designed to permit appropriate periodic inspection and testing of important areas and features.

The regulation at 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix A, GDC 1, Quality standards and records, requires that structures, systems, and components important to safety shall be designed, fabricated, erected, and tested to quality standards commensurate with the importance of the safety functions to be performed.

The regulations at 10 CFR 50.36 Technical specifications, establish the requirements related to the content of the TS. Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.36(c), TSs are required to include items in the following five categories related to station operation: (1) safety limits, limiting safety system settings, and limiting control settings; (2) limiting conditions for operation (LCO); (3) SRs; (4) design features; and (5) administrative controls. The LAR relates to changes in the LCO, SRs, and administrative controls.

The regulation at 10 CFR 50.36(c)(2)(ii), specifies four criteria to be used in determining whether a TS LCO needs to be established for a particular item. These criteria (1-4) are summarized as follows:

Criterion 1 - Installed instrumentation that is used to detect, and indicate in the control room, a significant abnormal degradation of the reactor coolant pressure boundary.

Criterion 2 - A process variable, design feature, or operating restriction that is an initial condition of a design-basis accident or transient analysis that either assumes the failure of or presents a challenge to the integrity of a fission product barrier.

Criterion 3 - A structure, system, or component that is part of the primary success path and which functions or actuates to mitigate a design-basis accident or transient that either assumes the failure of or presents a challenge to the integrity of a fission product barrier.

Criterion 4 - A structure, system, or component which operating experience or probabilistic risk assessment has shown to be significant to public health and safety.

The regulation at 10 CFR 50.36(c)(3), states that SRs are requirements relating to test, calibration, or inspection to assure that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained, that facility operation will be within safety limits, and that the LCOs will be met.

The regulation at 10 CFR 50.65(a)(3), Requirements for monitoring the effectiveness of maintenance at nuclear power plants, states in part that:

Performance and condition monitoring activities and associated goals and preventive maintenance activities shall be evaluated at least every refueling cycle provided the interval between evaluations does not exceed 24 months. Adjustments shall be made where necessary to ensure that the objective of preventing failures of structures, systems, and components through maintenance is appropriately balanced against the objective of minimizing unavailability of structures, systems, and components due to monitoring or preventive maintenance.

The NRC staff also considered the following regulatory guidance documents for the review of the LAR:

Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.32, Revision 3, Criteria for Power Systems for Nuclear Power Plants, provides guidance for meeting the intent of GDC 17 and 18 with respect to the design, operation, and testing of safety-related electric power systems of all types of nuclear power plants.

RG 1.75, Revision 3, Criteria for Independence of Electrical Safety Systems, describes a method acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the NRC regulations with respect to the physical independence requirements of the circuits and electric equipment that comprise or are associated with safety systems.

RG 1.129, Revision 4, Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Storage Batteries for Production and Utilization Facilities, provides guidance for meeting the intent of GDC 1, 17, and 18 with respect to the maintenance, testing, and replacement of vented lead-acid storage batteries in nuclear power plants. This RG endorses, in part, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard (Std.) 450-2020, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications.

RG 1.174, An Approach for Using Probabilistic Risk Assessment in Risk-Informed Decisions on Plant-Specific Changes to the Licensing Basis, describes a risk-informed approach, acceptable to the NRC, for assessing the nature and impact of proposed licensing basis changes by considering engineering issues and applying risk insights.

RG 1.177, An approach for Plant-Specific, Risk-Informed Decisionmaking: Technical Specifications, describes an acceptable risk-informed approach specifically for assessing proposed TS changes in allowable outage times. RG 1.174 and 1.177 also provide acceptance guidelines for evaluating the results of such evaluations.

NUREG-1431, Standard Technical Specifications [STS], Westinghouse Plants, Revision 5 Volume 1, Specifications (ML21259A155) (with incorporation of TSTF-500, Revision 2).

Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2 - Issuance of Amendments Regarding Relocation of Specific Surveillance Frequency Requirements (TAC Nos. ME5055 and ME5056), dated July 18, 2011 (ML11167A226).

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

The licensee uses the term train when referring to the independent and redundant subsystems that make up the DC electrical system. This evaluation, in general, utilized the model SE format for plant-specific adoption of TSTF-500, Revision 2, with appropriate changes.

3.1 Design Features of the Class 1E DC Power System The station Class 1E DC electrical power system provides control power to the alternating current (AC) emergency power system. It also provides both motive and control power to selected safety-related equipment and preferred AC vital bus power (via DC to AC power converters (i.e., inverters)). Farley is licensed to 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix A, GDC 17, and according to Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR), Section 3.1.13, the onsite electric power supplies, including the batteries, and the onsite electric distribution system, have sufficient independence, redundancy, and testability to perform their safety functions assuming a single failure.

As stated in Section 2.1.2 of the Enclosure to the LAR, the 125 volts DC (VDC) electrical power system consists of two main systems, each with Train A and Train B subsystems: (1) the Auxiliary Building System, and (2) the SWIS System.

The Auxiliary Building 125 VDC system consists of two independent and redundant subsystems (Train A and Train B) which supply DC power to various Engineered Safety Feature systems throughout the plant. Each Auxiliary Building subsystem consists of a 125 VDC battery, an associated full capacity battery charger and all associated control equipment and interconnecting cabling. Each Auxiliary Building 125 VDC train is normally supplied by the associated battery charger (A or B). In the event of an A or B battery charger failure, battery charger C, the full capacity swing battery charger, may supply power to either train. The licensee stated in the LAR that either train may be considered OPERABLE when supplied from battery charger C. The inclusion of a spare charger in the design results in the Conditions, Required Actions, and Surveillance for Auxiliary Building 125 VDC battery chargers referencing the required battery charger.

FSAR, Section 8.3.2.1.1, states that the capacity requirement for the Auxiliary Building batteries during normal operation is to carry the loads necessary to support plant operation for two hours.

The 2-hour duration is based on the time required for the operators to connect the spare battery charger to the system if the connected battery charger fails on either train. During this 2-hour period, the redundant train of the DC system with operable battery charger is available for accident mitigation, if required.

The SWIS 125 VDC system provides a reliable source of power for controls, power loads, annunciation and alarms primarily for the safety-related Service Water System. The SWIS subsystems are divided into Train A and Train B, which are shared between the two units. The SWIS 125 VDC system consists of four battery/battery charger subsystems (two battery subsystems per train). Each subsystem consists of a 125 VDC battery and full capacity battery charger. Section 2.1.2 of Enclosure to the LAR states in part, that:

Each train has a normal and a standby subsystem that can each supply 100 [percent (%)] of the required capacity for the associated train.

Each train has a manual transfer switch which is used to select which of the two available SWIS subsystems supplies that train. One SWIS subsystem is required OPERABLE for each train.

The inclusion of a spare subsystem in the design for each train results in the Conditions and Required Actions, and Surveillances referencing the required SWIS subsystem or charger.

FSAR, Section 8.3.2.1.1, states that each SWIS battery has adequate storage capacity to carry its load without charger support for a period of at least two hours.

As discussed in the Farley FSAR, during normal operation, the 125 VDC load is powered from the battery chargers with the batteries floating on the system. In case of loss of normal power to the battery charger, the DC load is automatically powered from the station batteries.

The licensee stated in Section 2.1.2 of the Enclosure to the LAR that the following is applicable to both Auxiliary Building and SWIS systems:

Each subsystem is located in an area separated physically and electrically from the other subsystem to ensure that a single failure in one subsystem does not cause a failure in a redundant subsystem. There is no sharing between redundant Class 1E subsystems, such as batteries, battery chargers, or distribution panels.

Each battery has adequate storage capacity to meet the duty cycles assumptions of the plant FSAR. As described in the [Farley] FSAR 8.3.2.1, each battery is designed with additional capacity above that required by the design duty cycles to allow for temperature variations and other factors.

Each DC electrical power subsystem battery charger has ample power output capacity for the steady state operation of connected loads required during normal operation, while at the same time maintaining its battery bank fully charged. Each battery charger also has sufficient excess capacity to restore the battery from the design minimum charge to its fully charged state while supplying normal steady state loads.

Each battery charger is normally in the float charge mode. Float charge is the condition in which the charger is supplying the connected loads and the battery cells are receiving adequate current to charge the battery optimally. This assures the internal losses of a battery are overcome and the battery is maintained in a fully charged state.

3.2 Evaluation of Proposed Changes 3.2.1 TS 3.8.4, DC Sources - Operating, Changes In the supplemental letter, the licensee provided an update to the TS changes previously proposed in Attachment 3 to the June 28, 2024 LAR. The licensee proposes revising the LCO for TS 3.8.4, and to modify and relocate, TS 3.8.4 Conditions, Required Actions, and SRs.

Currently, TS 3.8.4 contains a Condition for one DC electrical subsystem inoperable. The proposed change would add one additional Condition which is an exception to the existing Condition. This proposed change is described in Section 1.2 of this safety evaluation and is listed as variation 1.

3.2.1.1 TS 3.8.4; Change to Condition A; Change (1)

The licensee proposed an editorial change to Required Action A.1 - Delete the from Restore the Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem to OPERABLE status, as follows:

CONDITION:

A. One Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem inoperable.

REQUIRED ACTION:

A.1 Restore the Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem to OPERABLE status.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months OR In accordance with the Risk Informed Completion Time Program Evaluation of TS 3.8.4; Change to Condition A; Change (1)

Initially in the LAR, the licensee proposed to add new Condition A which would apply when one required battery charger on one Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem is inoperable (e.g. the voltage limit of SR 3.8.4.1 is not maintained). The NRC staff noted that the proposed change adding new TS 3.8.4.A.1 was similar to TSTF-500, STS 3.8.4.A.1. However, in TSTF-500 and in NUREG-1431, Revision 5, there is no option to add, OR in accordance with the Risk Informed Completion Time Program, to STS 3.8.4.A.1. NUREG-1431, Revision 5, incorporates TSTF-505, Revision 1, Provide Risk-Informed Extended Completion Times - [Risk Informed Technical Specification Task Force] Initiative 4b, which allows specified CT to be extended in accordance with the associated STS Risk Informed Completion Time (RICT)

Program (ML18183A493). The NRC staff requested that the licensee justify these variations from TSTF-500 and NUREG-1431 or revise the proposed change. In the supplemental letter, the licensee withdrew its initial proposed new Condition A. In the supplement the licensee stated:

If [Farley] were to adopt the NUREG-1431 (based on TSTF-500) Action A and the Required Action A.1 to establish minimum float voltage and/or Required Action A.2 to verify float current 2 amps could not be met in the CTs of 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months and 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months , respectively, there would be no allowance to utilize the RICT. Adopting this portion of TSTF-500 would be an unjustified more restrictive change from the current licensing basis.

Specifically, the licensee chose not to adopt TSTF-500 STS 3.8.4 Action A for inoperable battery chargers on one subsystem. The licensee has instead decided to retain the existing Action A which requires restoration of the Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months or alternatively, the RICT Program.

As noted above, the licensee requested to delete the word the from Restore the Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystem to OPERABLE status in Required Action A.1. The NRC staff has concluded that this change is editorial and will not affect the actions taken pursuant to Required Action A.1. Therefore, the NRC staff concludes this change is acceptable.

Further, the NRC staff concludes that withdrawing the initial proposed change to Condition A would result in the partial adoption of TSTF-500. However, since the components of Auxiliary Building DC electrical power subsystems would be adequately monitored by the various SR requirements of TSTF-500, the staff concludes that retaining existing Condition A, with a proposed minor editorial change, is acceptable.

3.2.1.2 TS 3.8.4; Existing Condition B and Condition D Deleted; Existing Condition C (Revised and Renumbered as Condition B); Change (2)

Existing Condition B and Condition D would be deleted.

The proposed change would also revise existing Condition C and renumber it as Condition B as follows:

CONDITION:

BC. Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition A or B not met.

REQUIRED ACTION:

BC.1 Be in MODE 3.

COMPLETION TIME: 6 hours6.944444e-5 days 0.00167 hours 9.920635e-6 weeks 2.283e-6 months AND BC.2

NOTE-----------

LCO 3.0.4.a is not applicable when entering MODE 4.

Be in MODE 4.

COMPLETION TIME: 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.4; Existing Condition B and Condition D Deleted; Existing Condition C (Revised and Renumbered as Condition B); Change (2)

The licensee proposed to delete existing TS 3.8.4 Conditions B and D representing one Auxiliary Building or SWIS DC electrical power subsystem with connection resistance not within the specified limit. The connection resistance not within the limit is an indication that the affected battery requires attention to restore the resistance to within the limit but is not a basis on which to declare the battery inoperable.

Specifically, the licensee states that, FNP TS 3.8.4 Actions B and D, which are related to failures of current SR 3.8.4.2 and/or SR 3.8.4.5 for connection resistance. NUREG-1431 (and therefore TSTF-500) do not reflect these Actions, but TSTF-500 does delete the connection resistance SRs. Deletion of these Actions is consistent with the intent of TSTF-500 to relocate battery connection resistance requirements to a licensee-controlled program. Since the proposed changes align with TSTF-500 Actions and Surveillances, the change does not impact the applicability of TSTF-500 or the model SE. Therefore, the NRC staff determined that the proposed changes align with TSTF-500. The changes meet the intent of TSTF-500, and are, therefore, acceptable.

As a result of the deletion of existing Conditions B and D, the licensee proposed to renumber existing Condition C as Condition B and delete or B (in reference to the deleted Condition B).

The NRC staff concludes that the associated renumbering of existing Condition C to B and deletion of the reference to Condition B are editorial in nature and therefore are acceptable.

3.2.1.3 TS 3.8.4; New Condition C Added; Existing Conditions E, F and G (Revised and Renumbered as Conditions D, E and F); and other miscellaneous changes; Change (3)

The proposed change would add new Condition C as follows:

CONDITION:

C. One battery charger on one required SWIS DC electrical power subsystem inoperable.

REQUIRED ACTION:

C.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months AND C.2 Verify battery float current 2 amps.

COMPLETION TIME: Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months AND C.3 Restore required battery charger to OPERABLE status.

COMPLETION TIME: 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months The proposed change would revise, and renumber existing Condition E, F and G as follows:

CONDITION:

DE. One required SWIS DC electrical power subsystem inoperable for reasons other than Condition C.

OR Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition CD not met.

REQUIRED ACTION:

DE.1 Declare the associated Service Water System train inoperable.

COMPLETION TIME: Immediately CONDITION:

EF.

NOTE------------

RICT entry not permitted for this loss of function Condition when a second DC power electrical subsystem is intentionally removed from service.

Two or more required DC electrical subsystems inoperable that result in a loss of function.

REQUIRED ACTION:

EF.1 Restore required DC electrical subsystems to OPERABLE status.

COMPLETION TIME: 1 hour1.157407e-5 days 2.777778e-4 hours 1.653439e-6 weeks 3.805e-7 months OR In accordance with the Risk Informed Completion Time Program CONDITION:

FG. Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition EF not met.

REQUIRED ACTION:

FG.1 Be in MODE 3.

COMPLETION TIME: 6 hours6.944444e-5 days 0.00167 hours 9.920635e-6 weeks 2.283e-6 months AND FG.2 Be in MODE 5.

COMPLETION TIME: 36 hours4.166667e-4 days 0.01 hours 5.952381e-5 weeks 1.3698e-5 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.4; New Condition C Added; Existing Condition E, F and G (Revised and Renumbered as Condition D, E and F); and other miscellaneous changes; Change (3)

The NRC staff finds the TS 3.8.4 proposed Actions C and D for the plant-specific SWIS electrical power subsystem aligns with TSTF-500 Actions A and C.

New Condition C would apply when one battery charger on one required SWIC DC electrical power subsystem is inoperable (e.g., the voltage limit of SR 3.8.4.1 is not maintained). There are three associated Required Actions for new Condition C. The Required Actions provide a tiered response that focuses on returning the battery to the fully charged state and restoring a fully qualified charger to operable status in a specific time period. Required Action C.1 requires that the battery terminal voltage to be restored to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months . Required Action C.2 requires the battery float current to be verified to be 2 amps once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months . Required Action C.3 requires the battery charger to be restored to operable status within 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months .

New Required Action C.1 provides assurance that a battery discharge is terminated by requiring that the battery terminal voltage be restored to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months .

The battery charger, in addition to maintaining the battery operable, provides DC control power to AC circuit breakers and thus supports the recovery of AC power following events such as loss-of-offsite-power or station blackout. The 2-hour CT provides an allowance for returning an inoperable charger to operable status or for reestablishing an alternate means of restoring battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage. This provides assurance that the battery will be restored to its fully charged condition from any discharge that might have occurred due to the battery charger being inoperable. At the end of the two hours, a terminal voltage of at least the minimum established float voltage provides indication that the battery is on the exponential charging current portion of its recharging cycle.

New Required Action C.2 would require that once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months , the battery float current be verified to be less than or equal to two amps. This would confirm that, if the battery has been discharged as the result of an inoperable battery charger, the battery had been fully recharged.

If at the expiration of the 12-hour period, the battery float current is greater than two amps, then the battery is considered inoperable (see Section 3.2.3.1 of this SE for a more detailed discussion on the 2-amp float current value). This verification provides assurance that the battery has sufficient capacity to perform its safety function.

New Required Action C.3 requires restoring inoperable battery charger to operable status within 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months . The presumption that: (1) the DC bus remains energized; (2) the battery discharge is terminated based on restoration of the battery terminal voltage (New Required Action C.1); and (3) the battery is fully recharged based upon battery float current (New Required Action C.2),

would mean that the licensee has established a basis for the restoration time for an inoperable battery charger to 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months (New Required Action C.3). The 72-hour CT reflects a reasonable time to effect restoration of a qualified battery charger to operable status.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed TS 3.8.4 new Condition C, with its associated Required Actions and CTs, provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36 and is therefore acceptable.

The licensee proposed change would renumber existing Condition E as Condition D and the exception for reasons other than Condition C would be added. Additionally, the licensee proposed an editorial change to Required Action D.1 - Delete the from Declare the associated Service Water System train inoperable. The change to Condition D is editorial and does not impact the applicability of TSTF-500. Renumbering Conditions E and F, and the associated changes, are editorial changes and do not affect the actions taken. Further, the licensee retains Actions E and F, as renumbered, as plant-specific differences related to the inclusion of the SWIS subsystems in the design and the amendment to adopt RICTs. These differences do not impact the applicability of TSTF-500. Therefore, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed changes to Conditions D, E and F are acceptable.

3.2.1.4 TS SR 3.8.4.1 Revised; Change (4)

The proposed change would revise SR 3.8.4.1 as follows:

SR 3.8.4.1:

Verify battery terminal voltage is greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage 127.8 V on float charge.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of TS SR 3.8.4.1 Revised; Change (4)

The change would remove specific terminal voltage criteria currently identified in SR 3.8.4.1 from the TSs. The purpose of SR 3.8.4.1 is to verify battery terminal voltage while the system is on a float charge to ensure the effectiveness of the battery chargers is not degraded. The battery terminal voltage selected by the battery manufacturer is the minimum voltage which ensures an optimum charging voltage is applied to the battery. The minimum established float voltage will maintain the battery plates in a condition that supports optimizing battery grid life.

Maintaining this voltage limit ensures that the battery will be capable of providing its designed safety function.

As discussed in the LAR, the Farley batteries voltage requirements are based on the nominal design voltage of the battery and are consistent with the minimum float voltage established by the battery manufacturer (2.20 V per cell times the number of connected cells or 132 V for a 60 cell battery at the battery terminals). This voltage will maintain the battery plates in a condition that supports maintaining the battery grid life and will ensure that the battery is capable of providing its designed safety function.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.1.5 Existing TS SRs 3.8.4.2 through 3.8.4.5 Deleted; Change (5)

The proposed change deletes the following SRs: 3.8.4.2 (visual inspection of battery terminals and connections for signs of corrosion or connection resistances), 3.8.4.3 (visual inspection of battery cells, cell plates and racks conditions), 3.8.4.4 (ensure that battery terminal connections are coated with anticorrosion material), and 3.8.4.5 (verification of battery connection resistances).

Evaluation of Existing TS SRs 3.8.4.2 through 3.8.4.5 Deleted; Change (5)

TSs requires testing to be performed in accordance with SR 3.0.1. SR 3.0.1 states, in part, Failure to meet a Surveillance, whether such failure is experienced during the performance of the Surveillance or between performances of the Surveillance, shall be failure to meet the LCO.

The visual inspection of the battery terminals for signs of corrosion to ensure that connections are clean and tight are generally considered a routine preventive maintenance activity. Visual inspection of the battery terminals is an important preventive maintenance practice for maintaining a healthy battery (e.g., the early identification and cleaning of battery terminal corrosion can prevent corrosion from spreading between the post and the connector). However, visual inspection of the battery terminals alone does not provide an indication of a batterys capability to perform its design function. The NRC staff concludes that these activities are for preventive maintenance and that the battery connection resistance values can be adequately controlled in the new TS 5.5.22 Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program.

Resistance verifications of current SRs 3.8.4.2 and 3.8.4.5 represent important parameters for operability of batteries. With regard to the current resistance verifications of SR 3.8.4.2 and SR 3.8.4.5, the existing values represent limits at which some action should be taken, not necessarily when the operability of the battery is in question. The plant safety analyses do not assume a specific battery inter-cell connection resistance value but typically assume that the batteries will supply adequate power. Therefore, the key operability issue is the overall battery connection resistance. Between surveillances, the resistance of each battery inter-cell connection varies independently from all the others. Some of these connection resistance values may be higher or lower than others, and the battery will still be able to perform its function and should not be considered inoperable. The licensee stated in the LAR enclosure Section 2.2, Item 4, that the cell resistance limits in existing SR 3.8.4.5 are relocated to the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. The connection resistance limit for the Auxiliary Building batteries is 150 µohms and the connection resistance limit for the SWIS batteries is 1500 µohms. These post-to-post resistance limits for battery terminals and connectors provide an indication of the need for cleaning and/or retorqueing. Overall connection resistance has a direct impact on operability and is adequately determined by completion of the battery service or modified performance discharge tests. Therefore, the battery connection resistance values are more appropriately controlled under the proposed Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program and the licensee provided a justification for the monitoring limit.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.1.6 TS SR 3.8.4.6 Revised and Renumbered; Change (6)

The proposed change would modify, and renumber SR 3.8.4.6 as follows:

SR 3.8.4.26:

NOTE-------------------------------

This Surveillance may be performed in MODE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 provided spare or redundant charger(s) placed in service are within surveillance frequency to maintain DC subsystem(s) OPERABLE.

Verify each required Auxiliary Building battery charger supplies 536 amps at 125 V for 4 hours4.62963e-5 days 0.00111 hours 6.613757e-6 weeks 1.522e-6 months and each required SWIS battery charger supplies 3 amps at 125 V for 4 hours4.62963e-5 days 0.00111 hours 6.613757e-6 weeks 1.522e-6 months .

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of TS SR 3.8.4.6 Revised and Renumbered; Change (6)

The NRC staff concludes that renumbering SR 3.8.4.6 to SR 3.8.4.2 is considered editorial in nature, and therefore, is acceptable.

The licensee stated in LAR enclosure Section 2.1.4, Item 3, the proposed SR 3.8.4.2 deletion of the Farley-specific Note is based on the Note provision requiring placing a charger with a current Surveillance performance (i.e., within surveillance frequency) in service. Placing the Auxiliary Building swing charger or SWIS standby charger in service that fully meets the SR acceptance criteria becomes the required charger and thus, the one removed from service is no longer a required charger and is no longer governed by the TS Surveillance (in accordance with the provisions of SR 3.0.1).

The NRC staff requested that the licensee clarify whether the existing SR 3.8.4.6 (proposed renumbered as SR 3.8.4.2) on battery chargers also applies to spare chargers and specify at which frequency. In response to the staffs request for additional information (RAI), the licensee stated in the supplemental letter that TS 3.8.4 operability requirement and its SR (current SR 3.8.4.6 and proposed SR 3.8.4.2) applies only to a single required charger in each train.

Spare chargers are not required by TS to be maintained operable nor required to have related SRs maintained performed within the required Frequency (i.e., SRs are current). The licensee identified that, as a TS requirement, it is optional to keep spare charger surveillances current and, therefore, the existing SR 3.8.4.6 (proposed renumbered as SR 3.8.4.2) on battery chargers does not apply to spare chargers. The NRC staff determined that the licensee response is reasonable and therefore concludes that the deletion of the NOTE is acceptable.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.1.7 TS SR 3.8.4.7 Revised and Renumbered; Change (7)

The proposed change would revise Notes 1 and 2 in current SR 3.8.4.7 by eliminating the once per 60 months limitation and satisfying the SR by performing the modified performance discharge test instead of the service discharge test as described in the current SR 3.8.4.7 (renumbered to 3.8.4.3).

SR 3.8.4.37:

NOTES-------------------------------

1. The modified performance discharge test in SR 3.8.6.64.8 may be performed in lieu of the service test in SR 3.8.4.37 once per 60 months.

2. The modified performance discharge test in SR 3.8.4.8 may be performed in lieu of the service test at any time.

23. This Surveillance shall not normally be performed for the Auxiliary Building batteries in MODE 1, 2, 3, or 4. However, portions of the Surveillance may be performed to reestablish OPERABILITY provided an assessment determines the safety of the plant is maintained or enhanced.

Verify battery capacity is adequate to supply, and maintain in OPERABLE status, the required emergency loads for the design load profile described in the Final Safety Analysis Report, Section 8.3.2, by when subjecting the battery to a service test.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of TS SR 3.8.4.7 Revised and Renumbered; Change (7)

SR 3.8.4.7 (renumbered as 3.8.4.3) Note 1 currently allows a performance discharge test in lieu of a service test once per 60 months and Note 2 allows a modified performance discharge test in lieu of a service test at any time. The LAR proposed to delete Note 2 and modify Note 1 to allow the modified performance discharge test with no restriction, which aligns with the TSTF-500 change to NUREG-1431. Additionally, the licensee proposed revising Note 1 to eliminate the once per 60 months limitation for satisfying the SR by performing the modified performance discharge test instead of the service discharge test, effectively allowing the modified performance discharge test to be used instead of the service discharge test at any time. In Section 2.2(5) to the Enclosure of the LAR, Verifications and Required Final Safety Analysis Report Changes, the licensee stated that the modified performance discharge test completely encompasses the load profile of the battery service discharge test and that it adequately confirms the intent of the service test to verify the battery capacity to supply the design-basis load profile.

Moreover, the license states in the LAR, these two Notes are replaced with Note 1 that allows the modified performance discharge test in lieu of SR 3.8.4.3 with no restriction, which aligns with the TSTF-500 change to NUREG-1431. This change also eliminates the substitution of a performance discharge test, which is consistent with IEEE-450 2020, paragraph 6.5. Since the proposed changes align with TSTF-500 Surveillance Note, this change does not impact the applicability of TSTF-500 or the model SE. and therefore NRC staff finds the change acceptable.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.1.8 TS SR 3.8.4.8 Revised and Relocated; Change (8)

The proposed change would revise SR 3.8.4.8 and relocate it to TS 3.8.6 as SR 3.8.6.6 as follows:

SR 3.8.4.86.6:

NOTE-------------------------------

This Surveillance shall not normally be performed for the Auxiliary Building batteries in MODE 1, 2, 3, or 4.

However, portions of the Surveillance may be performed to reestablish OPERABILITY provided an assessment determines the safety of the plant is maintained or enhanced.

Verify required battery capacity is 80% of the manufacturer's rating when subjected to a modified performance discharge test.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program AND 18 months when battery shows degradation or has reached 85% of expected life or 17 years, whichever comes first AND 12 months when battery shows degradation or has reached 85% of expected life with capacity < 100% of manufacturer's rating AND 24 months when battery has reached 85% of the expected life with capacity 100% of manufacturer's rating Evaluation of TS SR 3.8.4.8 Revised and Relocated; Change (8)

The licensee proposed relocating SR 3.8.4.8 to SR 3.8.6.6. The purpose of this SR is to demonstrate the operability of the battery; thus, in accordance with SR 3.0.1, this surveillance is relocated to TS 3.8.6, Battery Parameters. The licensee states that the current SR 3.8.4.8 is being moved to SR 3.8.6.6 is consistent with TSTF-500 and NUREG-1431. The SR 3.8.6.6 surveillance frequencies will provide adequate data points for trending in order to determine the state-of-health of the safety-related batteries given the expected service life. The surveillance frequencies are appropriate given the condition of the battery, allows sufficient time for corrective actions to be taken, and is consistent with the safety significance of safety-related batteries.

The NRC staff determined that the proposed SR 3.8.6.6 is consistent with TSTF-500, except for the following difference: The wording in TSTF-500 performance discharge test or a modified performance discharge test is proposed to be changed to modified performance test. A battery performance discharge test is a test of constant current capacity of a battery, normally done in a as found condition, after having been in service, to detect any change in the capacity determined by the acceptance test. The test is intended to determine overall battery degradation due to age and usage. According to IEEE Std. 450-2020, a modified performance test can be used in lieu of a service test and/or a performance test at any time. Therefore, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed SR 3.8.6.6 acceptable.

For SR 3.8.4.8, the licensee proposes to revise the surveillance frequency. Specifically, the NUREG-1431 Frequencies are adopted, which are consistent with those specified by IEEE-450-2020. The current second Frequency of 18 months... is a combination of the NUREG-1431 Frequency (not modified in TSTF-500) that has a 12 month... and a 24 month... component. Additionally, the portion of the FNP Frequency or 17 years whichever comes first is deleted since 17 years is duplicative to 85% of expected life given the FNP Auxiliary Building batteries and SWIS batteries have a design expected life of 20 years. The LAR states that the proposed Frequencies (including removal of or 17 years whichever comes first) are consistent with IEEE-450-2020, Section 6.3.c, and NUREG-1431. Since the resultant Frequency aligns with the TSTF-500 Frequency, these differences do not impact the applicability of TSTF-500 or the model SE.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.2 TS 3.8.5, DC Sources - Shutdown, Changes The licensee proposed revising TS 3.8.5 Conditions, Required Actions, and SRs. Currently, TS 3.8.5 contains a Condition for one or more DC electrical subsystems inoperable. The proposed changes would revise the exiting Condition as well as add two additional Conditions.

LCO 3.8.5 requires DC electrical power sources to be operable to support specific equipment and capabilities in MODE 5 and 6 and during movement of irradiated fuel assemblies.

3.2.2.1 TS 3.8.5; New Condition A Added; Change (1)

The proposed change would add new Condition A as follows:

CONDITION:

A. Required battery charger on one Auxiliary Building subsystem inoperable.

AND Redundant Auxiliary Building subsystem battery and required battery charger OPERABLE.

REQUIRED ACTION:

A.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months AND A.2 Verify battery float current 2 amps.

COMPLETION TIME: Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months AND A.3 Restore battery charger to OPERABLE status.

COMPLETION TIME: 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.5; New Condition A Added; Change (1)

This condition verifies that at least one redundant Auxiliary Building subsystem battery and the associated battery charger remains operable to supply the DC shutdown loads. This change is identical to the proposed change described in Section 3.2.1.3 of this SE with the exception that this Condition prescribes the limitations during shutdown conditions. The NRC staff determined that the proposed change is consistent with TSTF-500, with minor plant -specific differences applicable to Farley DC system meeting the same safety intent, and is therefore acceptable.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36 and is acceptable.

3.2.2.2 TS 3.8.5; New Condition B Added; Change (2)

The proposed change would add new Condition B as follows:

CONDITION:

B. One battery charger on one required Service Water Intake Structure (SWIS) subsystem inoperable.

AND Required redundant SWIS subsystem battery and charger OPERABLE.

REQUIRED ACTION:

B.1 Restore battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months AND B.2 Verify battery float current 2 amps.

COMPLETION TIME: Once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months AND B.3 Restore battery charger to OPERABLE status.

COMPLETION TIME: 72 hours8.333333e-4 days 0.02 hours 1.190476e-4 weeks 2.7396e-5 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.5; New Condition B Added; Change (2)

This condition verifies that at least one redundant SWIS subsystem battery and the associated battery charger remains operable to supply the DC shutdown loads. This change is identical to the proposed change described in Section 3.2.1.3 of this SE with the exception that this Condition prescribes the limitations during shutdown conditions. The NRC staff determined that the proposed change is consistent with TSTF-500, with minor changes as applicable to the Farley DC system meeting the same safety intent, and is therefore acceptable.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36 and is acceptable.

3.2.2.3 TS 3.8.5; Existing Condition A (Revised and Renumbered as Condition C); Change (3)

The licensees proposed change would rename the existing Condition A as Condition C. Current Required Actions A.1, A.2.1, A.2.2, A.2.3 and A.2.4 would be renumbered as C.1, C.2.1, C.2.2, C.2.3 and C.2.4 with the same associated CT, i.e., Immediately.

The proposed new Condition C would state:

CONDITION:

CA. One or more required DC electrical power subsystems inoperable for reasons other than Condition A or B.

OR Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition A or B not met.

REQUIRED ACTION:

CA.1 Declare affected required feature(s) inoperable.

COMPLETION TIME: Immediately OR CA.2.1 Suspend CORE ALTERATIONS.

COMPLETION TIME: Immediately AND CA.2.2 Suspend movement of irradiated fuel assemblies.

COMPLETION TIME: Immediately AND CA.2.3 Initiate action to suspend operations involving positive reactivity additions.

COMPLETION TIME: Immediately AND CA.2.4 Initiate action to restore required DC electrical power subsystems to OPERABLE status.

COMPLETION TIME: Immediately Evaluation of TS 3.8.5; Existing Condition A (Revised and Renumbered as Condition C);

Change (3)

The purpose of this change is to reflect the addition of new Condition A and B. Condition C represents required DC electrical power subsystems inoperable for reasons other than Condition A or B or Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition A or B not met. If declaring the required features inoperable with the associated DC power source(s) also inoperable, restrictions will be implemented in accordance with the affected required features LCO Actions. Sufficiently conservative actions are made (i.e., to suspend Core Alterations, movement of irradiated fuel assemblies, and operations involving positive reactivity additions) that could result in loss of required shutdown margin (SDM) in Mode 5 or boron concentration in Mode 6. Suspending positive reactivity additions that could result in failure to meet the minimum SDM or boron concentration limit is required to assure continued safe operation. Introduction of coolant inventory must be from sources that have a boron concentration greater than what would be required in the reactor coolant system for minimum SDM or refueling boron concentration. This may result in an overall reduction in reactor coolant system boron concentration but provides acceptable margin to maintaining subcritical operation. Introduction of temperature changes including temperature increases when operating with a positive moderator temperature coefficient must also be evaluated to ensure they do not result in a loss of required SDM.

Suspension of these activities does not preclude completion of actions to establish a safe, conservative condition. Joining Conditions A and B with a logical OR statement, provides assurance that the appropriate actions will be met and minimize probability of the occurrence of postulated events.

The NRC staff finds that the renumbering of Condition C and Required Actions C.1,, C.2.1, C.2.2, C.2.3 and C.2.4 and associated CTs remain the same and is editorial in nature, and is, therefore, acceptable.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36 and is acceptable.

3.2.2.4 TS SR 3.8.5.1; Change (4)

The proposed changes in SR 3.8.5.1 are to reflect the SR changes previously described in Section 3.2.1 of this SE. SR 3.8.5.1 and its Note would be revised to state:

SR 3.8.5.1:

NOTE-------------------------------

The following SRs are applicable but are not required to be performed: SR 3.8.4.26, and SR 3.8.4.37, and SR 3.8.4.8.

For DC sources required to be OPERABLE, the following SRs are applicable:

SR 3.8.4.1 SR 3.8.4.4 SR 3.8.4.7 SR 3.8.4.2 SR 3.8.4.5 SR 3.8.4.8.

SR 3.8.4.3 SR 3.8.4.6 FREQUENCY:

In accordance with applicable SRs Evaluation of TS SR 3.8.5.1; Change (4)

The licensee, pursuant to LAR enclosure Section 2.1.3, stated that:

TS 3.8.5 SR 3.8.5.1 Note is revised to delete the [Farley]-specific phrase... applicable but are... [from the Note] to be consistent with the wording in the TSTF-500 SR 3.8.6.1 Note. This phrase is redundant to the requirements of SR 3.0.1 that require SRs to be met (i.e., they are applicable) during the modes or other specified conditions in the applicability for individual LCO. Since the proposed changes align with TSTF-500 Surveillance Note, this editorial change does not impact the applicability of TSTF-500 or the model SE.

The NRC staff finds the Note is consistent with TSTF-500, and is, therefore, acceptable.

The licensee proposed modifying SR 3.8.5.1 to be consistent with the proposed changes to TS 3.8.4 SRs. The revised, SR 3.8.5.1 would require the licensee to perform all surveillances required by SR 3.8.4.1 through SR 3.8.4.3. The NRC staff has reviewed the proposed change and determined that the change is consistent with the proposed changes to TS 3.8.4 SRs, and meet the intent of the SR Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.3 TS 3.8.6, Battery Parameters, Changes The licensee proposed replacing battery specific gravity monitoring with float current monitoring for state of charge (OPERABILITY) determination. The licensee also proposed revising the LCO, and existing TS 3.8.6 Conditions, Required Actions, SRs, deleting Table 3.8.6-1, and relocating some of the surveillance to the new TS 5.5.22, Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program.

As stated in the LAR, TS 3.8.6, Battery Parameters, proposed Conditions A, B, C, and D use the design-specific phrase [o]ne Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery in lieu of the TSTF-500 One battery wording. Since the Actions for each design-specific DC electrical power subsystem apply the TSTF-500 changes, the difference does not impact the applicability of TSTF-500.

3.2.3.1 TS 3.8.6; Relocation of Specific Gravity Requirements from Table 3.8.6-1; Change (1)

The proposed change would move the existing Table 3.8.6-1, Battery Cell Parameters Requirements, requirement for specific gravity to the new TS 5.5.22 program.

Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; Relocation of Specific Gravity Requirements from Table 3.8.6-1; Change (1)

Currently, battery cell specific gravity verification is required by SRs 3.8.6.1 and 3.8.6.2. The licensee proposed replacing requirements to determine a battery state of charge by measuring specific gravity with requirements to monitor float current. Float current monitoring is recognized by the industry as being a more direct and expeditious method for determining battery state of charge than specific gravity monitoring. In Attachment 1 of the LAR, the licensee provided letters from the manufacturer of the batteries used at Farley verifying the acceptability of using float current monitoring instead of specific gravity monitoring as a reliable and accurate indication of a battery state of charge for the life of the battery.

The 2-amp float current value provides an indication that the battery is less than 100% charged, therefore the licensee has verified that the battery will maintain a 5% design margin to provide assurance that the battery is fully charged when the 2-amp float current limit is reached.

Additionally, the licensee will change the FSAR to provide a description of this capability.

In Section 2.2 of the Enclosure to the LAR, the licensee has verified that the equipment that will be used to monitor float current under SR 3.8.6.1 will have the necessary accuracy and capability to measure electrical currents in the expected range.

As required by the proposed TS 5.5.22, Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program, the licensee will continue obtaining specific gravity measurements of all cells during each discharge test.

The NRC staff determined that the Farley FSAR will be revised to incorporate description of how maintaining a 5% design margin for the batteries corresponds to a 2-amp float current value, which indicates that the battery is 95% charged, provides adequate assurance that replacing specific gravity measurements with float current monitoring will not have a significant impact on safety or the ability to accurately determine the operability of the batteries. Based on these requirements, the NRC staff concludes that the float current monitoring is a suitable replacement for specific gravity monitoring when used to determine a batterys state of charge.

The NRC staff also concludes that the proposed change will also ensure the battery parameters (maintenance, testing, and monitoring) are appropriately monitored and maintained in accordance with the new Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program specified in TS Administrative Controls Section 5.5.

Based on the above, the NRC staff finds that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.3.2 TS 3.8.6; Title; Change (2)

The proposed change would revise the title of TS 3.8.6 from Battery Cell Parameters to Battery Parameters.

Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; Title; Change (2)

The NRC staff reviewed the proposed change and has determined that the change is editorial in nature and is acceptable.

3.2.3.3 LCO 3.8.6; Change (3)

The proposed change would revise LCO 3.8.6 to Battery cell parameters for Train A and Train B Auxiliary Building and Service Water Intake Structure (SWIS) electrical power subsystem batteries shall be within limits instead of Battery cell parameters for Train A and Train B Auxiliary Building and Service Water Intake Structure (SWIS) batteries shall be within the limits of Table 3.8.6-1.

Evaluation of LCO 3.8.6; Change (3)

This change adds consistency with the LCO 3.8.4 and LCO 3.8.5 descriptions of the separate and independent electrical power subsystems and uses the term subsystem, which appears in the Conditions in the LCO.

The NRC staff reviewed the proposed change and has determined that the change more appropriately reflects the Farley electrical system nomenclature. The NRC staff also concludes that the change is editorial in nature; consistent with the preferred format and content of TSs; and does not result in a substantive change to TS requirements, and therefore, is acceptable.

3.2.3.4 TS 3.8.6; Deletion of Table 3.8.6-1 Float Voltage and Electrolyte Requirements; Change (4)

The proposed change would delete Table 3.8.6-1, Battery Cell Parameters Requirements, and relocate electrolyte level and float voltage requirements.

Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; Table Float Voltage and Electrolyte Requirements; Change (4)

TS Table 3.8.6-1 specifies the battery cell parameter requirements, including electrolyte level, float voltage, and specific gravity. The licensee has proposed deleting TS Table 3.8.6-1 while retaining the battery parameters requirements in the new SRs and TS 5.5.22, Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program.

The licensee proposed relocating the Category A and B values of TS Table 3.8.6-1 to the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. The Category A and B values of TS Table 3.8.6-1 represent appropriate monitoring electrolyte levels and appropriate preventive maintenance levels for long-term battery quality and extended battery life. This relocation will continue to ensure that the battery is maintained at current levels of performance, and that operators appropriately focus on monitoring the battery parameters for degradation.

The licensee also proposed relocating the Category C specific limiting values of TS Table 3.8.6-1 for the battery electrolyte levels to the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. However, new Conditions D and E in TS 3.8.6 will require the electrolyte temperature (pilot cell) and level (one or more battery cells) to be greater than or equal to minimum established design limits. The licensee proposed relocating the electrolyte temperature and level criteria (i.e., the minimum established design limits) to the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. Depending on the available excess capacity of the associated battery, the minimum temperature necessary to support operability of the battery can vary. The licensee proposed relocating these values to the TS Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program will provide licensees with added flexibility to monitor and control these values directly related to the batterys ability to perform its assumed function. The NRC staff concludes that the Category C specific limiting values for TS Table 3.8.6-1 for the battery electrolyte levels may be relocated the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program since the licensee provided assurance that these battery parameter values will continue to be controlled at their current level, and that actions to restore deficient values will be implemented in accordance with the licensees corrective action program.

See Section 3.2.3.1 of this SE for the NRC staffs evaluation of the licensees proposal to relocate the specific gravity requirements to TS Section 5.5.

The proposed change discussed above ensures battery parameters will be appropriately monitored and maintained in accordance with the TS Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. The NRC staff finds that the change is consistent with TSTF-500; therefore, the proposed change is acceptable.

3.2.3.5 TS 3.8.6; Existing Condition A Deleted and New Condition A Added; Change (5)

The proposed change would delete existing condition A and add new TS 3.8.6 Condition A to address what was formerly the Category C limit for float voltage in TS Table 3.8.6-1.

New Condition A would state:

CONDITION:

A. One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with one or more battery cells float voltage < 2.07 V.

REQUIRED ACTION:

A.1 Perform SR 3.8.4.1.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months AND A.2 Perform SR 3.8.6.1.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months AND A.3 Restore affected cell voltage 2.07 V.

COMPLETION TIME: 24 hours2.777778e-4 days 0.00667 hours 3.968254e-5 weeks 9.132e-6 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; Existing Condition A Deleted and New Condition A Added; Change (5)

The licensee proposed adding new TS 3.8.6 Condition A to address what was formerly the Category C limit for float voltage in TS Table 3.8.6-1. This new Condition would be applicable when one Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery is found with one or more battery cells with a float voltage less than 2.07 V. The NRC staff noted that in its submittal, the licensees proposed TS 5.5.22, Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program, would include provisions to take actions to restore battery cells if float voltage is < 2.13 V as compared to

< 2.08 V considered in the existing TS Table 3.8.6-1 under Category A or Category B values.

The NRC staff requested that the licensee justify the basis for increasing the minimum float cell voltage from 2.08 V to 2.13 V. In response to the NRC staffs RAI, the licensee stated that the appropriate monitoring levels and appropriate preventive maintenance levels for long-term battery quality and extended battery life are provided by the battery manufacturer recommendations. For the Farley batteries, the appropriate battery float voltage to maintain long-term battery quality and extended battery life is achieved by maintaining battery cells 2.13 V as provided in proposed TS 5.5.22 paragraphs b.1 and b.2. The current Farley TS Table 3.8.6-1 Category A and B limit of 2.08 V would be increased to the more conservative 2.13 V to align with the TSTF-500 stated purpose for the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program limits.

Condition A contains remedial measures (Required Actions) for the condition of a degraded battery cell(s) if the actions taken in the TS 5.5.22 are not adequate or timely. The Required Action A.1 requires the licensee to perform SR 3.8.4.1 in two hours, to verify the battery terminal voltage of a 60-cell battery to be greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage (132 V as stated in Attachment 2 of the licensees LAR); and Action A.2 requires the licensee to perform SR 3.8.6.1 in two hours to verify that each batterys float current is less than or equal to two amps. The above actions ensure that battery capacity will remain adequate to perform its intended function. Continued operations for up to 24 hours2.777778e-4 days 0.00667 hours 3.968254e-5 weeks 9.132e-6 months are proposed to allow the restoration of the affected cell(s) voltage to greater than or equal to 2.07 V.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change is consistent with TSTF-500 and provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36, and therefore, is acceptable.

3.2.3.6 TS 3.8.6; New Condition B Added; Change (6)

The proposed change would add new TS 3.8.6 Condition B which states:

CONDITION:

B. One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with float current > 2 amps.

REQUIRED ACTION:

B.1 Perform SR 3.8.4.1.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months AND B.2 Restore battery float current to 2 amps.

COMPLETION TIME: 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; New Condition B Added; Change (6)

The licensee proposed adding new TS 3.8.6, Condition B, to address battery state of charge.

This new Condition would be applicable when an Auxiliary Building battery or the SWIS battery is found with a float current greater than two amps. A float current of greater than two amps provides an indication that a partial discharge has occurred. The Required Action is to verify within two hours that the battery terminal voltage is greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage (perform SR 3.8.4.1 within two hours), thus confirming battery charger operability. Required Action B.2 of Condition B ensures that within 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months the battery will be restored to its fully charged condition from any discharge that might have occurred due to a temporary loss of the battery charger.

If the terminal voltage is found to be less than the minimum established float voltage, it indicates that the battery charger is either inoperable or is operating in the current limit mode. If the battery charger is operating in the current limit mode for two hours, it indicates that the battery has been substantially discharged and likely cannot perform its required design functions.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change is consistent with TSTF-500 and provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36, and therefore, is acceptable.

3.2.3.7 TS 3.8.6; New Condition C Added; Change (7)

The proposed change would add new TS 3.8.6 Condition C to address the level of the electrolyte in a cell. Variation two described in Section 1.2 above applies to this proposed change.

CONDITION:

NOTE----------------

Required Action C.2 shall be completed if electrolyte level was below the top of plates.

C. One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with one or more cells electrolyte level less than minimum established design limits.

REQUIRED ACTION:

NOTE-----------------

Required Actions C.1 and C.2 are only applicable if electrolyte level was below the top of plates.

C.1 Restore electrolyte level to above top of plates.

COMPLETION TIME: 8 hours9.259259e-5 days 0.00222 hours 1.322751e-5 weeks 3.044e-6 months AND C.2 Verify no evidence of leakage.

COMPLETION TIME: 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months AND C.3 Restore electrolyte level to greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

COMPLETION TIME: 31 days Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; New Condition C Added; Change (7)

The licensee proposed adding new TS 3.8.6 Condition C to address the electrolyte level in a cell. This new Condition C would be applicable when one Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery is found with one or more cells with an electrolyte level less than the minimum established design limits. If the electrolyte level is above the top of the battery plates, but below the minimum limit (i.e., minimum level indication mark on the battery cell jar), the battery should still have sufficient capacity to perform its intended safety function and could be considered operable.

With the electrolyte level below the top of the plates, there is a potential for dry-out and plate degradation. New Required Actions C.1 and C.2 (as well as provisions in the new Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program) restore the electrolyte level and ensure that the cause of the loss of the electrolyte level is not due to a leak in the battery cell jar. Action C.3 requires to restore electrolyte level to greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

Therefore, the new Required Actions ensure the batteries will be restored to an operable condition in a timely manner.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the new TS LCO 3.8.6 Condition C is consistent with TSTF-500 and provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36, and therefore, is acceptable.

3.2.3.8 TS 3.8.6; New Condition D Added; Change (8)

The proposed change would add new TS 3.8.6 Condition D to state:

CONDITION:

D. One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with pilot cell electrolyte temperature less than minimum established design limits.

REQUIRED ACTION:

D.1 Restore battery pilot cell temperature to greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

COMPLETION TIME: 12 hours1.388889e-4 days 0.00333 hours 1.984127e-5 weeks 4.566e-6 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; New Condition D Added; Change (8)

The licensee proposed adding new TS 3.8.6 Condition D which would apply to a battery found with a pilot cell electrolyte temperature less than the minimum established design limit. A low electrolyte temperature limits the current and power available from the battery. This new Condition D would be applicable when one Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery is found with a pilot cell electrolyte temperature less than minimum established design limits.

In the Section 2.1.4 of the Enclosure to the LAR, the licensee stated: Where reference is made to the pilot cell, pilot cell selection shall be based on the lowest voltage cell in the battery, based on RG 1.129 Revision 4.

The NRC staff determined that the proposed 12-hour CT is consistent with TSTF-500 and provides adequate time to restore the electrolyte temperature within established limits. The licensee stated in Attachment 2 to the LAR that the FSAR will provide the minimum established design limit for electrolyte temperature.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that adding new TS 3.8.6 Condition D is consistent with TSTF-500 and provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36, and therefore, is acceptable.

3.2.3.9 TS 3.8.6; New Condition E Added; Change (9)

New TS 3.8.6 Condition E was proposed as follows:

CONDITION:

E. One or more batteries in redundant Auxiliary Building subsystems or one or more required batteries in redundant SWIS subsystems with battery parameters not within limits.

REQUIRED ACTION:

E.1 Restore battery parameters for required batteries in one subsystem to within limits.

COMPLETION TIME: 2 hours2.314815e-5 days 5.555556e-4 hours 3.306878e-6 weeks 7.61e-7 months Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; New Condition E Added; Change (9)

The licensee proposed adding new TS 3.8.6 Condition E to address the condition where one or more batteries in redundant subsystems with battery parameters not within limits.

In Section 2.1.2 of the Enclosure to the LAR, TS 3.8.6 proposed Condition E uses the design-specific phrase, [o]ne or more batteries in redundant Auxiliary Building subsystems or one or more required batteries in redundant SWIS subsystems in lieu of the TSTF-500 [o]ne or more batteries in redundant subsystems. Since the Actions for each design-specific DC electrical power subsystem apply the TSTF-500 changes, the difference does not impact the applicability of TSTF-500 or the model SE.

If battery parameters are not within limits, there is not sufficient assurance that the batteries will be fully capable of performing their intended safety function.

The licensee proposed that battery parameters for the affected battery in one subsystem be restored to within limits within two hours. With redundant batteries involved this potential could result in a total loss of function on multiple systems that rely upon the batteries. The NRC staff considers the 2-hour time period to be consistent with TSTF-500 and reasonably considered the potential for loss of function of components that depend on the batteries (i.e., AC vital bus subsystem(s), electrical breaker control/position indication power, etc.). Accordingly, a relatively short duration is provided to resolve the condition.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that adding new TS 3.8.6 Condition E provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36, and therefore, is acceptable.

3.2.3.10 TS 3.8.6; Existing Condition B (Revised and Renumbered as Condition F);

Change (10)

The proposed change would modify, and renumber existing Condition B as follows:

CONDITION:

FB. Required Action and associated Completion Time of Condition A, B, C, D, or E not met.

OR One Auxiliary Building battery or one required SWIS battery with one or more battery cells float voltage < 2.07 V and float current

> 2 amps.

One or more required batteries with average electrolyte temperature of the representative cells < 60°F for the Auxiliary Building batteries or < 35°F for the SWIS batteries.

OR One or more required batteries with one or more battery cell parameters not within Category C values.

OR

NOTE--------------

Battery terminal voltage of 127.8 volts as measured by SR 3.8.4.1 is equivalent to average cell float voltage of 2.13 volts per cell.

One or more required batteries with the average cell float voltage 2.13 volts.

REQUIRED ACTION:

FB.1 Declare associated battery inoperable.

COMPLETION TIME: Immediately Evaluation of TS 3.8.6; Existing Condition B (Revised and Renumbered as Condition F);

Change (10)

Existing Condition B (new Condition F) describes three Conditions of battery inoperability. As part of this proposed change, the licensee proposed replacing the last three entry Conditions (i.e., average electrolyte temperature less than 60°F for the Auxiliary Building batteries or less than 35°F for the SWIS batteries or, not within Category C limits or, average cell float volage less than 2.13 V; as well as its Note).

New Condition F provides a default condition when the Required Actions for Condition A, B, C, D, or E are not completed on time. Under this condition, it is assumed that there is insufficient capacity to supply the maximum expected load requirements. New Condition F also addresses the case where one or more batteries are found with one or more battery cells having a float voltage less than 2.07 V and a float current greater than two amps. This condition represents a highly degraded battery condition due to which the battery capacity may not be sufficient to performing the intended design function. The Required Action is to declare the associated battery inoperable immediately. The Required Action is reasonable and consistent with battery inoperability specified in new Condition F.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change is consistent with TSTF-500, and provides acceptable remedial actions as allowed by 10 CFR 50.36, and therefore, is acceptable.

3.2.3.11 Delete Existing SRs 3.8.6.1 and 3.8.6.2; Change (11)

The proposed change would delete the requirements in current SRs 3.8.6.1 and 3.8.6.2 as follows:

SR 3.8.6.1:

Verify battery cell parameters meet Table 3.8.6-1 Category A limits.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program SR 3.8.6.2:

Verify battery cell parameters meet Table 3.8.6-1 Category B limits.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program AND Once within 7 days after a battery discharge < 110 V AND Once within 7 days after a battery overcharge > 150 V Evaluation of Delete Existing SRs 3.8.6.1 and 3.8.6.2; Change (11)

The NRC staff finds that the elimination of existing SR 3.8.6.1 and SR 3.8.6.2 is consistent with the elimination of TS Table 3.8.6-1. The licensee proposed relocating the Category A and B values of TS Table 3.8.6-1 for electrolyte level, individual battery cell float voltage, and specific gravity and the remedial actions associated with restoring a battery to operable status to the new Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. The Category A and B values of TS Table 3.8.6-1 represent appropriate monitoring levels and appropriate preventive maintenance levels for long-term battery quality and extended battery life. The NRC staff determined that relocating these battery cell parameters to the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program acceptable because (1) battery capacity is considered adequate when electrolyte level is above the top of the plates; (2) an individual battery cell float voltage criterion of greater than or equal to 2.13 V is a maintenance limit; and (3) specific gravity measurement criteria are being replaced by float current monitoring which satisfies the intent of the existing SR.

The proposed change discussed above ensures the battery parameters are appropriately monitored and maintained in accordance with the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program, as specified in TS Section 5.5.22.

Therefore, of SR 3.8.6.1 and SR 3.8.6.2, relocation of Category A and B values, and the new SRs described in the following sections provide assurance that battery quality and operability will continue to be maintained.

3.2.3.12 New SR 3.8.6.1; Change (12)

The proposed change would add new SR 3.8.6.1 as follows:

SR 3.8.6.1:

NOTE------------------------------

Not required to be met when battery terminal voltage is less than the minimum established float voltage of SR 3.8.4.1.

Verify each required battery float current is 2 amps.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of New SR 3.8.6.1; Change (12)

The licensee proposed adding new SR 3.8.6.1, which will require verification that the float current for each battery is less than or equal to two amps in accordance with the SFCP. The purpose of this SR is to determine the state of charge of the battery. Float charge is the condition in which the battery charger is supplying the continuous small amount of current (i.e., less than or equal to two amps) required to overcome the internal losses of a battery to maintain the battery in a fully charged state. The float current requirements are based on the float current indicative of a charged battery. As stated above in Section 3.2.3.1 [TS 3.8.6; Change (1)], the use of float current to determine the state of charge of the battery is consistent with the battery manufacturer recommendations.

The licensee proposed that the SR frequency be added to Farleys existing SFCP. The NRC approved this program in License Amendments dated July 18, 2011 (ML11167A226). Further, TSTF-500, Revision 2, has been incorporated into the most recent Westinghouse STS, NUREG-1431, Revision 5. The NRC staff notes that the proposed frequency is consistent with NUREG-1431s frequency options for SR 3.8.6.1. On page E-8 of the LAR, the licensee confirmed that the proposed new SR 3.8.6.1 does not meet any of the criteria that would exclude it from the program. On the same page, the licensee also stated that the initial Frequency will be seven days, and any changes will be evaluated under the SFCP. The NRC staff determined that this frequency is consistent with the current licensing basis for Farley and TSTF-500, as incorporated into NUREG 1431, Revision 5.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.3.13 New SR 3.8.6.2; Change (13)

The proposed change would add new SR 3.8.6.2 as follows:

SR 3.8.6.2:

Verify each required battery pilot cell float voltage is 2.07 V.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of New SR 3.8.6.2; Change (13)

The licensee proposed adding new SR 3.8.6.2, which will require verification that the float voltage of a pilot cell is greater than or equal to 2.07 V in accordance with the SFCP. This voltage level represents the minimum SR acceptable voltage for operability. The Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program in the new TS Section 5.5.22 includes actions to restore battery cells with float voltage less than 2.13 V and actions to verify that the remaining cells are greater than or equal to 2.13 V when a cell or cells have been found to be less than 2.13 V.

Regarding the SR frequency, the licensee proposed that it be added to Farleys existing SFCP.

The NRC approved this program in License Amendments dated July 18, 2011. Further, TSTF-500, Revision 2, has been incorporated into the most recent Westinghouse STS, NUREG-1431, Revision 5. The proposed frequency is consistent with NUREG-1431s frequency options for SR 3.8.6.2. On page E-8 of the LAR, the licensee confirmed that the proposed new SR 3.8.6.2 does not meet any of the criteria that would exclude it from the program. On the same page, the licensee also stated that initial Frequency will be 31 days, and any changes will be evaluated under the SFCP. The NRC staff determined that this frequency is consistent with the current licensing basis for Farley and TSTF-500, as incorporated into NUREG-1431, Revision 5.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillance by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.3.14 New SR 3.8.6.3; Change (14)

The proposed change would add new SR 3.8.6.3 as follows:

SR 3.8.6.3:

Verify each required battery connected cell electrolyte level is greater than or equal to minimum established design limits.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of New SR 3.8.6.3; Change (14)

The licensee proposed adding SR 3.8.6.3 which would protect against operation of the batteries at electrolyte levels greater than the minimum established design limit. According to the licensee, the SR would ensure that the battery plates do not suffer physical damage and continue to maintain adequate electron transfer capability.

The licensee also proposed relocating the specific limiting values for the battery electrolyte level to the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. SR 3.8.6.3 would require the electrolyte level to be greater than or equal to the minimum established design limits. Relocation to the licensee-controlled Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program will allow flexibility to monitor and control this limit at values directly related to the battery ability to perform its required safety function.

The licensee proposed that the SR frequency be added to Farleys existing SFCP. The NRC approved this program in License Amendments dated July 18, 2011. Further, TSTF-500, Revision 2, has been incorporated into the most recent Westinghouse STS, NUREG-1431, Revision 5. The proposed frequency is consistent with NUREG-1431s frequency options for SR 3.8.6.3. On page E-8 of the LAR, the licensee confirmed that the proposed new SR 3.8.6.3 does not meet any of the criteria that would exclude it from the program. On the same page, the licensee also stated that initial Frequency will be 31 days, and any changes will be evaluated under the SFCP. The NRC staff determined that this frequency is consistent with the current licensing basis for Farley and TSTF-500, as incorporated into NUREG 1431, Revision 5.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.3.15 Modify and Renumber Existing SR 3.8.6.3; Change (15)

The proposed change would modify, and renumber existing SR 3.8.6.3 as follows:

SR 3.8.6.43:

Verify average electrolyte each required battery pilot cell temperature is greater than or equal to minimum established design limits. of representative cells is 60°F for the Auxiliary Building batteries and 35°F for the SWIS batteries.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of Modify and Renumber Existing TS SR 3.8.6.3; Change (15)

The licensee proposed revising existing SR 3.8.6.3 to require verifying the average (versus pilot cell) electrolyte temperature in accordance with the SFCP. Batteries have very large thermal inertia; the batteries are designed with margins to account for factors affecting performance (i.e., temperature, aging). As a result, the pilot cell temperature is an accurate representation of the temperature of the battery bank and is adequate to ensure that the minimum electrolyte temperature is maintained.

Currently, the frequency of this SR is in accordance with the SFCP with no proposed changes.

The NRC staff determined that the frequency of proposed SR 3.8.6.4 is consistent with TSTF-500, Revision 2, as incorporated into NUREG-1431, Revision 5.

Based on the above, the NRC staff determined that the pilot cell temperature is an accurate representation of the temperature of the battery bank. The NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.3.16 New SR 3.8.6.5; Change (16)

The proposed new SR 3.8.6.5 would state:

SR 3.8.6.5:

Verify each required battery connected cell float voltage is 2.07 V.

FREQUENCY:

In accordance with the Surveillance Frequency Control Program Evaluation of New SR 3.8.6.5; Change (16)

The licensee proposed adding new SR 3.8.6.5 to verify the float voltage level is sufficient. This voltage level represents the point at which battery operability cannot be assured. Optimal long-term battery performance is obtained by maintaining a float voltage greater than or equal to the minimum established design limits provided by the battery manufacturer, which corresponds to 132 V at the battery terminals, or 2.20 V per cell. Furthermore, the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program includes actions to restore battery cells with float voltage less than 2.13 V and actions to verify that the remaining cells are greater than or equal to 2.13 V when a cell or cells have been found to be less than 2.13 V.

The 2.07 V individual cell limit reflects the operability limit for the batteries. With all battery cells above 2.07 V, there is adequate assurance that the terminal voltage is at an acceptable threshold for establishing battery operability.

Regarding the SR frequency, the licensee proposed that it be added to Farleys existing SFCP.

The NRC approved this program in License Amendments dated July 18, 2011. Further, TSTF-500, Revision 2, has been incorporated into the most recent Westinghouse STS, NUREG-1431, Revision 5. The proposed frequency is consistent with NUREG-1431s frequency options for SR 3.8.6.5. On page E-8 of the LAR, the licensee confirmed that the proposed new SR 3.8.6.5 does not meet any of the criteria that would exclude it from the program. On the same page, the licensee also stated that initial Frequency will be 92 days, and any changes will be evaluated under the SFCP. The NRC staff determined that this frequency is consistent with the current licensing basis for Farley and TSTF-500, as incorporated into NUREG-1431, Revision 5.

Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.4 TS 5.5.22, Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program The licensee proposed to add new TS 5.5.22 to state:

Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program This Program provides controls for battery restoration and maintenance. The program shall be in accordance with IEEE Standard (Std) 450-2020, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications, as endorsed by Regulatory Guide 1.129, Revision 4 (RG), with RG exceptions and program provisions as identified below:

a. The program allows the following RG 1.129, Revision 4 exceptions:

1. RG 1.129, Regulatory Position 1, Subsection 2, References, is not applicable to this program.

b. The program shall include the following provisions:

1. Actions to restore battery cells with float voltage < 2.13 V;

2. Actions to determine whether the float voltage of the remaining battery cells is 2.13 V when the float voltage of a battery cell has been found to be < 2.13 V;

3. Actions to equalize and test battery cells that had been discovered with electrolyte level below the top of the plates;

4. Limits on average electrolyte temperature, battery connection resistance, and battery terminal voltage; and

5. A requirement to obtain specific gravity readings of all cells at each discharge test, consistent with manufacturer recommendations.

In Enclosure 2, Section 2.2, of the LAR, the licensee stated that the monitoring of the current battery parameters (i.e., specific gravity, electrolyte level, cell temperature, float voltage, connection resistance, and battery terminal voltage) will be relocated to the licensee-controlled Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. The TS Battery Maintenance and Monitoring Program will ensure that the above battery parameters will be maintained and that actions will be implemented should the battery parameters not be met. The licensee stated in Section 2.1.4 of the LAR enclosure that the proposed Administrative Control for the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program (Farley TS 5.5.22) is revised to reference IEEE-450-2020 and RG 1.129, Revision 4, in lieu of TSTF-500 reference to IEEE-450-2002 and RG 1.129, Revision 2. The later NRC approved guidance documents incorporate many of the exceptions presented in the TSTF-500, Revision 2, Administrative Controls Program, which allows for a more streamlined TS presentation and fewer exceptions to track for implementation.

TS 5.5.22 provides assurance that the battery parameters will be monitored and controlled in accordance with the program, and that actions to restore deficient parameters will be implemented in accordance with the licensees corrective action program. The licensee stated in supplement dated January 17, 2025, that [d]eficiencies will be entered into the plants corrective action program and appropriately addressed. Furthermore, the battery and its preventive maintenance and monitoring program continue to be subject to the regulatory requirements of 10 CFR 50.65.

The NRC staff determined that this change provides assurance that the battery is maintained at required levels of performance and that pertinent battery parameters are monitored. Based on the above the NRC staff concludes that the proposed change meets 10 CFR 50.36 requirements for surveillances by ensuring that the necessary quality of DC systems and components is maintained and that the LCO will be met and is therefore acceptable.

3.2.5 Surveillance Frequence Program Applicability On July 18, 2011 (ML11167A226), Farley was approved to use a Risk-Informed SFCP. The licensee proposed to modify SRs currently in, and controlled by, this program. As discussed in the Safety Evaluation and associated documentation for this approval, SRs are able to be included in the program except:

Frequencies that reference other approved programs for the specific interval; Frequencies that are purely event-driven; Frequencies that are event-driven, but have a time component for performing the surveillance on a one-time basis once the event occurs; and Frequencies that are related to specific conditions or conditions for the performance of a surveillance requirement.

The NRC staff confirmed that the proposed changes to the SRs do not affect meeting any of these criteria and are, therefore, appropriate for retention in, and control by the SFCP.

3.3 Summary and Conclusion Based on the above evaluation, the NRC staff determined that the proposed changes to the Farley, Units 1 and 2, TSs to adopt TSTF-500, Revision 2, provides assurance of the continued availability of the required DC power to shut down the reactor and to maintain the reactor in a safe condition after an anticipated operational occurrence or a postulated design-basis accident.

The NRC staff also concludes that the proposed TS changes are in accordance with 10 CFR 50.36 and would continue to meet the intent of GDCs 1, 17 and 18. Therefore, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed changes are acceptable.

4.0 STATE CONSULTATION

In accordance with the Commissions regulations, the Alabama State official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendments on May 5, 2025, and the State official confirmed that the State of Alabama had no official comments (ML25126A142).

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

The amendments change requirements with respect to installation or use of a facility component located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20 and change SRs. The NRC staff has determined that the amendments involve no significant increase in the amounts, and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a proposed finding that the amendments involve no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding published in the Federal Register on September 3, 2024 (89 FR 71436). Accordingly, the amendments meet the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9).

Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendments.

6.0 CONCLUSION

The Commission has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that: (1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner; (2) there is reasonable assurance that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commissions regulations; and (3) the issuance of the amendments will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

Principal Contributors: Nadim Khan, NRR Khadijah West, NRR Date of Issuance: June 18, 2025

ML25125A303 NRR-058 OFFICE NRR/DORL/LPL2-1/PM NRR/DORL/LPL2-1/LA NRR/DSS/STSB/ABC NRR/DEX/EEEB/BC NAME ZTurner KZeleznock SMehta WMorton DATE 05/06/2025 05/08/2025 and 06/17/2025 05/12/2025 05/01/2025 OFFICE OGC/NLO NRR/DORL/LPL2-1/BC NRR/DORL/LPL2-1/PM NAME KWilson MMarkley (EMiller for)

ZTurner DATE 06/11/2025 06/18/2025 06/18/2025

v t e Letter Sequence Approval
EPID:L-2024-LLA-0091, TSTF-360 (Open)
Initiation Request, Request Acceptance Administration Questions 5 December 2024 Answers 17 January 2025 Results Approval Other:
MONTHYEAR2024-07-30 [Table View]

ML25125A303

Text

SUBJECT:

Dear Ms. Coleman:

Enclosures:

Attachment:

Attachment:

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

4.0 STATE CONSULTATION

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

6.0 CONCLUSION

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