NOC-AE-20003731, 2019 South Texas Project Electric Generating Station - Annual Environmental Operating Report

2019 South Texas Project Electric Generating Station - Annual Environmental Operating Report

ML20114E279
Person / Time
Site:	South Texas
Issue date:	04/23/2020
From:	Stone C South Texas
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NOC-AE-20003731
Download: ML20114E279 (74)

Text

Nuclear Operating Company South Texas Pmjecl Electric Generating Slatlon P.O, B(x<289 Wadswrth. Texas 77483 April 23, 2020 NOC-AE-20003731 10CFR50.36b STI:35014130 ATTN: Document Control Desk U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 South Texas Project Units 1 and 2 Docket Nos. 50-498; 50-499 2019 South Texas Project Electric Generating Station Annual Environmental Operatinci Report Pursuant to the South Texas Project Unit 1 Renewed Operating License NPF-76 and Unit 2 Renewed Operating License NPF-80 Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan (Non-radiological), and Technical Specification 6.9.1.3, the STP Nuclear Operating Company provides the attached South Texas Project Electric Generating Station 2019 Annual Environmental Operating Report.

There are no commitments in this letter.

If there are any questions about this report, please contact me at 361 -972-8168, or N.

Boehmisch at 361-972-8172.

Clayton B. Stone Manager, Health Physics NB

Attachment:

2019 Annual Environmental Operating Report

NOC-AE-20003731 Page 2 of 2 ec:

Regional Administrator, Region IV U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 1600 E. Lamar Boulevard Arlington, TX 76011-4511 Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonaid 1700 7th Street Room 301 Bay City, TX 77414-5094 Commissioner PCT. 1 Gary Graham 2604 Nlchols Road Bay City, TX 77414 Commissioner PCT. 2 Kent Pollard Box 571 Matagorda, TX 77457 Commissioner PCT. 3 James A. Gibson 25000 Hwy 35 South Pafacios, TX 77465 Commissioner PCT. 4 Charles Frick P.O. Box 99 El Maton, TX 77440 Texas Dept. of State Health Services Robert Free PO Box 149347 Austin, TX 78714-9347

S OUTH TEXAS P ROJ ECT EL ECTRIC GENERAT I ON STAT I ON 2019 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT

The 2019 Annual Environmental Operating Report for the South Texas Project Electric Generating Station combines in one report the requirements for the Annual Environmental Operating Report (Non-radiological) found in Appendix B to the renewed Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-76 and NPF-80 and the requirements for the Annual Radiological Environmental Operating Report found in Part A of the stations Offsite Dose Calculation Manual.

Completed in accordance with Technical Specifications for United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Renewed License Nos.NPF-76 and NPF-80 April 2020 Authored by: _______________________

Laura Stoicescu, CHP Consulting Health Physicist Health Physics Division and _______________________

Kenneth M. Cunningham Environmental Supervisor Regulatory Affairs Technical Review: _______________________

Edmond Hardcastle Jr.

Staff Environmental Radiological Services Specialist Health Physics Division Approved by: _______________________

Clayton B. Stone Manager Health Physics Division 2019 Annual Environmental Operating Report Maps provided by Janice Hopes Photos courtesy of:

Kelly Callais, Jeffrey Coney, Greg McMullin, Ronnie Ormand, Aubrey Passafuma, Steve Thomas and Gerrit Work.

Graphics by Diane Davis Design STP ANNUAL ENVI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G R E P O RT

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S CHAPTERS CHAPTER ONE: EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 CHAPTER TWO: SITE AND AREA DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 CHAPTER THREE: NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL INTRODUCTION AND

SUMMARY

. . . . 3-1 CHAPTER FOUR: NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Aquatic and Ecological Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Water Quality Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Air Quality Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Non-radioactive Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Chemical Control and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Environmental Protection Plan Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 CHAPTER FIVE: RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL INTRODUCTION AND

SUMMARY

. . . . . . . . . . 5-1 CHAPTER SIX: RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Program Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Airborne Pathway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Direct Exposure Pathway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Sediment Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Waterborne Pathway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 NEI Groundwater Protection Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Land Use Census. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 Quality Assurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 Program Deviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Analysis Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2-1: Plant Water Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Figure 4-1: 2019 Nonradioactive Waste Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Figure 4-2: 2019 Nonradioactive Waste Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Figure 4-3: Hazardous Waste Shipped Historical Comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Figure 6-1: Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Designated Sample Location Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Figure 6-2: Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Onsite Sample Location Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Figure 6-3: Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Zone Location Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Figure 6-4: Historical Comparison of Average Quarterly Beta Activity from Indicator and Control Air Samples . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Figure 6-5: Environmental Dosimeter Comparisons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Figure 6-6: Historical Comparison of Cobalt-60 in Main Cooling Reservoir Sediment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Figure 6-7: Calculated Cumulative Curies of Cobalt-60 in the Main Cooling Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Figure 6-8: Historical Comparison of Tritium Added to and Remaining in the Main Cooling Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Figure 6-9: Historical Comparison of Tritium Activity in Reservoir Relief Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Figure 6-10: Historical Comparison of Tritium Activity in Surface Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Figure 6-11: Historical Comparison of Tritium Activity in Shallow Aquifer Ground Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 Figure 6-12: Tritium Activity in Shallow Ground Water West of the Main Cooling Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Figure 6-13: STP Protected Area Ground Water Monitoring Wells Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Figure 6-14: STP Protected Area Ground Water Monitoring Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Figure 6-15: 2019 Radiological Laboratory Quality Assurance Program Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 Figure 6-16: Duplicate & Split Agreement of Environmental Samples in 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 L I S T O F TA B L E S Table 1: Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 to 6-21 Table 2: Sample Media and Location Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23, 6-24, 6-26 to 6-28 Table 3: 2019 Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Analysis Summary . . . 6-31 to 6-33, 6-36, 6-37, 6-40, 6-41, 6-43

STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO For over thirty years, STP has produced safe, carbon-free, clean-air energy at our site in beautiful Matagorda County with great respect and admiration for the land, water and air we all share.

Matagorda County prides itself on the beauty and variety of the ecosystems and wildlife that thrive here.

It harbors a unique convergence of those ecosystems, including secluded, extensive forests, waterways, riparian wetlands, an expansive prairie and 40 miles of beautiful, wild coastline. Its uniqueness as prime habitat for wildlife is evidenced by it being consistently named as the county with the greatest variety of migratory birds than in any other county in the United States. STP is committed to caring for the natural resources with which we have been entrusted. We want Matagorda County residents to know that STPs dedication to protecting the environment will not diminish, and it is our great privilege to operate on this land that we all call home. Transparency in our environmental operations is a key element to maintaining our trust and good relationship with our community. This report exemplifies our dedication to maintaining this open communication.

Thank you for allowing us to continue to be your trusted neighbor. We look forward to serving this community and being a steward of our environment for many years to come.

Tim Powell President and CEO STP Nuclear Operating Company Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Coney

EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

1-1 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CHAPTER: ONE The South Texas Project Electric Generating Station (South Texas Project) continues to operate with no adverse effect on the population or the environment. The dose equivalent for people living in the area remains at less than one millirem per year. Environmental programs at the site monitor known and predictable relationships between the operation of the South Texas Project and the surrounding area. These monitoring programs verify that the operation of the South Texas Project has no impact offsite and is well below state and federal regulations and guidelines. These programs are verified by the State Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin of Texas through collection and analysis of samples and Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program, and the placement of the States monitoring dosimeters and other Land Use Census.

onsite and offsite inspections.

Non-radiological environmental monitoring is performed This report describes the environmental monitoring programs, each year as part of the stations overall Environmental non-radiological and radiological, conducted at the South Protection Plan which is intended to provide for protection Texas Project during 2019. Included in this report are the of non-radiological environmental parameters during station Environmental Protection Plan Status, the results of the operations. Non-radiological monitoring encompasses, as Photo courtesy of Steve Thomas Photo courtesy of Megan Gilleon Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin CH A PT E R 0 N E l E X E CU T IV E

SUMMARY

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and water use information. Two types of sampling locations are used. The first type, control stations, are located in areas that are beyond the measurable influence of the South Texas Project or any other nuclear facility. The sample results from these stations are used to explain radiation from sources other than the South Texas Project. Indicator stations are the second type of station. The samples from these stations measure any radiation contributed to the environment that could be caused by the South Texas Project. Indicator stations are located in areas close to the South Texas Project where any plant releases would be detected.

Prior to initial operation of the South Texas Project, samples Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma were collected and analyzed to determine the amount of a minimum, water quality, air quality, waste generation and radioactivity present in the area. These results are used as a minimization, and local aquatic and terrestrial ecological pre-operational baseline. Results from the indicator stations conditions. In 2019, non-radiological monitoring by the station are compared to both current control sample results and confirmed that the South Texas Projects efforts to respect the pre-operational baseline values to determine if changes and protect local environmental conditions were successful. in radioactivity levels are attributable to station operations The operation of South Texas Project continued to provide or other causes such as previous nuclear weapons testing high-quality habitat areas for a variety of flora and fauna and programs and natural variations.

continued to have no indications of negative non-radiological Radioactivity levels in the South Texas Projects environment impacts to local environmental conditions.

frequently fall below the minimum detection capabilities The environment within a 15-mile radius of the South Texas of state-of-the-art scientific instruments. Samples with Project is routinely monitored for radiation and radioactivity. radiation levels that cannot be detected are below the Lower Sampling locations are selected using weather, land use, Limits of Detection. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 1-3 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

Commission requires that equipment used for radiological than one millirem per monitoring must be able to detect specified minimum limits year. Environmental for certain types of samples. This ensures that radiation programs at the measurements are sufficiently sensitive to detect small site monitor known changes in the environment. The United States Nuclear and predictable Regulatory Commission also has a required reporting level. relationships between Licensed nuclear facilities must prepare a special report and the operation of the increase their sampling if any measured radiation level is South Texas Project equal to or greater than this reporting level. No sample from and the surrounding the South Texas Project has ever reached or exceeded this area. These monitoring Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin reporting level. Measurements performed are divided into programs verify that four categories, or pathways, based upon how the results the operation of the South Texas Project has no impact offsite may affect the public. Airborne, waterborne, ingestion, and and is well within state and federal regulations and guidelines.

direct radiation are the four pathways that are sampled. Each These programs are verified by United States Nuclear pathway is described below. Regulatory Commission inspections and the State of Texas through collection and analysis of samples and state radiation The South Texas Project continues to operate with no adverse monitoring dosimeters.

effect on the population or the environment. The dose equivalent for people living in the area is maintained at less EACH OF THE FOUR PATHWAYS

• The airborne pathway is sampled in areas around the South Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards.

Texas Project by measuring the levels of radioactive iodine Previously detected plant-related nuclides, such as cobalt-60 and particulate radioactivity on air filters. The 2019 airborne and cesium-137, were detected in the reservoir sediment at results were similar to pre-operational levels detecting only designated sample locations at very low concentrations.

naturally occurring radioactive material unrelated to the Additional samples had detectable cesium-137 which is operation of the South Texas Project. normally present in the environment and is consistent with pre-operational concentrations. Offsite sediment samples

• The waterborne pathway includes samples taken from continue to show no radioactivity from the South Texas surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Also Project. In summary, the station produced no detectable included in this pathway are sediment samples taken from waterborne effects offsite.

the Main Cooling Reservoir and the Colorado River. Tritium was the only man-made nuclide consistently detected in

• The ingestion pathway includes broadleaf vegetation, water samples and was measured in the shallow aquifer, agricultural products, and food products. Naturally occurring the Main Cooling Reservoir, ditches, and sloughs consistent nuclides were detected at average environmental levels in with the South Texas Project Main Cooling Reservoir the samples. The data indicated there were no man-made operating design. The levels of tritium found were near or nuclides detected in these types of samples.

lower than the concentration of tritium in the Main Cooling

• The direct exposure pathway measures environmental Reservoir. Additional onsite wells have been sampled to radiation doses using thermoluminescent dosimeters. These map tritium migration. The average tritium level in the Main results are consistent with the readings from previous years Cooling Reservoir remained stable throughout 2019. Tritium and pre-operational measurements indicating no effect from levels remain well below United States Nuclear Regulatory South Texas Project operations.

Commission reporting limits and within United States CH A PT E R 0 N E l E X E CU T IV E

SUMMARY

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SITE AND AREA DESCRIPTION 2-1 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G R E P O RT

CHAPTER: TWO The South Texas Project is located on 12,220 acres in Matagorda County, Texas, approximately 15 miles southwest of Bay City along the west bank of the Colorado River. The South Texas Project is owned by NRG South Texas LP, City of Austin, and City Public Service Board of San Antonio as tenants in common.

Houston Lighting & Power Company was the original project manager of the South Texas Project and was responsible for the engineering, design, licensing, construction, startup, and initial commercial operation of Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin the two-unit facility. In 1997, the STP Nuclear Operating Company assumed operational control of the South Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the South Texas Texas Project and responsibility for implementation of Projects request to extend the operating licenses an additional associated environmental programs. twenty years through 2047 and 2048.

The South Texas Project has two Westinghouse pressurized The combined units currently produce enough electricity water reactors. The rated core thermal power of each to serve more than two million homes and businesses unit is 3,853 megawatts-thermal (MWt). Each unit was throughout Texas. With approximately 1,100 baseline originally designed for a net electrical power output of 1,250 employees, the STP Nuclear Operating Company is the megawatts-electric (MWe). Unit 1 received a low-power largest employer and source of revenue for Matagorda testing license on August 21, 1987, achieved initial criticality County. Nuclear energy continues to provide long-term cost on March 8, 1988, and was declared commercially operational stability and promote energy independence. It is our nations on August 25, 1988. Unit 2 received a low-power testing largest source of carbon-free energy. As we work collectively license on December 16, 1988, achieved initial criticality on to secure our states long-term energy future, nuclear energy March 12, 1989, and was declared commercially operational will continue to play an important role as a safe and reliable on June 19, 1989. On September 28, 2017, the United States supply of clean baseload electricity.

HOW THE SOUTH TEXAS PROJECT WORKS Fossil-fueled and nuclear-powered steam generating plants pellet has the energy potential of about a ton of coal. Millions operate on the same principle. Fuel is used to produce heat to of these pellets are stacked in fuel rods that are arranged into convert water into high-pressure steam. The steam is directed assemblies that make up the core of the reactor. The use of through a turbine to turn a generator. In a fossil fuel plant, uranium allows us to conserve natural gas, oil and coal and either coal, lignite, oil or natural gas is burned in a boiler to to avoid the associated production of greenhouse gases.

produce the heat. In a nuclear plant, the reactor replaces the The fission process and generation of usable heat begins in a boiler and the fissioning or nuclear reactor when control rods in the core are withdrawn.

Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma splitting of uranium atoms In pressurized water reactors, like those at the South Texas inside the reactor produces Project, the fuel rods heat water circulating in sealed, stainless the heat. steel piping that passes through large heat exchangers called steam generators. The water in the reactor is under pressure The fuel for a nuclear reactor to prevent boiling. This is why the South Texas Projects Units is uranium. It is formed into 1 and 2 reactors are called pressurized water reactors.

cylindrical ceramic pellets, each about the size of the This hot, pressurized water heats a separate supply of water Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin end of your little finger. One in the steam generators to produce steam that is directed CH A PT E R T WO l S I T E A N D A R E A D ES C R IPT ION 2-2

PLANT WATER SYSTEMS Figure. 2-1 through the blades of a turbine generator to produce Nuclear energy has one of the lowest impacts on the electricity. The steam is then fed to a condenser where a environment. It is the most eco-efficient energy source separate supply of cooling water from the Main Cooling because it produces the most electricity in relation to its Reservoir condenses it back into water that is then pumped minimal environmental impact. In 2018, the most recent year back to the steam generator for reuse. A diagram of the plant for which data is available, nuclear generation in the United water systems is shown in Figure 2-1. States prevented 528 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 0.35 million short tons of sulfur dioxide, and 0.29 million short In addition to its safety tons of nitrogen oxide from entering the Earths atmosphere.1 systems, the South Texas Nuclear power plants also generated approximately 55 Project has many built-in percent of the emission-free electricity generation in the United physical barriers designed States in 2018.1 Additional information on nuclear energy and to prevent the release of the environment can be found on the website maintained by radioactive materials in the Nuclear Energy Institute at http://www.nei.org.

the unlikely event of an accident. The most visible 1 Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear by the Numbers; March 2019.

ones are the 200-foot- As viewed at http://www.nei.org/Resources/Nuclear-Statistics/

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin tall, domed containment Fact-Sheets/Nuclear-by-the-Numbers.

buildings with steel reinforced concrete walls four feet thick.

Inside each of these massive structures, two more concrete walls provide another 11 feet of radiation shielding. The reactor vessel itself has steel walls six inches thick, and the fuel pellets inside it are sheathed in hardened metal tubes.

2-3 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G R E P O RT

THE PLANT SITE Sixty-five of the total 12,220 acres at the South Texas Project area surrounding the are occupied by the two current power plants. Plant facilities South Texas Project is include a 7,000-acre main cooling reservoir and a 47-acre characterized by coastal essential cooling pond. Many smaller bodies of water onsite plain with farmland and include wetlands, Kelly Lake, drainage ditches, sloughs, and pasture predominating.

depressions. Much of the land east of the cooling reservoir is Local relief of the area leased for cattle grazing. Approximately 1,700 acres remain is characterized by flat in a more natural state as a lowland habitat. A 110-acre land, approximately wetland habitat area was established in 1996 on previous- 23 feet above sea level.

ly unused land located northeast of the power plants. The Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin THE AREA Matagorda Countys economy is based primarily on ranching, Inhabitants include American alligators, a variety of birds, farming, oil and natural gas production and refinement, and several hundred deer. In winter, literally hundreds of petrochemical production, electricity generation, and thousands of waterfowl, principally migratory geese as well as commercial fishing and fisheries. The area within 10 miles of white pelicans, have found that the plants 7,000-acre cooling the site is generally rural and characterized as farmland, which reservoir provides a good resting place during their migrations.

is primarily pastureland used for livestock ranching. Although The climate of the region is subtropical maritime, with the surrounding area is heavily cultivated, significant amounts of continental influence. It is characterized by short, mild winters woodlands, thicket, brush, fields, marsh, and open water exist and long, hot and humid summers. Rainfall normally ranges to support wildlife. The area lies in the southern region of the from about two inches per month in February peaking to central flyway and is host to an abundance of migratory birds.

about four to five inches per month in May, June, September The local estuary environments provide the necessary habitat and October. The prevailing wind direction is from the for a variety of fish types to complete their life cycles. The area south-southeast, shifting to north-northeast for short intervals also affords opportunity for recreational hunting and fishing.

during the winter months.

The South Texas Project is home to many species of animals.

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin CH A PT E R T WO l S I T E A N D A R E A D ES C R IPT ION 2-4

NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL INTRODUCTION AND

SUMMARY

3-1 STP ANNUAL E NVI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CHAPTER: THREE Nonradiological environmental conditions and sound environmental management in 2019 is illustrated below.

performance at the South Texas Project during 2019 Everyone at the South Texas Project has a responsibility remained satisfactory and demonstrated that the to protect the environment. Commitment to environmental South Texas Project continued to operate in an safety is an integral component of the South Texas Project environmentally responsible manner during the year.

operating policy and core values. This responsibility reaches The South Texas Project achieved and maintained high further than mere compliance with laws and regulations to standards of environmental performance and encompass the integration of sound environmental practices compliance throughout 2019.

into our daily operational and business decisions. The people The South Texas Project is committed to the production of at the South Texas Project understand the need to balance electricity in a safe, reliable, and economical manner using economic, operational and environmental issues for the nuclear energy. The stations programs, policies, and business benefit of the station and the public. We recognize our plan objectives also incorporate a commitment to environmental responsibility to hold ourselves to the highest principles of protection and management. The stations commitment to environmental stewardship.

THE STATIONS COMMITMENT TO S OUND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN 2019

• Satisfactory performance

• Changed the air quality

• Completion of an industrial classification2 by the Texas permitting strategy which waste inspection by the Texas Commission on Environmental allowed the Station to exit Commission on Environmental Quality based on the stations the Federal Title V Air Quality Quality with no violations or environmental compliance record permitting program. findings identified.

in all areas considered, including water quality, waste management, and air quality compliance.

2 Per Compliance History Report for CN601658669, RN102395654, Rating Year 2019; as prepared by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on January 23, 2020.

Photo courtesy of Steve Thomas Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin C H APT E R T H RE E l N O N - R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N T R O D U CT I O N AND

SUMMARY

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NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT 4-1 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CHAPTER: FOUR E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O N D I T I O N S This section of the report describes the South Texas Projects nonradiological environmental program performance and environmental conditions for 2019.

The STP Nuclear Operating Company employees closely monitor environmental conditions at the South Texas Project. NRG Energy, Inc. provides support and technical assistance to the South Texas Project.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rated the South Texas Project as a satisfactory performer in 2019 based on the stations environmental compliance record.

Facilities, such as the South Texas Project, can be classified by the state as a high performer, satisfactory performer, or unsatisfactory performer based on that facilitys compliance history. The states classification of the South Texas Project Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin as a satisfactory performer was based on the stations wetland habitat area that attracts a variety of bird groups environmental performance over the last five-year period.

and other wildlife was established in 1996 on previously The South Texas Project, along with other local industries and unused land located northeast of the power plants. The organizations, co-sponsored and participated in the annual remaining area of the site offers diverse habitats for mammals Matagorda County Household Hazardous Waste Collection and several types of birds. The South Texas Project regularly Day in the fall of 2019, and station employees also participated monitors the sites environs for changing conditions.

in other community area environmental projects such as the Ecological conditions onsite in 2019 remained generally Matagorda County Beach Cleanup. During the period of this unchanged and stable.

report, the station continued to promote green initiatives The South Texas Project is located on the state-sponsored including encouraging carpooling among employees and the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail that spans the entire recycling of paper, plastics and aluminum by site employees.

Texas Gulf Coast from Brownsville to the Louisiana border.

The station also continued to support various bird counts and Matagorda County, in which the South Texas Project is surveys in 2019 sponsored by federal and state agencies and located, consistently ranks at or near the top of the National volunteer organizations such as the annual National Audubon Audubon Societys annual Christmas Bird Count for the Society Christmas Bird Count and the United States Fish and number of species identified. Many bird species have been Wildlife Services Colonial Waterbird Survey.

observed visiting the wetland habitat and elsewhere onsite.

AQUATIC AND ECOLOGICAL MONITORING These include the bald eagle, white-faced ibis, and brown The location of the South Texas Project falls within the Texas pelican. Additional migratory and resident bird species such Land Resource Area designation as coastal prairie and can as a variety of ducks, geese, turkey and pelicans (both brown Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma be divided into two broad ecological areasbottomland and and white) have been observed during informal surveys of the upland areas - based on topography, soils, and vegetation. sites diverse natural and man-made habitats. Intensive bird The bottomland lowland habitat is a swampy, marshy area nesting continues throughout the lowland habitat, particularly that provides an important habitat for birds and other wildlife in a heron rookery around the perimeter of Kelly Lake and on and occupies approximately 1,700 acres of the site near the the internal dikes of the Main Cooling Reservoir at the South Colorado River. An upland spoil containment area, originally Texas Project. The South Texas Project continues to provide constructed in 1972 by the United States Army Corps of vital habitat for more than an estimated 125 species Engineers, is included in this area. In addition, a 110-acre of wintering and resident birds.

CH A PT E R FO U R l N O N - R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 4-2

The South Texas Project continues to monitor important wildlife species to detect population changes. Informal observations continue to indicate that the site provides high-quality habitat in which a wide range of animals thrive. The site continues to attract extensive wildlife populations, offering a refuge for resident species as well as seasonal migrants. The lowland habitat located between the Colorado River and the east bank of the Main Cooling Reservoir offers a significant source of water year-round. These natural resource areas, in concert with numerous additional wetland and grassland areas, offer the key ingredients necessary to sustain the extensive wildlife population at the South Texas Project.

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT Water is an essential component in electricity production, Protection Agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental and electric utilities must comply with extensive federal, state Quality, the Texas General Land Office, the Lower Colorado and local water regulations. These regulations govern virtually River Authority and the Coastal Plains Groundwater every aspect of business operations at the South Texas Conservation District.

Project. Water usage, wastewater treatment onsite and certain The South Texas Project uses both surface water and maintenance and repair activities are regulated under the Safe groundwater for station purposes. Consistent with the stations Drinking Water Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, and the environmental principles encouraging efficient water usage Texas Water Quality Act. Collectively, these acts provide for the and conservation, surface and groundwater usage is carefully safeguarding of public drinking water supplies and maintaining managed to conserve this important resource. Groundwater the integrity of state and federal waters. Regulating agencies is pumped from deep aquifer wells to provide onsite drinking that administer these requirements include the United States water for station personnel, to replenish the Essential Cooling Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Environmental Pond, and for other industrial purposes onsite. Water from Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 4-3 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

the Main Cooling Reservoir and the Essential Cooling Pond program, the South Texas Project monitors, records, and is used as cooling water for plant operations. Water from the reports the types and quantities of pollutants from wastewater Colorado River replenishes the Main Cooling Reservoir via discharges to ensure that the South Texas Project meets the intermittent diversion periods. Surface water diverted to the stringent levels set in the permit. A monthly monitoring report Main Cooling Reservoir from the Colorado River accounted is submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental for approximately 96 percent of the water used at the South Quality for wastewater discharges. Reports identifying Texas Project in 2019. Information regarding water use in groundwater use, surface water use and water conservation Texas can be found on the website maintained by the Texas are submitted annually to the Texas Water Development Water Development Board at http://www.twdb.texas.gov. Board. Reports of surface water diversion and consumptive use are submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Most of the water used by Quality and the Lower Colorado River Authority. An annual the South Texas Project is groundwater use report is also submitted to the Coastal needed to condense steam Plains Groundwater Conservation District in accordance with and provide cooling for groundwater district requirements.

plant generating systems.

The majority of this water is Wastewater generated at the South Texas Project is drawn from and returned to processed and discharged to the onsite Main Cooling the stations Main Cooling Reservoir to be re-used by the station as cooling water for Reservoir. The Main Cooling plant systems. No water was discharged from the Main Reservoir is a 7,000-acre, Cooling Reservoir in 2019 other than from the relief wells that Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin above grade, off-channel are part of the reservoir embankment stabilization system.

reservoir capable of impounding 202,600 acre-feet of water No aquatic monitoring was required to be conducted at the at its maximum level. Water is diverted intermittently from site in 2019 by the United States Environmental Protection the adjacent Colorado River to replenish the Main Cooling Agency or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Reservoir. In addition, the Essential Cooling Pond, a 47-acre, Wastewater discharges met state and federal water quality below grade, off-channel reservoir that supplies water to cool standards during the year, while conserving and maximizing crucial plant components, is capable of impounding 388 efficient water usage at the South Texas Project. In addition acre-feet of water. Various water rights permits, contractual to the wastewater discharge permit program, the Federal agreements, and compliance documents authorize the South Clean Water Act, as amended, requires permits for storm Texas Project to maintain these reservoirs, impound water diverted from the Colorado River, and to circulate, divert, and use water from the reservoirs for industrial purposes to operate the plant. These authorizations also limit the amount and rate of diversion from the Colorado River to protect downstream environmental flow requirements for bays and estuaries. The South Texas Project diverted 24,028 acre-feet in 2019 from the Colorado River for Main Cooling Reservoir fill operations while preserving adequate freshwater flow conditions for downstream bay and estuarine ecosystems.

Approximately 1,106 acre-feet of the water used by the station was withdrawn from onsite groundwater sources in 2019.

Existing federal and state water quality standards are implemented and enforced through the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit program to restore and maintain the states waters. Under this permit Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin CH A PT E R FO U R l N O N - R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 4-4

water discharges associated with industrial activity. The South orderly development, management, and conservation of water Texas Projects Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan ensures resources. The South Texas Project was chosen to represent that potential pollution sources at the site are evaluated and the electric generating utility interest for the water-planning that appropriate measures are selected and implemented region, Region K, encompassing the lower Colorado River to prevent or control the discharge of pollutants in storm Basin. A state water plan is prepared by the Texas Water water runoff. This plan is a Development Board based on the regional water plans that document that is revised are developed every five years by the regional water planning whenever there is a change groups. The fourth cycle of regional and state water planning in design, construction, concluded in 2015 and the fifth planning cycle commenced in operation, or maintenance 2016. The regional water plans are revised each planning cycle that has a significant effect based on updated population and water demand projections, on the potential for the water supply analyses, and water management strategies for discharge of pollutants from a water planning horizon out to the year 2070. In December of Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin the station. The stations 2015, the water plan adopted by the Region K water planning Multi-Sector General Permit for storm water discharges group was submitted to the Texas Water Development Board was last renewed in 2016. for approval. This plan was incorporated into the state water plan which was published in 2016 for all water user groups Following a severe drought in 1996, the Texas Legislature in the state. The South Texas Project continues to actively recognized the need to address a wide range of state water participate in the Lower Colorado Regional Water Planning resource management issues. In 1997, the Texas Senate Group to identify strategies to meet future water supply drafted legislation known as Senate Bill 1 to address these demand projections for the region and update the existing issues and to develop a comprehensive state water policy.

plan accordingly. Additional information regarding regional Towards this end, this legislation required that the Texas water planning in Texas can be found on the website Water Development Board create a statewide water plan maintained by the Texas Water Development Board at that emphasizes regional planning. Sixteen planning regions http://www.twdb.texas.gov.

were created, each tasked to prepare a regional plan for the Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 4-5 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

Senate Bill 1 also required surface water diversion right is not impacted by this legislation.

groundwater conservation Additional information regarding environmental flows can be districts to develop found at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/water_supply/

groundwater management water_rights/eflows.

plans with estimates on the In November 2015, the Texas Commission on Environmental availability of groundwater Quality approved a revised Lower Colorado River Authority in the district, details of Water Management Plan. The Lower Colorado River how the district would Authority Water Management Plan determines how water is manage groundwater, allocated from the Highland Lakes (specifically Lakes Travis and management goals and Buchanan) to meet the needs of water users, including for the district. The water the South Texas Project, during water supply shortages.

planning and management In 2019, the Lower Colorado River Authority submitted a provisions were further Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin updated Water Management Plan to the Texas Commission clarified in 2001 with the on Environmental Quality for approval. The South Texas enactment of Senate Bill 2. Accordingly, the Coastal Plains Project participated in the stakeholder process during the Groundwater Conservation District, encompassing Matagorda development of the 2018 revision for presentation to and County, was confirmed by local election in late 2001.

approval by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The purpose of the District is to manage and protect the Stakeholders included representatives from cities, industry, groundwater resources of the District. The South Texas Project lake area business and residents, environmental interests and groundwater wells are registered with the Coastal Plains agriculture. Additional information on the Lower Colorado Groundwater Conservation District. The stations groundwater River Authority Water Management Plan can be found at wells operating permits were renewed in 2017 as required http://www.lcra.org.

every three years. Station personnel continue to monitor onsite groundwater usage according to the requirements of the In 1999, the South Texas Project implemented a station Districts rules. Additional information regarding the Coastal Water Conservation Plan in accordance with state water use Plains Groundwater Conservation District can be found on regulations. The purpose of the stations Water Conservation its website at http://www.coastalplainsgcd. com. In 2007, in Plan is to identify and establish principles, practices, and further recognition of the importance of water conservation to standards to effectively conserve and efficiently use available meet future demands in the state, Senate Bill 3, enacted by ground and surface water supplies and provide historical the Texas Legislature, created a stakeholder-driven process and projected average industrial water demand. Annual for the development of environmental flows. Environmental implementation reports are submitted to the Texas Water flows are the amount of water necessary for a river, estuary, or Development Board and the plan is required to be updated other freshwater system to maintain its health and productivity.

The law established a process to develop environmental flow regime recommendations for each major river basin in Texas. The process tasked a team of stakeholders for each area of the state, working with a science team, to develop a set of recommendations to submit to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and to perform ongoing periodic reviews of the recommendations. The South Texas Project participated as a member of the stakeholder committee that included the Colorado River and Matagorda Bay. The environmental flow standards set flow levels at various points in rivers and streams to protect water in the rivers and estuaries along the coast. The existing South Texas Project Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin CH A PT E R FO U R l N O N - R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 4-6

every five years. The station reviewed, updated and re- commonly known as the submitted a revised plan to the Texas Water Development Title V Federal Operating Board in 2019. The South Texas Project personnel understand Permit Program and is that the water resources of the state are a critical natural administered by the state. In resource requiring careful management and conservation to 2019, South Texas Project preserve water quality and availability. Accordingly, the station voided its Title V Federal continues to explore and support efforts focusing on the Operating Permit in lieu of efficient use and conservation of water resources. Photo courtesy of Gerritt Work certifying its emissions. The station is now registered under Permit By Rule Registration AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT No. 154767. Certified emissions, like Title V, are federally Air emission sources at the South Texas Project fall under the enforceable and must follow the guidelines of the Federal Clean scope of air pollution regulations promulgated under the Texas Air act. This Permit By Rule Registration grants authority to Clean Air Act and the Federal Clean Air Act and the numerous operate identified emission sources at the station in accordance associated amendments. The purpose of these regulations is with applicable permit and regulatory requirements.

to protect air resources from pollution by controlling or abating air pollution and harmful emissions. A report of air emissions is In 2019, South Texas Project had no reportable air emissions submitted annually to the Texas Commission on Environmental events and no violations.

Quality. Although nuclear generation of electricity is a form Unlike conventional electrical generating stations, nuclear of zero-emission clean energy, the South Texas Project power plants do not burn fossil fuel for the production of uses small amounts of fossil fuel for backup and emergency electricity. Therefore, the South Texas Project produces equipment. Regulated emission sources at the South Texas virtually no greenhouse gases or other air pollutants that Project include fossil-fueled emergency generators and fire are the typical by-products of industrial power production pumps, fire-fighting training, and other minor maintenance processes. The use of emissions-free nuclear power is a equipment and activities. The station notified the Texas significant contributor to the preservation of our communitys Commission on Environmental Quality of a change related to clean air resources.

removal of one emergency diesel generator in 2019.

NONRADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT The Federal Clean Air act mandates a permitting program to Solid waste management procedures for hazardous and clearly define applicable air quality requirements for affected non-hazardous wastes generated at the South Texas Project facilities such as the South Texas Project. This program is Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 4-7 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

ensure that wastes are properly dispositioned in accordance Hazardous waste accumulation with applicable federal, state, and local environmental and at the South Texas Project health regulations. By regulatory definition, solid waste in 2019 was limited to a includes solid, semi-solid, liquid, and gaseous waste material. maximum holding period The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which of 180 days. The Resource administers the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act and also the Conservation and Recovery federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act program, Act and Texas Solid Waste is the primary agency regulating non-radioactive wastes Disposal Act also requires the generated at the South Texas Project. The Texas Commission use of proper storage and on Environmental Quality regulates the collection, handling, shipping containers, labels, storage, and disposal of solid wastes, including hazardous manifests, reports, personnel Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin wastes. The transportation of waste materials is regulated by training, a spill control plan, and the United States Department of Transportation. an accident contingency plan. South Texas Project personnel routinely inspect areas throughout the site to ensure wastes are The South Texas Project is classified as a small quantity not stored or accumulated inappropriately. In 2019, the Texas generator of industrial solid wastes. Texas Commission on Commission on Environmental Quality conducted an extensive Environmental Quality regulations require that industrial solid industrial waste inspection that included an onsite visit and wastes generated at the South Texas Project be identified to records review. No findings or violations were identified during the Commission. These are listed in the Texas Commission the inspection.

on Environmental Quality Notice of Registration for the South Texas Project. The registration is revised whenever there South Texas Project policies and regulations encourage the is a change in waste management practices at the site. recycling, recovery, or reuse of waste when possible to reduce Hazardous waste and Class I non-hazardous waste handling the amount of waste generated or disposed of in landfills.

and disposal activities are summarized and documented in Approximately 49 percent of the industrial nonradioactive a waste summary report for the South Texas Project that is waste generated in 2019 at the South Texas Project was submitted annually to the Texas Commission on Environmental recycled or processed for reuse (Reference Figure 4-1).

Quality. The stations five-year Source Reduction and Waste Used oil, diesel fuels, electro-hydraulic fluid, and used oil Minimization plan for hazardous waste was last updated and filters were sent to a recycling vendor for reprocessing.

the associated executive summary submitted to the Texas Empty polyethylene drums are returned, when possible, to Commission on Environmental Quality in 2019. the original manufacturer for reuse. In addition, the station Figure 4-1 CH A PT E R FO U R l N O N - R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 4-8

supports recycling programs for accounts for only a small portion. Minimization and reduction cardboard, paper, aluminum, of hazardous waste generation where feasible remains an printer cartridges and plastic. important goal. Changes in the amount of hazardous waste Approximately 71 tons of scrap shipped each year generally reflect differences in operation metal were removed from the and maintenance activities that result in the generation of station for recycle in 2019. The hazardous waste. Successful waste minimization and source South Texas Project continues to reduction efforts by employees have allowed the South explore new areas where recycling Texas Project to remain classified as a small-quantity waste may be expanded or initiated. generator since 2004. (Reference Figures 4-2 and 4-3)

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin Non-radioactive solid waste CHEMICAL CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT that cannot be shipped for recycling is shipped for disposal. The stations Integrated Spill Contingency Plan for the Municipal type trash is transported to an offsite landfill. Of the South Texas Project, last updated and re-certified in 2019, waste generated at the South Texas Project, hazardous waste consolidates multiple federal and state requirements into Figure 4-2 Figure 4-3 4-9 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

one plan. The plan is also assist in reducing waste generation, ensuring proper implemented through packaging for disposal and mitigating the consequences of standard site operating inadvertent spillage. The South Texas Project emphasizes procedures and guidelines. awareness training for spill prevention and maintains spill The South Texas Project response readiness to respond should a spill occur. Spill uses standard operating response team members receive annual refresher training procedures, policies, and in hazardous material incident response. There was one programs to minimize reportable liquid spill that occurred in 2019. A reportable the generation of waste quantity of a petroleum product leaked from an onsite materials, control chemical storage tank into an adjacent ditch. The spill was reported use, and prevent spills. to the appropriate state and local agencies and to the The South Texas Project Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Remediation actions were Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin also evaluates chemicals completed in accordance with the governing regulations and and products prior to their approval for use at the station. site procedures. The required follow-up written report was Site procedures that implement the stations Integrated Spill submitted within the allowable time to the Texas Commission Contingency Plan and the stations Chemical Control Program on Environmental Quality. The Texas Commission on address the evaluation, storage, use, labeling, spill control, Environmental Quality did not issue any findings or require and disposal requirements of chemicals. These guidelines any follow-up actions.

E N V I R O N M E N TA L P R OT E C T I O N P L A N S TAT U S The South Texas Projects Environmental Protection Plan Events that require notifications to federal, state or local was issued in March of 1989 to protect nonradiological agencies, other than the United States Nuclear Regulatory environmental monitoring parameters during operation of Commission, are reported in accordance with the applicable the South Texas Project. This report reviews Environmental reporting requirements. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Protection Plan non-compliances, if any, identified by the Commission is provided with a copy of any such reports plant in 2019 and the associated corrective actions taken at the time they are submitted to the cognizant agency.

to prevent their recurrence. Potential nonconformities are If a nonroutine event occurs and a report is not required promptly addressed, as identified, to maintain operations in by another agency, then a 30-day report to the United an environmentally acceptable manner. Plant personnel use a States Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required by the Condition Reporting Process to document these conditions and Environmental Protection Plan. No such 30-day or other non-track corrective actions to completion. Internal assessments, routine event report was required in 2019.

reviews and inspections are also used to document compliance.

NO N- R O U TINE REP ORT REV I EW S This annual report also reviews non-routine reports submitted by plant personnel and any activities that involved a potentially significant unreviewed environmental question. A proposed change, test or experiment is considered to present an unreviewed environmental question if it concerns:

1. A matter that may result in a significant increase in any 2. A significant change in effluents or power level.

adverse environmental impact previously evaluated in the 3. A matter not previously reviewed and evaluated in Final Environmental Statement related to the Operation the documents specified in (1) above, that may have a of South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2 (Docket Nos. 50-498 significant adverse environmental impact.

and 50- 499), environmental impact appraisals, or in any decisions of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board.

No unreviewed environmental questions were identified in 2019.

CH A PT E R FO U R l N O N - R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 4- 1 0

RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL INTRODUCTION &

SUMMARY

5-1 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CHAPTER: FIVE The Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program shallow aquifer is expected.

is designed to evaluate the radiological impact of the Tritium has been detected in South Texas Project on the environment by collecting these types of samples and and analyzing samples for low levels of radioactivity. the concentrations remain Measurements of samples from the different pathways below the United States indicate that there continues to be no adverse effect Environmental Protection offsite from the operation of the South Texas Project. Agency drinking water limits.

Only tritium and naturally occurring radioactive material A sampling program was were identified in the offsite environmental samples in 2019. developed to monitor the Samples of fish and meat collected and analyzed showed tritium in the immediate area Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin no South Texas Project related nuclides were present. Water around the plant for long term samples from the onsite drinking water supply from the deep trending. Wells are sampled either semi-annually, annually, or aquifer and from offsite sampling stations on the Colorado once every five years, depending on location and the amount River show only natural background radioactivity. The station of tritium present. The tritium concentration remained below also continues to monitor for radioactivity in onsite sediment the United States Environmental Protection Agency drinking of the Main Cooling Reservoir and ditches. Measurements of water limits in 2019 and within the design basis of the direct radiation onsite and offsite indicated no federal dose South Texas Project.

limits were exceeded.

Analyses of the data collected from the implementation of Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is produced in the Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program indicates the reactor and cannot be removed from effluents released to the that the operation of the South Texas Project has no adverse Main Cooling Reservoir because it is part of the water molecule. offsite radiological impact.

Due to the design of the Main Cooling Reservoir, the presence of tritium in various sloughs and ditches onsite and the Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma CH A PT E R F I V E l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N T R O D U CT ION &

SUMMARY

5 - 2

RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT 6-1 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CHAPTER: SIX PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The South Texas Project initiated a comprehensive pre-operational Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program in July 1985. That program terminated on March 7, 1988, when the operational program was implemented. The data from the pre-operational monitoring program form the baseline against which operational changes are measured.

Analyses of the environmental pathways require that samples be taken from water, air, and land environments. These samples are obtained to evaluate potential radiation exposure to people. Sample types are based on established pathways Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin and experience gained at other nuclear facilities. Sample locations were determined after considering site meteorology, radionuclides and direct radiation exposure at indicator site hydrology, local demography, and land use. Sampling stations are evaluated in relation to historical data and against locations are further evaluated and modified according to field the control stations. Indicator stations are compared with and analysis experience. Table 1 at the end of this section lists characteristics identified during the pre-operational program the required sampling locations and frequency of collection. to monitor for radiological effects from plant operation.

Additional discretionary samples were also collected.

Two sample identification methods are used in the program.

Sampling locations consist of indicator stations and control Figures 6-1 and 6-2 are maps that identify permanent sample stations. Indicator stations are locations on or off the site stations. Descriptions of sample stations shown on Figures that may be influenced by plant discharges during plant 6-1 and 6-2 are found in Table 2. Table 2 also includes operation. Control stations are located beyond the measurable supplemental sampling locations and media types that may influence of the South Texas Project. Although most samples be used for additional information. Figure 6-3 illustrates zones analyzed are accompanied by a control sample, it should be that may be used to complement permanent, numbered noted that this practice is not always possible or meaningful sample stations.

with all sample types. Fluctuations in the concentration of Environmental samples from areas surrounding the South Texas Project continue to indicate no radiological effects from plant operation. Measured values from offsite indicator sample stations continue to trend with the control stations.

Measurements from onsite indicator samples continued to fluctuate within normal historical ranges.

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6-2

RADI O LO G I CAL E N VI R O N M EN TA L M O N I TO RI N G P RO GR A M DE S I G NATE D SA M P L E LO CATI O N M A P Figure 6-1 6-3 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

RAD I O LO G I CAL E N VI R O N M EN TA L M O N I TO RI N G P RO GR A M O NS I TE SA M P L E LO CATI O N M A P Figure 6-2 CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6-4

RAD I O LO G I CAL E N VI R O N M EN TA L M O N I TO RI N G P RO GR A M ZO N E LO CATI O N M A P Figure 6-3 6-5 STP ANNUAL ENVI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

A I R B O R N E PAT H WAY Average quarterly air particulate sample beta activity from three onsite indicator stations and a single control station have been compared historically from 2001 through 2019 (see Figure 6-4). The average of the onsite indicators trends closely with the offsite control values. The comparison illustrates that plant operations are not having an impact on air particulate activity even at the Sensitive Indicator Stations

(#1, #15, and #16). These stations are located near the site boundary downwind from the plant, based on the prevailing wind direction. The beta activity measured in the air particulate samples is from naturally occurring radioactive material.

Gamma analyses are performed on quarterly composites of the air particulate samples to determine if any activity is from the South Texas Project. The gamma analyses revealed no radioactivity from the South Texas Project. Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin Figure 6-4 CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6 - 6

D I R E C T E X P O S U R E PAT H WAY Direct gamma exposure is monitored in the environment by the site in the minimal wind direction. The prevailing wind thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) located at 40 sites. The direction was into the NW sector. The Sensitive Indicator natural direct gamma exposure varies according to location Stations are one-mile NW, NNW, and N from the plants on because of differences in the natural radioactive materials in FM 521 at Stations #15, #16 and #1 respectively. The Indicator the soil, soil moisture content, and other factors. Figure 6-5 Stations are the remainder of the required stations. The values compares the amount of direct gamma exposure measured plotted are the averages for all of the stations according to at the plant since the first quarter of 2001 from three different type. The average of the Control Stations is higher than the types of stations. The South Texas Project started using other stations because Station #23 is in an area that has a a vendor for offsite processing of the thermoluminescent slightly higher natural background radiation. The trends of dosimeters for environmental measurement of direct radiation Figure 6-5 show that South Texas Project is not contributing to during the third and fourth quarter of 2014. The Control the direct radiation in the offsite environment.

Stations, Stations 23 and 37, are greater than 10 miles from Figure 6-5 SEDIMENT SAMPLES The cobalt-60 inventory in the reservoir has decreased less than the reporting levels. Figure 6-7 demonstrates the since 1992 because of radioactive decay and installed calculated decline in the total amount of cobalt-60 in the equipment to reduce radioactive effluents. Although the total reservoir. Bottom sediment samples are taken from the Main activity of cobalt-60 has decreased over time, an inventory Cooling Reservoir each year. A study was performed in 2010 of cobalt-60 is still in the reservoir as seen occasionally at to locate the distribution and concentrations of cobalt-60 Stations 215 and 216. In 2019, cobalt-60 was identified and cesium-137 in the Main Cooling Reservoir. Although no in three out of six sediment samples taken, all results were cobalt-60 was detected from 2007 through 2010 at Stations 6-7 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

215 and #216, the concentration of cobalt-60 is not uniformly Cesium-137 was measured in three out of six bottom distributed in the reservoir sediment and some cobalt-60 still sediment samples from Stations #215 and #216 in the Main remains. Figure 6-6 shows the positive results from the plant- Cooling Reservoir in 2019. The highest measurement was produced cobalt-60. 92.3 pCi/kg at Station #216. The highest measurement at Station #215 was 38.5 pCi/kg. Cesium-137 is often found in Figure 6-6 Figure 6-7 CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6 - 8

environmental media including soil and sediment from residual and sediment samples but the highest sample measured radioactive material resulting from aboveground nuclear was 383 pCi/kg. Cesium-137 activities measured at Station weapons testing conducted in the 1950s and 1960s. Soil and #

216 in 2019 were slightly lower than previously detected sediment samples taken in 1986 and 1987 prior to operation due to sampling nonhomogeneous media. Results remained of the South Texas Project contained cesium-137 from considerably less than reportable levels. The measured values weapons testing. The pre-operational average cesium-137 at Station #215 and #216 are consistent with pre-operational concentration was 118 pCi/kg when it was detected in soil concentrations reduced by 30 years of radioactive decay.

WAT E R B O R N E PAT H WAY Tritium has been detected in the shallow aquifer since 1999 stabilization system. Figure 6-8 shows the amount of tritium on the south side of the Main Cooling Reservoir. Models used released to the Main Cooling Reservoir each year and the when licensing the site predicted tritium in the shallow aquifer. amount present during the last quarter of each year.

These models were validated with additional studies in 2013.

The concentration of tritium in the Main Cooling Reservoir was A site conceptual model, developed in 2008 and updated in relatively stable in 2019. The amount of tritium measured in 2014, validated the original predictions of the site hydrology the Main Cooling Reservoir was consistent with the amount study. A revision was completed in 2018 to include Independent usually released to the Main Cooling Reservoir. The amount Spent Fuel Storage Installation Project construction.

of rainfall and reservoir makeup from the Colorado River Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen and is produced influences the concentration of tritium in the Main Cooling during plant operation. Tritium produced in the reactors is a Reservoir and the shallow aquifer surrounding it. Tritium enters part of the water molecule. Wastewater is treated to remove the sloughs and ditches of the site as runoff from the relief impurities before release, but tritium cannot be removed wells that surround the reservoir.

because it is chemically part of the water molecule. Some of In 2019, tritium levels remained consistent with historical the tritium is released into the atmosphere and the remainder values in the relief wells as shown in Figure 6-9. Sampling is released into the Main Cooling Reservoir. The tritium of the Main Cooling Reservoir relief well #701 has been escapes from the Main Cooling Reservoir by evaporation, discontinued due to no water flow at that location. A new movement into the shallow aquifer, and by percolation from Main Cooling Reservoir relief well #707, is now used as a the relief wells which are a part of the reservoir embankments representative substitute for sampling the relief well water from the Main Cooling Reservoir. Station #707 is just west of the discontinued relief well #701 on the south side of the Main Cooling Reservoir.

Due to different flow rates of water through the relief wells, the base concentration is slightly higher at relief well #707 compared to #701. The highest 2019 sample from relief well 707 indicated approximately 7,499 pCi/kg, which is less than required reporting levels.

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 6-9 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

Figure 6-8 Figure 6-9 CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 1 0

Figure 6-10 The tritium concentrations in eight surface water sample of tritium at Station #235 was consistent with values over locations from 2001 through 2019 are shown in Figure 6-10. the past ten years.

The specific sample point locations can be found in Table 2.

Shallow aquifer tritium concentrations have remained near Tritium levels in the onsite sloughs and ditches vary with the concentrations found in the relief wells. Wells at Stations the concentration in the reservoir and the amount of rainfall 258 and #259 on the west side of the site boundary have received. The average tritium concentration in the relief well, been sampled since 2006. Wells at Stations #270 and #271 sloughs, and ditches are less than the reservoir because the were installed during the last quarter of 2008. The sample water is diluted as it migrates through the reservoir relief well results are shown in Figure 6-12. The well at Station #271, system. In 2019, nine out of twelve surface water sample located adjacent to site property on a county road easement locations tested positive for tritium. All test results were directly west of the Main Cooling Reservoir, indicated its below the United States Environmental Protection Agency highest concentration for 2019 at 1,665 pCi/kg. In 2019, a drinking water limit of 20,000 pCi/kg. Rainwater was collected maximum value of 7,213 pCi/ kg was identified for onsite test and analyzed during 2019 to determine if the tritium from wells. Tritium levels continued to remain below the United the reservoir precipitated in the local area. Tritium was not States Environmental Protection Agency drinking water limit measured in any of the rainwater samples offsite.

(20,000 pCi/kg).

Tritium was identified in the shallow (i.e. ten to thirty feet deep)

Tritium has not been detected in the deep aquifer that is the aquifer test wells at Station #235 approximately seventy-source of drinking water for the local communities and homes.

five yards south of the reservoir embankment base during These measurements follow the hydrological model described 1999. Starting in 2000, samples were collected from the in the original license basis and the updated site conceptual shallow aquifer well at Station #251 south of the Main Cooling model discussed earlier in this section.

Reservoir. The tritium results from these two shallow aquifer wells are shown in Figure 6-11. In 2019, the concentration A windmill-powered well, Station #267, indicated no tritium 6-11 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

activity in 2019. This onsite ground water sample station adverse effects from the plant.

is the most distant location from the Main Cooling Reservoir These samples include pasture that tritium has been detected. This well is not used for grass, sediment samples, rain human consumption. water, shallow aquifer well, water from various ditches The drinking water onsite is pumped from deep aquifer and sloughs onsite, direct wells and is collected monthly and composited quarterly radiation, and air samples near to verify tritium is not present. The South Texas Project communities or other areas of uses no water from the reservoir, shallow aquifers or other interest. The results of these surface water for drinking. If the water with the highest tritium analyses indicate that plant concentration that leaves the site was used for drinking, operation has no health the maximum dose to an individual would be less than one impact offsite and is well within millirem in a year. This dose is insignificant compared to the Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin state and federal regulations approximately 620 millirem the public receives a year from and guidelines.

natural radioactivity in the environment and the radiation received from medical procedures.3 3

NCRP (2006). National Council on Radiation Protection and Other samples are collected and analyzed in addition to those Measurements, Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of required by our licensing documents or internal procedures. the United States, (Bethesda, Maryland), NCRP Report No. 160.

These samples are collected to give additional assurance that the public and the environment are protected from any Figure 6-11 CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 1 2

Figure 6-12 N E I G R O U N D WAT E R P R OT E C T I O N I N I T I AT I V E In 2007, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) established a wells continued to decrease as expected in 2019. Station standard for monitoring and reporting radioactive isotopes in #

809 tritium concentrations were related to the previously groundwater entitled NEI Groundwater Protection Initiative, referenced pipe and subsequent repair. All the other wells NEI 07-07. The station implemented the recommendations of sampled in 2019 that had detectable tritium are influenced by this industry standard and has broadened the groundwater groundwater originating in the Main Cooling Reservoir. Their monitoring program to include additional samples collected concentrations remain in the range of groundwater tritium near the plants. Some of the positive results of this broadened concentrations associated with the Main Cooling Reservoir.

monitoring program reflect tritium associated with the Main All of the 2019 measurements of tritium in groundwater are a Cooling Reservoir. small fraction of the United States Environmental Protection Agency drinking water limit (20,000 pCi/kg).

Wells near the plants are sampled semi-annually, annually, or once every five years depending on the concentration of tritium anticipated and the location of the wells. Wells with high concentrations are sampled more frequently. Figure 6-13 contains the 2019 results for wells that were sampled along with the historical highs measured prior to 2019 for each station since sampling began in 2006. Their locations are shown in Figure 6-14.

Two wells sampled annually (Stations #807 and #808) are adjacent to where a pipe was damaged and repaired several years ago. The tritium concentration at these two Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 6-13 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

Note: All measurements are reported in pCi/kg for increased accuracy and are equivalent to pCi/L for reporting purposes.

Figure 6-13 Figure 6-14 CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 1 4

During 2012, steam traps for the auxiliary steam system In 2019, there were that could potentially contain trace amounts of tritium were two occurrences modified to re-direct the condensed steam or liquid water to where condensed the Main Cooling Reservoir. Information regarding the steam steam or water traps and subsequent response was documented in the contacted the stations condition reporting process. This evaluation identified ground onsite.

no new effluent release pathways and no impact to the None of these drinking water or the health and safety of the public. occurrences resulted in impact By the end of 2014, the majority of the protected area wells Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin to the public or the had undergone a modification to enhance the protection of the environment. No discharge occurred offsite or to groundwater structural integrity of the water well casing used for sampling that may be used as a source of drinking water. Where the upper aquifer. The modifications were completed in 2015 applicable, the water was quickly recovered, recaptured, with continued improvements into 2016.

and clean up completed with no impact to groundwater.

Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma 6-15 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

LAND USE CENSUS The Annual Land Use Census is performed to determine if In addition, a survey is performed to verify the nearest any changes have occurred in the location of residents and residents within five miles of the South Texas Project the use of the land within five miles of the South Texas Project generating units in each of 16 sectors. The results of the generating units. The information is used to determine whether survey indicated no changes for 2019. The eleven sectors that any changes are needed in the Radiological Environmental have residents within five miles and the distance to the nearest Monitoring Program. The census is performed by contacting residence in each sector are listed below.

local government agencies that provide the information.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS OF INTER E ST WERE NOTED DURING THE CENSU S:

• No commercial dairies operate

• One commercial fish farm

• There were no identified within Matagorda County. continues to operate. It is located commercial vegetable farms approximately four to five miles located within the five-mile zone.

• There were no identified animals southwest of the plant located in producing milk for human

• Broadleaf vegetation sampling is the area north of Robbins Slough consumption located within five performed at the site boundary Road and east of South Citrus miles of STP. in the three most leeward sectors Grove Road. The water supply for and at a control location in lieu of

• A commercial olive tree orchard is the ponds is not affected by the a garden census. The broadleaf located approximately 4.9 miles operations of the South Texas vegetation samples collected also WSW of the plant. Project.

satisfy the collection requirement

• Colorado River water from below when milk samples are not the Bay City Dam has not been available.

used to irrigate crops.

CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 1 6

Figure 6-15 Figure 6-16 6-17 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

QUALITY ASSURANCE Quality assurance encompasses planned and systematic program assures that actions to ensure that an item or facility will perform equipment calibrations satisfactorily. Reviews, surveillances, and audits have and sample preparation determined that the programs, procedures and personnel are methods accurately performing at a satisfactory level. measure radioactive material in samples. Figure Quality audits and independent technical reviews help 6-15 summarizes the to determine areas that need attention. These areas are results of the interlaboratory addressed in accordance with the stations Condition comparison programs.

Reporting Process.

Duplicate sampling of the The measurement capabilities of the Radiological Laboratory environment allows the Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin are demonstrated by participating in an interlaboratory South Texas Project to measurement assurance program as well as performing estimate the repeatability of the sample collection, preparation, duplicate and split sample analyses. Approximately 14.5 and analysis process. Splitting samples allows estimation of percent of the analyses performed are quality control samples.

the precision and bias trends of the method of analysis without These consist of interlaboratory measurement assurance the added variables introduced by sampling. Generally, two program samples, duplicate samples, and split samples.

samples split from the same original sample material should The interlaboratory measurement assurance program provides agree better than two separate samples collected in the same samples that are similar in matrix and size to those measured area and time period. The 2019 variances for duplicates and by the Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program. This splits are shown in Figure 6-16.

P R O G R A M D E V I AT I O N S In addition to measurement accuracy, radiochemical measurements must meet sensitivity requirements at the Lower Level of Detection for environmental samples.

Deviations from the sampling program or sensitivity requirements must be acknowledged and explained in this report. The loss of a small fraction of the total samples collected in 2019 did not impact the ability to demonstrate that the South Texas Project continues to operate with no negative effect on the population or the environment.

During 2019 samples not collected or unacceptable for analysis:

• One out of 265 Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM) required radioiodine samples was lost from station #33.

Two air samples from Station #15 & #16 were not continuously collected for the full time interval because of power or equipment failures, but met the required LLD. Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma

• Two air samples not required by the ODCM were lost from station # 35 & # 18. Also not required by the ODCM, two samples from station # 39 were not continuously collected.

• One out of 176 direct radiation measurement samples were missed due to a missing thermoluminescent dosimeter.

CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 1 8

TA B L E 1 R A D I O LO G I C A L E N V I R O N M E N TA L M O N I TO R I N G P R O G R A M MCR-STP Main Cooling Reservoir STP- South Texas Project 6-19 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

TA B L E 1 R A D I O L O G I C A L E N V I R O N M E N TA L M O N I T O R I N G P R O G R A M ( C O N T. )

MCR-STP Main Cooling Reservoir STP- South Texas Project CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 2 0

TA B L E 1 R A D I O L O G I C A L E N V I R O N M E N TA L M O N I T O R I N G P R O G R A M ( C O N T. )

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 6-21 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 2 2 TA B L E 2 S A M P L E M E D I A A N D LO C AT I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S 6-23 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

TA B L E 2 S A M P L E M E D I A A N D L O C AT I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S ( C O N T. )

This station may be used to obtain the required aquatic samples in the vicinity of STP that may be influenced by plant operations.

MCR-STP Main Cooling Reservoir STP- South Texas Project Media codes typed in bold satisfy collection requirement described in Table 1.

Station codes typed in bold identify offsite locations.

• Control Station CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 2 4

6-25 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT TA B L E 2 S A M P L E M E D I A A N D L O C AT I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S ( C O N T. )

This station may be used to obtain the required aquatic samples in the vicinity of STP that may be influenced by plant operations.

MCR-STP Main Cooling Reservoir Photo courtesy of Ronnie Ormand STP- South Texas Project Media codes typed in bold satisfy collection requirement described in Table 1.

Station codes typed in bold identify offsite locations.

• Control Station CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 2 6

TA B L E 2 S A M P L E M E D I A A N D L O C AT I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S ( C O N T. )

This station may be used to obtain the required aquatic samples in the vicinity of STP that may be influenced by plant operations.

MCR-STP Main Cooling Reservoir STP- South Texas Project Media codes typed in bold satisfy collection requirement described in Table 1.

Station codes typed in bold identify offsite locations.

• Control Station 6-27 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

TA B L E 2 S A M P L E M E D I A A N D L O C AT I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S ( C O N T. )

This station may be used to obtain the required aquatic samples in the vicinity of STP that may be influenced by plant operations.

MCR-STP Main Cooling Reservoir STP- South Texas Project Media codes typed in bold satisfy collection requirement described in Table 1.

Station codes typed in bold identify offsite locations.

• Control Station CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 2 8

6-29 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT R A D I O LO G I C A L E N V I R O N M E N TA L M O N I T O R I N G P R O G R A M A N A LY S I S S U M M A R Y A summary of all required samples is given in Table 3. The sample types do not have control stations. When this is the table has been formatted to resemble a United States Nuclear case, no samples is listed in the control location column.

Regulatory Commission industry standard. Modifications have For each of these groups of data, the following is calculated:

been made for the sole purpose of reading ease. Only positive

• The mean positive values values are given in

• The number of positive measurements / the total this table. number of analyses

• The lowest and highest values for the analysis Media type is printed at the top left of each The data placed in Table 3 are from the samples required table, and the units by the sites Offsite Dose Calculation Manual as described of measurement in Table 1. Additional thermoluminescent dosimeters were are printed at the utilized each quarter for quality control purposes. The top right. The first minimum samples required by Table 1 were supplemented in Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin column lists the 2019 by numerous direct radiation measurements, additional type of radioactivity or specific radionuclide for which each surface water samples, ground water samples, additional sample was analyzed. The second column gives the total pasture grass, additional rain water samples, additional number of analyses performed and the total number of non- relief well water samples, and additional sediment samples.

routine analyses for each indicated nuclide. A nonroutine Fish and crustacean samples vary in number according to measurement is a sample whose measured activity is greater availability, but exceeded the minimum number required by than the reporting levels for Radioactivity Concentrations in Table 1. Also, 265 air station samples were collected from Environmental Samples. The LOWER LIMIT OF DETECTION weekly air sample stations, in addition to the minimum number column lists the normal measurement sensitivities achieved. of samples required by Table 1 in order to strengthen the The sensitivities were better than required by the United States Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The minimum required Radiological Environmental Monitoring A set of statistical parameters is listed for each radionuclide in Program is presented in Table 1. The table is organized by the remaining columns. The parameters contain information exposure pathway. Specific requirements such as location, from the indicator locations, the location having the highest sampling method, collection frequency, and analyses are annual mean, and information from the control stations. Some given for each pathway.

Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 3 0

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin 6-31 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 3 2 Photo courtesy of Aubrey Passafuma 6-33 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 3 4 6-35 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Coney CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 3 6

Photo courtesy of Steve Thomas 6-37 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 3 8 6-39 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT Photo courtesy of Kelly Callais CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 4 0

Photo courtesy of Kelly Callais 6-41 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT

CH A PT E R S I X l R A D I O LO G I CA L E N V I R O N M E N TA L O P E R AT ING R EPORT 6- 4 2 6-43 STP ANNUAL EN VI RONM E N TAL OP E RAT I N G RE P O RT The sculpture in front of the Nuclear Support Center was created by South Texas Artist James Phillips in honor of the men and women whose hard work and dedication have contributed to 30 years of Excellence at STP.

The sculpture was carved from a live oak tree trunk donated by Chief Financial Officer George Harrison into a unique design to honor our history.

Photo courtesy of Greg McMullin