NRC-22-0022, Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report

Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report

ML22119A255
Person / Time
Site:	Fermi
Issue date:	04/29/2022
From:	Offerle M DTE Electric Company
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NRC-22-0022
Download: ML22119A255 (12)

Text

DTE Energy Company 6400 N. Dixie Highway Newport, MI 48166 April 29, 2022 NRC-22-0022 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attention: Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555-0001 Fermi 2 Power Plant NRC Docket No. 50-341 NRC License No. NPF-43

Subject:

Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report Pursuant to the Fermi 2 Operating License, Appendix B, Environmental Protection Plan, Section 5.4.1, DTE Electric Company hereby submits the 2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report for Fermi 2.

No new commitments are being made in this submittal.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at (734) 586-4273.

Sincerely, Margaret M. Offerle for Ertman L. Bennett III Manager - Nuclear Licensing

Enclosure:

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report cc: NRC Project Manager NRC Resident Office Regional Administrator, Region III

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 6400 North Dixie Highway Newport, MI 48166 Reporting Period:

January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 1 2021 ANNUAL NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Number Number 1.0 EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

2

2.0 INTRODUCTION

3 2.1 Purpose 3 2.2 Environmental Protection Plan Overview 3 2.3 Annual Report Objectives 4 2.4 Site Description 5 3.0 TERRESTRIAL MONITORING 5 4.0 HERBICIDE MONITORING 6 5.0 AQUATIC MONITORING 7 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN NONCOMPLIANCES 8 7.0 DESIGN OR OPERATION CHANGES 9 8.0 UNUSUAL OR IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS 10

9.0 CONCLUSION

S 10

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 2 2021 ANNUAL NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT 1.0 EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the 2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report for the DTE Electric Company - Enrico Fermi Unit 2 Power Plant (Fermi 2):

• No terrestrial monitoring activities were conducted or required to comply with the Fermi 2 Operating License. Based on the findings of the terrestrial monitoring program, which was concluded in 1994, no further aerial-photographic evaluations are planned.

• ITC Transmission currently owns and operates the transmission infrastructure, including the corridor rights-of-way where herbicides are applied. ITC vegetation managers confirmed that in 2021 ITC applied 98.43 acres of herbicide treated brush of the Brownstown-Fermi corridor and 413.11 acres of the Wayne-Monroe corridor were sprayed between July and September.

• During the period covered by this report, there were no changes to station design that created an unreviewed environmental question, per the requirements and definitions of the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP).

• No unusual or important environmental events, as defined by the EPP, occurred.

Accordingly, no nonroutine reports were submitted.

• There were two incidents of noncompliance in 2021. The first incident was due to a reportable spill to the environment. The second incident was with the Fermi 2 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 3 2021 ANNUAL NON-RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING REPORT

2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), site personnel, and the public with information regarding the implementation of the Non-Radiological Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) at the DTE Electric Company - Enrico Fermi Unit 2 Power Plant (Fermi 2). This report is due prior to May 1 of each year and meets the requirements specified in Section 5.4.1 of the Fermi 2 Non-Radiological EPP, which is included in Appendix B of Facility Operating License No. NPF-43.

2.2 Environmental Protection Plan Overview As part of the application for the nuclear power plant construction permit and operating license, extensive environmental studies were conducted to evaluate potential non-radiological environmental risks that could result from the construction and operation of Fermi 2. In August 1981, the NRC published the Final Environmental Statement (FES) for the operation of Fermi 2. The FES was developed pursuant to the guidelines of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 51.

The EPP was prepared, based on the potential environmental risks and monitoring requirements identified in the FES. The purpose of the EPP is to provide for the protection of the environment during any additional construction and the continued operation of Fermi

2. The principal objectives of the EPP are as follows:

1. Verify that Fermi 2 is operated in an environmentally acceptable manner, as established by the FES and Environmental Impact assessments.

2. Coordinate NRC requirements and maintain consistency with other Federal, State and local requirements for environmental protection.

3. Keep the NRC informed of the environmental effects of facility construction and operation, and of actions taken to control those effects.

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 4 The components of the EPP are as follows:

1. A terrestrial monitoring program to detect long-term or sudden changes in vegetation that may be attributable to the dispersion of Fermi 2 cooling tower vapor. The terrestrial monitoring program was completed in 1994, after 4 successive monitoring cycles were completed, as required.

2. A program to establish the controlled use of herbicides within transmission rights-of-way.

3. A program to ensure that changes to Fermi 2 design or operation and potential tests or experiments are adequately reviewed prior to implementation to avoid adverse environmental impacts not previously evaluated. Changes in plant design, operation, tests or experiments which do not affect the environment, or which are required to achieve compliance with other Federal, State or local environmental regulations, are not subject to the requirements of this EPP.

4. Routine monitoring for evidence of unusual or important environmental events.

5. Any changes, renewals or stayed appeals to the Fermi 2 National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, or the State certification, must be reported to the NRC within 30 days.

2.3 Annual Report Objectives According to Section 5.4.1 of the EPP, the required objectives of the Annual Report are as follows:

• Provide summaries and analyses of the results of environmental protection activities conducted in the following areas: unusual or important environmental events and terrestrial monitoring (includes aerial remote sensing and herbicide application). Where applicable, the report should compare these activities to pre-operational studies, operational controls, observed environmental impacts, and previous non-radiological environmental monitoring reports. Provide detailed data analysis and a proposed course of action if harmful effects or evidence of trends towards irreversible damage to the environment are identified.

• Describe any changes to the Fermi 2 design, operation, testing or experimentation that were implemented without adequate review that adversely impacted, or could have adversely impacted, the environment, in accordance with Section 3.1 of the EPP.

• Describe any non-compliance with the EPP and the corrective actions taken to correct the non-compliances.

• Describe any non-routine reports submitted to the NRC as the result of an unusual or important environmental event, in accordance with Section 5.4.2 of the EPP.

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 5 2.4 Site Description DTE Electric Company operates Fermi 2, which is a 3,486 megawatt (gross) thermal General Electric Boiling Water Reactor 4 Nuclear Power Plant. The Fermi 2 power block is situated in the northeast quarter of a 1,260-acre site that is located approximately 6 miles east-northeast of Monroe, Michigan and 30 miles southwest of Detroit, Michigan. The site is fenced with locked gates or gates that are guarded at the discretion of Fermi 2 Security.

The Enrico Fermi 1 Power Plant (Fermi 1) is on the site as well. Fermi 1 was an experimental fast breeder reactor that is presently in a SAFSTOR condition. Subsequent to shut down in 1972, an oil-fired boiler was constructed. Operation of this boiler ceased in 1980 and it was removed from site in 1999.

Contiguous to the site are four oil-fired combustion turbine generators (CTGs), which are periodically operated during periods of high electricity demand as well as during required testing.

The site is bounded on the north by Swan Creek, on the east by Lake Erie, on the south by Pointe Aux Peaux Road, and on the west by a private road owned by DTE Energy. The northern and southern areas of the site are dominated by large lagoons. The western side of the site is predominately covered by several wood lots and a series of small quarry lakes.

Site elevation ranges from approximately 25 feet above lake level on the western edge of the site to lake level on the eastern edge.

Per a Cooperative Agreement between DTE Electric Company and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Lagoona Beach Unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge has been located on site since September 2003.

3.0 TERRESTRIAL MONITORING Overview Section 4.2.1 of the Fermi 2 EPP required that a special surveillance program be conducted to evaluate changes to vegetative communities within a 1 kilometer radius of the cooling towers. This program involved analysis of low altitude over flights prior to harvest utilizing color infrared photography, backed up by field reconnaissance inspections to verify areas of vegetative stress and non-stress along with soil sampling and analysis. The first flights and report were required after one year of plant operation and then every alternate year for 3 successive periods.

It should be noted that the above-described studies were not conducted to assess radiological impacts to the terrestrial environment, because discharge from the cooling towers is not radiologically active.

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 6 Activities and Controls The final required aerial photographic events were performed in 1994 and a final terrestrial monitoring report summarizing all collected data was completed in April 1995.

The report concluded the following:

• No long-term accumulation of dissolved solid deposition was detected in any of the soil samples collected within the survey area.

• No vegetative stress associated with cooling tower emission was observed in any of the survey reports.

• No correlation was observed between the distribution of stressed vegetation areas and the calculated deposition of dissolved solids and other materials contained within the vaporous cooling tower discharge.

• The absence of observed impacts attributable to the cooling towers is consistent with findings in the scientific literature.

Terrestrial monitoring was conducted in 2008 to support the licensing of a new unit at the site and is detailed in the Combined Operating License Application (COLA) for Fermi 3 which was submitted to the NRC on September 18, 2008 and approved on April 30, 2015.

No terrestrial monitoring activities were conducted, or required, under the Fermi 2 Operating License in 2021. Based on the findings and conclusions presented in the 1995 report, no further aerial photographic evaluations are planned.

4.0 HERBICIDE MONITORING Overview Section 4.2.2 of the Fermi 2 EPP requires that herbicide use meet the following conditions:

1. Herbicides used must be registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and utilized in accordance with EPA approved use instructions.

2. Herbicides used must be approved by State authorities and applied in accordance with state instructions.

Records of herbicide use within the corridor rights-of-way must be maintained for a period of 5 years and contain the following information: commercial and chemical names of herbicide used; concentration of active material in formulations diluted for field use; diluting substances other than water; rates of application; total pounds used; method and frequency of application; location; and date of application.

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 7 Activities and Controls The herbicide application program, detailed in a conduct manual, is designed to maintain records for herbicide application on-site but does not impose requirements on the application of herbicides within the transmission corridor rights-of-way outside of the Owner Controlled Area. The transmission infrastructure is currently owned and operated by ITC Transmission.

Records pertaining to the application of herbicides within the rights-of-way are obtained annually from ITC Transmission. These records include extensive mapping of the Wayne-Monroe and Brownstown-Fermi transmission corridors showing location and method for herbicide application. Data regarding commercial and chemical names of herbicide used, concentration of active material in formulations diluted for field use, diluting substances other than water, rates of application, method and frequency of application, location and surface area treated, and location and date of application are provided. The total pounds used of each herbicide are then calculated based upon the information provided.

Six herbicides were approved and utilized within the Wayne-Monroe transmission corridor and Brownstown-Fermi transmission corridor rights-of-way in 2021. All herbicides within the rights-of-way were applied within the parameters of the site and ITC procedures, and the applications complied with State and Federal requirements.

5.0 AQUATIC MONITORING Overview According to Section 2.1 of the EPP, the NRC will rely on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) for the protection of the aquatic environment from non-radiological operational impacts via the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. NPDES permits are issued in accordance with provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), Michigan Act 451, P.A. of 1994, as amended, Part 31, and Michigan Executive Orders 1991-31, 1995-4 and 1995-18.

Activities and Controls Fermi 2 Chemistry Department closely monitors effluent characteristics per the NPDES requirements. Effluent discharge data are summarized in monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports, which are then submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 8 NPDES Permit Changes Fermi 2 has been operating under permit number MI00378028 that was renewed on September 27, 2018 and became effective on November 1, 2018. As required by Section 3.2 of the EPP, the NRC was notified of this renewal within 30 days following the date of the renewal (See NRC-18-0053, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Renewal, dated October 25, 2018). On September 22, 2020, Fermi 2 received approval from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to reduce the monitoring frequency of Total Phosphorus and Total Copper from monthly to quarterly at outfall 001A. Starting the fourth quarter of 2020, Fermi 2 began the quarterly sampling for Copper and Phosphorus.

NPDES Non-compliances in 2021 There were two reportable non-compliance events that occurred in 2021.

The first event was a spill incident that occurred on March 30, 2021. While dewatering the oily waste equalization basin into the nearby sanitary manhole #7; system pluggage occurred causing the rainwater, groundwater, and sanitary sewage line to back flow and spill onto the ground. The pump was immediately shut down but approximately 150 gallons of water appeared to have overflowed. The event was an immediately reportable as the water contacted sanitary system which led to reportable spill to EGLE, Monroe County Health Department and local news media. The cleanup arrangements began immediately and removed the saturated soil and removed the excess water that had back flowed onto the ground. The pump was tagged out to prevent use until condition was corrected. During the investigation, facilities group found the line was plugged approximately 35 feet downstream of the manhole #7. A vendor was contacted to water jet the line and clear the plug. The line was successfully cleared after this service and obstructions were removed.

On May 15, 2021, a camera was used to run down the sewage line, and it was verified to be cleared and no obstruction The second event occurred on June 15, 2021 when Fermi 2 personnel discovered that the quarterly total copper sample exceeded the sites NPDES permit limit at monitoring point 001A. The analytical yielded total copper results of 41.2 µg/l, exceeding the 40 µg/l maximum daily limit, as listed in the sites NPDES permit. Per Fermis NPDES permit, there is also a requirement to make a notification to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> of becoming aware of an exceedance along with a written five day follow up report. The site inadvertently missed the 24 hour2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> immediate notification as well as the five day follow up written report.

To summarize events, the first non-compliance was the copper limit exceeded permit allowable daily limit. The second non-compliance was that it was inadvertently missed to report within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> upon discovery to EGLE. The third non-compliance was the five day follow up report was also inadvertently missed but later submitted upon discovery.

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 9 The permit non-compliance event was entered into the Fermi 2 Corrective Action Program within CARD 21-26242. During the investigation, it was determined to collect a sediment sample during the next GSW diving event. This investigation determined that the elevated copper results were due to a GSW diving activities that inadvertently stirred up the sediment when the divers work took place at the time of the June sample collection. The silt result was high for copper which correlates with the elevated levels of copper naturally present in the soils and silts in this region.

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN NON-COMPLIANCES Overview In accordance with Section 5.4.1 of the EPP, all occurrences of non-compliance with the EPP must be reported along with a discussion of actions taken to correct the situation.

Activities and Controls No incidents of EPP noncompliance occurred at Fermi 2 in 2021.

7.0 DESIGN OR OPERATION CHANGES Overview In accordance with the Fermi 2 EPP, before engaging in additional construction or operational activities, which might affect the environment, Fermi 2 is required to prepare and record an environmental evaluation of such activity. If the evaluation should indicate that the proposed activity involves an un-reviewed environmental question, DTE Electric Company must provide a written evaluation of the activity and obtain prior approval from the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. Activities are excluded from this requirement if all measurable, non-radiological effects are confined to the on-site areas previously disturbed during site preparation and plant construction.

Activities and Controls During the period covered by this report, there were no changes to station design or operational activities that created an un-reviewed environmental question per the requirements of the EPP.

2021 Annual Non-Radiological Environmental Operating Report DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 Page 10 8.0 UNUSUAL OR IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS Overview According to Section 4.1 of the EPP, any unusual occurrence or important event which indicates, or could result in, significant environmental impact causally related to plant operation must be reported to the NRC within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />, followed by a written report within 30 days.

The following are considered examples of unusual or important environmental events:

• Excessive bird impacts

• On-site plant or animal disease outbreaks

• Mortality or unusual occurrence of any species protected by the Endangered Species Act

• Fish kills

• Increase in nuisance organisms or conditions Activities and Controls No unusual or important environmental events occurred during 2021. Accordingly, no non-routine reports were submitted.

9.0 CONCLUSION

S In 2021, DTE Electric Company - Fermi 2 successfully maintained compliance with the EPP.