NRC Generic Letter 79-52, Radioactive Release at North Anna Unit 1 and Lessons Learned

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GL79052

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555

(TO ALL OPERATING NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS)

Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: RADIOACTIVE RELEASE AT NORTH ANNA UNIT 1 AND LESSONS LEARNED

Recently an incident occurred at North Anna Unit 1, which resulted in the release of radioactivity to the Auxiliary Building and then to the environment. The release path associated with the incident is described in the enclosure.

By letter dated September 13, 1979, you were asked to meet the requirements proposed by the NRC staff's TMI-2 Lessons Learned Task Force as documented in NUREG-0578. Section 2.1.6a of that report requires actions to minimize the release of radioactivity from systems outside containment. While these actions are primarily directed towards minimizing leakage from these systems, the staff has determined that release paths exemplified by the North Anna Unit 1 incident or similar release paths as identified in IE Circular 79-21 (to be issued October 19, 1979) should also be considered.

Therefore you are requested to address, in conjunction with your response to Section 2.1.6a of NUREG-0578, the North Anna Unit 1 incident, as it applies to your facilities, and any similar release paths revealed by the review of your facilities. Any modifications deemed necessary as a result of your review should be identified by January 1, 1980, along with your schedule for completing these modifications on a priority basis.

Sincerely,

Darrell G. Eisenhut, Acting Director Division of Operating Reactors

Enclosure:

Radioactivity Release Pathway