NRC Generic Letter 80-107, BWR Scram Discharge System

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GL80107

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

DEC 9 1980

TO ALL BWR LICENSEES

SUBJECT: BWR SCRAM DISCHARGE SYSTEM

Reference:

(a) IE Bulletin 80-17 with Supplements 1, 2, and 3

This letter transmits the staff's Generic Safety Evaluation Report (SER)

regarding BWR Scram Discharge System dated December 1, 1980 for your information. The SER recommends certain short-term actions in excess of those in Reference

(a) which are considered necessary to assure the continued safe operation of General Electric (GE) BWR's with inadequate SDV-IV hydraulic coupling until permanent design changes are made.

We are currently discussing schedular impacts with the BWR Owners Group relative to the implementation of these short-term requirements. After a schedule for implementation for the short-term actions is resolved, we will issue appropriate correspondence to assure the short-term requirements are met.

In addition, the criteria for permanent design changes affecting all operating GE BWR's is included in the SER. With the exception of the staff's position on Diverse Instrumentation, these criteria represent the BWR Owners Group's positions. We note that in response to our letter of October 1, 1980, all but one licensee* has agreed to adopt the BWR Owners Group criteria for establishing permanent modifications to their systems. These criteria are presently being evaluated by our Division of Safety Technology and will be the subject of future correspondence.

Sincerely,

Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director Division of Licensing

Enclosure:

As Stated

• TVA has proposed modifications independent of the Owner's Group.