NUREG-1144, Responds to Concerning Aging of Facility.Forwards NUREG-1144, Nuclear Plant Aging Research (Npar) Program Plan. Util Intends to Submit Request from from Requirement to Install Reactor Vessel Level Measurement Sys.W/O Encl
| ML13308B016 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | San Onofre  |
| Issue date: | 05/29/1986 |
| From: | Asselstine J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Geismar B AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML13308B007 | List:
|
| References | |
| RTR-NUREG-1144 NUDOCS 8801250461 | |
| Download: ML13308B016 (1) | |
Text
0 o UNITED STATES LEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 May 29, 1986 OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER Mrs. Betty Geismar P. 0. Box 6129 Oceanside, CA 92056
Dear Mrs. Geismar:
This is in response to your letter of May 15, 1986 concerning plant aging and San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Unit 1 (SONGS 1).
I appreciate receiving a copy of your letter to Mr. Baskin as well.
Regarding plant aging, I have enclosed a copy of an NRC document entitled, "Nuclear Plant Aging Research (NPAR) Program Plan" - NUREG-1144. Although this document is primarily a plan for the NRC research program on aging, it does include a discussion of the nature of the aging problem and its potential impact on plant safety. You are quite correct in your observa tion of aging at SONGS 1. Investigations into the November 21, 1985 water hammer event at SONGS 1 indicate that electrical cables had deteriorated far more than would have been expected for that age of cable. This seems to indicate that we have been overly optimistic in our assumptions concerning the degree of deterioration that we will see in plant safety components over time. The clear lesson is that we should be doing more to improve our understanding of the safety impacts of plant aging.
I have been informed by the NRC staff that a reactor vessel level measure ment system has not been installed in SONGS 1. The NRC staff informs me that Southern California Edison intends to submit a deviation request from this requirement along with its justification for such relief in June. I intend to raise this issue with the NRC staff and the licensee at a Commission meeting on the proposed restart of SONGS 1 which is currently scheduled for June 12, 1986. 1 appreciate your bringing this matter to my attention.
Sincerely, James K. Asselstine
Enclosure:
As stated 88o1250461 880O20 PDR ADOCK
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