RBG-31359, Followup NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 890724, Total Suspended Solids at Outfall 002 in Violation.Util Determined Cause to Be Leak Which Introduced Gallons of Sulfuric Acid Into Sys Sump.Analysis Underway

Followup NPDES Noncompliance Notification:On 890724, Total Suspended Solids at Outfall 002 in Violation.Util Determined Cause to Be Leak Which Introduced Gallons of Sulfuric Acid Into Sys Sump.Analysis Underway

ML20246H747
Person / Time
Site:	River Bend
Issue date:	08/15/1989
From:	Deddens J GULF STATES UTILITIES CO.
To:
References
RBG-31359, NUDOCS 8909010360
Download: ML20246H747 (2)

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&-  ? p t August 15, 1989 RBG- 31359 File No. G1.11.2 Ms. Maureen O'Neill, Assistant Secretary Office of Water Resources Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Post Office Box 44091, Capitol Station Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4091

Dear Ms. O'Neill:

Water Discharge Permit No. WP0409 NPDES Permit No. LA0042731 River Bend Station - Unit 1 Gulf States Utilities Company (GSU) is providing a follow-up to the July 24, 1989 subniittal regarding a Total Suspended Solids (TSS) violation at Outfall 002 of Water Discharge Permit No. WP0409. The daily maximum effluent limitation for TSS is 100 mg/1, but a sample collected on July 18, 1989, contained 129.8 mg/1. The exact cause of the excursion, and hence appropriate preventive measures, were unknown at the time of the initial report.

GSU determined the underlying cause of the problem was a leak which introduced several hundred gallons of sulfuric acid into a neutralization system sump. Large quantities of caustic soda were required to neutralize the sump contents. The chemical reaction produced a wastewater which, although pH neutral, was supersaturated with sulfates. Most of the salts remained dissolved in the tank due to the exothermic reaction and did not accumulate on the effluent line 5-micron filters. A TSS analysis sample was subsequently collected. Prior to the TSS analysis being performed, the sulfates crystallized on the glass-fiber filter due to sample cooling to ambient temperatures. TSS analysis results showed rust particles were present but most of the mass contributing to the TSS result was attributable to the sulfate crystals.

A subsequent batch of similarly contaminated wastewater was removed for disposal as industrial solid waste at a permitted land treatment facility.

The acid leak was repaired. The neutralization system was emptied and rinsed, and is now capable of producing acceptable effluent for discharge.

For example, duplicate samples of the first post-violation discharge on August 4, 1989, indicated an average TSS of 13.8 mg/1. The next discharge, on August 6, contained 20.5 mg/l TSS.

Pre-release analyses on neutralization system wastewater will be performed on the next five batches to ensure that the problem is not recurring and that TSS limits will be met. Increased monitoring of actual effluent will be 3 performed at least through August,1989, to document compliance.

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'0'Neill Page 2 I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, er those persons directly responsible for gathering the

!- information submitted, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.

Sincerel ,

J. C. Deddens Senior Vice President JCD/JEB/LAE/ / JVC/ch cc: Mr. Myron Knudson, Director Water Management Division (6W)

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VI Allied Bank Tower 1445 Ross Avenue Dallas, TX 75202-2733 Capitol Regional Office Water Pollution Control Division 11720 Airline Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70817-1720 '

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk Washington, D.C. 20555 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 611 Ryan Plaza Drive, Suite 1000 Arlington, TX 76011 NP.C Resident Inspector Post Office Box 1051 St. Francisville, LA 70775 1

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