SECY-02-0155, Weekly Information Report - Week Ending 08/09/02
| ML022310280 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 08/15/2002 |
| From: | Jocelyn Craig NRC/EDO/AO |
| To: | Commissioners NRC/OCM |
| T. Bergman 415-1725 | |
| References | |
| SECY-02-0155 | |
| Download: ML022310280 (20) | |
Text
INFORMATION REPORT August 15, 2002 SECY-02-0155 For:
The Commissioners From:
John W. Craig, Assistant for Operations, Office of the EDO
Subject:
SECY-02-0155 WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING AUGUST 9, 2002 Contents Enclosure Nuclear Reactor Regulation A
Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards B
Nuclear Regulatory Research C
Nuclear Security and Incident Response D
General Counsel E*
Administration F
Chief Information Officer G
Chief Financial Officer H*
Human Resources I
Small Business & Civil Rights J*
Enforcement K*
State and Tribal Programs L*
Public Affairs M
International Programs N
Office of the Secretary O
Region I P
Region II P
Region III P*
Region IV P
Executive Director for Operations Q*
Congressional Affairs R*
- No input this week.
/RA/
John W. Craig Assistant for Operations, OEDO
Contact:
T. Bergman, OEDO
August 15, 2002 SECY-02-0155 For:
The Commissioners From:
John W. Craig, Assistant for Operations, Office of the EDO
Subject:
SECY-02-0155 WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING AUGUST 9, 2002 Contents Enclosure Nuclear Reactor Regulation A
Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards B
Nuclear Regulatory Research C
Nuclear Security and Incident Response D
General Counsel E*
Administration F
Chief Information Officer G
Chief Financial Officer H*
Human Resources I
Small Business & Civil Rights J*
Enforcement K*
State and Tribal Programs L*
Public Affairs M
International Programs N
Office of the Secretary O
Region I P
Region II P
Region III P*
Region IV P
Executive Director for Operations Q*
Congressional Affairs R*
- No input this week.
/RA/
John W. Craig Assistant for Operations, OEDO
Contact:
T. Bergman, OEDO DISTRIBUTION:
Central File Public Document Name: C:\\WIR\\WEEK809.WPD OEDO AO/OEDO TBergman:paa JWCraig 08/15/02 08/15/02
WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING AUGUST 9, 2002 The Weekly Information Report is compiled by the Office of the EDO and includes highlights of Headquarters and Regional Office activities.
Contact:
T. Bergman, OEDO by E-mail: tab@nrc.gov.
Use GO TO (Ctrl+Home) to advance to the page number for a specific Office.
PgDn and PgUp can also be used to advance through the text.
OFFICE Page OFFICE Page NRR 2
- NMSS 4
IP 18 NSIR 9
SECY 19 OGC Region I 20 ADM 10 Region II 21 CIO 11 Region III
- SB/CR OCA
- No input this week
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE A Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station Mr. Lew Myers, First Energy Chief Operating Officer, has been named the Vice President for Davis-Besse. He replaces Mr. Howard Bergendahl.
Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit 2 On August 5, 2002, the NRC issued a final no significant hazards consideration determination and license amendment to Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. (ENO) allowing a one-time deferral of the Type A containment integrated leak rate test (ILRT) at the Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit 2 (IP2). The amendment, issued in response to ENOs July 13, 2001, license amendment application, results in a one-time extension of the surveillance interval from a once-per-10-year frequency to a once-per-15-year frequency for performance of the test.
Under the allowed extension, IP2 shall perform its next ILRT within 15 years of the last successful ILRT, which was conducted on June 20, 1991.
A Petition for Leave to Intervene and Request for Hearing on ENOs amendment request was filed by Riverkeeper, Inc. on March 18, 2002, and is still pending before the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB). Pursuant to a July 17, 2002, ASLB Order, Riverkeeper, Inc. has until August 12, 2002, to file an amended petition with contentions. NRC and licensee responses are due on August 22, 2002. A prehearing conference is scheduled for August 27, 2002, in White Plains, New York.
Intern Visit to Bellefonte Plant On August 6, 2002, NRR LPD2 staff accompanied a group of 2003 and 2004 interns, a Region II Summer intern, and the NRR Intern Program Coordinator to the Bellefonte Plant in Hollywood, Alabama. Bellefonte, Unit 1, is about 90% complete and provides an excellent opportunity to access areas of the facility which are not readily accessible in an operating plant.
Similar future visits are planned for other intern groups.
Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant On July 26, 2002, the staff issued the improved Standard Technical Specifications for Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2. The licensees full implementation is expected by October 31, 2002.
Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Workshop on PWR Sump Performance On July 30-31, 2002, the staff attended an NEI workshop for industry personnel responsible for addressing GSI-191, Assessment of Debris Accumulation on PWR Sump Performance. The workshop was a kick-off of the industry-wide implementation of the NEI program. The workshop focused on the initial phase of the industry initiative; implementation of NEI-02-01, "Condition Assessment Guidelines: Debris Sources Inside Containment." Results of the initial
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE A set of condition assessments were discussed. The NRC staff presented the NRC regulatory perspective and addressed the current status of regulatory activity for GSI-191.
Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Meeting to Discuss SECY-02-132 On August 1, 2002, the NRC staff met with NEI representatives to discuss SECY-02-132 on NFPA 805 Rulemaking, and the recently provided Draft C NFPA 805 Implementation Guidance developed by NEI. It was agreed that there is a need for an NEI/OGC meeting to discuss the terms previously approved licensing basis and tacit licensing basis approval. It was also agreed that the NRC staff will consider NEIs request that early licensees transitioning to NFPA 805 fire protection requirements be invited to submit their background analyses and evaluations for NRC staff review and comment (in order to clearly show those and future transitioning licensees what considerations are appropriate in mapping pre-NFPA 805 licensing bases into NFPA 805). The NRC staff agreed to provide NEI with comments on the Draft C Implementation Guidance Document by the end of September, 2002.
License Renewal The NRC received on August 1, 2002, a license renewal application for Ginna. Another license renewal application for V. C. Summer was received on August 6, 2002. With these submittals, the staff is currently reviewing renewal applications for 10 plants totaling 16 units. The next scheduled submittal of a renewal application is in January 2003.
Staff Holds Public Meetings on the Draft Peach Bottom Environmental Impact Statement in Support of License Renewal The NRC staff recently participated in two outreach activities related to the license renewal application for Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3. On July 31, 2002, the staff conducted two meetings to solicit comments from the public on the draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) issued on June 28, 2002. The draft SEIS is a plant-specific supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Power Plants (NUREG-1437). Approximately 100 people attended the meetings, including representatives of the NRC staff, State and local governments, Exelon, the nuclear industry, news media, and members of the public. There were 17 individuals who spoke at the meetings, several of whom expressed concerns, for various reasons, with extending the operating life of the two nuclear units at Peach Bottom. The public comment period ends on September 17, 2002.
In addition, in an effort to improve communication and increase interaction with members of the public, the NRC staff hosted an informal open house for one hour prior to each meeting. The NRC staff participated with displays and brochures and met with members of the public to answer questions about the proposed renewal of the Peach Bottom operating licenses. The NRC staff also provided space for the licensee and a local citizens activist group (in response to their requests) to set up displays and interact in an informal setting with other meeting attendees.
At the conclusion of the comment period, the staff will evaluate the comments received, revise the SEIS as appropriate, and issue the final SEIS in February 2003.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE A Public Meeting with NEI on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES) Ratings On July 26, 2002, the NRC staff held a public meeting with NEI on the INES. Following the opening remarks and introductions, NEI presented industry concerns with the use of INES.
Their primary concern was the potential to "over classify" a minor fuel leak condition based on interpretations of the guidance. NEI provided some suggestions for consideration to aid in the development of internal NRC procedures in the assessment process.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE B Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Training on the Revised 10 CFR Part 35 On August 8-9, 2002, staff from the Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety, Region II, and Region IV provided training on the revised 10 CFR Part 35. The training was performed in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, near the Region I office. Over 50 people representing Region I, Agreement States, and master material licensees attended the training. This was the second of five training sessions targeted at inspection and licensing staffs. The next training session will be held at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Headquarters on August 14, 2002.
Trojan Enforcement Action On August 6, 2002, the NRC issued a Notice of Violation to Portland General Electric Company for activities associated with the licensing of the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) at the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. The issues within the Notice of Violation were characterized as a Severity Level III problem and resulted from an NRC Investigation that concluded in July 2001. The violations involved: (1) failure to provide NRC with complete and accurate information with respect to implementation of the quality assurance requirements during the coating qualification program for materials used in construction of the ISFSI; and (2) failure to control components after identifying that they did not conform to their design basis.
Because of the corrective actions implemented by Portland General Electric Company, NRC did not issue a civil penalty.
Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board Visit to the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses On August 2, 2002, two representatives from the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board visited the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses (hereafter, the Center) in San Antonio, Texas. Technical staff from the Division of Waste Management and the Center met with the representatives to discuss saturated zone issues for Yucca Mountain. The discussions centered around the importance of aquifer properties in repository performance, particularly the properties of valley fill aquifers south of Yucca Mountain. The Center staff demonstrated groundwater modeling approaches being used to support the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions prelicensing work. The board representatives also toured the Center labs where experiments are being conducted in metal corrosion and heat effects on groundwater.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Department of Energy (DOE) Quarterly Quality Assurance and Management Meetings on the Yucca Mountain Project On July 30-31, 2002, staff from the Division of Waste Management took part in the NRC and DOE Quarterly Quality Assurance (QA) and Management Meetings on the Yucca Mountain Project. These meetings took place at NRC Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. On the first day, NRC and DOE focused on QA issues and DOEs revised Management Improvement Initiative, which DOE has developed to improve its QA Program. Also, the staff heard from DOEs contractor, Bechtel SAIC Corporation, on its QA program organization and activities.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE B The second days meeting focused on management issues, including: (1) DOE Program and Project updates; and (2) NRC Program update, including the Licensing Support Network, status of key technical issue agreement schedule, and milestones from now until license application.
During this meeting NRC management took the opportunity to share its expectations for both NRC and DOE during this pre-licensing transition phase.
Staff Observe Department of Energy Audit of Bechtel SAIC Companys Implementation of Quality Assurance Program From July 29 to August 2, 2002, Division of Waste Management staff observed a limited-scope compliance-based audit of Bechtel SAIC Companys (BSCs) implementation of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Quality Assurance (QA) Program in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Department of Energy implements its QA program according to the DOE/RW-0333P, Revision 11, Quality Assurance Requirements and Description document and applicable implementing procedures. DOE established a five-member audit team from the Office of Quality Assurance. This five-member audit team evaluated the effectiveness of applicable DOE QA Program elements as they pertain to Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office activities, for: (1) Organization; (2) QA Program; (3) Design Control; (4) Implementing Documents; (5) Software; and (6) Control of Electronic Management of Data. DOE identified two proposed Deficiency Reports and one Observation. DOE reviewed these findings with BSC management at a Post-Audit Conference on August 2, 2002. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission observers were in general agreement with the findings of the QA Team.
Proposed Rule Signed by the Executive Director for Operations On August 6, 2002, the Executive Director for Operations approved a proposed rule that amends 10 CFR Parts 72 and 73, Event Notification Requirements. This proposed rule would amend the NRCs regulations at 10 CFR Part 72 to change several event notification requirements that apply to an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) and a Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) installation. The proposed rule would also amend safeguards event notification requirements that apply to a reactor facility, a fuel cycle facility, an ISFSI, an MRS, licensees who possess or transport special nuclear material or spent fuel, a geological repository operations area and a gaseous diffusion plant. With respect to both the event notification requirements and the safeguards event notification requirements, the changes are intended to align these requirements with recent changes to the power reactor event notification requirements in Part 50 made in a final rule issued on October 25, 2000 (65 FR 63769). These changes would reduce licensee burden through the consolidation of some notifications and lengthening the reporting period for other notifications. However, some new requirements would be added to permit the NRC to more effectively carry out its responsibilities during emergencies and in responding to public and media inquiries during events or conditions at licensees facilities.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE C Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 PPS Briefing for the NAS Board on Radioactive Waste Management On July 30, 2002, representatives from the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) and NMSS Spent Fuel Project Office (SFPO), presented a high level briefing on the Package Performance Study to the Board on Radioactive Waste Management of the National Academy of Sciences. The presentation included the history of NRCs assessment of risk estimates associated with the transport of spent nuclear fuel, the goals of the package performance study, the scope of work, and a tentative schedule. The importance of public outreach in accomplishing the goals was stressed. The staff will schedule additional meetings with the Board to provide a more detailed briefing when the staff completes the PPS Test Protocols (the preliminary test plans for public comment).
ANL-NRC Interactive Meeting on Work at ANL Related to Steam Generators, Metals Behavior under High Temperature Conditions Related to Severe Accidents, and to High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors A meeting was held on August 6 and 7, 2002, at Headquarters between staff of Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and RES staff to discuss work being conducted at ANL for the NRC.
The first area discussed was the program on predictions of active and passive component failure during severe accidents, phase II. This program involves 16 tasks that include determination of material properties where data is not available for the materials and temperatures of interest, and predictions of failure under the temperatures, stresses and environment of severe accidents for hot leg and surge line piping components, steam generator manways, pressure relief valves, and spiral wound gaskets. Based on results presented by ANL staff, RES staff provided guidance and direction to ANL to initiate high temperature testing of bolts used for manways since data for these materials is not available from the literature. In addition RES staff directed ANL to initiate analyses of surge line and hot leg failure using various levels of stresses in addition to the pressure stress.
The next area discussed was the Program on high temperature metallic components for high temperature gas cooled reactors. RES staff provided an overview and expectations for this new program; ANL provided some initial results related to the materials used, available information and design codes for high temperature applications.
The next area discussed was the loads encountered by steam generator tubes under main steam line break (MSLB) and feed water line break (FWLB) conditions. This program is being conducted to address GSI-188. RES presented results from thermal-hydraulics analyses related to forces imposed on steam generator structures during MSLB and FWLB. ANL presented results on the potential propagation of preexisting cracks under these loading conditions. Preliminary results indicate that the forces on the tubes will be low and that failure of tubes will only occur if a small number of tubes are locked in the tube support plate (TSP),
and these alone carry the entire load, with the remaining tubes free to move. The highest forces are on the higher TSPs where there are the fewest degraded tubes.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE C The final area discussed was the model boiler design and predictions/modeling of crevice physical and chemical conditions. The model boiler will be used to improve the understanding of the interplay between TSP crevice design, heat transfer/flow in the crevice, chemical hideout, and the initiation and propagation of outer diameter stress corrosion cracks. Work that could potentially be done by RES staff in cooperation with ANL staff that would help in gaining better understanding of crevice conditions and corrosion was also discussed and planned.
Conference Call with NEI on Collaborative Research Related to Vessel Head Penetrations and Head Degradation RES staff members, along with staff members from NRR and the 0350 Panel, had a conference call with representatives of NEI, EPRI, and the Materials Reliability Program to discuss potential collaborative research on vessel head penetrations and head degradation. A representative from the Davis Besse plant was also on line. As a preparation for this call, RES had provided a brief write-up to the industry groups and others on its comprehensive plans for research on this subject. The write-up discussed the ongoing work as well as plans for initiating new work. The write-up emphasized the overall objective of the research as development of an independent integrated, probabilistic calculational model leading to evaluation of inspection techniques and intervals for vessel penetrations for long term management of the issue, and for incorporation in overall risk assessment.
Discussions focused on the following topics as some specific areas of potential cooperation:
(1) crack initiation and growth rates of Alloys 600 and 182; (2) corrosion and corrosion potential of reactor steels in concentrated boric acid solutions; (3) potential construction of a mock-up of the Davis-Besse leak and wastage process to assess generic implications (this is still under consideration). The inspection area was also suggested as another major area for potential cooperation. There are proposals from industry on the boric acid corrosion for a DOE program for FY 2003. The conference call concluded with the arrangement that the RES staff and EPRI staff will continue discussions to identify specific research topics.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE D Nuclear Security and Incident Response Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Information Assurance Solutions Working Symposium The Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR) participated in the Information Assurance Solutions Working Symposium in Tampa, Florida from July 29 to August 2, 2002.
The symposium included sessions on secure communication policy, current secure communication hardware, and emerging technologies. The presentations included valuable information bearing on viable solutions to secure communications requirements for the Operations Center, the new Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, and the agency as a whole.
North American Aerospace Defense Command - Amalgam Virgo 02 Exercise On August 6, 2002, the Division of Incident Response Operations (DIRO) and the Region IV staff attended a debrief from the North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD's)
Amalgam Virgo 02 Exercise that NRC participated in on June 4, 2002. Each agency that participated in Amalgam Virgo 02 was given the opportunity to present lessons learned from the exercise; DIRO presented for NRC. Amalgam Virgo 02 was a live-fly cross-border exercise involving Federal, State, and local responders in the United States and Canada. DIRO and Region IV staff discussed continuing coordination between NRC and NORAD, including participation in future exercises.
Installation of the New Operations Center Teleconferencing System In late July, staff from the Division of Incident Response Operations completed Headquarters Operations Officer (HOO) training on the new SPECTEL System 700 conferencing system in the Operations Center. The SPECTEL system will replace the Allegro Conferencing System currently used by the HOOs. The final installation of the system will be completed during August, and most routine conference calls will be handled by the new system during an August trial-use period. NRC participants in Operations Center conference calls will notice slight differences, for instance, in the introductory prompts. HOOs will be developing concepts to adopt the features of the new conferencing system during the August trial-use period. The new SPECTEL system is scheduled to be fully operational in September.
Preliminary Notifications 1.
PNO-IV-02-039, Benefis Health Care, MEDICAL MISADMINISTRATION.
2.
PNO-II-02-025A, Burns, Cooley, Dennis, Inc., STOLEN RECOVERED - UPDATE.
3.
PNO-II-02-028, Bunnell - Lammons, Engineering, Inc., STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGE.
4.
PNO-IV-02-040, Centura Health Penrose, MEDICAL MISADMINISTRATION.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE F Office of Administration Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Cost Recovery for Contested Hearings Involving U.S. National Security Initiatives (Part 170)
A proposed rule that would amend the regulations imposing fees for regulatory services was published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2002 (67 FR 49623). The proposed amendments would allow the NRC to recover its costs associated with contested hearings involving U.S.
Government national security-related proceedings through licensing or other regulatory service fees assessed to the affected applicant or licensee. The proposed amendment would be a special exemption to the Commissions long-standing policy of recovering costs associated with contested hearings through annual fees assessed to licensees within the affected class. The comment period for this action expires August 30, 2002.
Combustible Gas Control in Containment (Part 50)
A proposed rule that would amend the regulations for combustible gas control in power reactors was published in the Federal Register on August 2, 2002 (67 FR 50374). The proposed rule would eliminate the requirement for hydrogen recombiners and hydrogen control systems and relax requirements for hydrogen and oxygen monitoring equipment. The comment period for this action closes October 16, 2002.
Federal Advisory Committee Act Regulations (Part 7)
A proposed rule that would amend the Commissions regulations concerning compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act was published in the Federal Register on August 8, 2002 (67 FR 51501). The proposed amendments would conform NRCs regulations with newly issued regulations of the General Services Administration. The comment period for this action closes October 7, 2002.
Robert H. Leyse; Petition for Rulemaking (PRM-50-76)
A document requesting public comment on a petition for rulemaking submitted by Robert H.
Leyse (PRM-50-76) was published in the Federal Register on August 9, 2002 (67 FR 51783).
The petition requests amendment to the NRCs regulations concerning Emergency Core Cooling Systems and associated guidance documents to correct technical deficiencies that do not consider complex thermal hydraulic conditions during a Loss-of-Coolant-Accident, including the potential for very high fluid temperatures. The comment period for this action closes October 23, 2002.
Contract Award On August 1, 2002, a commercial item/task ordering type contract (NRC-10-02-161) was awarded to Strategic Staffing, Inc., an 8(a) firm located in Alexandria, VA, for the agencys Administrative and Clerical Support Services. The contract is for one year with two one-year option periods with a maximum ordering limitation of $3 million. The first task order request was sent to Strategic Staffing on August 7, 2002, for the Office of General Counsel.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE G Chief Information Officer Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Requests received during the period of August 2, 2002 through August 8, 2002:
OIG final report of its investigation/inquiry re: letter from Chairman to requester dated 11/26/01 (FOIA/PA-2002-0354)
Investigation R3-2001-034 (FOIA/PA-2002-0355)
NRR-2002-A-0011, transcript dated 3/27/02 (FOIA/PA-2002-0356)
RFQ RS-01-179-016, awarded proposal (FOIA/PA-2002-0357)
Entergy Corporation, fines and/or violations of its operations (FOIA/PA-2002-0358)
Investigation OI-4-2001-035, all records (FOIA/PA-2002-0359)
U.S. OGEs 7/31/02 letter to NRC and DOE re: license application for Yucca Mountain, all records predating 7/31/02 letter to and from NRC, DOE, and OGE (FOIA/PA-2002-0360)
DPV review of enforcement action by Region, all records (FOIA/PA-2002-0361)
Davis Besse nuclear generating station, communications between NRC Commission and FirstEnergy, U.S. Congress, industry, and NRC staff, re: Bulletin 2001-01, between 9-1-01 and 1-31-02, all records (FOIA/PA-2002-0362)
Investigation R3-2002-021 (FOIA/PA-2002-0363)
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE I Office of Human Resources Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Arrivals BRAY, Cassie LEGAL INTERN OGC FRANCIS, Joseph STUDENT IT TRAINEE RI DZIEDZIC, Magdalena NUCLEAR SAFETY INTERN RIII KING, Ikeda SECRETARY (OA)
NMSS PHAM, Bo PROJECT MANAGER NRR ORDERS, William SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER NSIR ORTEGA-LUCIANO, Jonathan NUCLEAR SAFETY INTERN NRR RIGGS, Eric PROJECT ENGINEER RII RIVERA-ORTIZ, Joel NUCLEAR SAFETY INTERN NRR RUTKOWSKI, John REACTOR ENGINEER RIII QUINONES-PADOVANI, Ernetso NUCLEAR SAFETY INTERN NMSS VOTOLATO, Dori NUCLEAR SAFETY INTERN NMSS Retirements HUBER, Linda SECRETARY (OA)
RIII Departures ANDERSON, Angel STUDENT CLERK RIII BELCHER, Stephanie STUDENT ENGINEER RII BELLARMINE, Gnanasigamani SUMMER FACULTY NRR BRELAND, Nicole LEGAL INTERN OGC BROWN, Yvette CONTRACT SPECIALIST ADM DATILLO, Ken SENIOR PROGRAM ANALYST NMSS GOYAL, Raju STUDENT LAW CLERK ASLBP HANSON, Michael PROGRAM ANALYST OCFO HARRIS, Brian*
STUDENT LAW CLERK OGC
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE I HELD, Wesley STUDENT ENGINEER NRR KELCH, Daniel SUMMER CLERK ADM LARE, Megan**
STUDENT CLERK RI MARTIN, David OFFICE ASSISTANT RIII RIVERA, Eric SUMMER INTERN OCFO
- Effective August 6, 2002
- Effective August 8, 2002
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE M Office of Public Affairs Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Media Interest A visit by the Executive Director for Operations and Region IV Administrator Ellis Merschoff to the Board of Directors of Nebraskas Cooper nuclear plant drew media interest.
Internal NRC memos became the basis for two extensive media reports about decisions made last fall regarding the possible shutdown of Davis-Besse.
Press Releases Headquarters:
02-086 Commissioner Jeffrey S. Merrifield Takes Oath of Office for Second Term at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 02-087 NRC Recommends Supplemental Inspections for Pressurized Water Reactor Vessel Heads Regions:
I-02-049 Kenneth Kolaczyk Named NRC Senior Resident Inspector at Ginna I-02-050 NRC to Discuss Results of Peach Bottom License Renewal Inspection II-02-043 NRC Cites Oconee Nuclear Plant For Violation of Low to Moderate Safety Significance III-02-048 NRC Oversight Panel to Hold Three Meetings on Davis-Besse Reactor Vessel Head Damage in Lisle, IL, and Oak Harbor, OH
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE N Office of International Programs Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Representative for the CHUBU Electric Company in Japan On August 6, 2002, Mr. Kazunori Toyozumi, the Washington representative for the CHUBU Electric Company in Japan, accompanied by his office assistant Christine Holst, and Jack Gray, BWR-Owners Group, visited NRC and briefed technical staff from RES and NRR on CHUBUs analysis of the November 7, 2001, Residual Heat Removal (RHR) pipe rupture. From computer modeling and structural analysis of the ruptured pipe, CHUBU has concluded that the pipe rupture was due to a hydrogen combustion.
On August 8, 2002, a working group from the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency in Tokyo met with NMSS to discuss NRC regulations concerning transportation and high level waste disposal matters.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE O Office of the Secretary Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Document Released to Public Date Subject Decision Documents 1.
COMSECY-02-0040 7/17/02 Proposed Rule - Part 170 Fees for Contested Hearings Related to National Security Initiatives SRM on COMSECY 0040 7/24/02 (same)
Commission Voting Record on COMSECY-02-0040 7/24/02 (same)
Negative Consent Documents 1.
SECY-02-0112 6/21/02 NRC Review of Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory Draft Incidental Waste (Waste Incidental to Reprocessing) Determination for Sodium-Bearing Waste SRM on 02-0112 7/26/02 (same)
Information Papers 1.
SECY-02-0147 8/1/02 SECY-02-0147 Weekly Information Report -
Week Ending July 26, 2002 2.
SECY-02-0139 7/22/02 Plan for Resolving Policy Issues Related to Licensing Non-Light Water Reactor Designs 3.
SECY-02-0142 7/24/02 Status of the General License Program 4.
SECY-02-0143 7/26/02 Assessment of the Possible Effects of Nuclear Industry Consolidation on NRC Oversight 5.
SECY-02-0150 8/7/02 Weekly Information Report Week Ending August 2, 2002 Federal Register Notices Issued 1.
Proposed Rule - 10 CFR Part 7 - Federal Advisory Committee Act Regulation.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE O 2.
Notice of Receipt - Robert H. Leyse; Petition for Rulemaking.
3.
Notice of Meeting - ASLBP Public Notice of Prehearing Conference-Entergy Nuclear IP2.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE P Region I Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Maine Yankee Reactor Pressure Vessel Transferred To Shipping Container On August 6, 2002, Maine Yankee, with assistance from Barnhardt Crane and Rigging and Stone & Webster, lifted the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) from the refuel cavity and transferred it to a shipping container. The total weight lifted was approximately 600 tons. The RPV shipping container is essentially a three-inch thick steel cylinder, measuring 36 feet long and 19 feet in diameter, with supplemental steel shielding on the top and bottom and along the active core region. The total RPV shipping package activity is estimated at 49,000 curies.
The next steps in the RPV removal project include welding end cover plates, final grouting, and placement of the shipping container on a transport barge in preparation for shipment to Barnwell, S.C. in the Fall of 2002 or Spring of 2003.
Maine Yankee Completes Fuel Movement Dry Run On August 6, 2002, Maine Yankee completed the spent fuel movement dry run. The dry run was performed to demonstrate that Maine Yankee is adequately prepared to package the spent nuclear fuel that is currently in the spent fuel pool, and to transport it to the on-site independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI). The dry run was a complete pool-to-pad demonstration that exercised procedures, personnel, and equipment. Maine Yankee is using NAC Internationals NAC-UMS Universal Storage System for a total of 60 canisters of spent fuel. The NAC-UMS system consists of a transportable storage canister (TSC), each with the capacity to store up to up to 24 spent fuel assemblies; the transfer cask, which is used to shield the canisters during transfers; and a vertical concrete cask, which contains the TSC during storage.
Maine Yankee has already packaged and transferred four canisters containing greater than class C (GTCC) waste to the ISFSI. Maine Yankee plans to begin the fuel transfer process during the week of August 12, 2002, and to complete the final canister transfer in the third quarter of 2003.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE P Region II Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Commissioner Dicus Visits the Region II Office and the Farley Nuclear Plant On August 8, 2002, Commissioner Dicus and her technical assistant visited the Region II office.
The visit included meetings with the Regional Administrator and other managers to discuss challenges for each division in the regional organization. Commissioner Dicus also held question and answer sessions with the regional managers and staff.
On August 9, Commissioner Dicus, accompanied by her technical assistant and the Regional Administrator, visited the Farley Nuclear Plant, operated by The Southern Nuclear Operating Company. The purpose of the visit was to tour the physical facility, discuss topics of interest with licensee management, and meet with the NRC resident inspectors.
Tennessee Valley Authority - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant On August 7, 2002, representatives from Tennessee Valley Authority were in the Region II office to attend a management meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Browns Ferry Unit 1 Restart Project, including the schedule for planned major milestones and NRCs inspection program related to this Project.
Virginia Electric Power Company - Employee strike and NOUE Negotiations continue between the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) union and the Power Company in an effort to resolve issues related to a strike by some workers at the North Anna and Surry nuclear power station sites. The strike began by workers (i.e., licensed and non-license operators, electrical and mechanical craft) walking off the sites on August 2, 2002. Region II continues to monitor licensee activities with an expanded day shift by the NRC resident inspectors at both sites.
On August 9, 2002, the licensee declared a Notice of Unusual Event (NOUE) for the North Anna nuclear facility. The basis of the NOUE was that the North Anna lake level dropped to 246 feet above mean sea level and this level is related to providing adequate water for normal operating and long term cooling of safety related equipment. Region II issued a Preliminary Notification explaining the NOUE and its implications for site operations on August 9.
August 9, 2002 ENCLOSURE P Region IV Items of Interest Week Ending August 9, 2002 Presentation to the Nebraska Public Power District Board of Directors On August 8, 2002, the Executive Director for Operations and the Regional Administrator made a presentation to the Nebraska Public Power District Board of Directors. The presentation addressed the declining performance of the Cooper Nuclear Station.
Status of Union Negotiations at South Texas Project August 6, 2002, the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union ratified, by a 60 percent vote, a contract with South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company (STPNOC). The contract is expected to be signed next Tuesday by STPNOC management and then forwarded to IBEW International for approval. Training on work rule changes will be implemented. The new contract is for 2 years, expiring July 31, 2004.
The security force union, which has an agreement not to strike, continues to work without a contract in place. If a contract is ratified it would be retroactive to February 1, 2002. Only about 50 percent of the security force is represented by the union. Union negotiators have recommended passage; however, the last vote turned it down. The main issue is that more than a 2 percent raise is desired. A federal mediator is scheduled for August 21 with a vote the following day by the union.