TXX-8841, Application to Amend CPPR-126,extending CP from 880801 to 910801.Proposed Environ Impact Appraisal Encl.Fee Paid
| ML20155F753 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Comanche Peak  |
| Issue date: | 06/06/1988 |
| From: | Counsil W TEXAS UTILITIES ELECTRIC CO. (TU ELECTRIC) |
| To: | NRC OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION & RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (ARM) |
| References | |
| TXX-88414, NUDOCS 8806170039 | |
| Download: ML20155F753 (8) | |
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Log # TXX-88414 File # 231 r 2 10101 7UELECTRIC Ref. # 10CFR50.55(b)
June 6, 1988 William G. Counsil Eurcunn Vke Pressdent U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attn: Document Control Desk Washington, D.C. 20555
$UBJECT: COMANCHE PEAK STEAM ELECTRIC STATION (CPSES)
DOCKET N0. 50-445 REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF CONSTRUCTION PERMIT NO. CPPR-126 Gentlemen:
Pursuant to 10CFR50.55(b), Texas Utilities Electric Company, et al.
("Applicants" or "TV Electric") hereby apply for an extension of Construction Permit CPPR-126 for Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station, Unit 1. The latest completion date presently reflected in CPPR-126 is August 1, 1988. Applicants request that the latest completion date be extended to August 1, 1991.
Applicants submit that good cause exists for the construction permit extension, and that the extension is for a reasonable period of time. Thus, Applicants submit that the requirements set forth in 10CFR50.55(b) for issuance of the extension have been met.
The Commission has held that good cause for a construction permit extension arises from the need to detect and correct potential violations of HRC regulations. Thus, the Commission has stated:
If a permit holder were to construct portions of a facility in violation of NRC regulations, when those violations are detected and corrections ordered or voluntarily undertaken, there is likely to be some delay in the construction caused by the revisions. Nonetheless, such delay, as -
with delay caused by design changes, must give ' good cause' for an extension.
In the Matter of Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) Nuclear Project Nos. 1 & 2), CLI-82-29, 16 NRC 1221, 1230-31 (1982). Further the Commission has held that "good cause" may justify delays or, alternatively, that a permittee may also demonstrate good cause for a CP extension by showing not that there was good cause for the past delay, but that there is now good cause for the NRC to allow more time for plant completion.... WPPSS addressed efforts to correct safety deficiencies in relation to this second method to show good cause.
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TXX-88414 May 6, 1988 Page 2 of 5 In the Matter of Texas Utilities Electric Company, et al. (Comanche Peak Steam dlectric Station, Unit 1), CL1-86-15, 24 NRC 397, 401 (1986) (emphasis in original). See also Porter County Cha)ter of the Izaak Walton League, et. al; Denial of PetTtion for Rulemaking, 00-38 _ (53 Fed. Reg. 12425 (April 14, 1988))(summarizing and applying these precedents in denying petition for rulemaking).
The "good cause" test in CLI-82-29, as elucidated in CLI-86-15, is clearly satisfied in this case. The program now being undertaken by Applicants began in the fall of 1984 when TV Electric commenced an intensite program of review and reinspection with respect to the design and construction of Comanche Peak.
This effort was undertaken to respond to issues raised by the NRC Staff in the
-course of.its licensing review, and by the Licensing Board and the parties in the operating license proceeding. As a result of this investigation, TV Electric has undertaken extensive measures to assure and provide evidence of the safe design and construction of Comanche Peak. These measures include major reinspection efforts and development of essential documentation regarding the adequacy of design and construction, as well as, where necessary, redesign and/or modification of affected structures, systems and components.
In sum, this program is intended to address the issues presented by the NRC Staff and raised in the operating license proceeding. The program also addresses issues identified independently by TV Electric in the course of its investigation. It is precisely the type of remedial program contemplated by the Commission in CLI-82-29 and CLI-86-15 as "good cause" for an extension.
The program is an essential element in providing the requisite assurance regarding satisfaction of NRC requirements. Both the NRC Staff review and operating license proceedings before the Licensing Board are an integral part of the licensing scheme under the Atomic Energy Act. It is the responsibility of the Applicants for an operating license to satisfy both the NRC Staff and i the' Licensing Board that applicable regulatory requirements have been or will be met. This program is intended to satisfy that responsibility.
Further, extending the construction completion date for Unit 1, as requested, is consistent with the policy underlying the Commission's decisions. The Commission firmly established, both in CLI-82-29 and in CL1-86-15, that an applicant must be afforded the time either to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements or to detect and correct violations of those requirements. In CLI-82-29, the Commission described the fundamental policy considerations which compel providing for such extensions, as follows:
To consider it otherwise could discourage permit holders from disclosing and correcting improper construction for fear that corrections would cause delays that would result in a refusal to extend a construction permit, a result obviously inconsistent with the Commission's efforts to ensure the protection of the public health and safety.
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TXX-88414 May 6, 1988 Page 3 of 5 WPPSS, CL1-82-29, 16 NRC at 1230-31. In CLI-86-15, the Commission further explained its holding in CLI-82-29, stating:
Cur holding in WPPSS was intended to encourage licensees to conduct vigorous internal investigations and remedial safety actions by not penalizing them for any completion delay caused thereby.
Comanche Peak, CLI-86-15, 24 NRC at 401 (emphasis added).
These policy considerations compel a finding of good cause with respect to the requested extension for Comgache Peak Unit 1. As already demonstrated, Applicants here have diligently pursued and devoted substantial resources to a "vigorous internal investigation" and undertaken "remedial safety actions" to assure and demonstrate satisfaction of licensing issues. Efforts such as these are clearly of the kind contemplated by the Commission in CLI-82-29 and CLI-86-15.as constituting good cause for an extension of the latest completion date.
The requested three-year extension of the latest date for completion of construction, from August 1, 1988, to August 1, 1991, is "for a reasonable period of time," in accordance with 10CFR50.55(b). Applicants note that the purpose behind this requirement is to ensure that an applicant does not select a complet ion date that frustrates the NRC's regulatory oversight. In the Matter of Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS Nuclear Project No.1),
ALAB-771, 19 NRC 1183, 1191 (1984). In this regard, the NRC has numerous personnel, both on-site and off-site, overseeing Comanche Peak and will maintain an active oversight role at least until substantial completion of Applicants' review activities. The Commission also has established a separate office responsible for, inter alia, resolution of licensing matters related to Comanche Peak. Hence, the requested extension will not in any way impede the l
NRC's capability to conduct its oversight activities.
In addition, inherent in the Commission's holding in CLI-82-29, supra, is the recognition that not only can the process of developing information and satisfying both the NRC Staff and a Licensing Board be time-consuming, but also that it is scmewhat unpredictable. In this regard, TV Electric notes that it has sought throughout this review to assure that the program be thorough and comprehensive. To this end, the breadth and timing of some tasks performed under the program have. expanded since its inception. Consequently, the timing not only of the program but of HRC Staff and Licensing Board reviews has also been extended since TV Electric requested to extend the Unit 1 construction permit completion date to August 1, 1988. TV Electric notes, however, that the NRC Staff is now nearing completion of its review of the principal aspects of the program and the Licensing Board has established a schedule intended to lead to hearings this year (see Memorandum and Order (Litigation Schedule), ASLBP NO. 79-430-06-0L (November 18, 1987)).
Accordingly, this request reflects the need for additional time to complete those processes, providing a reasonable allowance for contingencies.
TXX-88414 May 6, 1988 Page 4 of 5 Thus, while Applicants anticipate commercial operation of Unit 1 by the end of 1989 (see Texas Utilities Company Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K AnnualTeport, March 18, 1988), based on the granting of an operating license
-and fuel load for Unit 1 by mid-1989, we have allowed for a margin to reflect factors such as the unpredictability of the hearing and decision schedule and the necessary flexibility of the schedule f or a program such as that being undertaken at Comanche Peak. Hence, the extension requested is consistent with NRC' practice, with statutory and regulatory objectives, and with prudent allowance for contingencies.
Accordingly, Applicants' request for an extension of the construction permit fulfills the requirements in 10CFR50.55(b), and thus the mandate in section 185 of the Atomic Energy Act, 42 USC 2235 (1982), which the NRC regulation implements. See WPPSS, CLI-82-29, 16 NRC 1221, 1225 (1982); see also Comanche Peak, CLI-86-15, 24 NRC 397, 400 (1986). Prompt issuance of the requested extension will further the public interest in the completion of the licensing review for this facility, in accordance with the terms and stated purposes of r the Atomic Energy act, 42 USC 2013(d), (f).
Finally, the requested extension of the construction permit involves no significant hazards considerations as it simply extends the completion date of construction already authorized by Construction Permit No. CPPR-126 and does not authorize the perfonnance of any work that is not already allowed by the construction permit. Thus, it does not involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident, does not create the possibility of n
an accident of a type <lifferent from any previously evaluated, and does not involve a significant decrease in safety margin. See 10CFR50.92(c).
Accordingly, Applicants request that the Staff dispense with prior notice of
' issuance of the extension. See10CFR50.92(a).
A proposed Environmental Impact Appraisal is attached hereto. This appraisal would support a determination that this construction permit extension will result in no significant environmental impact, pursuant to 10CFR51.32.
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TXX-88414 May 16', 1988 Page.5 of 5 In accordance with 10CFR170.21, enclosed herewith is a check for $150.00 for the construction permit extension application. Further, -in accordance with 10CFR50.4(b)(1), Applicants hereby submit the signed original of this extension-request to the NRC Document Control Desk, Washington, D.C., and copies to the distribution listed below.
Very truly yours, t"ll W. G. Counsil RS8/grr Attachment c - Ms. Melinda Malloy, OSP-NRC Mr. R. D. Martin, Region IV Resident Inspectors, CPSES (3)
THE STATE OF TEXAS:
COUNTY OF DALLAS :
There personally appeared before me W. G. Counsil, who, being duly sworn did state that he is Executive Vice President, Nuclear Engineering and Operations,
- of TV Electric; that he is duly authorized to sign and file with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission this request to amend Construction Permit CPPR-126 for Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station, Unit 1; that he is familiar with the
. content thereof; and that the matters of fact set forth therein are true and
[ correct to the best of his knowledge, infonnation, and belief.
i
- W Notary Public V ,
My Commission Expires:
~6 11.l40 e
" ~ Attachment to TXX-88414
' Hay 6, 1988 ,
-Page;l of 3- 1 l
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT APPRAISAL SUPPORTING THE REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF COMANCHE PEAK STEAM ELECTRIC STATION UNIT 1 CONSTRUCTION PERMIT CPPR-126 DOCKET NO. 50-445
- 1. Description of and Need for Proposed Action The action requested is the issuance of an extension to the captioned construction permit for Texas Utilities Electric Company's (TV Electric's)
Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station (CPSES) Unit 1. This would extend for 36 months the latest date for completion of Unit 1. The need for the proposed action arises from the requirement in NRC regulations (10CFR50.55(a))thateachconstructionpermitstatethelatestdatefor completion, and from the fact that operating license reviews and proceedings have not yet been completed. In particular, a comprehensive reinspection and corrective action program is being undertaken by Applicants to address outstanding licensing issues. Additional time is needed to complete that program.
- 2. Summary Description of.the Prob 6ble Impacts of the Proposed Action The environmental impacts associated with construction of CPSES Unit I have been previously addressed in the NRC Staff's Final Environmental Statement, Construction Permit Stage (FES-CP) issued June 1974.
The FES-CP identified the following four major impacts and effects due to construction:
- a. Construction-related activities on the site were expected to disturb about 400 acres of rangeland, plus 3,228 acres of land inundated by Squaw Creek Reservoir, constructed in conjuction with the station.
The land inundated was expected to include about 8 linear miles of Squaw Creek and the adjacent riparian communities, and 940 acres of cropland, which was considered irreversibly lost. About 200 acres of this land not to be used for the reservoir, plant facilities, parking L lots, road, switchyard, evaporation pond, etc., were required to be restored by seeding and landscaping to prevent erosion.
- b. Approximately 15 miles of transmission line corridors for the initial
! set of transmission lines were expected to require about 439 acres of l land for the rights-of-way.
1 l c. Relocation of certain pipelines was expected to involve about 100 acres. A railroad spur 10.2 miles long was expected to affect 185 l acres of land. Diversion and return lines between Lake Granbury and Squaw Creek Reservoir were expected to affect about 100 acres.
- d. Station construction was expected to involve some community impacts.
As many as eight fann residents were expected to be displaced.
Farming, hunting, and grazing on the site were to be suspended. ,
Traffic on local roads was expected to increase due to construction i and commuting activities. Influx of construction workers' families was expected to cause no major housing or school problems. A demand for increased services in Somervell and Hood counties was expected.
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Attachment to TXX-88414 liay 6, 1988 Page 2 of 3 The first three effects have already occurred. The reservior was constructed, and filling was completed in May of 1979. Post-
- construction landscaling at the power plant site has of course not yet been completed, )ut there has been seeding to prevent erosion.
Construction of the initial set of transmission lines and the additional planned line (Comanche Peak - Comanche Switch) is complete. The railroad spur and diversion and return lines between Lake Granbury and Squaw Creek Reservoir have been completed.
Therefore, those effects were associated with previous authorizations, not this requested extension.
Regarding community impacts, the requested extension does not involve impacts not previously considered or any impacts significantly greater than those previously considered. These impacts flow principally from the prolonged presence of construction workers into the surrounding communities in Hood and Somervell counties. Recent activities related to the program to respond to outstanding licensing issues and design verification efforts have resulted in a temporary increase in workferce (primarily engineering and technical rather than construction per se). The current peak workforce level of approximately 8000 represents the total on-site workforce (i.e., TV Electric and contract personnel basically dedicated to the completion and preparation for operation of Unit 1, with a small percentage devoted to Unit 2 activities). This represents an increase of 500 from the previously reported site workforce. The workforce will begin to decline again as the Unit 1 engineering and construction programs near completion. It should be noted that 85'% of the total workforce are contractors and consultants who do not live in the area and use only temporary quarters during the workweek (i.e., even while they are present there are no extended impacts associated with the arrival of families or services necessary to support permanent residents). In sum, the only community impacts that would accompany this extension would be those which extend the total time the local community is affected by the present demand for public services. The l maintenance of these workforce levels should not result in
( significant additional impacts.
I A'!other impact, the subject of a construction permit condition, is gro @iwater withdrawal. At the present time, most construction water is S ing supplied from treated lake water. The construction permits for w nnche Peak Units 1 and 2 include a condition that the a mual average groundwater withdrawal rate not exceed 40 gpm. Current groundwater withdrawal rates are within the limit established by the ,
construction permits. In fact, tha cumulative average groundwater witvirr91 rates for 1986 and 1987 were less than half the limit set forth A :he construction permits. Further data regarding I grounawater withdrawal has been provided in connection with the review of TV Electric's April 29, 1987, request to extend the Unit 2 i
construction completion date. (See TV Electric's letters dated July 22, 1387; September 9, 1987 D nd December 3, 1987.) In the i
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Attechment to TXX-88414
'May 6, 1988 Page 3 of 3 July 22, 1987 submittal, TV Electric reported a gonservative estimate of total CPSES groundwater withdrawal of 5.94x100 gallons for the period up to August 1, 1990. Assuming a maximum groundwater withdrawal of forty (40) gallons per minute from August 1, 1990, to August 1, 1991, for.all groundwater (this withdrawal is authorized by amendment there would be 6 to ConstructionanPennits approximately Nos.
additional 21 CPPR-126 and CPPR-127g),
million (0.21x10 gallons withdrawn. Even with this conservative estimate, cumulative groundwater withdrawal would be 42 million gallons less than previously evaluated and authorized (See Environmental Impact Appraisal Su) porting Amendments No. 2 to CPPR-126 and CPPR-127, Comanche Pea ( Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2, Docket Nos.
50-445 and 50-446, November 16, 1979, at 1-2). Thus, continued construction through August 1, 1991, will not impose greater impacts on total groundwater withdrawal than those already evaluated.
As required by the construction permit, environmental monitoring has been conducted. There have been no unreviewed, adverse environmental
, impacts associated with const.ruction, and none are anticipated.
- 3. Alternatives As the NRC has recognized in not requiring consideration of alternative energy sources or alternative sites at the operating license stage (10CFR51.53), those are not viable alternatives for plants already constructed. Alternatives were considered in the FES-CP issued in June 1974. The alternative selected was to authorize construction, and such course remains the alternative of choice.
- 4. Conclusion and Basis for Finding of No Significant impact On the basis of the above, it is concluded there will be no (ignificant environmental impact attrib"table to this requested action ccher than those already predicted and described in the FES-CP issued in June 1974.